D-Day The greatest invasion-- a people's history

Van der Vat, an author of fine naval histories, grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland, which he alludes to in this abundantly illustrated survey of the operation that ultimately liberated him. His final words here--that the victory D-Day brought for millions like him was freedom: the gift of life itself --implicitly upbraid the prevalent attitude of indifference toward the stream of new World War II books. Although not a paean by any means, van der Vat's work borders its centerpiece--a narrative from the landings to the German rout at Falaise--with appreciation for the Allied soldiers, especially the Canadians (they liberated van der Vat's town). The German side of the equation is not slighted, however, contributing its element to what is a complete package, both in images (e.g., the Robert Capa landing photos) and explanations, of Normandy's carnage of nearly a half million dead and injured. Precise and balanced, van der Vat's text is an excellent introduction to D-Day, in anticipation of its sixtieth anniversary next year. --Gilbert Taylor Copyright 2003 Booklist

This fluently written and lavishly illustrated volume on the Normandy invasion and campaign covers ground that will be familiar to many readers, but offers many details (such as the different weather requirements of different services) that some longer books slide over. It also shifts with ease from grand strategy to tactics, from individual memoirs (frequently accompanied by photographs of the narrators, looking incredibly young in June 1944) to logistics (including such aspects of that essential subject as the Mulberry artificial harbors). The author keeps his promise to tell a "warts and all" story of the campaign and also exhibits admirable balance among the Allies' contribution (the Canadians are honored ) and on such controversial questions as Field Marshal Montgomery's strategy and tactics. All this is done in few enough words to leave room for an exceptional array of graphic material, including highly readable maps, classic war paintings and abundant photographs, few of them overused. As an introduction by John S.D. Eisenhower puts it, the book "recognizes that the everyday solider really occupies center stage." (Nov. 15) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Military historian van der Vat, who has written several acclaimed books on World War II, here presents an overview of Operation Overlord in June 1944. After explaining Normandy invasion preparations, the use of deceptive ploys against the Germans, and the weather problems that plagued Allied forces once the invasion began, van der Vat addresses the difficulties that Allied troops encountered in taking each of the five beaches and their inability to achieve early campaign objectives, such as the capture of Caen. The author also provides interesting information on the use of gliders and tanks during the operation. The book's appealing layout and design are enhanced by the use of photographs, maps, and firsthand accounts from servicemen. Like those found in Ronald J. Drez's Voices of D-Day or Stephen Ambrose's D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II, these narratives are fascinating to read, and one wishes that van der Vat had included more. The book is best suited to public libraries but will be useful to undergraduates. However, for in-depth studies on tactics and strategy, the reader should consult the selective bibliography.-Gayla Koerting, Univ. of South Dakota Lib., Vermillion (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.