Review by Library Journal Review
Military historian Messenger served 20 years in the British military and has written extensively on World War I and World War II history. His vastly illustrated narrative of project Overlord opens with a new introduction, and follows with the planning and preparation that led up to D-day. It describes events as far back as 1941, the development of amphibious capabilities, and lessons learned from earlier missions. The second chapter, "Fortress Europe," focuses on German defenses in France and the fragmented French Resistance. Following this background is the main focus of the book: the D-day invasion, the progress of the Allies, battles with German units, the decisions of the generals on both sides, and Hitler's interference with his generals' operations. More than 70 maps help the reader to follow troop movements and visualize the challenges involved in taking the beachheads. Other illustrations provide details of ships, planes, and weapons, and photos show beach fortifications, devastated buildings of Caen, and soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Additional material includes an annotated list of code words associated with the invasion, High Command diagrams, a list of the divisions that fought, and further reading recommendations. Despite a few typos, this is a quality title and a timely release. -VERDICT Those interested in military history and the Second World War in particular will enjoy this book.-Susanne Caro, Univ. of Montana Lib., Missoula (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
