Leningrad 1941-44: The epic siege

Description

Hitler's protracted siege of Leningrad resulted in one of the most brutal campaigns on the Eastern Front during World War II. The German Army Group North was able to isolate the city and its garrison for a period of 900 days, during which an estimated 1.5 million Soviets died from combat, disease and starvation. For over two years, German forces pounded the city with artillery and air assaults while the Soviets made repeated efforts on the frozen swamplands of the Volkhov Front to break through. Finally, in January 1944, the Soviets were able to break Army Group North's front and relieve Leningrad. While most histories of the siege of Leningrad focus on the plight of the starving civil population, this refreshing title instead examines the strength of the garrison's defenses - which ultimately prevented the Germans from capturing the city - and the growing sophistication of Soviet offensive tactics. Dr Forczyk also provides an assessment of how weather and terrain factors shaped the campaign in this superb addition to the history of the Eastern Front.

Robert Forczyk has a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland and a strong background in European and Asian military history. He retired as a lieutenant-colonel from the US Army Reserves having served 18 years as an armour officer in the US 2nd and 4th infantry divisions and as an intelligence officer in the 29th Infantry Division (Light). Dr Forczyk is currently a consultant in the Washington, DC, area. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

"This book covers the strength of the defenses in and around Leningrad and the ever-improving Soviet offensive tactics. The units, actions, tactics, strategy and personalities of this investment of Leningrad are meticulously outlined and form a cohesive understanding of this major part of Operation Barbarossa. This book is well worth reading and adding to any WWII library." --A.J. Mergenthaler, Toy Soldier and Model Figure "Dr. Robert Forcyzk effortlessly weaves a three year saga into a single book of only 96 pages, and still manages to go beyond a mere retelling of events to provide strategic and operation insight...Leningrad is lavishly illustrated with photos, maps, and three-dimensional 'bird's-eye-views' of the battles as they unfolded." --Andrew Hind, World at War "...an outstanding book for anyone even remotely interested in World War II. It demonstrates remarkable depth of analysis for its modest size. Forczyk is a strong storyteller who manages to convey the savagery of the fighting." --Andrew Hind, World at War (April/May 2011) "While most histories of the siege of Leningrad focus on the plight of the starving civil population, this refreshing title instead examines the strength of the garrison' s defenses -- which ultimately prevented the Germans from capturing the city -- and the growing sophistication of Soviet offensive tactics. Dr Forczyk also provides an assessment of how weather and terrain factors shaped the campaign in this superb addition to the history of the Eastern Front." --www.afvnews.com (July 2009) "Overall, it is an excellent book about which not all that much has been written in the popular press. It doesn't seem to be as desperate as what we have been led to believe over the decades, and shows a lot of mistakes on both sides that could have changed things. A fascinating read and one I know you will enjoy." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness, www.modelingmadness.com (February 2010) "Dramatic two-page battle scene paintings and photos of the location, men, and equipment used in the battle will serve as inspiration for diorama builders ... Because of the titanic nature of this battle, this book will be of interest to a wide swath of readers." --Military Miniatures in Review