Publisher's Synopsis
Based on decades of research work in both German and Russian archives, as well as interviews with a large number of key figures and veterans, Stalingrad - New Perspectives on an Epic Battle brings our knowledge on this turning point of World War II several big steps forward . It brings forward many hitherto unknown facts and dispels many myths and misconceptions of the battle. Why did the Germans focus so much on Stalingrad? The myth that the name of the city - "Stalin's City" - played any role at all is analyzed and rejected: Stalingrad in fact was the key to German success, both trategically and tactically. How and why is explained in the book. How were the Soviets able to hold out in Stalingrad? What happened to the civilians in Stalingrad? A complete re-evaluation and examination of what has been said to be German "mistakes" during this campaign. The German plans to retreat from Stalingrad - and how they failed. Hermann Göring's and the Luftwaffe's biggest mistake in this campaign was not the air bridge, which needs to be re-evaluated, but something with far greater implications, although neglected in history writing. This work on the ground war during the Battle of Stalingrad is the continuation of Christer Bergström's previous book Operation Barbarossa 1941: Hitler against Stalin and supplements his Black Cross / Red Star series about the air war on the Eastern Front.
