New look at Stalingrad

[mike jones]

I have brought out a new book on Stalingrad:

Michael K Jones, Stalingrad: How the Red Army Triumphed (Pen and Sword Military, 2007; ISBN: 9781844155439). David M Glantz wrote the Foreword.

I concentrate on the Soviet 62nd Army - the defenders of Stalingrad - and look at the vital issues of morale, motivation and leadership during the 'defensive phase' of the city fighting, from 17 July - 19 November 1942. I do believe a very different view of this famous battle emerges as a result.

With best wishes to everyone on the Forum, Mike.

[Owen]

Just read this review of your book, Mike.
http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/3...d/Product.html

This is a defining book that opens up a whole new way of considering that awful conflict in the East: From the individual Russian soldiers point of view, first hand, on the ground, from the source and without communist rhetoric or dubious translation. It is sure to become a classic.
Professor Richard Homes was once the master of telling the story of the ordinary soldier at war, the baton has clearly now been passed to Michael K Jones. Jones takes this type of narrative prose to an all new level having been able to obtain accounts from veterans whilst actually touring the battlefield with them and having access to both their private papers and actual contemporary combat records.
The book sets the scene for the overall conflict then comprehensively takes us through the battle detailing all the key events. The details of the 14 September and 14 October when the Red Army all but collapsed are chilling. The narrative is compulsive; Jones clearly knows the terrain like the back of his hand so that you get a real sense of being there. The pictures from the battlefield as it is today are somehow unnerving as they draw the whole story into reality. The book is not over long and wont be half read and left on a shelf.
Just how Jones managed to get access to so many veterans to tell their stories is a mystery to me. How do you get an ageing ex Deputy Commander of the Warsaw Pact or a revered War Poet to meet you and travel with you?
This book sets the standard and is a comprehensive work, I hope Jones will be able to bring his unique approach to the other major areas of the War in the East, hopefully this book will be the first in a series.
Any chance of Kharkov, Sevastopol or Leningrad?

Looks like that's yet another one on my "to buy" list.

[AMVAS]

I can say recently another book of J. Mark was published
Island of Fire

As I supplied him with copies of the Soviet archival documents I think the book is worth to read. Jason seems to analyse those data day-by-day...
the book is tremendous. My English is not so good to make possible for me to read it all...

Regards,
Alex

[mike jones]

Yes - I really recommend Jason's book too. It's a stunning achievement!

Best wishes, Mike.

[mike jones]

The UK launch of my book is at Borders Islington on Wednesday 11 July at 7.00pm.

I am also doing signings of my Stalingrad book at the War and Peace Show, Beltring, on Saturday 21 July and at the GB-Russia Society on Wednesday 25th.

Best wishes, Mike.

[Capt.Sensible]

Hello Mike. Where will the signing take place? Beltring is a big, confusing place after a lot of gin and I would like to wander up and say hello. Might even buy a copy, you never know!

H

[Harry Ree]

Are any of these publications available in the Russian language?

[mike jones]

Just a quick update - Casemate are bringing out the USA edition of my book on Stalingrad this month.

Sorry I missed your email about Beltring, Captain Sensible - I was away battlefield tour guiding and then went straight to the event: what a quagmire!

There may well be a Russian edition of Stalingrad - will keep you posted.

Best wishes, Mike.