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Stalingrad: How the Red Army Triumphed
Michael K. Jones's new history of Stalingrad offers a radical reinterpretation of the most famous battle of the WW2. Combining eyewitness testimony of Red Army fighters with fresh archive material, the book gives a dramatic insight into the thinking of the Russian command and the mood of the ordinary soldiers. He focuses on the story of the Russian 62nd Army, which began the campaign in utter demoralization, yet turned the tables on the powerful German 6th Army. He explains the Red Army's extraordinary performance using battle psychology, emphasizing the vital role of leadership, morale and motivation in a triumph that turned the course of the war.
Colonel-General Anatoly Mereshko fought throughout the battle as staff officer to the commander, Chuikov. Working with the author much of Mereshko's testimony is entirely new - and will astonish a western audience. It is backed up by accounts of other key veterans and the recently released war diary and combat journals. These show that the oft-repeated descriptions of Stalingrad's two critical days of fighting - 14 September 1942, when the Germans broke into the city, and 14 October, when they launched a massive attack on the factory district - disguise how desperate the plight of the defenders really was. In their place is a far more terrifying reality. Grasping this, we come to see Stalingrad as more than a victory of successful tactics - rather, as an astounding, improbable triumph of the human spirit.
Colonel-General Anatoly Mereshko fought throughout the battle as staff officer to the commander, Chuikov. Working with the author much of Mereshko's testimony is entirely new - and will astonish a western audience. It is backed up by accounts of other key veterans and the recently released war diary and combat journals. These show that the oft-repeated descriptions of Stalingrad's two critical days of fighting - 14 September 1942, when the Germans broke into the city, and 14 October, when they launched a massive attack on the factory district - disguise how desperate the plight of the defenders really was. In their place is a far more terrifying reality. Grasping this, we come to see Stalingrad as more than a victory of successful tactics - rather, as an astounding, improbable triumph of the human spirit.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2007
80 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jones
16 books51 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 29, 2016
If you're looking for a complete book on the Battle of Stalingrad, this isn't the book for you and it doesn't claim to be. However, if you're looking for a book which gives you insight into the Soviet mindset before and during the battle you've come to the right place.
This book predominantly deals with the Russian 62nd Army and its near miraculous defense of Stalingrad. The author has interviewed many veterans of the battle and examined lots of previously published works, both from Western and Soviet authors, and he clears up some misconceptions and legends of the battle which have been perpetuated over the years. Important parts of the battle such as the struggle for Mamaev Kurgan, Pavlov's House, the birth of "sniperism" and the Tractor Factory are examined and retold in the words of those who were there, without all the post-war Communist rhetoric.
The book is also a tribute to the commander of the 62nd Army, Vasili Chuikov. Excerpts from his memoirs make up portions of the book, and there are quotes from fellow officers and his own son as well. The 62nd became the embodiment of Chuikov himself and its stand at Stalingrad was truly epic. This is the fourth book I've read by Michael Jones and once again he's done a fantastic job of shining a light on many ordinary Soviet soldiers and civilians who survived the most horrific battle on the Eastern Front. Once you read this book you'll definitely have a greater appreciation for the Soviet soldiers who broke the back of the German Wehrmacht and provided the turning point in the war on the Eastern Front.
This book predominantly deals with the Russian 62nd Army and its near miraculous defense of Stalingrad. The author has interviewed many veterans of the battle and examined lots of previously published works, both from Western and Soviet authors, and he clears up some misconceptions and legends of the battle which have been perpetuated over the years. Important parts of the battle such as the struggle for Mamaev Kurgan, Pavlov's House, the birth of "sniperism" and the Tractor Factory are examined and retold in the words of those who were there, without all the post-war Communist rhetoric.
The book is also a tribute to the commander of the 62nd Army, Vasili Chuikov. Excerpts from his memoirs make up portions of the book, and there are quotes from fellow officers and his own son as well. The 62nd became the embodiment of Chuikov himself and its stand at Stalingrad was truly epic. This is the fourth book I've read by Michael Jones and once again he's done a fantastic job of shining a light on many ordinary Soviet soldiers and civilians who survived the most horrific battle on the Eastern Front. Once you read this book you'll definitely have a greater appreciation for the Soviet soldiers who broke the back of the German Wehrmacht and provided the turning point in the war on the Eastern Front.
December 6, 2011
This books tackles the question "why did Red Army soldiers fight in Stalingrad the way they did and didn't collapse." It relies heavily on veteran accounts and first-hand vignettes.
Author tries to dispell some old myths (such as concerning Pavlov's House, story around Zaitsev....) and presents more realistic view but without sources it's hard to see how much of it is true.
The book is not written in dry, analytical language, but with veteran acount it would be surprising if it was. You'll see colourfull descriptions of various characters and actions but little in a way of analysis. Even when author traces a process such as effect of order 227 ("Not a step back" or rise of patriotism it's backed ore by first-hand account than anything else.
Word of caution: before reading this book you should be familiar with battle for Stalingrad. Book does not trace which division attacked where and when and what did they occupy, it is concerned with men who fought there as part of the 62nd army.
Author tries to dispell some old myths (such as concerning Pavlov's House, story around Zaitsev....) and presents more realistic view but without sources it's hard to see how much of it is true.
The book is not written in dry, analytical language, but with veteran acount it would be surprising if it was. You'll see colourfull descriptions of various characters and actions but little in a way of analysis. Even when author traces a process such as effect of order 227 ("Not a step back" or rise of patriotism it's backed ore by first-hand account than anything else.
Word of caution: before reading this book you should be familiar with battle for Stalingrad. Book does not trace which division attacked where and when and what did they occupy, it is concerned with men who fought there as part of the 62nd army.
November 8, 2022
This is definitely a reinterpretation of this brutal battle, and well worth a read.
June 2, 2022
The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 for this book is that after studying several years the Battle of Stalingrad is because it seems to me that the story emphasizes mainly on so it point of view and praises mainly the courage and esprit des corps from the Russian side. Let me be clear: both sides suffered, both sides had heroes and both sides had deaths because of the incompetence of the political decision makers and most important, both sides had a reason like a religion worth fighting for (regardless if it was good or bad, they believed in it). Writing only the history of one side is an injustice for the memory of those who fought on the other side in that hell.
October 13, 2022
The story of the Russian 62nd Army during the Battle of Stalingrad, and its inspired commander Chuikov. Amazing.
May 24, 2024
Really interesting take on the battle of Stalingrad - not comprehensive by any means but takes a closer look at veteran testimonies and keeps the focus on the human element of the Red Army. In short, the key to their success lies in the indomitable human spirit, excellent leadership, and the desire for good to triumph over evil. The story of the battle is both harrowing and inspiring, showing how soldiers up against insurmountable odds managed to prevail simply by keeping their mindset off defeat and focusing on the spirits and well-being of their comrades. Also dispels a lot of myths perpetuated by both western and Soviet historians, keeping to the stories of the actual soldiers who fought and corroborated testimonies rather than relying on the “official” versions of the battle that had been run through the propaganda filters on both sides. Some absolute crazy stuff too - a lot of the anecdotes are fascinating accounts of bravery and heroism.
October 1, 2019
A short history of the battle that focuses on the psychology and morale of the Russians who fought it, from the commanders down to the common soldiers. The book argues that the harsh realities of "Not a step back" and "There is no land for us beyond the Volga" inspired the troops to successfully hold out against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. The author contrasts the "party line" narrative that was maintained in Soviet Russia for many years after the battle with (apparently) more accurate reports from actual participants. A good read.
September 22, 2018
Stalingrad from the Russian side.
This book takes you into the street fighting of Stalingrad, and into the lives and hearts of the Russian soldiers and commanders who defeated the German juggernaut in spite of impossible odds. A truly inspiring book that is unique in getting into the unbreakable spirit of fighting men who turned the tide of World War II.
This book takes you into the street fighting of Stalingrad, and into the lives and hearts of the Russian soldiers and commanders who defeated the German juggernaut in spite of impossible odds. A truly inspiring book that is unique in getting into the unbreakable spirit of fighting men who turned the tide of World War II.
April 21, 2020
Battle for Stalingrad
A sorry of how the German’s Powerful 6th Army was stopped and then defeated at Stalingrad but a much smaller and less equipped Russian defense army. Where it not an historical fact, one would not believe it could have happened. The book is not well written but it does communicate clearly how the Russians won the battle over 5 months of brutal warfare.
A sorry of how the German’s Powerful 6th Army was stopped and then defeated at Stalingrad but a much smaller and less equipped Russian defense army. Where it not an historical fact, one would not believe it could have happened. The book is not well written but it does communicate clearly how the Russians won the battle over 5 months of brutal warfare.
May 5, 2023
destul de bună, dar: 1. ideea de bază o consdier fundamental greșită (că rușii au câștigat Staligrad datorită moralului; eu cred că se pot pierde bătălii cu moralul, dar nu câștiga, iar Stalingrad s-a câștigat cu resurse și s-a pierdut cu lipsa de informații/tehnică); 2. nu e obiectiv, ci prezintă doar perspectiva sovietică. 3. nu de puține ori frizează propaganda (tot prosovietică, firește).
March 11, 2020
Not the common western view
A story well told from a point of view not commonly understood in the west who tend to think the war was won in France. Many books on the topic are from a German perspective but this really shows the sacrifice made by the Russian soldier.
A story well told from a point of view not commonly understood in the west who tend to think the war was won in France. Many books on the topic are from a German perspective but this really shows the sacrifice made by the Russian soldier.
July 1, 2020
The human story of Stalingrad
Jones concentrates on the human aspect of the battle on the Soviet side, explaining how ordinary men won the battle.
Jones concentrates on the human aspect of the battle on the Soviet side, explaining how ordinary men won the battle.
March 1, 2025
Astounding
It is so interesting to read from the battles defenders. What an astonishing effort by those heroes. I am in awe.
It is so interesting to read from the battles defenders. What an astonishing effort by those heroes. I am in awe.
September 8, 2015
Fantastic Russian centric account of the epic battle of Stalingrad. Jones debunks many and many myths held by the Stalinist and poststalinist regime about Stalingrad while gives a hard lesson to some prominent western historians as Beevor. I just love the way Mr. Jones tells history. But the book dont deserves 5 stars 'cause i found the last stage of the battle (operation uranus and ring)too shollow and empty. Nonetheless its a great read.
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August 2, 2011I really enjoyed this book's perspective on the leadership roles by the generals, officers and common soldiers. I came away with a great admiration for the courage and tenacity of the Russian people. The real story is so much more impressive than the propaganda.
July 30, 2013
A must read to understand the psychological components of leadership and how this dynamic leader of men and women against all odds held on to Stalingrad.
June 25, 2014
Not a bad book to read, a little slow & dry.
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May 30, 2018Great new perspectives
This is a well written book with lots of intimate details. The sheer valor of the Red Army is truly amazing. Fast read.
This is a well written book with lots of intimate details. The sheer valor of the Red Army is truly amazing. Fast read.
October 15, 2018
Excellent account of the battle from Russian perspective.
Great book ... To me the Red Army is a puzzle. A whole division worth of men were executed during the battle and I'm sure not all were justified and yet the soldiers were willing to fight under these commanders. It seemed anyone could be executed for anything or just the appearance of a crime. The incompetence at the STAVKA like with OKW with the lack of supplies almost defeats itself. It's good to know the real story now after so many years of propaganda.
Great book ... To me the Red Army is a puzzle. A whole division worth of men were executed during the battle and I'm sure not all were justified and yet the soldiers were willing to fight under these commanders. It seemed anyone could be executed for anything or just the appearance of a crime. The incompetence at the STAVKA like with OKW with the lack of supplies almost defeats itself. It's good to know the real story now after so many years of propaganda.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews