In 1941, Russian-born British journalist Alexander Werth observed the unfolding of the Soviet-German conflict with his own eyes. What followed was the widely acclaimed book, Russia at War, first printed in 1964. At once a history of facts, a collection of interviews, and a document of the human condition, Russia at War is a stunning, modern classic that chronicles the savagery and struggles on … and struggles on Russian soil during the most incredible military conflict in modern history.
As a behind-the-scenes eyewitness to the pivotal, shattering events as they occurred, Werth chronicles with vivid detail the hardships of everyday citizens, massive military operations, and the political movements toward diplomacy as the world tried to reckon with what they had created. Despite its sheer historical scope, Werth tells the story of a country at war in startlingly human terms, drawing from his daily interviews and conversations with generals, soldiers, peasants, and other working class civilians. The result is a unique and expansive work with immeasurable breadth and depth, built on lucid and engaging prose, that captures every aspect of a terrible moment in human history.
Now newly updated with a foreword by Soviet historian Nicolas Werth, the son of Alexander Werth, this new edition of Russia at War continues to be indispensable World War II journalism and the definitive historical authority on the Soviet-German war.
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I have a paperback edition of this book bought many years ago. It is the best one volume book on War in the Eastern Front. I have bought many books on WWI and WWII. I have bought most of these books again on Kindle. When I am traveling, my library comes along with me. I use Russia at War for a synopsis of battles such as the Battle of Smolensk, Battle of Leningrad, Battle of Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad etc. before reading books which just portray one battle. (My iPad Pro and my Xiaomi Mix smartphone both have 256 gb of memory to store more than 700 ebooks and more than 100 Audible titles.) It is sad the way Alexander Werth ended his life in 1969. He wrote a masterly analysis on “Russia at War”.
Excellent book by someone who was there. Gives some of the backstory we don’t see in the history books.
Written by a British correspondent posted in Russia during the war years. Relies heavily on the reports and opinions of the Russian news media during this period. If you are an ardent history buff, you may find this unique viewpoint interesting. Lacks the verve of a historical portrayal of the actual war. Hardly a page turner, more of a slog.
Factually accurate
An in depth account of Russia’s fight during WWII. A long read but it was a long war. The author was in Russia for a good part of it. A side of the story we in the West don’t often get.
A great work. A story too little known in the USA.
Mostly just quotes from Pravda or Izvestia, only occasionally noting that the accounts are false. Not useful at all.
I learned growing up a great deal about America’s involvement in WWII, and some of Britain’s involvement (mostly when it was related to ours). But Russia’s involvement was barely mentioned, even though I did know they had a horrendous number of casualties. This book covers that side of the war in great depth, and keeps it readable and interesting at the same time. Those names I’d only heard in passing (like Leningrad, Stalingrad, Molotov) and many others I’d never heard at all come to life and become real people and events.
Just be aware that this is not a quick read. This is a BIG story.
comprehensive, thorough but only for students of this area of interest
This paints a view of Russia’s situation in 1938-40, its efforts to establish a structure for multilateral cooperation among those opposed to Germany’s expansionist inclinations and how much more realistic were its assessments of what was necessary to contain Germany. A valuable and very informative book by a fluent Russian speaker who was in Russia before, during and after the war.
Well researched.
First hand within account from within Russia during the length of WW2. Russian lack of preparedness initially to the struggles until the allies opened the second from and the eventual triumph with the capture of Berlin. Great research and detailed descriptions.
This is a book of history so none of these terms apply. It is long but thorough. As far as I can judge it does tell history from the Russian (Soviet) point of view. I found an added interest in viewing WW2 from the East rather than the West. I’m glad I stuck with it right to the finish.
Once started it is hard to put down.
While most books published in the west are mainly concerned with England, France, Italy and Germany during World War II, this book gives a great insight into what was happening inside the Soviet Union just prior to and during the war. The author, an English journalist, who was born and raised in Russia spent the war in the Soviet Union. His background and language abilities allowed him to have a unique perspective and to report accordingly.
It reads like a manual of tactics and political posturing but not a page turner.
great read
This is a great definitive history of Russia and the Eastern Front in World War Two – if you have time for only one book on the subject, this is it
First person impression of this history from someone who lived in and reported from Russia.
I am a history buff and this book provided insights to the internal Russian people and activities leading up to Germany’s invasion and the terrible choices Generals and Stalin had to make in order to survive.
I rated it down one star because it is a little heavy reading, not a book to be read quickly and so is not a page turner.