One of the most dramatic episodes of the Ardennes campaign took place in the small crossroads town of Bastogne, Belgium. The defense of the town was entrusted to the 101st Airborne Division which carried no heavy artillery or tanks and yet was surrounded by a steel ring of three German panzer divisions that massively outgunned the paratroopers. When the German commander of the besieging forces demanded surrender from American leader, General Anthony McAuliffe, he received one of the most famous replies in military history: "Nuts."
The American paratroopers held on desperately to the town for more than three days. On Christmas day, the Germans tried one last massive offensive against McAuliffe's tired troops. The airborne troopers, using the last of their meager weapons with bravery, heroism and determination, stopped wave after wave of white-clad Germans until clearing weather allowed Allied planes and Patton's tanks to lift finally the siege.
Drawing on eyewitness accounts, this excellent book paints a graphic picture of the battle that was at the very center of Hitler's last gamble. Numerous photos throughout the text illustrate then and now scenes and bring to life the epic battle. Maps clearly show the progress of events and practical information is given to the reader about visiting the town of Bastogne today.
List Price: $ 16.95
Price: $ 8.95
The Routledge Companion to Central and Eastern Europe since 1919 (Routledge Companions to History)
The Routledge Companion to Central and Eastern Europe since 1919 is a compact and comprehensive reference guide to the area, from the Treaty of Versailles to the present day. With particular focus on the early nationalist and subsequent fascist and communist periods, Adrian Webb provides an essential guide to the events, people and ideas which have shaped, and continue to shape, central and eastern Europe since the re-ordering of Europe at the end of the First World War.
Covering cultural, economic, political, and environmental issues, this broad-ranging and user-friendly volume explores both the common heritage and collective history of the region, as well as the distinctive histories of the individual states. Key features include:
- wide ranging political and thematic chronologies
- maps for clear visual reference
- special topics such as the economy, the environment and culture
- full list of office holders and extensive biographies of prominent people in all fields
- glossary of specialist terms.
With a wealth of chronological, statistical and tabular data, this handy book is an indispensable resource for all those who wish to understand the complex history of central and eastern Europe.
List Price: $ 35.98
Price: $ 28.44
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