World War II has been so thoroughly covered by books, movies and other media that it's difficult to imagine any history enthusiast feeling underserved by the available material. In Ardennes 1944: The Battle of the Bulge, British historian Antony Beevor covers well-trodden ground in a well-trodden war, focusing on Hitler's desperate counterattack in the waning days of the conflict. However, few historians are as skilled at presenting the arcane details of troop movements, fighting conditions, morale and petty leadership squabbles that make up the bulk of military history. Having honed his skills in books on Stalingrad, D-Day and more, Beevor turns in another assured and highly readable effort in Ardennes 1944.
In the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler improbably committed his prized Panzer armies to an assault through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and northern France. It was a gamble that didn't pay off, but Beevor recaptures the shock of the unexpected attack and its early (apparent) successes. Beevor's book is arguably most valuable for re-contextualizing events that loom large in the public imagination. For example, the 101st Airborne's heroic defense of Bastogne has been justly lauded, but Beevor pays particular attention to the crucial role played by American artillery crews, many of them manned by African Americans. Beevor also reveals that German attempts at subterfuge--including outfitting English-speaking soldiers in American uniforms--were, in practice, pathetically unsuccessful. Ardennes 1944 may not break new ground in World War II historiography, but it's highly successful as popular military history. Armchair generals, take notice. --Hank Stephenson, bookseller, Flyleaf Books