Germany at War: 400 Years of Military History [4 volumes]

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Written by experts for use by nonexperts, this monumental work probes Germany's "Genius for War" and the unmistakable pattern of tactical and operational innovation and excellence evident throughout the nation's military history. Despite having the best military forces in the world, some of the most advanced weapons available, and unparalleled tactical proficiency, Germany still lost both World Wars. This landmark, four-volume encyclopedia explores how and why that happened, at the same time examining Germany as a military power from the start of the Thirty Years' War in 1618 to the present day. Coverage includes the Federal Republic of Germany, its predecessor states, and the kingdoms and principalities that combined to form Imperial Germany in 1871. The Seven Years' War is discussed, as are the Napoleonic Wars, the Wars of German Unification (including the Franco-Prussian War), World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. In all, more than 1,000 entries illuminate battles, organizations, leaders, armies, weapons, and other aspects of war and military life. The most comprehensive overview of German military history ever to appear in English, this work will enable students and others interested in military history to better understand the sociopolitical history of Germany, the complex role conflict has played in the nation throughout its history, and why Germany continues to be an important player on the European continent.

Reviews

[A] stunningly comprehensive, four-volume encyclopedia probing Germany's 'Genius for War' over a period of four centuries. . . . [T]he most complete overview of German military history ever to appear in the English language. * Armchair General *
The entries are well written and engaging and could easily be used by students at both the high school and college level. This is a recommended source for those who are interested in military history. * Booklist *
A massive work of extraordinary scholarship throughout, Germany at War: 400 Years of Military History is a definitive military history that is impressively well written, organized and presented. Informed, informative, and thoroughly 'reader friendly', Germany at War: 400 Years of Military History is strongly recommended as a core addition to community and academic library Military History reference collections in general, and German History collections and supplemental reading lists in particular. * Midwest Book Review *
Anyone looking for a quick overview of key themes and events in Germany's rich military history over the last four hundred years will find the work useful. * European History Quarterly *

Author Bio

Major General David T. Zabecki, PhD, U.S. Army (Retired) is an honorary senior research fellow in war studies at Britain's University of Birmingham.