First to Fight: The Polish War 1939

(Paperback)

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A new and definitive account of the German invasion of Poland that initiated WWII in 1939, written by a historian at the height of his abilities. A new and definitive account of the German invasion of Poland that initiated WWII in 1939, written by a historian at the height of his abilities. 'Deeply researched, very well-written... This book will be the standard work on the subject for many years to come' - Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill- Walking with Destiny The Polish campaign is the forgotten story of the Second World War. The war began on 1 September 1939, when German tanks, trucks and infantry crossed the Polish border, and the Luftwaffe began bombing Poland's towns and cities. The Polish army fought bravely but could not withstand the concentrated attack. When the Red Army invaded from the east, the country's fate was sealed. This is the first history of the Polish war for almost half a century. Drawing on letters, memoirs and diaries from all sides, Roger Moorhouse's dramatic account of the military events is entwined with a human story of courage and suffering, and a dark tale of diplomatic betrayal. 'Important... Moorhouse has a wonderful knack for reminding us about the parts of the Second World War that we are in danger of forgetting' Dan Snow ** Shortlisted for the Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2020 **

Reviews

We tend to overlook the war that Hitler won, but Roger Moorhouse brilliantly underlines its crucial importance for the future course of the Second World War. This deeply researched, very well-written and penetrating book will be the standard work on the subject for many years to come -- Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking with Destiny
[A] chilling, indignant narrative Moorhouse has expertly laid bare[the] truth -- Roger Boyes * The Times *
Moorhouses book remedies that gap [in history of The Polish War], weaving together archival material, first-hand accounts, perceptive analysis and heartbreaking descriptions of Polands betrayal, defeat and dismemberment * Economist *
[A] fascinating book Moorhouse has mastered a large body of material this isa very valuable book, as it gathers a mass of detail into a lucid narrative for general readers -- Noel Malcolm * Sunday Telegraph *
An important book. Roger Moorhouse has a wonderful knack of reminding us about the parts of the Second World War that we are in danger of forgetting -- Dan Snow

Author Bio

Roger Moorhouse is a historian and author specialising in modern German history. He is the co-author, with Norman Davies, of Microcosm- Portrait of a Central European City, and the author of Killing Hitler- The Third Reich and the Plots Against the Fuhrer and The Devil's Alliance- Hitler's Pact with Stalin.