Inside the Nazi War Machine

February 28, 2011
Expert military strategist Alexander examines the battles that left the armies of Holland, France, Great Britain, and Belgium in ruins, revealing the methods Nazi Germany used in a six-week period in 1940 that ultimately led to the surrender of France. Maneuver warfare, or blitzkrieg, is a very quick and concentrated attack using groups of tanks supported by aircraft that aims to leave a gaping hole in the enemy's front. Alexander attributes the German success to the individual leadership the Germans granted subordinate commanders and, in turn, the army's flexibility. Generals Erwin Rommel, Erich von Manstein, and Heinz Guderian are credited with developing this excellent strategy, yet despite its efficacy, Hitler's stubborn vision of conquering the Soviet Union and exterminating Europe's Jewish population ultimately cost Germany the war. With a presentation of his extensive knowledge using both maps and the reconstruction of battles, Alexander's military expertise prevails best when he highlights the costly mistakes made by the German army during the war. Photos.

Alexander tells the story of the German Blitz in Western Europe, focusing on strategy and tactics but also giving detail on operations and individual conflicts. Ray Porter's voice is announcer-like--not charming, perhaps, but clear, energetic, and expressive. His pace is sometimes a bit too quick, given the many names, places, and military details in the text, but he's adept at bringing out the author's feelings and judgments--usually disbelief, scorn, or even sarcasm at the appalling incompetence of the French. Unfortunately, he frequently mispronounces both German and French, which is often confusing and sometimes unintentionally funny. It's a regrettable flaw in what is, overall, an engaging performance. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine