Ardennes 1944 - Hitler's Laatste Kans

From the bestselling auteur Antony Beevor comes a comprehensive account of the Ardennes offensive, the German last gamble in December 1944. Beevor’s narrative blends broad strategic context with intimate detail, tracing how the surprise attack dragged American troops and Allied civilians into a brutal winter battle that stretched across snow-swept forests, gorges, and towns. He examines motivations on both sides—from Hitler’s hopes of splitting the Allies to the resolve of Canadian, British, and American forces who defended positions and slowed the German advance. The book delves into the human cost, the harsh conditions, and the ferocity of combat that earned comparisons to the eastern front. First published in 2016 by Penguin UK, it presents a wide panorama of actions, decisions, and consequences, while highlighting the perspectives of soldiers, civilians, and command alike. Rich in detail and drama, it offers readers a thorough, readable history of a pivotal turning point in western Europe.

The author’s judicious handling of sources and his knack for weaving different viewpoints into a coherent narrative have drawn praise from historians and readers alike, with notes on how the Ardennes battle reshaped the course of the war and the memory of the conflict.

Kenmerken

• Antony Beevor, auteur
• Ardennenoffensief, 1944, West-Europa
• 16 december 1944 startdatum
• 496 pagina's, paperback editie
• Penguin UK, uitgave 2016