The Battle for Leningrad, 1941-1944

Military Review, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Rick Baillergeon

THE BATTLE FOR LENINGRAD, 1941-1944, David M. Glantz, University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, 2002, 704 pages, $39.95.

David M. Glantz has been called by some the foremost authority on Russia's "Great Patriotic War." His previous works, including (The Battle of Kursk, Zhukov's Greatest Defeat: The Red Army's Epic Disaster in Operation Mars [University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, 1999] and When Titans Clashed." How the Red Army Stopped Hitler [University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, 1998]) were acclaimed among the finest books written about the Eastern Front. Glantz's latest effort, The Battle Jot Leningrad, 1941-1944, continues the tradition.

Of the many books written about the fight for Leningrad, most focus on the tactical fights and civilian situations inside the city and are from purely Russian or German points of view. Glantz uses many recently released documents (particularly from Russia) to provide details rarely seen elsewhere and correct some misconceptions concerning the battle. Such detail separates The Battle for Leningrad from other books on the subject.

Glantz blends personal accounts, field orders, and excerpts from the Leningrad War Diary to tell the story. For each battle and campaign, he describes key decisions and orders of battle, and provides a wealth of statistics, giving the reader a total perspective on the Battle of Leningrad and its significance.

Glantz's superb analysis is the strongest aspect of the book. Using his vast military experience to analyze events and decisions on both sides, he focuses on the operational level of war but also gives his thoughts on actions taken at the tactical level. Glantz has the rare ability to discuss what happened and, more important, why it happened.

This book is not for everyone; it is written for those with experience on the subject who desire to take that experience to a higher level. The reader must be ready to stay focused and devote energy to its pages. One of my friends said, "Glantz can make your head hurt!" But, what is a little pain when you can read a definitive history on the struggle for Leningrad.

LTC Rick Baillergeon, USA,

Retired, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas