A superbly researched account of General Heinz Guderian, who proved himself to be an able commander but is primarily known for his role in developing the panzer arm of the Wehrmacht during the inter-war years, and in evolving the idea of Blitzkrieg, which revolutionised warfare when his massed formations of panzers rapidly overran Poland, the Low Countries and France in 1939-40. Most of the book focuses on these earlier periods in the conflict and his part in the opening phases of the invasion of Russia, before his dismissal in the final days of 1941. The remainder follows his return to favour as Chief of the General Staff in 1943, though so dire were Germany's military prospects at this time that his impact was limited. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including material from the Guderian family archive, Macksey explores how his ideas were put into effect, and sheds light on his character, as well as his complicated and sometimes difficult relationships with Hitler, senior figures in the Nazi party, and his fellow generals.

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Pegasus Archive

Overall, Kenneth Macksey writes a very detailed biography of Heinz Guderian, portraying him simultaneously as an ambitious military officer who wanted to restore the army’s glory days and as a loving father/husband who wanted to spend time with his wife and children. Having read this book, it seems almost impossible for anyone to fully understand the origins of the German Panzerwaffe without studying its creator: Guderian. I heartily recommend this book and suggest that military historians examine specific armour tactics and strategies developed by Guderian.

Kunwon Saw, Freelance

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The Armourer, January 2018

A welcome new edition of a book, first published in 1997 by Greenhill, is packed with information and original insights. Guderian is the father of the panzer concept of armoured fighting vehicles with personnel carriers and artillery intended Upload Files for fast moving warfare with air superiority and tactical bombing to ensure rapid mobility – Highly Recommended.

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Firetrench