Spring Break
Textbook-like 'War' story outlines impressive facts
Andrew Hackman
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
I feel compelled to begin this book review with something approaching a disclaimer. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who don't care enough about history to read "Absolute War." In case you are curious, I have a simple test to see which group you belong in. Yes or no - have you ever willingly read a history textbook? If you answered no, convincing you to read this book will be a challenge. If you answered yes, on the other hand, I would like to welcome you to the club and tell you about an outstanding piece.
As those of you still reading should be aware, the German invasion of Russia in 1941 was crucial in shaping the second half of the 20th century. Millions of people lost their lives and their livelihoods. Many hundreds of kilometers of Russian and German land were conquered, burned, defended, and re-conquered over the course of four years. Truly, few events in the whole of human history can be said to have the effect upon the world that that the war in Russia did.
It makes sense that a book chronicling these events would itself be a task not to be taken lightly. "Absolute War" is an impressive undertaking with exhaustive research, first-hand pictures, and detailed maps. Chris Bellamy explores every aspect of the war from its roots in 1939 through four years of consuming war and into the long-term effects on Europe and the Cold War. He goes to great lengths to ensure that nothing is left by the wayside. Of course, his attention to detail results in a book that is almost 700 pages long and that does a great impersonation of a textbook.
Bellamy speaks with an ease and authority that few historians ever achieve. It is very apparent throughout the book that he is presenting cutting-edge history.
His personal additions to the book add a very human touch to a war that can so easily overwhelm the reader's sympathy. The only drawback to this style of writing is that he frequently breaks his own narrative flow. His comments are almost always informative but sometimes just feel out of place.
The occasional interlude and intimidating size aside, "Absolute War" is a phenomenal historical text. The depth and breadth of Bellamy's research deserves a special commendation. To anybody with an interest in World War II or just a love of history, I cannot recommend this book with more enthusiasm. As overwhelming as it may seem, it is well worth the time spent exploring.
As those of you still reading should be aware, the German invasion of Russia in 1941 was crucial in shaping the second half of the 20th century. Millions of people lost their lives and their livelihoods. Many hundreds of kilometers of Russian and German land were conquered, burned, defended, and re-conquered over the course of four years. Truly, few events in the whole of human history can be said to have the effect upon the world that that the war in Russia did.
It makes sense that a book chronicling these events would itself be a task not to be taken lightly. "Absolute War" is an impressive undertaking with exhaustive research, first-hand pictures, and detailed maps. Chris Bellamy explores every aspect of the war from its roots in 1939 through four years of consuming war and into the long-term effects on Europe and the Cold War. He goes to great lengths to ensure that nothing is left by the wayside. Of course, his attention to detail results in a book that is almost 700 pages long and that does a great impersonation of a textbook.
Bellamy speaks with an ease and authority that few historians ever achieve. It is very apparent throughout the book that he is presenting cutting-edge history.
His personal additions to the book add a very human touch to a war that can so easily overwhelm the reader's sympathy. The only drawback to this style of writing is that he frequently breaks his own narrative flow. His comments are almost always informative but sometimes just feel out of place.
The occasional interlude and intimidating size aside, "Absolute War" is a phenomenal historical text. The depth and breadth of Bellamy's research deserves a special commendation. To anybody with an interest in World War II or just a love of history, I cannot recommend this book with more enthusiasm. As overwhelming as it may seem, it is well worth the time spent exploring.
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