World War II Database

As the European War headed into to its final months, the German capital of Berlin increasingly became the grand prize within reach by either the Anglo-Americans or the Soviets. Author Cornelius Ryan's The Last Battle told of the story that led up to this battle. Covering topics ranging from Dwight Eisenhower's attempt to balance between military and political priorities to the rape and pillage of Berlin by Soviet troops, from the layout of the Zossen headquarters (which reflected the separation between political and military leadership of the German armed forces) to the final drama that unfolded inside Adolf Hitler's bunker, the book's brilliant narrative and well-researched material made this book one of the definitive works on the Battle of Berlin. Although the book was published in 1966, the material it offered would be no less relevant decades down the road, and many present era titles on this battle were still lacking when compared to Ryan's work.

I had reviewed this title in its audio book format. Simon Vance did a great job reading, offering an authoritative tone that paired well with Ryan's writing.

As I finished The Last Battle, I finally understood why this title was one of the books that regularly made history enthusiasts "must read" lists. Should I ever create a list of my own, this title just might make it there, too.