Top Ten must have WW2 books in your library

I don't think that the OP wanted to limit a collection of books to just 10, he just wanted to hear from others what their top 10 must haves in their personal library. That should make it a bit easier.

Here's what the OP had to say in his original post;


Hey all,
I am new to the study of WW2 history. The American Civil War has been my passion for a long time, I just recently began studies in WW2. My personnal library is obviously lacking in WW2 (packed with Civil War - Gettysburg in particular). Please tell me your "must have" titles.
Thanks,
Todd


I think that he may just be putting together a list of books to add to his collection that is, in his case woefully short on WW2 titles and wants to hear what others here on this illustrious board has to offer. But that's just me.

 

It's one of the more controversial books on many forums. Not sure if I've seen a thread on it here though. Multiple threads and numerious mentions in others over on Axis history though and Feldgrau as well I believe.

*** edit to add missing letter ***

 

I echo what IWD posted. Having read the book, you have to treat it as historical fiction. The book is actually a very good read, just take it with a grain of salt.

 

People are very critical of "The Forgotten Soldier", but this may not mean that it is a deliberate fake. Ken Tout wrote "Tank!" an account of his unit's first action from memory. He told me that he was then contacted by lots of his old comrades who contradicted what he had written. His subsequent books reflect his self-awareness of the imperfections of the human brain.

 

I agree. I highly doubt that Sajer purposely fabricated his story.

 

Some of critiques I've read, if they are accurate, imply nothing less than deliberate fabrication. That doesn't mean it's not a good read or indeed a valuable in some ways but I certainly wouldn't consider it a history book given the discussions I've seen.

Looked up some links:
starting with our own forum
http://www.ww2f.com/topic/22499-the-forgotten-soldier-by-guy-sajer/
Here's one that goes on for 22 pages on Feldgrau:
http://www.feldgrau.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6928
And a couple more:
http://www.brucedaley.com/my_weblog/2005/04/the_forgotten_s.html
http://members.shaw.ca/grossdeutschland/sajer.htm

 

ive recently learned that the start of the controversy surrounding William Shirers Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.. Started soon after its release in the 50"s... It was because he was a journalist not a historian or a professor..He was well positioned to write the book, living and working in Berlin from the early 20's til he was expelled in late 43'.And with access to all the nazi files released in the early 50's, He constantly refers to the diary's of O.K.H general Halder, O.K.W general Jodl, and Propaganda minister Goebbels.... He really has great information. He writes well, but he is dismissed by the academics because he isnt one of them....Bugger them....Read it....Great big comprehensive information source.....

 

I'll also recommend his "Berlin Diary" and "Collapse of the Third Republic" The problem with Journalists writing history is that good writing can sometimes obscure poor historical skills and a lack of balance.

The Collapse of the Third Republic is a brilliantly written book tracing the French defeat in 1940 to 1870. Shirer knew France and Germany very well. At the heart of the book is an argument which has been summarised as the Problem with the French is that they are not American enough.