Rating: Summary: A Great Work of Literature Review: This ranks among the top accounts of any battle of WWII, and certainly is one of Cornelius Ryan's best works. Ranging in scope from the actions of Dutch civilians to SHAEF (The Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force), "A Bridge Too Far" is both a classic work of history and an exciting story of action and suspense on the grandest of stages.
P.S.- Unlike "The Longest Day", Ryan's account of D-Day, this book is not out of date, and is highly accurate.
Rating: Summary: C. Ryan's WWII Masterpeice Review: There is not a more accurate retelling of operation Market-Garden anywhere. This part of the second world war is often overlooked as it lies in the shadow of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Cornelius Ryan has magnificent first hand sources telling their part in the Great operation and their personal views on what happened. There are view points of Nazi Tank Officers, British Paratroop colonels, 101st airborne commanders, and the fearless members of the dutch underground. It is neatly written, covering every detail, no matter how small, from background, to planning, to the drop, through the rough streets of Arnhem, down the road with General Horrocks and the Irish Tank guard, the 101st's struggle with the Son bridge, German general Harzer's rushed yet unexpected panzer corps, and all the way to the last bridge; the Bridge too far. It has enough interesting and little known facts to keep the history buffs satisfied, while keeping avid readers on the edge of their seat.
Rating: Summary: Not totally accurate Review: Just like in "the Longest Day" in which the 2nd Ranger is erroneously depicted as failing in their mission, Ryan depicts operation Market/Garden as a total failure since they failed to secure the final bridge. As with "The Longest Day", had Ryan fully reserched this subject, Ryan would have discovered that a major objective of the offensive was to open desperately needed port to shorten the allies' line of supply. As a result of this offensive, the allies attacked northward from their positions which were as far east as Nimigen and opened the port of Antwerp in Belgium. This was an important onjective to the overall European war effort.
Rating: Summary: The Definitive Book About Operation Market Garden Review: A Bridge Too Far is one of the greatest books ever written about a major combat operation during World War II. In writing this book, Cornelius Ryan interviewed dozens, if not hundreds of participants from high-ranking generals to civilians. This book fully exposes the sheer stupidity and overconfidence that characterized both the planning and execution of Operation Market Garden by the Allies that was supposed to end WWII in Europe by Christmas, 1944. A true classic war book.
Rating: Summary: A true classic Review: Absolutely one of the best books that I have ever read. It is not so much a book about the tactics and strategy, although that is in it, but a story about ordinary men doing extraordinary things. It will make you laugh, put a lump in your throat, and shake your head in amazement at the bravery of men in the battle. For you war buffs, it will give you even more reason to wonder why Montgomery is held in such high esteem.
Rating: Summary: A wonderful tale of bravery in action... Review: The bravery of the men on both sides of this battle was extrodinary. The blunder of the allied leadership inexcusable. Read this book and find out how a battle like this takes place and how the fog of war affects leaderships decision making process.
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