Atlas of World War II: History's Greatest Conflict Revealed Through Rare Wartime Maps and New Cartography

Here you have actual maps studied by Rommel and used by him in his campaign in North Africa. You can peer over General Patton's shoulder at the very same maps he perused before the Sicily invasion. You'll see maps the Russians relied upon in their battles with Germany and those used for the Omaha Beach invasion. As a collector of battle atlases, I can tell you that I've never seen anything quite like many of these. They are often overwritten with notes made by commanders preparatory to battle, including circles marked for special attention by attacking or defending forces, compass dials imprinted on them, key contour lines and other topographical markings, including explanatory notations such as ""Low Water Mark"; "Hedgehog"; "Sandbars," and innumerable other markings crucial to invasion routes. Cartographic denotations include map symbols for tidal flats, marshes, trees and tree density, orchards, sand dunes, cliffs and slopes, lighthouses, water towers, churches, seawall, rivers, ditches, cemeteries, stone walls, ruins, and all major and minor roads and streams. And these cartographic symbols come from just one map! Many maps are overwritten with arrow markings, dashed lines showing paths of attack, coded invasion words, and other notations indicative of battle plans. These maps show the detailed care many officers took in preparing for combat. My favorite is a 3-D topo map done originally as a plaster model of Italy's craggy Apennine Mountains (almost looks as though you could reach out and feel the mountainous indentations) whose purpose is to show Allied commanders the contrast between that unfavorable terrain and that of the flat Po Valley just to the north. There are too many others to name, the great majority of which are in full color and often full-page maps. There are 114 wartime maps in all, accompanied by excellent period photos and fine written accounts and explanations. Many of these are rare maps appearing for the first time. I would try to get it while you can at the current cost of about $28. It's a bargain at that price.

Good for any history buff

Very informative

It is an excellent book. It is quite comprehensive, but not quite enough for my needs. It was missing information that I was looking for.

Purchased this book for hubby, who loves all things World War 2, this Christmas. The photos, maps and text makes this a perfect coffee table book in addition to a valued resource for history lovers.

Have learned a lot more about WW II. My Father served in the Army Air Corp. Crew Chief and top turret gunner on B17's. His brother served in the Tank Corp. Very hazardous duty. As me and my sis say, 80 percent chance of not being here. Talked a little about the war and learned some things but not a lot. Uncle when visiting never said much about it. I believe he served under Patton. Don't need to say more.

I've been reading this in small chunks. I really enjoy the layout and the extra facts. Fascinating

Purchased this for my son for his birthday and think he will like it. The book is a good dize so maps can be seen without much squinting!