On the German Art of War: Truppenf++hrung: German Army Manual for Unit Command in World War II (Military History)

First of all, I am very grateful that the editors Bruce Condell and David T Zabecki completed this project. For someone who can't read the original in German, or does not have access to the original, this is a very accessible (even if flawed) translation. I am fortunate to have 2 copies of the German original printed in 1936 in Berlin (one Hardbound, the other paperback); and can read German. Alas, the originals are printed using old German Gothic typeface, also called "black letter" or "Fraktur", which is now difficult to read. So having this English translation really makes it so much easier to understand the text. Alas, the authors in at least one instance depart too much from the original. For example, they have allowed the current confusion and debate in America about the German word "Schwerpunkt" to influence their translation. The editors are so entrenched in their Clausewitzian interpretation of Schwerpunkt that they try to hide the inconvenient meaning that Truppenführung uses for that same term. Sentences are skipped and they introduce different terms to mask the word Schwerpunkt (they translate it as "decisive action" or "decisive attack" for example). In effect, the text in English (for that section at least) is no longer a translation of Truppenführung but reflects instead the editors' attempt to change the meaning of the text so that it appears to align with current US interpretation (or understanding) of the Clausewitzian distinction between "Center of Gravity" and "decision point". The German authors of Truppenführung have a different understanding of Schwerpunkt compared to what current US Doctrine preaches, and the editors tried to remove this inconvenient distinction in meaning; and unless you can read the original German, sadly, they succeed. This is most unfortunate. Rather than try to mask the distinction, they should have translated this part with closer fidelity (precisely because this word is pregnant with misunderstanding in the US); maybe keep the word Schwerpunkt unstranslated, to clearly show rather than mask, the different meaning in Truppenführung, and then footnote if they like, the meaning that US doctrine readers understand from Clausewitz translations popularly read in the US. Also, the swastika on the cover is inappropriate, does not reflect the original; perhaps a marketing ploy, but just really poor taste and judgment. Please see picture of the two German language originals both printed in Berlin — there is no swastika on the cover. It really is uncalled for when the originals themselves don't have it, even when it was widely disseminated within the Wehrmacht in Nazi Germany back then. Again, most unfortunate. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this book and I'm grateful for the editors and publishers for making it available.

The Art of War describes how both sides in a battle will try to exert their efforts to bring about victory, while using less resources and time than might have otherwise been the case. What is included in the German Art of War is the philosophy of the Schwerpunkt, where concentrations of weapons in time and space will yield superior firepower in that location. This would come to be known in the West as Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) and would be the blueprint used by the German Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) to overcome with some ease a multitude of developed European countries. High-ranking Heer (Army) officers had to be educated in the new tactics by proponents such as Heinz Guderian and Erwin Rommel, with not a few heated exchanges in the process. On the German Art of War is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about WWII, especially from the German perspective.

First of all it must be stated that this book has been written for people who have some appreciation of all of the various activities, tennets, philosophy and the development of a cohesive, comprehensive doctrine that supports the manner in which a Military Force understands its tasks, duties and actions, it is incredibly detailed. This translation ranks among the very best that I have seen. What makes it really standout is the scholarship that points out the use of German doctrine by other nations. The authors even describe how militaries attempted to apply German doctrine without fully understanding their concept of the operation under study. One should remember, however, that this document was first written in 1933 and updated before the start of WWII. So there are some references to horsed cavalry etc. It is a book that every student of military history should have on his bookcase.

A very good work on the Organization and Operation of the German Army.

The real reason behind the German success in 1940 is written in this book. After you fully finish reading this book then and only then you will realize the German army was decades a head of any other nation on planet earth. Well written by a kraut bastard.

I recommend it. Didn't learn anything really knew. Some part s of the book was hard to wade through. Having said that, the books does give an insight into the minds of the German Commanders and makes some of the things they write about make more sense. I recommend the book with the understanding that some parts boring.

It's hard to "mess up" a translated manual. However, this is a timeless work that accurately reflects how the German Army viewed modern war and influence not only operations in WWII, but in the Cold War Bundeswehr as well. This is not only a great historical reference, but one that is useful for modern soldiers and their study of "mission command".

Not only is it a good read for anyone interested in modern day strategy as this is the book all modern doctrines are based of off (in fact this book even invented the use of the doctrine), but it also caters to those interested in how the Germans thought during World War II. I highly recommend readings this before reading many other German World War II books written by officers.

Muy bueno. Recomendado