Description
Discover the harrowing narrative of the bombing of Dresden that changed the course of history in Sinclair McKay's bestselling book. This 400-page B-format paperback, published by Penguin UK in 2020, is a compelling exploration of one of World War II's most catastrophic events. The gripping account unfolds on that fateful February in 1945 when the Allies targeted Dresden, a city often dubbed the 'Florence of the Elbe'. With explosive bombs dropping every seven-and-a-half seconds, the tragic loss of approximately 25,000 lives raises critical questions: Was this historic city a legitimate military target, or was it a final act of indiscriminate violence as the war neared its conclusion?
McKay intricately weaves the history of Dresden with a minute-by-minute breakdown of the attack, vividly detailing the overwhelming destruction that left the city in flames reaching nearly a mile high. His narrative captures the intense heat that scorched the lungs of those trapped in the horror. Readers will meet unforgettable characters, including a Jewish woman who mistakenly sees the bombardment as divine retribution and an adolescent boy, Winfried Bielss, desperately trying to return to his stamp collection amidst chaos.
Expertly researched and rich with untold stories, McKay’s work signifies a vital historical document, revealing the profound human experiences overshadowed by war. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of World War II, this book is a poignant tribute to the resilience of humanity amidst devastation. Order now for swift delivery and immerse yourself in this deeply moving account of history.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780241986011
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2020
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 400
Description:
The bestselling historian's gripping account of the Allied bombing of Dresden for the 75th anniversary
In February 1945 the Allies obliterated Dresden, the 'Florence of the Elbe'. Explosive bombs weighing over 1,000 lbs fell every seven and a half seconds and an estimated 25,000 people were killed. Was Dresden a legitimate military target or was the bombing a last act of atavistic mass murder in a war already won?
From the history of the city to the attack itself, conveyed in a minute-by-minute account from the first of the flares to the flames reaching almost a mile high - the wind so searingly hot that the lungs of those in its path were instantly scorched - through the eerie period of reconstruction, bestselling author Sinclair McKay creates a vast canvas and brings it alive with touching human detail.
Along the way we encounter, for example, a Jewish woman who thought the English bombs had been sent from heaven, novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote that the smouldering landscape was like walking on the surface of the moon, and 15-year-old Winfried Bielss, who, having spent the evening ushering refugees, wanted to get home to his stamp collection. He was not to know that there was not enough time.
Impeccably researched and deeply moving, McKay uses never-before-seen sources to relate the untold stories of civilians and the military. This is a master historian at work.
McKay intricately weaves the history of Dresden with a minute-by-minute breakdown of the attack, vividly detailing the overwhelming destruction that left the city in flames reaching nearly a mile high. His narrative captures the intense heat that scorched the lungs of those trapped in the horror. Readers will meet unforgettable characters, including a Jewish woman who mistakenly sees the bombardment as divine retribution and an adolescent boy, Winfried Bielss, desperately trying to return to his stamp collection amidst chaos.
Expertly researched and rich with untold stories, McKay’s work signifies a vital historical document, revealing the profound human experiences overshadowed by war. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of World War II, this book is a poignant tribute to the resilience of humanity amidst devastation. Order now for swift delivery and immerse yourself in this deeply moving account of history.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780241986011
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2020
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 400
Description:
The bestselling historian's gripping account of the Allied bombing of Dresden for the 75th anniversary
In February 1945 the Allies obliterated Dresden, the 'Florence of the Elbe'. Explosive bombs weighing over 1,000 lbs fell every seven and a half seconds and an estimated 25,000 people were killed. Was Dresden a legitimate military target or was the bombing a last act of atavistic mass murder in a war already won?
From the history of the city to the attack itself, conveyed in a minute-by-minute account from the first of the flares to the flames reaching almost a mile high - the wind so searingly hot that the lungs of those in its path were instantly scorched - through the eerie period of reconstruction, bestselling author Sinclair McKay creates a vast canvas and brings it alive with touching human detail.
Along the way we encounter, for example, a Jewish woman who thought the English bombs had been sent from heaven, novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote that the smouldering landscape was like walking on the surface of the moon, and 15-year-old Winfried Bielss, who, having spent the evening ushering refugees, wanted to get home to his stamp collection. He was not to know that there was not enough time.
Impeccably researched and deeply moving, McKay uses never-before-seen sources to relate the untold stories of civilians and the military. This is a master historian at work.