ISBN Lookup

AI Overview

Title: The D-Day Atlas: Anatomy of the Normandy Campaign Author: Charles Messenger Publisher: Thames & Hudson Publication Date: 2014 (reissued in paperback for the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2024)

Key Themes

  1. Historical Context: The book provides a comprehensive overview of the D-Day invasion, tracing its evolution from the summer of 1940 when Britain stood alone against the threat of a German cross-Channel invasion.
  2. Planning and Preparation: It delves into the intelligence efforts, the strategic debates between the Anglo-American Allies, and the elaborate deception strategies employed to mislead the Germans about the true D-Day objective.
  3. Military Strategy: The book covers the broad scope of the campaign, including the landings by sea and air on the beaches of Normandy (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword) and the subsequent six-week struggle to break through German defenses.
  4. Cartography and Illustrations: The atlas features 71 full-color maps, which are central to understanding troop movements and the challenges involved in taking the beachheads. Additionally, it includes 82 contemporary photographs and specially commissioned reconstruction drawings.

Plot Summary

The book chronicles the D-Day invasion in a day-by-day account, detailing the meticulous planning and execution of the operation. It begins with the historical context of World War II, focusing on the period following the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. The narrative then explores the strategic decisions made by Allied commanders, the intelligence gathered, and the elaborate deception plans designed to mislead German forces.

The build-up culminates in a detailed account of the landings on June 6, 1944, and the subsequent battles as Allied forces fought to establish a foothold in Normandy. The book also examines the role of key commanders, both Allied and German, and provides insights into the military equipment and tactics used during the campaign.

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews:

  • HistoryNet Review: Charles Messenger's D-Day Atlas is described as "a handsome piece of work" with "large, clear, and easy-to-read maps" and "absorbing text" that covers both the planning stages and the combat operations.
  • Library Journal Review: The book is praised for its extensive use of maps, which help readers visualize troop movements and the challenges faced during the invasion. The illustrations are noted to include diagrams of tanks, machine guns, and artillery pieces, adding to the book's comprehensive nature.
  • Goodreads Summary: The book is described as a compelling history of the D-Day invasion, told through superb cartography and authoritative text. It is noted that the 178 illustrations, including 71 full-color maps, help bring the beaches of Normandy to life.

Author's Background:

Charles Messenger was a British Army officer and writer who served in the Royal Tank Regiment for many years. After retiring from active service, he became a military historian and defense analyst. He has published over forty books on military history and has conducted historical analyses for the Ministry of Defence. His expertise in military history and his ability to detail both familiar and unfamiliar aspects of the campaign make his work authoritative and engaging.

In summary, "The D-Day Atlas" by Charles Messenger is a meticulously researched and illustrated book that provides a comprehensive understanding of the D-Day invasion. Its detailed maps, photographs, and text make it a valuable resource for both historians and enthusiasts of World War II.