Panzer book suggestions?
 

With the Christmas coming, I think I spoil myself abit and buy myself a present.

So, any suggestions for a good WWII german armor book? Preferably about StuG, but any will do. I dont mind technical stuff, aslong as it's not the main thing on the book. :hmmm:

Anyone read the Panzer Tactics? Any good?

I have a copy of Panzer Tactics - German Small-Unit Armor Tactics in World War II; Wolfgang Schneider, Stackpole Books.

While it isn't stuffed full of stuff you probably don't already know, it is all in one place, and quite an interesting picture of life in a tank unit in WW2. I bought it at nearly list price having had the opportunity to browse it for almost an hour 'off the shelf'.

Not terribly technical, concentrating more on 'what it is like' and 'how it is done' rather than mm, PS, kJ etc.

I checked some of the sample pages of it and it looked pretty cool. :hmmm:

Have you read the Panzer Ace (or commander cant remember, 2 books in the series) books? I've heard some good things about them.

...and there's nothing wrong with that, just make sure the tag on it reads: To: Dowly From: Santa Claus :woot:

I have that book, and it's a pretty interesting book. It has some good maps, with unit formations. I suggest if you really want to get good at it, join the army and check the armor box.:yeah:

Got my Panzer Tactics today and it's awesome. :up: Lots of pretty pictures to look at. :yep:

Glad you like it.

Panzer Commander, by Hans von Luck

I second that!:yeah:

You've got Guderians book I take it Dowly? :hmmm:

Achtung Panzer or his postwar account?

I believe the one I have is his post-war one, Panzer Leader.

That would be the one.

Nope, Panzer Tactics is my first books on tanks.

I think my favorite part was when he drew his sidearm on the AA unit C.O. and threatened to blow his brains out if he refused to improvise and adapt!!! :D

You should generally be picky about what "Panzer Books" you read. Since a lot of them were written by guys who were motivated by the myths and not by the reality.

First hand accounts are nice, but should be taken carefully. Sometimes guys who were never more than a Private during the war like to think and act like THEY should have been the Generals.

Generally economic and strategic themed books are the best. It's the inglorious facts that are the important ones, ultimately.

Hanz Von Luck's book was very good. Panzer Commander was interesting because Luck was more interested in telling his own story than wanking to any stupid notions or myths.

Guderian's books are good if you want to know how messy and disorganized German military leadership was. It's even better if you want to know why Hitler was the worst manager ever. Written by a guy who had to deal with the most childish dictator in the world every day. Among other things. :)