"The pace never lets up in this epic story, with its vast canvas. It is vividly told and finely detailed . plunging the reader into the spectacular but horrifying vortex of Operation Barbarossa. " -- Iain Ballantyne, author of 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' "Richard Hargreaves exhibits supreme skill at uncovering and synthesising obscure primary sources and contemporary reports to craft a visceral yet enthralling account of the opening stage of Barbarossa ." -- Jason D. Mark, author and editor "Elegantly written, yet relentlessly searing in its content, Hargreaves' new history of the opening phase of Operation Barbarossa , which weaves together grand strategy and heart-breaking personal testimony, sets a new benchmark for the subject." -- Roger Moorhouse, author of 'Poland 1939' and 'Berlin at War' "Richard Hargreaves offers us an intricate and meticulous introduction to the start of [Operation Barbarossa ].The detail is extraordinary.

" -- Aspects of History "Without any doubt, this is a book that advances one's understanding and perspectives in relation to Barbarossa, making it highly recommended for those who study the fighting on the Eastern Front during the Second World War." -- Iron Cross "This is a powerful account of Operation Barbarossa and is essential reading for those seeking to understand a campaign that reshaped the scale and meaning of total war." -- Classic Military Vehicle.