Kiev 1941

Hitler's Battle for Supremacy in the East

By: David Stahel

Narrated by: Matthew Waterson

In just four weeks in the summer of 1941 the German Wehrmacht wrought unprecedented destruction on four Soviet armies, conquering central Ukraine and killing or capturing three quarters of a million men. This was the Battle of Kiev - one of the largest and most decisive battles of World War II and, for Hitler and Stalin, a battle of crucial importance. For the first time, David Stahel charts the battle's dramatic course and aftermath, uncovering the irreplaceable losses suffered by Germany's "panzer groups" despite their battlefield gains, and the implications of these losses for the German war effort. He illuminates the inner workings of the German army, as well as the experiences of ordinary soldiers, showing that with the Russian winter looming and Soviet resistance still unbroken, victory came at huge cost and confirmed the turning point in Germany's war in the East.

©2012 David Stahel (P)2019 Tantor

A timely reminder of the dangers of unrealistic optimism

An astute and evidence-based assessment of the events around the Battle of Kiev, a human-rights tragedy of astounding proportions. TV documentaries may breathlessly praise the daring and power of Hitler’s decision to risk a battle at Kiev. But as David Stahel points out, this decision was entirely divorced from any sustainable strategy. Stalin’s stubborn and inhumane insistence on directing tactics was in fact the real “genius” of the Nazi victory.
Although it’s not the focus of the book, Stahel does shine a light on the crimes against humanity committed by the Nazi rank and file, as well as by their officers, and how the fascist philosophy blinded its adherents to the realities of the challenges they were facing. I would have liked to learn more about the experiences of the civilian population. The people of Ukraine are mentioned only as victims of Nazi crimes, rather than real people with culture and agency.
Two stars for the reader. I’ll avoid any books read by this guy. Stultifying intonation, toe-curlingly bad mispronunciations of German words. He diminished my enjoyment of an otherwise good book.

Good recap

I loved the other side view which is showing the problems with Nazi strategy in USSR. What am I missing is more talk about Soviet blunders to put them in the context with the German mistakes

A Must Read for Military Historians of World War 2

This is the second volume of Stahel’s three volume history of the Russo-German War and it’s a page-turner with lots of amazing details that build Stahel’s case. I most highly recommend this book along with the Barbarossa book. I’m off now to read Retreat From Moscow.

Who is GooDeeEran

Very odd reading. Good content. Would have enjoyed this more with more cohesive pronunciation. Stopped listening after chapter 3. Will read instead.

Quite well done!!!!

Great narrator and story. Definitely will read more of David Stahel’s books, whether audio or hard copy.

Great detail

Long listen with a lot of good detail, some explanations seem to be one sided but otherwise worth the time spent listening.

The book you must read on Hitler's War with Russia

I have studied the war on Russia by Hitler for almost 50 years. what more could there be that I could discover? that's what I thought when I bought this book. I thought it would be a good solid refreshment of what I already knew. What is discovered was how little I knew about Hitler's war against Russia. I had my own Mantra as to what happened and how it happened. what I discovered was the pitiful historical records that my studies rested upon. this book is a must read. it will show you once and for all that Hitler's defeat did not happen in the second or third year of his war with Russia but on the contrary Germany began losing in 1941. read it and be refreshed!

the thoughts

never before have i read such an understanding of Kiev and the German Army at all levels and their loss if World War II - an incredible book and a must read - bravo!

Excellent Explanation of Kiev Battle.

Narration: Clear

Content: A valuable addition to the Russian-German front. Imparts a fresh, detailed appreciation for how important this battle was to Russia's ultimate victory, although it was a tactical victory for the Germans.

Excellent Synopsis of the Eastern Front

David Stahel leaves no stone unturned in this book. It's very detailed, to the point where if the reader doesn't play close attention, it's very easy to get lost. That's not a bad thing, because there is so much important information in this book. In the end this book is about hubris and Hitler's impulsive gamble to conquer Russia and i's neighboring territories. It's about two dictators, Hitler and Stalin and the bloody sacrifice of two armies. What appears as a victory for the Germans was really a pounding that the Germans never saw coming, nor prepared for.

Also, the Russians never get any credit for wearing the SS. Most often, the credit goes to the Allies in the west. But had it not been for the strange bedfellow that is Russia and the Red Army, Hitler might not have been able to be stopped in 1945. And undoubtedly, "Kiev 1941" proves that Hitler's gamble for the East was ultimately a disaster.

Matthew Waterson's narration is spectacular. He has the perfect cadence. Bravo on this most wonderful book.