- Paperback
- Publisher: Pocket Books (1 Jun 1986)
- ISBN-10: 0671624458
- ISBN-13: 978-0671624453
- Product Dimensions: 17 x 10.4 x 1.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
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Review
Noland Norgaard The Denver Post The best war story this reviewer has ever read.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, a small detachment of British airborne troops stormed the German defense forces and paved the way for the Allied invasion of Europe. Pegasus Bridge was the first engagement of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. This gripping account of it by acclaimed author Stephen Ambrose brings to life a daring mission so crucial that, had it been unsuccessful, the entire Normandy invasion might have failed. Ambrose traces each step of the preparations over many months to the minute-by-minute excitement of the hand-to-hand confrontations on the bridge. This is a story of heroism and cowardice, kindness and brutality-- the stuff of all great adventures.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
It was a steel-girder bridge, painted gray, with a large water tower and superstructure. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
It was a steel-girder bridge, painted gray, with a large water tower and superstructure. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ambrose's technique is to focus on the words and experiences of the participants, not the offical history. For those who found Band of Brothers too 'American' then this is the perfect antidote as he uses similar techniques to examine one of the most daring exploits of the second world war carried out by British glider pilots and soldiers.
It is popular history at its best, making the reader feel a part of the action whilst still providing more than enough social, political and military context to make it more than just an adventure story. All of the main participants are unconvential in many ways, sharing a passion both to do their duty and, most of all, not to let their comrades down. It is this aspect of military history that Ambrose does so well, understanding what makes soldiers in modern warfare face up to unimaginable danger. I am of that generation that owes it all to our parents generation who sacrificed so much. This book offers real insights into the bravery of one particular group of men that demosntrated the best atteibutes of that generation - they did it because it had to be done and they were determined to do it well and, interestinghly, have a great time doing it, despite the pain and the loss. These were men who were unconvential and didn't really care what anybody else thought about them, except their comrades. They wanted to be good at what they did, they were good at what they did and their achievement was truly astonishing.
A stirring tale.
33 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ambrose furthers his study of D Day operations with this detailed and well researched volume. He has an obvious regard for those who took part in this high intensity operation and makes a strong representation of the the unit story and the individuals that took part. This is really a story of leadership, daring and success in the face of difficult conditions. Major John Howard and his team performed superbly and this is their story. The book does justice to both the people and their actions. A truly enjoyable and informative read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Of all the books i have read about the Pegasus Bridge coup de main, this book is very low down on my list of good accounts. It just doesn't read right to me. It's hard to describe but it reads like an over the top adventure, not a important, dangerous and valiant episode of British Military action, the first completed action of the Normandy landings by the allies.
Of all the Military history writers around, the late Mr Ambrose in my honest opinion does not rate very high. A better account of this action in my opinion is the book by Denis Edwards called 'The Devils own luck' this recounts his personal experience of the Pegasus bridge landing up to the Balkans. There is also the personal account by Major John Howard 'Pegasus Diaries', no one mentions either of these books in their lists of Military books to read, but mention this book by Mr Ambrose, that is sad. If you want to read what really happened read an account by a person who was actually there.
Of all the Military history writers around, the late Mr Ambrose in my honest opinion does not rate very high. A better account of this action in my opinion is the book by Denis Edwards called 'The Devils own luck' this recounts his personal experience of the Pegasus bridge landing up to the Balkans. There is also the personal account by Major John Howard 'Pegasus Diaries', no one mentions either of these books in their lists of Military books to read, but mention this book by Mr Ambrose, that is sad. If you want to read what really happened read an account by a person who was actually there.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good Start But Limited Detail on the Defense of the Bridges on D-day
First let me start off by saying I loved Band of Brothers Us Tie in: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne : from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, also by Ambrose. Read more
Published 1 month ago by JH
Good condition and delivery
Very pleased with this book. Condition was as described and was well packaged for its prompt delivery.
Published on 24 Mar 2010 by M. Tynan
Excellent.
This book, explaining the involvement of the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry and the training and execution of their mission to capture Pegasus Bridge is excellent. Read more
Published on 1 Mar 2006 by Richard Miles
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