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Osprey
The D-Day Companion
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With the anniversary of the great invasion and the celebration that were held throughout the World in June there were bound to be a host of publications covering all aspects of the subject hitting the bookstalls.
Osprey have entered the fray in co-operation with the National D-Day museum of New Orleans to produce an impressive, glossy volume, featuring articles by some well know and prominent historians, Edited by Jane Penrose.
Now I am no expert on the Second World War, but I do read generally around the subject, and what I want to see are new ideas, fresh information, or innovative interpretations of events, perhaps backed up with eye witness acounts. What I do not want to spend my money on is a simple redelivery of well known information.
Whilst this volume did not meet all my preferences it did meet some. There was some information that was new to me, and the details of the preplanning of the operation are well covered. Some of the incidents related, though familiar, are presented with a freshness that is refreshing.
However the format which has a succession of writers each producing a short essay is somewhat unsatisfying, described to me once by an English teacher (describing one of my essays) like “feeding a starving man cream crackers”. The overall effect is somewhat disjointed, and the writers do not really get the opportunity to pursue their alotted subject in real depth.
However as a comprehensive introduction to the subject, and as an album for a host of contemporary photographs this book can be recommended. And as a present to celebrate the anniversary, you can not do much better, especially at such a reasonable price (which includes a donation to the museum).
ISBN 1 84176 779 4
Format: Hardback, 286 pages
Price £20 /$29.95
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