The Winter War: Russia's Invasion of Finland, 1939-1940

Nonfiction, History, Military, World War II
Cover of the book The Winter War: Russia's Invasion of Finland, 1939-1940 by Robert Edwards, Pegasus Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Edwards ISBN: 9781605987637
Publisher: Pegasus Books Publication: May 27, 2009
Imprint: Pegasus Books Language: English
Author: Robert Edwards
ISBN: 9781605987637
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Publication: May 27, 2009
Imprint: Pegasus Books
Language: English

"Edwards recounts events, both shameful and heroic, with insight, conviction and considerable wit."—Publishers Weekly

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union's Red Army invaded the young nation-state of Finland, in the full expectation of routing the small, ill-equipped Finnish army and annexing the former Russian territory by the end of the year. But Finland held out for 105 bitterly cold, fiercely combative days, until March 15, 1940, when a peace agreement ended the short, savage Winter War.

At the stirring center of the story lie the resourcefulness and resolve of the Finnish people, who against all military odds—in want of ammunition, food, sleep, and troops—fought a blundering, ineptly commanded Red Army to a standstill. On March 15, they ceded to the Soviet 11 percent of their territory and 30 percent of their economic assets, but none of their national pride.

The Russians meanwhile had markedly damaged their international standing and effectively ruined their military reputation-to such an extent, as this probing chapter in World War II history demonstrates, that Germany, with proud-blooded Finland as an ally, dared to launch its 1940 invasion of Russia. At the same time, though, the fiasco of the Winter War forced Stalin to acknowledge the shortcomings of the Red Army and to reform it: Germany would fall at Stalingrad in 1941.

With authority, this skillfully narrated military history unfolds its story of the four-month Soviet-Finnish war and explores its consequences from London to Moscow, from Helsinki to Paris, to Washington, DC.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Edwards recounts events, both shameful and heroic, with insight, conviction and considerable wit."—Publishers Weekly

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union's Red Army invaded the young nation-state of Finland, in the full expectation of routing the small, ill-equipped Finnish army and annexing the former Russian territory by the end of the year. But Finland held out for 105 bitterly cold, fiercely combative days, until March 15, 1940, when a peace agreement ended the short, savage Winter War.

At the stirring center of the story lie the resourcefulness and resolve of the Finnish people, who against all military odds—in want of ammunition, food, sleep, and troops—fought a blundering, ineptly commanded Red Army to a standstill. On March 15, they ceded to the Soviet 11 percent of their territory and 30 percent of their economic assets, but none of their national pride.

The Russians meanwhile had markedly damaged their international standing and effectively ruined their military reputation-to such an extent, as this probing chapter in World War II history demonstrates, that Germany, with proud-blooded Finland as an ally, dared to launch its 1940 invasion of Russia. At the same time, though, the fiasco of the Winter War forced Stalin to acknowledge the shortcomings of the Red Army and to reform it: Germany would fall at Stalingrad in 1941.

With authority, this skillfully narrated military history unfolds its story of the four-month Soviet-Finnish war and explores its consequences from London to Moscow, from Helsinki to Paris, to Washington, DC.

More books from Pegasus Books

Cover of the book The Audacious Crimes of Colonel Blood: The Spy Who Stole the Crown Jewels and Became the King's Secret Agent by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Really the Blues: A Mystery in Paris by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Hobbes: Great Thinkers on Modern Life by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Constance by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Cursed Victory: A History of Israel and the Occupied Territories, 1967 to the Present by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Queens Consort by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book North Korea Undercover: Inside the World's Most Secret State by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Following Fifi: My Adventures Among Wild Chimpanzees: Lessons from our Closest Relatives by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Trials of Passion: Crimes Committed in the Name of Love and Madness by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book The Last Volcano: A Man, a Romance, and the Quest to Understand Nature's Most Magnificent Fury by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Surface Tension by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Coquilles, Calva, & Crème by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Paris City of Night by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book Improvising Carla by Robert Edwards
Cover of the book The Dark Water by Robert Edwards
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy