Citadel: The Battle of Kursk

Of all the colossal WW II clashes that took place between German and Soviet forces on the eastern front, perhaps the most gargantuan was the 1943 Battle of Kursk, during which the Russians permanently seized the tactical initiative. Until now, little has been known in the West about the conflict other than the fact that it included the largest tank battle in history. English historian Cross fills in the blanks with a first-rate narrative account that considers strategic context, the developing plans of Hitler and Stalin and the field tactics of the generals on the scene. His especially informative examination of Marshal Georgi Zhukov's methods shows how the creation of an immensely powerful artillery reserve ``softened up'' the narrow front into which Zhukov sent his striking force, helping to stymie and ultimately defeat the Germans on the battlefield. Cross also offers the best description to date of the climactic confrontation near Prokhorovka on July 12, 1943, in which more than 1200 tanks took part. Photos. (July)