“…an incisive and dramatic account…” (Bolton Evening News, 5^th June 2004)

“…a commendably concise, but compelling.” (Western Daily Press, 5^th June 2004)

“…a worthwhile primer…” (Daily Telegraph, 29 May 2004)

“…an introduction for those who know nothing of the subject.” (The Independent, 4 June 2004)

“…a stunningly impressive account.” (Eastern Daily Press, 29 May 2004)

“Good, short, excellent…. If you want just one D-Day book, this should be it.” (The Spectator, 29 May 2004)

“… a lucid overview…” (FT Magazine, 29 May 2004)

“The finest short overview of Operation Overlord …. Gilbert is masterly.” (Evening Standard, 24^th May 2004)

An anatomy of the planning and execution of the invasion, this book is written by someone so intimate with his subject that it often feels like he's speaking to a rapt audience of students on the Normandy beaches.
There are no photographs in Gilbert's book, but there are 27 superb maps. They give a complete picture of the invasion preparation and execution.
Endearing, too, is the book's size. A mere 5 1/2 -by-8 inches, it seems ideal for tucking into a day-pack for tours of Normandy's history-laden beaches. (USA Today, June 3, 2004)

“Gilbert is good on the years of planning and on the deception [of the Germans].” (Observer, 9 May 2004)

Churchill biographer Gilbert was knighted in 1995 for his service to Britain as a historian and the author or editor of over 70 books, including his six-volume Churchill biography and 11 volumes of Churchill documents. His one-volume account is part of Wiley's Turningpoints series, "[p]reeminent writers offering fresh, personal perspectives on the defining events of our times." While Gilbert's perspective doesn't feel quite personal, it is suitably accessible and digests a great deal of information sensibly. 28 maps. (Publishers Weekly, April 12^th, 2004)