Cornelius Ryan (1) (1920–1974)

To this day, one of the best and most researched accounts of D-Day I have ever had the pleasure to read. I really enjoyed how Ryan put in the effort to research and recount, not just the perspective of the Allies, but also of the Nazis, as that is something you don't normally get.

Most say that history is written by the victors, and that's not entirely true. History is written by the survivors, but historians rarely bother to get the perspective of the losing side without being heavily show more biased. While it is difficult, it's not impossible and Ryan's historical masterpiece is a testament to that, even including snippets of the work of the French Underground. Small glimpses into what was going on in the German high command and at the local level with the resistance show the chinks in the armor that allowed the Allied victory and began the downfall of the Nazi party. The Longest Day is a beautiful narrative from countless records, both Allied and Axis, as well as the first hand accounts of 383 souls that were an integral part in one of the most important military battles in the modern world. A must read for history buff and researcher alike. show less

Have you seen the movie? They make such a prominent statement in the opening credits that it is "based on the book by Cornelius Ryan" that I've always had a mind to read it.

After all, while the story is epic, the movie just "tries too hard" in parts. Isn't the breaching of fortress Europe enough of a plot? No! Movie-goers also need a schmaltzy love story too. Surely the book can't be that contrived?

The good news is that it is not. It shares the "tell a story through a mosaic of slice-of-life show more vignettes" approach, yet does it with compelling integrity. It is gritty and unrelenting; sometimes poignant, but always authentic. The book's most rewarding and fascinating aspect is how it shows in rich detail the diverse impact of action and inaction, decision and indecision - and often just plain luck - in the final outcome of the day. show less

An extremely readable account of the death throes of the Third Reich. We get fairly balanced accounts from the British and american Armies, and even a kind word or two about the Soviet forces. But the main focus is on the Wehrmacht, doggedly trying to carry out impossible orders issuing from the madhouse of Hitler's Bunker. And we do get to follow the well drawn cast of this brutally ironic drama, down to the final bonfire in the garden. Not to be missed by the student of WWII.

This was another book club read and although I've said that I don't like military history, this book is written in a way that I was able to read and learn and even enjoy doing so. Ryan's research was extensive, but he selected and condensed those myriad details into a single approachable volume. I was especially impressed that his research covered both sides of the