The Storm of Steel: From the Diary of a German Stormtroop Officer on the Western Front

My first impression upon completion of this classic World War I memoir is one of amazement. I am amazed that Mr. Junger-or anyone in those trenches-survived the hellish onslaught of trench warfare. In gruesome yet elegant detail the author recounts his experiences as a front-line German soldier in his battles against the French and English. As the book proceeds it seems that virtually everyone around Junger is killed or critically wounded. He is wounded himself on a regular basis and between the constant sniping and merciless artillery bombardments it is a wonder that anyone survived. There is no discussion of politics or even the reasons behind the war. It is simply the story of a front-line soldier doing his duty. Junger writes about his experiences in war as an almost mystical event that at times transcends the physical senses and becomes almost spiritual. I personally found this fascinating. And while the details of the book are often gruesome the authors writing is downright exquisite. So whatever you think of him Mr. Junger certainly had a way with words and this memoir is a masterpiece that deserves the title of "Classic." Ernst Junger is somewhat of a controversial figure. His apparent glorification of war and his right-wing political views have led many to view him as a precursor to Naziism. And while the Nazis certainly admired him most accounts show that he did not return the favor. He did indeed go on to serve as an officer in the Wehrmacht under Hitler but this was out of loyalty to his country rather than loyalty to the Fuehrer. In fact he seems to have indirectly opposed the Nazis as witnessed by such writings as On the Marble Cliffs. All in all Ernst Junger was a fascinating man and Storm of Steel is a literary masterpiece that deserves its place in history./BEST VALUE /FAST SHIPPING/OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE/