Hi, I know this question has been asked a million times before, but mine is more specific.
I'm trying to get a gift for my good friend's birthday. He is a history major in college and a huge wwii buff (mostly western/eastern fronts, particularly the German side).
The problem is, I've looked at the book recommendations on the sidebar, and he has already read many of them. Plus he's already read dozens of biographical accounts from different sides of the war, so I think anything more biographical would just bore him at this point.
Basically, I'm trying to find some books, or even some cool items that offer a unique perspective of the war. Perhaps something revolving more technological or just "different" than your usual biography.
He has got pretty wide tastes, so anything that is german/russian related + wwii he will probably enjoy.
Two books just got translated from Russian: Shein's T-34 Goes to War and Pasholok's SU-152 and Related Vehicles. Both contain information previously unaccessible to English language readers and are written very well. The T-34 book focuses more on organization and combat, the SU-152 book focuses more on the design and production.
Maybe have a look at "The Unknown Soldier" from Väinö Linna. It is a novel, but as far as I know respected for its gritty realism, as it is at least partially based on the authors own experiences during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union.
Hey there, check some of these out, they are some of my favorites.
German:
Stuka Pilot- Story of Hans-Ulrich Rudel, a stuka ground attack pilot on the eastern front and, highest decorated German soldier.
Blood Red Snow - Story of Gunter Koschorrek, a german Machine gunner on the Eastern front.
Forgotten Soldier - Story of a Guy Sajer’s experiences on the eastern front.
Sniper on the Eastern Front - Story of Sepp Allerberger, a sniper on the eastern front.
Panzer Leader - General Heinz Guderian's memoirs of his experiences fighting in Poland, France and Russia