Waffen-SS Encyclopedia Paperback – November 5, 2004

On the plus side, the book covered new ground on personalities, training and employment. The author did his research and did it well. On the negative side, more personalities (e.g. Peiper), a more detailed description of the actions and fates of the many SS divisions, including casualty figures, the evolution of tactics throughout the war and a better analysis of weaponry. As one interested in WWII, I found the book useful, but incomplete. Would I recommend it to others ? Only if they wish a broader, though limited, perspective on the waffen SS.

I would not rate this book a detailed encyclopedia. This book gives the general reader an overview of the Waffen SS. Therefore, the volume is a good source of basic information. However, one can go online to Wikipedia for much of the same general information in articles that are easy to read (8th grade level) on the Waffen SS.I agree that the best sections of this volume are the first two covering: the Waffen-SS unit formations, the history of the divisions and order of battle. The rest of the book is painted with a broad brush. The weakest sections are the later ones of short biographies of thirteen members/officers of the Waffen-SS and weapons of the Waffen SS (which is short and seems to have been included as more of a passing thought). I don't know how the author decided who should be included and not included as far as the biographies. Certain men one would expect to be included are not, such as: Wilhelm Mohnke, Joachim (a/k/a Jochen) Peiper, Kurt "Panzer" Meyer and Michael Wittmann.For a long-time history buff or student of the World War II era, it makes a good quick reference guide. In the end, there are other books in combination that cover the Waffen-SS in greater detail and depth, such as:J. J. Fedorowicz publications: "The Leibstandarte: (Volumes) I to IV/2", "Das Reich: (Volumes) I to IV";R. James Bender Publishing (book): "Uniforms, Organization and History of the LAH: Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"; R. James Bender Publishing (book series): "Foreign Legions of the Third Reich (Volumes) 1 to IV";Paladin Press publication: "Forgotten Legions: Obscure Combat Formations Of The Waffen-SS".

This is a great source for the Waffen SS. It goes into detail about units and the number of deaths, major battles, and when the unit was destroyed, captured, or surrendered. Gives one a great idea of the attrition rate of the SS as well. It also covers the absolute travesty of punishing many people for simply wearing the same uniform as a few camp gaurds and criminals.This book also goes into what kind of training these men had if any. The nationality of the men. How the units were made up. What kinds of equipment they had. Very nice book

I am not sure if a disclaimer is needed here but I am simply a guy who is very interested in military history, political/social history and especially WWII in Europe. I am not a revisionist, Holocaust denier or any type of right-wing nut job.Phew..... anyway this is a terrific reference book even for readers who are familiar with the military wing of the German Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS). Aside from the German organizations that are so well known such as those that eventually became the 1st, 2nd, 3rdand 12th SS Panzer Divisions, there were many units composed of Western European troops as well as Muslims from The Balkans who fought on The Eastern Front exclusively. Eastern European nations such as Estonia added troops as well and I'm sure there are others I am forgetting.This book makes it possible for a reader to take a closer look at some of the units and people that might be mentioned in popular campaign and battle histories in Europe. It fascinates me that some of these units existed at all such as the 3rd Panzer-Grenadier Division Charlemagne whose soldiers were from France and among the last to fight in Berlin at the very end of the war in Europe.There are many compelling characters who fought in and led the Waffen-SS units. I think it is interesting to get insight into who they really were instead of the Nazi caricatures Westerners typically see. Also, and it has to be acknowledged, many of these units excelled on the battlefield usually against tough, skilled enemies with great superiority in men and material.The book is not a political tome by any means. It is a handy, informative guide for those wanting to learn more about these complex organizations, their many battles and the citizens of the many countries who participated. Highly recommended for those who do.

This is one of the books that has the Waffen-SS ranks correct. It is hard to trust a book that cannot even deal with this simple matter.It offers a wonderful overview and has a section that covers people like Dietrich, Hausser, Steiner, Gille, Kumm, Harmel and Dorr. After reading numerous books on this subject I still learned. The book is easy to read and not dry. One might expect an encyclopedia to be dull, but this is not the case.No matter what your level of knowledge is this book is great to read. The section on Myths about the Waffen-SS is well written and informative.Dave's review covers the content very well so I chose to concentrate in a different area. The book itself is of slightly lower than average quality with photos throughout the book on regular paper.

Awesome information and pictures I've never seen anywhere else.

It left out a number of major players like Max Wunsche, Kurt Meyer, Joachim Peiper in the section of leading personalities in the SS. it mostly focused on the most senior officers. It did, however go into depth on organization and Waffen ss units.

JUST AS STATED

Great book very insightful and with lots of things I didn't know about. It been was a great purchase

good wee waffen-ss book

good useful book on the waffen ss

very pleased with book will use again

Very deep volume but well worth the purchase