For decades it has been assumed that the Allied bombing of Dresden — a cultured city famous for its china, chocolate, and fine watches — was militarily unjustifiable, an act of retribution for Germany’s ceaseless bombing of London and other parts of England. Now, Frederick Taylor’s groundbreaking research offers a completely new examination of the facts and reveals that Dresden was a highly militarized city actively involved in the production of military armaments and communications. Incorporating first-hand accounts, contemporaneous press material and memoirs, and never-before-seen government records, Taylor proves unequivocally the very real military threat Dresden posed — and how a legacy of propaganda shrouded the truth for sixty years.
| Title: | Dresden: Tuesday, February 13, 1945 |
| Author: | Frederick Taylor |
| Genres: | History, World War II, Military History |
| Publisher: | Berkley |
| Published: | 2005 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 518 |
| Goodreads Rating: | 4.2 |
| ISBN: | 0060006773 |
What began as routine led to an inferno and left behind a signal. What seemed capable of achievement only on paper—the coming together of favorable circumstances for the attacks—was suddenly an accomplished fact.
Frederick Taylor’s “Dresden: Tuesday, February 13, 1945” is a meticulously researched and compelling examination of one of World War II‘s most controversial events—the Allied bombing of Dresden. With clarity and sobering detail, Taylor unpacks the historical, moral, and human dimensions of the air raid that devastated the city and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Taylor approaches the subject with a historian’s rigor and a storyteller’s prowess. The book begins by setting the stage for the bombing raid, illustrating the geopolitical context of early 1945. As the war in Europe approached its conclusion, Dresden, a city with its cultural treasures and significant military presence, became a focal point in the Allies’ strategic calculations. Taylor carefully analyzes the motivations behind the bombing, weighing military necessity against ethical considerations, and he challenges readers to reflect on the broader implications of such decisions in wartime.
What sets this work apart is Taylor’s ability to humanize the tragedy. Through a series of vivid narratives, he introduces readers to the lives of the citizens caught in the chaos of that fateful night. By integrating personal stories with larger historical facts, he evokes empathy for the individuals who suffered through the bombings, whether they were civilians or soldiers. This blend of narrative and analysis brings a powerful emotional weight to the text, allowing readers to fully grasp the horror and confusion experienced during the raid.
Additionally, Taylor does not shy away from addressing the contentious debates surrounding the morality of targeting civilian populations in warfare. He presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the arguments in favor of the raid—such as disrupting German military logistics and hastening the end of the war—and those that condemn it as an act of unnecessary brutality. This careful consideration of multiple viewpoints makes the book a valuable resource not only for historians but also for anyone interested in ethical dilemmas in conflict.
The writing is both engaging and accessible, making it suitable for a broad audience while maintaining the rigor expected in historical scholarship. Taylor’s keen attention to detail brings the past to life, effectively transporting readers to pre- and post-bombing Dresden, capturing not only the physical destruction but also the profound psychological impact on survivors.
In conclusion, “Dresden: Tuesday, February 13, 1945” is a significant contribution to the literature on World War II and a poignant reminder of the complex interplay of warfare, ethics, and humanity. Frederick Taylor has crafted a work that is at once informative, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. This book deserves a place on the shelves of history enthusiasts and casual readers alike, serving as a powerful reflection on the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.