Harrison E. Salisbury ( 1908 – 1993), an American journalist, was the first regular New York Times correspondent in Moscow after World War II.He wrote this book based on the research and interviews he did in Russsia and so it is almost equivalent to an eyewitness account of that terrible time. The seige of Lenningrad that lasted almost three years gave new meaning to the term "hell on earth."If you ever had any doubts as to just how tough the Russians are and therefore why in part Napolean failed just read this book. I doubt that any of the 'new breed' in Europe could endure what humans endured at Lenningrad during the seige where cannibalism became a necessary means to survival.

Salisbury was a historical figure in that he was the first mainstream, well-known and respected journalist to oppose the Vietnam War after visiting North Vietnam in 1966 (as opposed to the often criticized David Halberstam). He took much heat from the Johnson Administration and the political right, but his previous standards of objectivity helped to sway journalistic opinion against the war.

Enclosed in the book is a seperate note from Salisbury mentioning the victory celebration that Hitler had planned for the Astoria Hotel in the heart of the city. A copy of a ticket to that celebration that never was is on display in the City Hall in Lenningrad. The book was published in 1969 by Harper & Row, New York and Evanstoon and it is a First Edition. The book is in very good condition with an intact but clipped dust jacket. It is signed With Best Wishes, Harrison Salisbury 7/12/86.I could not find another copy of this classic for sale on the internet.Price:$OLD

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