T-34 Shock: The Soviet Legend in Pictures

The book "The T-34 Continuum: A Photographic History of the Most Famous Tank of the Second World War" is a comprehensive guide to the design changes of the Soviet T-34 medium tank. It features nearly six hundred photographs, mostly taken by soldiers who operated and fought against the T-34, and includes detailed technical drawings and battle stories to contextualize the changes. The book covers the antecedents of the T-34, its prototypes, and factory production changes, and also discusses post-war production and modifications by Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the People's Republic of China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Fonthill Media

The Soviet T-34 medium tank, a legendary icon of warfare, has left an indelible mark on history, serving across the globe during the twentieth century's most turbulent conflicts. Despite its widespread acclaim, there has been limited exploration into the tank's design evolution. While most tank enthusiasts can distinguish between the 'T-34/76 and the 'T-34-85, identifying distinct factory production batches has proven challenging. Until now.

Presented with nearly six hundred photographs, predominantly captured by soldiers who actively operated and engaged in combat against the T-34, this book aims to meticulously catalogue and contextualize even the most subtle details, creating a comprehensive 'T-34 continuum.' The journey begins with the antecedents of the T-34, delving into the ill-fated BT 'fast tank series' and the profound influence of the traumatic Spanish Civil War. Subsequently, the book delves into an in-depth examination of the T-34's prototypes, shedding light on the evolution of this iconic tank.

Following this, the book meticulously catalogs and contextualizes every factory production change, presenting never-before-seen photographs and breathtaking technical drawings. Additionally, four battle stories are woven into the narrative to elucidate the shifting battle context when significant production modifications occur. The production story is brought to a close with sections detailing the T-34's post-war production and modification efforts by Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the People's Republic of China, as well as exploring various T-34 variants.

This comprehensive and meticulously researched work offers a profound appreciation for the T-34's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the course of history. It serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone seeking to delve deeper into the intricate details and remarkable story of this iconic tank.

Weight: 1524g
Dimension: 183 x 255 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781558461