Marshal Zhukov - The man who beat Hitler launches at the Imperial War Museum on 16th September 2003
01 Sep 03

One of the most important and influential military figures of the twentieth century, whose endeavors changed history and our lives forever, is today pretty much a forgotten man.

In this new book, Albert Axell brings to life the tragic true story of Marshal Zhukov, the man who led the Russians to victories against Hitler in such epic battles as Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk and Berlin.

Longman History is proud to announce that the Launch will be attended by Marshal Zhukov’s daughters, curtsey of Aeroflot, who are visiting the UK for the first time.

For his research, Axell met and interviewed two of Marshal Zhukov’s four daughters and more than 30 of Stalin’s closest generals to learn more about the man to whom the West is indebted.

‘Zhukov was regarded by many as brusque, coarse, and stubborn, even excessively severe,’ Axell said.

‘ Doubtless, he was ruthless and often pitiless and he admitted being sharp tongued but excused himself saying that when thousands of lives were in the balance and a huge operation was underway, there was little time for delicacy.’

‘Off the battlefield, Zhukov was a loving father to his daughters. When he was able to come home for a day or two, he would relax and enjoy chattering and play the accordion.’

Zhukov and his relationship with Stalin form a vital part of this book and few people knew Stalin better than Zhukov.

Despite all his achievements and decorations, Zhukov suffered at the hand of Stalin's jealousy and according to Zhukov’s daughter Era, he was too popular for Stalin’s taste. When the war ended, Stalin ‘exiled’ Marshal Zhukov to small-town Russia and he lived the rest of his life in obscurity. Marshal Zhukov died in 1974.

In Marshal Zhukov – the man who beat Hitler, Axell fill in the missing human dimension of Georgi Zhukov but also aims to stimulate new interest in this remarkable, if contradictory, son of Russia.

For more information on this book lauch please contact the Pearson Education Public Relations department
on +44 (0) 1279 621253.

Marshal Zhurkov, by Albert Axell, published by Longman History, priced £19:99. For more information click here.

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