This is the definitive history of the evolution of the feared German Panzerwaffe, from its earliest beginings to the height of its success. With rare and revealing combat reports and photographs sourced from previously unseen private and archival collections, it uncovers the technical and operational stories of the formidable armored beasts that formed the backbone of the German war machine--tanks such as the Panzer I, II and 38(t).

The Germans transformed armored warfare from a lumbering and ponderous experiment in World War I, into something that could decide the outcome of conflicts. This technical and operational history is the definitive guide to the legendary Panzerwaffe, from its very infancy to the days when it made Europe its garden path at the height of Nazi German power.

1 Laying the foundation – pre-war establishment
2 The seizure of Czechoslovakia – backing the Panzerwaffe
3 Poland – the ordeal
4 France – at eye level
5 The Balkans – the unwanted campaign
6 Russia – an overmighty opponent?
7 1942 – upgrading the Panzers
8 North Africa – defeat instead of superiority
9 Dark prospects – Waiting for the new tanks
10 Tank recovery and repair 1935–42