Sir Rodric Braithwaite

Author Event: Sir Rodric Braithwaite
October 3, 2006

The Eisenhower Institute hosted an author event on October 3, 2006 with Sir Rodric Braithwaite, author of Moscow 1941 and former British Ambassador to Moscow (1988 to 1992). Braithwaite gave a wonderful account of the background and lead-up to the Battle of Moscow.

The 1941 Battle of Moscow, one of the most decisive battles of World War II, marked the first strategic defeat of the German armed forces in their seemingly unstoppable march across Europe. His book tells of the winter of 1941-1942 when the Wehrmarcht advanced within twenty miles of Moscow. The Red Army and the capital's inhabitants defended their city and turned the Nazis back, losing more people in this one battle than the British and Americans lost in the whole of World War II.

Braithwaite interweaves the personal remembrances of ordinary Muscovites, giving an unprecedented understanding of how the war affected daily life of Moscow and the extraordinary bravery, endurance, and sacrifice, both voluntary and involuntary, which was required of its citizens. His work also gives a dramatic, richly illustrated narrative which paints a very telling portrait of Stalin and his generals. 

Other praise for Sir Rodric Braithwaite's work, Moscow 1941:

"One of the most overlooked moments in history...The strength of Moscow 1941 lies in its eye for detail, the snapshot of everyday life that set the scene." - Observer;

"A remarkable epic vividly portrayed." Max Hastings, Sunday Telegraph;

"A wide-ranging and excellent account...Braithwaite never shirks the terrible truths." Antony Beevor, Sunday Times; and

"The reader staggers from laughter to tears, while never forgetting that blood is flowing." Simon Sebag Montefiore, Daily Mail.

Braithwaite is also the author of Across the Moscow River and Russia in Europe. He also served as the foreign policy adviser to John Major and chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee in London.