Germany's campaigns in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries, France, and North Africa from 1939 to 1942 ushered in a new era of warfare during which the practice of Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) was employed with devastating effect. This authoritative text is complemented by full-color maps explaining the movement of German forces, and color artwork depicting Wehrmacht uniforms and the armored fighting vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels which took part in the campaign. In addition, specification tables accompany all drawings of the hardware. Sidebars offer insight on the famous commanders who directed the campaigns-Rommel, Rundstedt and Student, for example-while detailed appendices contain essential information on orders of battle, German losses, and equipment.