This fresh look at D-Day--one of World War II's pivotal battles--is available in time for its 70th anniversary in June 2014. The author draws on original research, including recently discovered German artillery maps, and offers well-supported conclusions that are sure to spark debate.

Explains why the U.S. Army suffered enormous casualties on Omaha Beach

Focuses on Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, who oversaw German defenses in Normandy

Covers little-known aspects such as the German patrols tasked with shooting down the pigeons the French Resistance used to send messages to the Allies