Product Description

One of the most famous true stories from the last war, The GREAT ESCAPE tells how more than six hundred men in a German prisoner-of-war camp worked together to achieve an extraordinary break-out. Every night for a year they dug tunnels, and those who weren't digging forged passports, drew maps, faked weapons and tailored German uniforms and civilian clothes to wear once they had escaped. All of this was conducted under the very noses of their prison guards. When the right night came, the actual escape itself was timed to the split second - but of course, not everything went according to plan...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30676 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author
Paul Brickhill was directly involved with the escape from Stalag Luft III, although he was one of the prisoners left behind. This and his other famous book Reach for the Sky are his best known works.

Customer Reviews

In memory of the 50
The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill is one of the most compelling reads I have ever had the pleasure of purchasing. We have all seen the film version with Steve Mcqueen but this is the real dirt from a man who was there.
Graphic in detail this book covers every step of the way from arrival at Stalag Luft III, organising the Commitee, forgers, scroungers, tailors, stooges and crafftsmen.
You can feel the tension as they begin to dig the three escape tunnels, Tom, Dick & Harry.
76 POWs escaped on that freezing cold March night in 1944, with snow on the ground they took off on their flight for freedom.
Unfortunately all but 3 were re-captured within days. Very sadly 50 were then executed by the Ghestapo and the SS. Only 23 were returned to Stalag Luft III.
Out of 76 who got out only 3 made it to freedom.
A must read book that outlines the real heartache of not having food, Guards who turned off the Shower before you could wash off the soap, in-fighting amonst prisoners........its all here.
For the sake of the 50 you must read this book.

Brilliant
This book has everything, partial comedy (the diversions) adventure (escape night) and most poignant of all truth. If you've watched the film it is moving how you see the hopes of many men dashed by the callousness of Gestapo officers. The way the book is written is with heart stopping pace and vivid character developments all of whom really existed in the camp in the 2nd world war - a must.

Very satisfying
The great escape has long been a favourite film of mine and i bought the book because of this. When i read it i was familiar with the storyline but this went in to far greater depth than the film and gave a detailed background to the prison camps that helped to explain some of the activity around the camp. I read the book in 3 days as I could not put it down whenever i had free time until i had to go to work. This is a truly exhilerating and heroic tale and is a must buy for anyone remotely interested in history.