Letters by Nikolay Yassievich from the Oranienbaum Bridgehead

This book contains the letters that artist Nikolay Yassievich (1902, Baku - 1976, Leningrad) wrote from the Oranienbaum Bridgehead, where he served between 1941 and 1943 in World War Two. This small patch of land played a critical role in the defense and liberation of Leningrad from a 900-day siege by Nazi forces. Cut off from the rest of the army and Leningrad, the Red Army's soldiers held their ground in a heroic effort for 28 months until the end of January 1944. The letters Nikolay wrote during his years defending the bridgehead were carefully preserved by his wife. In combination with the watercolors of his granddaughter Tatyana Yassievich, they return us to the battlefields of the Oranienbaum bridgehead. The book contains reproductions of the original letters and postcards, of Nikolay Yassievich's paintings, as well as stories of his family's origin and circumstances. 'War is War' - 231 pages, color, researched and compiled by Tatyana Yassievich. Introduction by Jessica Gorter. Translation and annotation by James M. Boekbinder. Book concept and design by Susanne Beer. This book was made with the support of the Thijl Foundation managed by the Prins Bernhard Cultural Foundation and Wilhelmina E. Jansen Fund. Price 35 euro