This authoritative account of the 105-day war between Finland and the Soviet Union in the early stages of World War II focuses on the human side of the story, particularly the bravery of the Finns who, despite being outnumbered, fought the Red Army tenaciously and held out far longer than anyone expected. The Soviet Union invaded Finland in November 1939 but was soon bogged down amidst wintry conditions and fierce Finnish resistance. Finland was finally forced to surrender in March 1940, but not before impressing the world with its efforts and highlighting the weakness of the Red Army.

"It is not possible for you [in Finland] to remain neutral" -- November 30,1939: "Our borders are burning!" -- Helsinki Aflame -- Marshal Mannerheim and the "Blitz" at the Karelian Isthmus -- Russian panzers-and the state liquor board-go to war -- The frozen hell of Talvisota -- Russian bombs-and the big sympathy war rages abroad -- The air war -- The first major Russian offensive in Karelia: On-the-job training for the red army -- The Karelia defenders counterattack -- In the northern wilderness -- Inside the pincer claws -- The Motti battles -- Timoshenko's offensive -- The terrible decision -- The miracle of Kollaa -- Finland in mourning.