In 1939, tiny Finland waged war-the kind of war that spawns legends-against the mighty Soviet Union, and yet their epic struggle has been largely ignored. Guerrillas on skis, heroic single-handed attacks on tanks, unfathomable endurance, and the charismatic leadership of one of this century's true military geniuses-these are the elements of both the Finnish victory and a gripping tale of war. Amazon

Part 1Onslaught and riposte -- 1 The Reasons why -- 2 The Baron -- 3 Order of battle -- 4 First blows -- 5 The "People's republic of Finland" -- 6 The Mannerheim line -- 7 The Karelian isthmus: round one -- 8 A "Stupid butting heads" -- Part 2 Uncommon valor: battles in the fourth corps zone -- 9 Tolvajärvi: the first victory -- 10 The Kollaa front: they shall not pass! -- 11 The Mottis of General Hä̈̈gglund -- Part 3 The White death -- 12 The Winter soldiers -- 13 Suomussalmi: a military classic -- 14 Mr. Mydans visits the Kemi river -- Part 4 The January lull -- 15 The Air war -- 16 The Outside world responds -- 17 The Russians get serious -- Part 5 The Storm -- 18 Tidal wave -- 19 Breakthrough! -- 20 Dance of the diplomats: round one -- 21 Fighting for time -- 22 Dance of the diplomats: round two -- 23 Time runs out -- 24 Aftershocks.