Having created the legendary T-34, which by the beginning of World War II was undoubtedly the best tank in the world, the Soviet designers were not going to rest on their laurels - work to improve it began immediately after the launch of the series. Already in July 1941, it was planned to begin production of a modernized T-34M, on which the main shortcomings of the first "thirty-four" were eliminated - the chassis was strengthened, visibility was improved, the tower shoulder strap was increased, a fifth crew member was added, so that the vehicle commander was completely released to fulfill his direct duties, which was supposed to increase the combat value of the tank many times. However, the catastrophic start of the war put an end to these plans. In a new book by a leading armored vehicle historian, you'll find answers to all these questions. The expanded edition is illustrated with hundreds of exclusive drawings and photographs, many of which are being published for the first time.