With so many books written about the North African campaign in World War II it is hard to decide which one is best. Many deal with some aspect of the three year long campaign, and some have obvious bias. One of my favorites is "The Desert Generals" by the respected British historian Correlli Barnett.
But now I have another favorite, "War Without Hate" by Bierman and Smith. It is well written, entertaining, without basis, and delivers fascinating bits and pieces of the war which whets the reader's appetite for more detailed histories on individual aspects of the campaign, for example, Barnett's book.
One very small part of the book I enjoyed was Britain awarding its Victoria Cross to an Irish soldier who displayed great heroics during one battle. But it wasn't until 2000, when the soldier published his memoirs, that Britain discovered he was actually an Englishman who had earlier deserted from the army and later reenlisted under another name.
The two British authors are extremely fair in presenting their information, even revealing all of General Montgomery's faults and, what shall we call them, half-truths, as they also do with Rommel's and numerous other leaders. They also acquaint the reader with the American Colonel Fellers, our nation's military aide in its embassy to Egypt, and his detailed messages back to Washington, all of which were read by the Italians and Germans, giving Rommel the British plans before each battle. This isn't covered in so many other books on the campaign.
I've read many books on this campaign, but if someone was to ask me which to read first, I'd recommend this one.
But now I have another favorite, "War Without Hate" by Bierman and Smith. It is well written, entertaining, without basis, and delivers fascinating bits and pieces of the war which whets the reader's appetite for more detailed histories on individual aspects of the campaign, for example, Barnett's book.
One very small part of the book I enjoyed was Britain awarding its Victoria Cross to an Irish soldier who displayed great heroics during one battle. But it wasn't until 2000, when the soldier published his memoirs, that Britain discovered he was actually an Englishman who had earlier deserted from the army and later reenlisted under another name.
The two British authors are extremely fair in presenting their information, even revealing all of General Montgomery's faults and, what shall we call them, half-truths, as they also do with Rommel's and numerous other leaders. They also acquaint the reader with the American Colonel Fellers, our nation's military aide in its embassy to Egypt, and his detailed messages back to Washington, all of which were read by the Italians and Germans, giving Rommel the British plans before each battle. This isn't covered in so many other books on the campaign.
I've read many books on this campaign, but if someone was to ask me which to read first, I'd recommend this one.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
