This is a book about
battle; various aspects of battle, but battle and not larger politics. As such, it is an
interesting study of the elements involved in battle. Logistics, psychology, tactics, strategy and the military politics of
war are all covered in this book. Nothing unusual in that. However, this book is compiled mainly from Rommel’s own diary, letters and notes; all
written by him with a the intention of publication after the war. Moreover, this book is edited by one of the premiere military historians, with extensive notes to explain, dispute and verify Rommel’s point of
view.
Rommel is
best known for his role as commander of Germany’s Afrika Corps during World War II. The largest part of the book deals with that role. The book starts off with the
invasion of France and is divided into five parts; France 1940, The War In Africa - First Year, The War In Africa - Second Year, Italy, and Invasion. Much of the final part of the book is written by Rommel’s Aide-de-camp, General Fritz Bayerlein and Rommel’s son, Manfred. While the entire book is interesting, in some ways the last portion is the most interesting because it was written following the war and gives some insight into Rommel’s view of the coming Cold War (which he was convinced would be a ‘hot’ war). Overall, the book is written with a remarkably objective eye. Despite having a stake in the action, Rommel writes from a fairly impartial point of view, without being dispassionate, about the battles and their impact. He complains of shortages, puzzles over enemy commanders’ decisions and explains his own logic.
Probably never destined to be a best seller, this book is very readable and provides an interesting insight into the mentality of one of the best tactical commanders of World War II. At different levels it teaches lessons on leadership as well as giving a glimpse into a mindset that allowed an intelligent man to follow a deranged leader and continue on under a system that was leading to what he knew to be certain destruction.
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