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Overview
A unique collection of essays by eminent historians—and edited by one of the world’s most acclaimed military writers: John Keegan. Churchill’s reputation as Prime Minister during World War II fluctuated according to the successes and failures of his generals. Most were household names—even heroes. Yet all were prey to the intolerance, interference, irascibility, and inspiration of Britain’s leader, who wanted to be both the general in the field and the presiding strategic genius. Yet, despite sacking his warlords ruthlessly, in the end Churchill was served by perhaps the greatest generals England has ever produced. The chapters cover such outstanding military men as Wavell, Ironside, Ritchie, Auchinleck, Montgomery, Alexander, Percival, Wingate, and Carton de Wiart.Synopsis
A unique collection of essays by eminent historians—and edited by one of the world’s most acclaimed military writers: John Keegan. Churchill’s reputation as Prime Minister during World War II fluctuated according to the successes and failures of his generals. Most were household names—even heroes. Yet all were prey to the intolerance, interference, irascibility, and inspiration of Britain’s leader, who wanted to be both the general in the field and the presiding strategic genius. Yet, despite sacking his warlords ruthlessly, in the end Churchill was served by perhaps the greatest generals England has ever produced. The chapters cover such outstanding military men as Wavell, Ironside, Ritchie, Auchinleck, Montgomery, Alexander, Percival, Wingate, and Carton de Wiart.
Library Journal
This book is a series of biographical sketches of the most noted British generals of World War II. The common theme is a brief description of each of their relationships with Churchill, the battles they fought, and how they fared in their campaigns, whether political or military. Each sketch ends with a brief bibliography and a career chronology. The work will introduce the general reader to some relatively unknown figures from the war and provide discussions of issues that caused dissension among the allies. However, students of World War II will be disappointed because the sketches are broad in content and tone and Churchill remains a shadowy figure in the background. As it will fill a gap in World War II collections, the book is recommended for college and university libraries.-- Charles Abshire, Mt. Hood Community Coll. Lib., Gresham, Ore.