The Rommel Papers

AWESOME book! The German General (known as the Desert Fox) kept diaries and this book contains those diaries along with letters Rommel wrote to his wife from the front. These entries provide a live, in the moment insight into battles. They place the reader in the midst of a tank army moving through campaigns. Unlike memoirs which are written after time and reflection, the diary format is raw and unfiltered. The reader sees and feels the heat of battle up close as Rommel details the campaign against France during the Blitzkrieg early phase of World War II, then on to Africa as Rommel details desert warfare and the siege of Tobruk, the drive to El Alamein and the subsequent loss to the British forces and retreat from El Alamein. The description of the battle of El Alamein is intense as Rommel details the vastly oversupplied British force pounding the Germans from the air and on the ground. The description is so live and intense that the reader can almost hear and feel the aerial carpet bombing of the RAF and pounding of the artillery and tank fire.There is also some description of the preparation and parts of the German defense after the Allied landing in Normandy and again, some of the descriptions of the now vastly oversupplied Allied force pounding the German troops is very raw. The book ends with Rommel's son describing Rommel's participation in the plot to kill Hitler and the day the Nazi security services paid a visit to Rommel's house and gave him 15 minutes to decide if he will commit suicide and be buried with honor and have his family left in peace or if he wants to go to a Nazi trial. Rommel chose suicide.The book has some interesting detail on Rommel's views of and discussions with Hitler and Mussolini. It seems he held both in lower regard as the war went on. He also describes a German High command which was detached from reality on the ground, once quoting Goering as saying "...the Americans only know how to build razor blades" as Rommel was describing the impact of increasing American supplies to the Allies.There are also some amusing descriptions of the Italian troops under Rommel's command in Africa and some interesting insights on Rommel's leadership philosophy. One quote I found especially useful was: "There is one cardinal principle which must always be remembered: One must never make a show of false emotions to one's men. The ordinary soldier has a surprisingly good nose for what is true and what false"Well put...

Excellent book Arrived in perfect condition

Rommel died before publication, so the thing that distinguishes this work from the works of most WWII flag officers is that Rommel did not write for posterity or a broad audience. The papers were written contemporaneously with the events they describe. It's very tactical -- not a criticism -- and honest. I found myself repeatedly struck by the accuracy of his assessments of both German and Allied forces. Must reading for those interested in the German perspective of WWII in North Africa.

This is a good read but one must exercise caution with it in my opinion. I have read a large number of other books covering this period and there is enough difference that one must be circumspect.My impression is that aside from the source material, there are times when Liddle Hart strays into claiming that Rommel credited Liddle Hart for inspiring him. Examination of other sources provides credible evidence that this wasn't the case and unfortunately Rommel himself wasn't around to provide balance.I do regard the book as a useful resource, but not something I can rely on without cross checking with other sources. If you want to read it 'lightly', rather than 'academically', then I expect you'll find it interesting and a good read.

I received the product well within the projecte delivery date. It was in great condition! am 100% satisfied!

When I first got the book I was quite frankly shocked by how much detail were put into it. Those are documents that included telegraphs that went to Rommel and sent from Rommel and personal notes. One thing to bear in mind is that the words were incredibly small and if you have problems reading small words then you might want a magnifier with you. Those documents come with editorial notes to help understanding, maps, and more. This gives spectacular insight of Rommel's operations in N. Africa, France, Invasion defensive businesses, and the final days of his life. If you are not too familiar with Rommel's campaign before reading this book like me, I'd suggest that you have a computer with you to search up some Battles and locations, so that you have a better understanding. However if you are already familiar with him, go on and start reading. You will have a blast.All in all, this book is just spectacular. Basically made out of Primary documents, Rommel sounded vivid as he was talking to me as I read his telegraphs and writings. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this great Field Marshall.

great read

These writings are from a collection of Rommel’s stuff he wrote like a diary, supplemented by short explanations written by his son. He includes little details that caught his attention and add color and flavor to his story. It’s great!!

A lire pour une meilleure compréhension de certains événements durant la WWII

Me pareció un libro brillante con un punto de vista diferente pero que al mismo tiempo nos recuerda los horrores de la segunda guerra mundial, el final es estrujante porque nos relata el fin de un hombre que creyó en un líder y modelo equivocado pero esto no quita su brillantez y astucia.

très bon livre en anglais of course. intérêt : les lettres ä LU ( Lucia Maria). last but not least - LIDDELL-HART B.H. of course

on time.. good packing.... wonderful book... inspiring...

I was seeking an authentic, detailed commantary on Rommel,not based on the appalling film which reflected cupidity rather than accuracy.Bookstores revealed nothing so, as before I consulted Amazon and found a good and r4espected military historian ie.Liddel, Hart containing original documents,suberbly collected and annotated. The book arrived promptly and in mint condition and proved as ever from your sourced exactly what was wanted.