Two men came to personify British and German generalship in the Second World War: Bernard Montgomery and Erwin Rommel. They fought a series of extraordinary duels across several theatres of war which established them as two of the greatest captains of their age. Our understanding of leadership in battle was altered for ever by their electrifying personal qualities. Ever since, historians have assessed their outstanding leadership, personalities and skill.

The careers of both began on the periphery of the military establishment and represent the first time military commanders proactively and systematically used (and were used by) the media as they came to prominence, first in North Africa, then in Normandy. Dynamic and forward-thinking, their lives also represent a study of pride, propaganda and nostalgia. Caddick-Adams tracks and compares their military talents and personalities in battle. Each brought something special to their commands. Rommel's breathtaking advance in May-June 1940 was nothing less than inspired. Montgomery is a gift for leadership gurus in the way he took over a demoralised Eighth Army in August 1942 and led it to victory just two months later.

This compelling work is both scholarly and entertaining and marks the debut of a major new talent in historical biography.

A stunning debut by a major new historian. Described by BBC History Magazine as 'A quite brilliant piece of writing ... a brilliant book written with passion and verve ...' The first comparative biography of two of the most charismatic, and strategically important, military leaders of the Second World War.

About the Author
Peter Caddick-Adams is a Lecturer at the UK Defence Academy specialising in military history and media operations working alongside the late Richard Holmes. His special areas of interest are battlefield history and he researches in Military Doctrine and Leadership. He has led over 200 visits to more than 50 battlefields around the world. He joined the Territorial Army in 1985 and serves as a military media advisor in the rank of major.

Reviews
A quite brilliant piece of writing. Here in a single volume we have a first-rate expose of two of the war's best known commanders... if Caddick-Adams were a landscape painter his book would be the equivalent of Monet, full of rich intriguing colours and patterns. The resultant effect is spectacular, and Caddick-Adams is to be congratulated on his achievement ... a brilliant book written with passion and verve. * Robert Lyman for BBC History Magazine Book of the Month *
A compelling study of two of the Second World War's best known commanders. Peter Caddick-Adams writes with authority and a deep knowledge of both his subjects and the two world wars in which they fought. He has produced an utterly absorbing and hugely entertaining book that will provide a new benchmark on how we view these two divisive generals. * James Holland *
Peter Caddick-Adam's comparison of two entwined careers is full of penetrating new insights, illuminated by a clear understanding of the world wars. This impressive book will undoubtedly prove one of the best military histories of the year * Richard Holmes *
Intriguing study of General Bernard Montgomery and Erwin Rommel ... discursive ... highly rewarding book. * Spectator *
Distinguished military historian Caddick-Adams has achieved a first by entwining biographies of two WW2 adversaries, field marshals Montgomery and Rommel ... Caddick-Adams makes good use of personal memoirs to make his book an exciting character-driven read and it an excellent example of how the personal experience of war can create great and yet humane generals. First class history * Military Illustrated *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848091542
Author Prof. Peter Caddick-Adams, TD, VR, BA (Hons), PhD, FRHistS, FRGS, KJ
Format Paperback
Page Count 656
Imprint Arrow Books Ltd
Publisher Cornerstone
Weight(grams) 496g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 37mm