Knight's Cross : A Life of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel

If you want to know how Rommel did all he did. This book is the one to read

Fraser puts together a masterpiece on the great German Field Marshal. Not only was he a brilliant leader over the Afrika Corps in the North African Campaign, but he was brilliant in World War I. It is unfortunate that he was on the wrong side of the War. He treated the enemy soilders with respect and never participated in unruly activity toward prisoners. He was a good father, and loving, faithful husband. This book is a great investment on Rommel, one of the greatest minds in warfare during the 20th Century.

I have not read any other bios of Rommel, but I have no doubt that this is probably the best bio of Rommel written. Fraser obviously did a ton of research and the book is great. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Rommel's service in WWI. One can see his command style coming out in his days in WWI. The chapters on France, North Africa, and D-Day are all very interesting as well. Another great chapter is Fraser's look at Rommel's part or non-part in the plot to kill Hitler. I won't give away Fraser's conclusions, but it is the most in-depth description I have ever seen. Overall, this is just a great biography, probably the best written on Rommel. However, Frasers style can be annoying at times and he goes into a ton of depth, which can be a bother to non-avid military history or WWII buffs.

There is not much one can add to the other reviews of this very interesting book. The author, David Fraser, offers the reader a well researched and honest account on the life of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in 562 pages (hardback version). This has been one of the better biographies on Rommel I have read in some time and one of the best military biographies I have read in the last couple of years. I don't think that too many people would not enjoy this account, the author certianly portrays Rommel with his faults as well as his great points and I believe he has tried to present his subject as honestly as possible. A very enjoyable book to read and well researched and presented.

This is the best modern book on Rommel. Fraser lacks the charisma that David Irving brings to the Rommel story, but Fraser does an excellent job of providing details that Irving left out. Combinded, these books provide the most extensive Rommel biography available in print. Fraser also has many wonderful pictures of Rommel during his life