Rommel: Desert Fox

"Rommel" by Desmond Young is one of the earliest, and still stands as one of the best-researched, examinations of the immortal Desert Fox. This book is one of the first sources (if not *the* first) that exposed the fact that Rommel was murdered by the Nazis for his part in the plot to overthrow Hitler, and did not in fact die of war wounds as the Nazis told the world. Incidentally, this book is the basis for the outstanding film, "Rommel" which stars the superb James Mason, and which is available on DVD. This book is an exhaustive look at Erwin Rommel from his childhood, through his service in WW1, and above all his role in the Second World War. The author develops a thesis with which not everyone concurs: that Rommel was an ethical and pure soldier, who held strictly to the rules of warfare, and avoided the kind of wrongful acts that characterized the Germans in other theaters of war. Personally I thought that the author made his case. It is hard to argue against the fact that the North Africa campaign, in which Rommel was the Allies' principal adversary, was fought with very strict adherence to the rules of war. In fact generals on both sides were occasionally criticized for being too cordial to captured officers of the other side. Massacres such as occurred against the Americans at the Battle of the Bulge, or the innumerable ones on the Russian Front, were unknown when Rommel was the opponent. The author plainly developed a bit of hero-worship of Rommel, but this is understandable, as Rommel was arguably the best tactical general in the entire Second World War, and an ethical soldier besides. And it is hard not to admire someone who had the guts to conspire to kill Hitler, as Rommel in fact did. Overall, this is one of the definitive works about Erwin Rommel, who is ultimately shown to be a tragic figure: a great general who awakens to the fact that he is fighting for both a wrong and lost cause. Highly recommended.

Young did a commendable job writing his biography of German Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel. He was able to provide an interesting psycho-biographical picture of Rommel the man, which all too often is avoided in other books chronicling the lives of great military commanders. Rather than only concentrate on the battles and strategies of Rommel, Young provided insight into the opinions of the General in regards to Hitler, the Nazi party, and other aspects of WWII. According to Young, Rommel was a private man, devoted to his family and to the German people. His commitment to Germany was shown quite clearly when he encouraged the Fuehrer to seek a peaceful solution to the war in order to save the lives of his soldiers and German citizens. However, his commitments ultimately cost Rommel his life. However, I wish Young would have provided more in-depth information regarding the major battles in which Rommel participated. A slightly deeper analysis of the campaign in Africa would have brought to light Rommel's decision to join in the attempt to remove Hitler from power. Some maps would have also proved helpful for those of us who lack a profound knowledge of North African geography. Still, Young provided an excellent profile of the one of the most famous commanders of WWII, and of all time.

I've always wondered why the war in the desert was necessary. I'm a big WW2 fan, and had not really heard much about Rommel other than that he was a great General, and his work in Africa and the French coast defenses was noted. I didn't realize how much time he spent with Hitler and how he could have had much more influence on the war. Desmond Young goes on sometimes too much about his own side, but of course, if you are a student of War history, you will rather like what he has to say.

Written by a british officer who fought and was captured by Rommel in the deseret. The author goes to all the human limits of reserch to find and interview anyone who ever knew Rommel personaly. He goes to great lengths to tell us the personality of Rommel and his impact on those who surrounded him. A MUST for any WWII historian or buff. If you have never read a book on Rommel before, Start with this one.

Desmond Young, a general in the British army, writes a truly magnificent story of Rommel, his accomplishments, failures - both personal and professional, his emotional journey toward realizing the demon that he was part of, and his tragic end.Young superbly depicts a realistic picture of that era and at times makes the reader feel they are present in the desert watching the game of war.With his command of the English language, his personal experience of WWII, he argues that it is not the German qualities the rest of the world despises, but the frequent abuse of them by their rulers in the past.