The Bottom Line
John Bierman and Colin Smith have undertaken considerable research and tracked down many of the remaining Desert War veterans to create this compelling account of the North and East African campaigns of World War II. If you want to own only one book on the topic this should be the one, and if you are intrigued by tales of heroism and Boys' Own daring-do then this is the perfect introduction to the Desert War.
Pros
- Well written, engaging and comprehensive
- Covers the North and East African campaigns of World War II
- Replete with primary source anecdotes
Cons
- You'll end up with a long list of other books from the bibliography you'll want to read
Description
- Paperback: 478 pages
- Publisher: Penguin, © 2002
- ISBN: 0-141-00467-3
- John Bierman is an ex-BBC television correspondent and documentary film-maker
- Colin Smith worked as the Observer newspaper's Defence and Middle East correspondent
- Bierman and Smith previously collaborated on a biography of Orde Wingate (who fought in Ethiopia)
- 13 excellent maps illustrate the significant battles and operations
- 52 black and white photographs give a feeling for the men, machines and battlefields
- The war was described by Rommel as 'war without hate' - mostly fought well away from civilian areas
Guide Review - Alamein -- War Without Hate by John Bierman and Colin Smith
This is undoubtedly the best history of the North and East Africa campaigns of World War II I have read. The book is written by two award-winning journalists: the standard of writing and research is extremely high and the resultant narrative is very readable. The book is possibly the last that will benefit from the recollections of 8th Army and Afrika Korps veterans, since so few are still alive today. Their stories add a personal dimension to the history presented. The authors have spared no one's reputation as they analyze and compare the strategy and expertise of commanders on both sides of the conflict, and describe the successes and failures of various military operations.
Unlike so many recent books which glorify narrow aspects or specific groups of individuals involved in World War II, this book is grounded in the reality of military conflict. It takes you into the thick of the fighting and the endless struggle against the harsh geography of the desert. As a broad account of the desert war (underpinned by genuine, academic quality research) there is no better book on the market, and you will be enthralled by the tails of heroism, betrayal, and downright stubbornness.
