In 1942, following a decisive British victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein, the sands of fortune were shifting against German forces in the Sahara. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s inexorable advance toward Cairo was thwarted. Church bells pealed in embattled England for the first time since the start of World War II as Winston Churchill hailed the “end of the beginning.” But the elusive Desert Fox was a master of mobility. Even as the sun set on his desert glory, he was far from finished.

British Gen. Bernard Montgomery, victor of El Alamein, was at then the highest point of his career. He had overcome many adversities to meet his moment of military destiny, galvanized a flagging army and smashed the proud German troops with a blow he would be proud of for the rest of his life. But Monty found his own fortunes changing as he pursued the Desert Fox. Hamstrung by a distended supply line, Monty was now vulnerable to attack by the vengeful Rommel. The British troops, flush with victory, grew fearful as they approached an eerie dune wasteland in Libya known as El Agheila. One setback would be enough to cast their laurels into the dust and shatter their faith in their rising commander.

Both generals faced each other with uncertainty as another fight loomed on the horizon. One false move could have far-reaching political consequences. The outcome of the battle would answer a critical question: who would hold the gateway to Egypt?

This compelling book tells the story of Monty and Rommel battling in North Africa as never before, describing them as two very different commanders and shedding light on the dissimilar characteristics that made them formidable fighters. It argues that Monty was more aggressive than many historians give him credit for and that Rommel had more of a conscience than is often attributed to him, examining the origins of his disloyalty to Hitler. This riveting read draws attention to a little-known battle with great implications on the course of World War II history, also describing the powerful external forces of politics, media coverage and the desert itself that swirled around two famous generals forced to duel on uneven footing.