Rommel has always been regarded as one of the greatest generals of the Second World War - but was he? He lost the two major campaigns in which he was involved, failing to secure North Africa for the Nazis; as well as D-Day. In fact, he wasn't even around when the Allies invaded in 1944; having been convinced that they would not invade. Instead he went away for a few days!
Does he really deserve legendary status? Can his exploits as a soldier be separated from the aggressive aims of Hitler and the Nazi Party? Beckett and his colleagues have set out to explore these questions and carry out a complete reappraisal of his life and role within the war. It makes engrossing reading, challenging previously held views and ideas. An interesting concept which takes full advantage of being able to look back many years later and re-interpret events and actions. Millitary historians will be intrigued and challenged by this book, which offers new insights and ideas. Well done. 4 stars

Angela Youngman - monstersandcritics.com

Excellent.

Dover Express

Ian Beckett, who edited this excellent book, follows Rommel's highly successful panzer battles leading to the fall of France in 1940... I found most interesting the opinion of Beckett, a professor of military history at the University of Kent, regarding the part played by Rommel in the July 1944 conspiracy to kill Hitler. Beckett suggests Rommel probably had some idea about the assassination plot but was on the outer margins, that he sympathised with the basic goals of the anti-Hitler Resistance but that he showed no disposition towards the illegal murder of Hitler.

Folkestone Herald