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Possibly the best book ever written on Rommel.

Erwin Rommel was the outstanding Axis field commander of the Second World War, respected, even admired, by his opponents. Here it seemed to the Allies, was a supremely professional soldier: chivalrous, decent, largely untainted by the crimes of the Nazi regime, carrying out his duty with often dazzling success. David Fraser’s definitive study brings to Rommel’s career not only the insights of an acclaimed biographer, but also those of a distinguished soldier. He shows how inspiringly spontaneous and superficially haphazard Rommel’s style of leadership could be; how his hallmarks of boldness of manoeuvre, ferocity in attack and tenacity in pursuit, which characterised his great campaign in North Africa, were evident from his earliest battles in the First World War. Knight’s Cross is first and foremost the biography of a soldier, but Rommel reached a position in which he almost inevitably became embroiled in politics, including his alleged involvement in the plot to kill Hitler, which condemned him in the eyes of the Fuhrer he had served so loyally. Rommel is not, to David Fraser, a flawless hero: his failing as well as his genius are recorded here. But he had that instinct for battle and leadership which set him apart from contemporaries, and places him among the truly great commanders of history.

Reviews:

‘Many books have been written about Rommel. None has been more thoroughly researched or examines his personality and character in more detail than this one… Fraser gets under the skin of this man as well as any biographer ever can.’ The Economist

Even Churchill praised Rommel; enough said? And, Ian Fleming’s Bond admires him; do you need any more evidence. Rommel fought a decent fight and observed the more decent laws of war. But, many of us know that. This book is very thorough and makes Rommel walk, talk and breathe. It’s real strength though is in analysing his contradictory relationship with Hitler. A soldier’s loyalty to his commander was unquestioned – until very late – by Rommel, the Desert Fox simply not believing what Hitler could do. For this, and many other reasons, this is a superb work. It is worth also looking at ‘The Desert Fox’ starring James Mason as Rommel. Made in the 50s (alarmingly close to the war), it reflects the spirit of the book.