Crucible of War, The - Western Desert 1941

This highly acclaimed history of the British campaign in Africa during World War II draws together every aspect of one of the war's most strategic and dramatic theaters. Fought across three thousands miles of desolate terrain, the Desert War was a land campaign that meant more to the British people than any other between 1939 and 1945. Its climax, the Battle of El Alamein, marked the turning point in the Allies' struggle against the Axis.

This first volume of The Crucible of War sets the stage for this pivotal battle, providing new revelations and key viewpoints all but neglected by other accounts focusing exclusively on Alamein. Western Desert 1941 covers General Wavell's and General Auchinleck's commands, a period that began triumphantly with the rout of the Italian Army in Egypt and Tripolitania and ended in disaster with the devastating entry of Rommel's Afrika Korps into the fray.

Pitt's use of recently released material and interviews with Eighth Army and Afrika Korps officers and enlisted men, produces a captivating narrative combining human drama with historical accuracy. He has a remarkably clear grasp of the strategy of the men who planned the battles from the majors and generals to Prime Minister Churchill himself, as well as the tactics of those who fought them. And by presenting the war from the point of view of the units engaged, yet never losing sight of the whole sweep of action, The Crucible of War brings to life this monumental struggle as no other work does. It is an authoritative narrative of passion, humor, and, above all, excitement