Customer Reviews

The Rommel Papers (Da Capo Paperback)

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If you want to read about Nazi's than this is not the book for you, but if you want to read about a true german soldier and honorable man, than I highly recommend this. What an incredible account of war! War without hate, that was the phrase in one of the commentary lines. It's hard to imagine, but Rommel's book shows how it was his job as a soldier. It also gives accounts of how prisoners of war were treated by Rommel and gives you a real sense of the honor of being a soldier no matter which side you were on.

I especially liked the added notes and commentary by Gen. Bayerlein and Rommel's son Manfred. I predict as you read this book you will feel the development of a relationship with Rommel, a friendship and consern for his well being. Feel his heartfelt consern for his troops and desire to save them from destruction. Feel the anger towards the "High Command" as they tell Rommel to fight to the death. It's a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion that closes in the inevitable and tragic end of your new found friend. The book was finished by Manfred Rommel who gave a truly tragic and heart breaking view of the final moments between him and his father.

Even those with little knowledge of the Second World War know the names "Dessert Fox" and Rommel. For those more familiar with WWII history and the great generals, they know a lot of what is general knowledge is hype more than fact. For example, while Field Marshall Erwin Rommel was certainly a brilliant tactician and strategist, he was not - contrary to popular belief - the originator of the Blitz style of armored warfare. Certainly he was one of its most successful practitioners, but not the originator. That credit belongs to English military minds and was put into practice by General Heinz Gurderian (see Panzer Leader by Gurderian). Rommel was a brilliant self-promoter - with humility though. And he was a favored son of Hitler in the beginning, although the "father" forced him to commit suicide in the end. Rommel did have some amazing victories and equally appalling defeats. All are chronicled in this stirring, well-written pseudo-autobiography. The Rommel Papers was written from Rommels own personal diaries made during his numerous campaigns. He was a voracious writer who sat down on a near daily to preserve the events of the day. Thus we are treated to a wonderful story of the Blitz through western Europe in 1939-40, the swift victories in northern Africa and slow arduous defeats that followed, and finally to Rommel's attempts to stem the Allied tide that was threatening to rush the Western shores of France in 1944. This is a fun and insightful read for anyone who wants to see war from the perspective of the German public's most favored Marshall. Certainly worth the time spent reading it! Highly recommended.

This interseting text provides a facinating insight into the mind of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel through out his campaigns in the Second World War. This detaled display of real manuscripts written by the great soldier shows his ambitious, zealous, and sometimes dashing style in which he upset Allied commanders time and time again with minimal forces and limited supplys. For any person who is intrigued by the art of war or has a deep interest in history, this book will captivate until the last page has been turned.

Not at all difficult to read, and even a bit intense during his narrations, this is an in depth look at the brillience of Erwin Rommel. Undoubtably the most perceptive and insightful German commander of the war, Rommel exhibits incredible understranding of troops, commanders, and what is possible and impossible on the battle field. His remarkable ability for retrospect provides engrossing lessons and conclusions of modern mechanzied warfare that any military historian or strategy goo-roo craves. Primarily about the African campaigns, and of the fall of France, Rommel recounts the events of every battle, and then analyzes the outcome, and reasons for that outcome without bias. This book will provide a thorough grounding and clear understanding of mechanized warfare, and a great respect for its greatest engineer.

This book is an excellent account of Rommel, his leadership and his tactics.

Rarely do you get the ability to go into the mind of a commander at war. Usually those writings that come out are clouded by the overall victory or defeat. Rommel's early death prevented that. His notes allow you get into what he was thinking, often on the days of the battles. What impact does the 'fog of war' have on troops and units when the shooting starts? How do you get the enemy to react to you? This book is a treasure indeed.

The lessons he learned apply today as well. I found his reviews of the battles; actually explained much of what occurred in the Persian Gulf War. The Allies may have read this book; I feel the Iraqi's may not have. Those who fight in next war in the desert will face similar constraints.

Students of maneuver warfare, armor officers or anyone who may have to do battle in the desert will get much from this book.

Some books you read and discard. This is a keeper in my library.

Tremendous book. A literary historian meets the best tactical field general of World War 2, and his name is Erwin Rommel. Everything in this book is fascinating - from the tactical battle narrations, to the insiders view of the mind of Adolf Hitler, to the most crystal clear summary of why the Allies won the war. For fans of military or World War 2 books, this is a must.

Not a dry military text, The Rommel Papers reads like a novel. This book puts you right into the drivers seat. An incredible account of this centurys greatest warrior. I dare to say no other could have accomplished what he and his men did under the incredibly unequal conditions. A wonderful tribute to a great patriot and human being.

This book gives a day by day account from the 7th Panzer divisions blitz through France to the oven like atmoshphere of the North African deserts. Giving an insightful view of Rommels thoughts on specific days of battle, with explanations for his actions whether they were correct or catastrophic. Also demonstrates the behind the scene problems a General has to deal with in order to be effective. One of the best books I've ever read written about one of the best military strategist to ever practice the operational art of war.

Legendary Field Marshall Erwin Rommel narrates the war effort from the German point of view. Outnumbered, out gunned, but never out "generaled," Rommel explains both his early successes and ultimate defeat. His work is rightly considered a military classic and also provides a unique insight into the Nazi high command.

Rommel begins by talking about the victory in France. Utilizing superior tactics and equipment the Germans achieved in six weeks what they failed to accomplish in four years in World War I. The lesson is simple: Military planners should always plan for the next war, not the last one.

Then it was off to Africa. Rommel again outclassed his opponents until the material superiority of the U.S. and British destroyed any chance of success. He repeatedly decries his inadequate air support and lack of supplies. Only much later was ULTRA revealed to be the cause of much of his difficulty. (See, The ULTRA Secret, by F.W. Winterbotham, Harper and Row, Publishers, 1974.) Read this section with a map of North Africa in hand!

Last, was his defense of Normandy. Knowing he would have only Goering's promises for air cover, the once foremost exponent of mobile warfare opted to defend at the shoreline in an attempt to force the Allies into a negotiated peace. Alone, with grossly inadequate supplies, and only a short time to prepare he orchestrated a masterful defense which well might have succeeded if Hitler had allowed him to fight his own battle.

Finally, after service in two wars, and fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds, Hitler gave him his "reward." In true Nazi fashion, he was "allowed" to commit suicide to save his family rather than face a Peoples Court.

This work shows how the Nazi high command repeatedly violated the Principles of War of Mass and Unity of Command with disastrous results. Furthermore, it shows how a dynamic leader can accomplish nearly miraculous results even against all odds. The fact he unwittingly served an evil regime in no way diminishes his greatness as a military leader. When the names of the great Generals of history are recited: Lee, Jackson, Forrest, Guderian, and Patton; Rommel's name is sure to be included. A true classic in military literature; 5 stars!!

Harold Y. Grooms

For serious students of history there is nothing better than reading a first person account. In this case, Rommel's papers on WWII provide facinating insight into one of the war's greatest commanders. This is not a book for the casual WWII enthusiast. A good understanding of the relevant theatres, people and timelines of WWII is required. Having said that, I think this is an excellent book. The other must read is Rommel's book 'Attacks!' which provides insight into his experiences and lessons learned from WWI. As an aside, I found Liddell-Hart's commentary to be at times very defensive. While it does help keep the text balanced for historical accuracy, it comes across at times being very knee-jerk defensive, specifically in the North African campaign. Probably his English pride coming through.