Customer Reviews

Tank Commanders: Knights of the Modern Age

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I was disappointed when I read this book. I thought it would be a collection of stories of individual tank commanders, what they did to make them successful. The book is sold as a revealing work of the human element, but I did not find that. Instead, this is a high level overview of armored warfare since WW1. As such, it is ok.

There are some maps, the B&W photos are clear and help illustrate the development of tank warfare, but there is nothing new or startling in this book. It is a competent review of famous campaigns and names such as Rommel, Guderian, Fuller, Patton and Tal.

Operation Desert Storm was too new to get more than a few paragraphs, but the author is certain that some new field tank commanders will emerge. Indeed. Author George Forty served in the Royal Tanks Corps so he is no stranger to tanking, but he does not add anything new to the historical use of tanks in war.

A good introduction to students of armored war, for those who want more depth, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. This is book ok if getting a used copy or borrow from library rather than paying full price for this book.