The Rommel Papers

by Erwin Rommel

Book Overview

An essential collection of the wartime writings and diary of World War II German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, edited with commentary by one of the great military theorists of our time

When Erwin Rommel died-by forced suicide at Hitler's command-he left behind in various ingenious hiding places the papers that recorded the story of his dramatic career and the exact details of his masterly campaigns. It was his custom to dictate each evening...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306801574
• ISBN13: 9780306801570
• Release Date: March 1982
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Rommel as person

This book shows the personal side of a great general.

Fantastik!

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.

Rewarding Book, A Must Read for Students of Warfare

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.

The Rommel Papers kept me up late night after night!

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.

Rommel is Armored Warfare's Greatest Engineer

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.