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Rating: 
Summary: mere propaganda-not history
Review: I possess a copy of this book,which I do not deem as being the work of a serious historian.Rather,it is simply a dated and stale product of WWII British propaganda,and certainly better works have been written on the same subject.
See for example the book by David Fraser.
The role of the Italians -who made up the great majority of Rommel's soldiers in the African theater- is grossly underestimated,and ripe with negative clichès on their fighting capabilities,while at the same time skillfully avoiding to give any credit to their most valuable units,such as Ariete,Folgore or Giovani Fascisti.
Not the work of an historian.
A waste of time.
Rating: 
Summary: Good read but not too accurate
Review: I've always wondered why the war in the desert was necessary. I'm a big WW2 fan, and had not really heard much about Rommel other than that he was a great General, and his work in Africa and the French coast defenses was noted. I didn't realize how much time he spent with Hitler and how he could have had much more influence on the war. Desmond Young goes on sometimes too much about his own side, but of course, if you are a student of War history, you will rather like what he has to say.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Biography Of Famed General of the Famed Afrika Corp
Review: This is a good biography of the general of the Afrika Corp for a number of reasons.One, the book's protagonist is incredibly interesting, and in reading of his life one not only gets insight into this famous general, but insight into other German personalities and internal politics of the German high command. Two, the book discusses the African campaign, it's importance, and the strategy and tactics that made this theatre of operations unique. For example, Rommel viewed the desert war as almost a naval battle -- where mobility rules and owning territory meant nothing. The see-saw battles, why they were won, and why they were lost are also described. Three, the author Desmond Young has an engaging writing style. No simple expository, Desmond writes from a British perspective, but gives credit where credit is due, and criticism where criticism is due without regard to nationality. Four, a complete suprise and absolute bonus is the Appendix where Rommel's own papers, written in his own hand, on topics such as desert tank warfare strategy, allied air power, insight into the battles won and lost give the book a most enjoyable and satisfying ending. At the end of the book, you will respect and admire Rommel the man, the difficult circumstances of desert warfare which he rose above, and the difficult circumstances in German command, which led to his demise. A good read -- recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Has its merits
Review: Written shortly after the war, Rommel is a fairly sympathetic biography of the famed "Desert Fox". Most interesting was the story of his pre-war military service, in particular his service during the First World War. Previously not familiar with this, I found it interesting how it was tactics learned while serving with a special Wuerttemburg army unit that influenced his thinking during the North Africe campaign. Certainly worth reading for all those interested in the war, but there are no doubt better, more thorough studies of Rommel available.
Rating:
Summary: Has its merits
Review: Written shortly after the war, Rommel is a fairly sympathetic biography of the famed "Desert Fox". Most interesting was the story of his pre-war military service, in particular his service during the First World War. Previously not familiar with this, I found it interesting how it was tactics learned while serving with a special Wuerttemburg army unit that influenced his thinking during the North Africe campaign. Certainly worth reading for all those interested in the war, but there are no doubt better, more thorough studies of Rommel available.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Interesting Psycho-Bio of the Desert Fox
Review: Young did a commendable job writing his biography of German Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel. He was able to provide an interesting psycho-biographical picture of Rommel the man, which all too often is avoided in other books chronicling the lives of great military commanders. Rather than only concentrate on the battles and strategies of Rommel, Young provided insight into the opinions of the General in regards to Hitler, the Nazi party, and other aspects of WWII.
According to Young, Rommel was a private man, devoted to his family and to the German people. His commitment to Germany was shown quite clearly when he encouraged the Fuehrer to seek a peaceful solution to the war in order to save the lives of his soldiers and German citizens. However, his commitments ultimately cost Rommel his life.
However, I wish Young would have provided more in-depth information regarding the major battles in which Rommel participated. A slightly deeper analysis of the campaign in Africa would have brought to light Rommel's decision to join in the attempt to remove Hitler from power. Some maps would have also proved helpful for those of us who lack a profound knowledge of North African geography.
Still, Young provided an excellent profile of the one of the most famous commanders of WWII, and of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting Psycho-Bio of the Desert Fox
Review: Young did a commendable job writing his biography of German Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel. He was able to provide an interesting psycho-biographical picture of Rommel the man, which all too often is avoided in other books chronicling the lives of great military commanders. Rather than only concentrate on the battles and strategies of Rommel, Young provided insight into the opinions of the General in regards to Hitler, the Nazi party, and other aspects of WWII.
According to Young, Rommel was a private man, devoted to his family and to the German people. His commitment to Germany was shown quite clearly when he encouraged the Fuehrer to seek a peaceful solution to the war in order to save the lives of his soldiers and German citizens. However, his commitments ultimately cost Rommel his life.
However, I wish Young would have provided more in-depth information regarding the major battles in which Rommel participated. A slightly deeper analysis of the campaign in Africa would have brought to light Rommel's decision to join in the attempt to remove Hitler from power. Some maps would have also proved helpful for those of us who lack a profound knowledge of North African geography.
Still, Young provided an excellent profile of the one of the most famous commanders of WWII, and of all time.
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