The Dynamic Duo!

[Sabrejet]

I suppose it's usual for "new" publications to be reviewed in this particular forum, but I'm going to buck the trend and recommend two titles which were first published around 60 years ago! They are, in order of publication, General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Crusade in Europe" (1948) and General of the Army, Omar N. Bradley's "A Soldier's Story" (1951) Both titles dovetail together beautifully and give an unrivalled account of the prosecution of WW2 in N.Africa and the ETO from an American perspective. They make for a fascinating insight into what actually went on "behind the scenes"...the command decisions and strategic planning which effectively shaped the world we live in today in the free west and beyond. Eisenhower walked a delicate tightrope as Supreme Commander having to be part diplomat, part politician and part tactician, holding together an alliance riven with national agendas and rivalries. Bradley, on the other hand, was essentially a field commander and his frank descriptions of his dealings with the likes of Patton and Monty during the Normandy campaign thru to the advance into Germany are riveting!

 

Both titles are still in print today, but being a purist, I wanted to find original copies. I'm delighted to say that I was successful in this finding Bradley's book in the US and Ike's in the UK. They're minus their dust jackets but are in otherwise great condition. Both ended their distinguished careers with 5 stars...and that's how many stars I'd award each book! (Please see the accompanying photos)

 

 

[Sabrejet]

 

[Jim Baker]

Yes indeed. Great books and I also have first editions on my shelves.