The Desert Fox, WWII German Field-Marshall Erwin Rommel fought the British forces on the desert sands of North Africa. After a series of spectacular panzer victories, British air and material superiority took its toll and Rommel's forces were defeated. Rommel was not captured. Instead, he was re-assigned to the problem of defending against the impending invasion in France along the so-called Atlantic Wall. While conferring with generals on the European continent, he became aware of the many Nazi atrocities directed toward the Jewish people, the Christian church and the freedoms of private citizens. He became disillusioned with the German high command, saw the futility of continuing the war and tried to do something about it. Rommel was convinced that Hitler should be arrested and he believed that the deposition of the dictator would bring about the end of the Nazi-controlled Third Reich. His involvement in the conspiracy was discovered and led to a most unpleasant ultimatum.This book was written by a British army officer, Desmond Young, who admired Rommel for his courage, quick wit, battlefield savvy, chivalry and fair treatment of enemy prisoners. Told from a British point-of view, this book is a colorful account of one of the most famous generals in the history of modern warfare.
After carrying a paperback of this book around (over about half a dozen moves) for over 20 years, I finally pulled it of a box and read it some months after I had finished Knight's Cross, a much more recent biography of Rommel. I guess I wasn't in a hurry to read this book because I'd seen the excellent movie with James Mason when I was in grade school.This book, written shortly after the war by a British officer, shows not only the awe in which the British held this opposing general, but also their respect for him as a man. It was interesting to read all these years later, after having read Knight's Cross, because we now know that Rommel's successes were achieved over even greater odds. When this book was written and published, we did not know about the Ulta Secret and the intelligence breakthroughs that gave the British and American commanders so much greater an advantage over Rommel than just sheer numbers and vast superiority of materials and supplies.It's a blessing that not all of the German generals were as gifted as Rommel, though most of them were superior. It's a tragedy that so few on either side had his basic decency and sense of honor.
What do You think about Rommel: The Desert Fox (1987)?
When I first read this book I knew little about Rommel. By the time I finished it I admired the man. How can you not? This man plotted to kill Hitler, risking not only his own life in the process (and indeed he was killed for it) but also his own family's. But of course there is so much more about Rommel. He is like a fictional character from a hero movie but real. Thus, the story is fascinating.The biography is very well written. The writer actually fought against Rommel. A fact that only adds a very unique angle/perspective, making the whole narrative even better.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history and World war II.
—Alberto Ambard
This is a well written Rommel biography researched and written by an admirer who fought against him the desert war of World War II.Much of Rommel's official history was badly tainted by Nazi propagandists and Desmond Young got a great deal of the information from personal sources now largely deceased. The author's bias towards General Rommel is obvious but he details the military mistakes and personal foibles of the general as well.The ending includes an Appendix written by Rommel himself on the nature of desert warfare and is a welcome addition.
—Tom
Rummel is quite the guy, integrity that stands out given the events should not be understated.Book was interesting and the author certainly did go to lengths to talk to people and muster up details. Could have used many more pictures, diagrams and maps though as most of the battles and maneuvers had me glazing over slightly given i was not too acquainted with the history and terrain (author assumes a bit here) and whilst it does give you insight as to Rummel ' s knack/intuition it ends up being somewhat flat if you have to try and imagine it all.
—Ryan
