What makes a maverick? Is it simply an unorthodox mind, a dislike of rule and tradition? Or is it more than that, a flagrant disregard for convention? Can there ever be a place for the maverick in a disciplined military hierarchy, and if so, is the military maverick more likely to win, or lose, his battles? In this study of heroes who broke the rules, historian David Rooney shows that often the day is won by sheer determination to succeed, despite the odds, despite the criticism of peers and elders. It is invariably the maverick who turns every challenge into an opportunity, leads from the front, and wins the unwinnable. The contrary chaos of war can be so intimidating to the traditional mind that - perhaps - victory can only belong to the military maverick. Here are the stories of 12 mavericks: Alexander the Great, Shaka Zulu, Stonewall Jackson, Guiseppe Garibaldi, Lawrence of Arabia, Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, Heinz Guderian, George S. Patton, Vinegar Joe Stilwell, Orde Wingate, Otto Skorzeny and Vo Nguyen Giap. Each had flaws that would have brought a lesser man down. Each faced strong opposition from their own side, but they all proved their bravery and leadership in battle.