"Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished."--Dennis Showalter, author of "Patton and Rommel: Men of War"
Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished. "Dennis Showalter, author of Patton and Rommel: Men of War"
"Montgomery" provides a concise, objective assessment of the best known and most controversial British commander of World War II. Trevor Royle sets 'Monty' in context of his origins, career, and contemporaries, contrasting the general's strengths (training and organization) against his faults (stubborness and vanity). The analysis of Montgomery's often troubled relations with his American allies is especially worthwhile. "Barrett Tillman, author of LeMay and Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan"
No top commander of World War II cries out more urgently for a concise but comprehensive and balanced reassessment than Bernard Law Montgomery. Trevor Royle's compact biography provides precisely this--and does so with great intelligence, understanding, and elegance. Not a flaw or failing is winked at, but, in the end, we come to appreciate the justice of Churchill's postwar challenge to Monty's critical colleagues: 'I know why you all hate him. You are jealous: he is better than you are.' "Alan Axelrod, author of Patton and Bradley"
In his illuminating biography, Trevor Royle casts British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery as the multi-faceted commander that he was--a skillful strategist and capable leader while being at times stubbornly nationalistic in coalition warfare. Royle reminds us that Montgomery's strengths in leadership often offset his weaknesses and that he deserves a lofty spot among World War II commanders. "John Wukovits, author of Eisenhower"
Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished. "Dennis Showalter, author of Patton and Rommel: Men of War""