Knight's Cross - by David Fraser (Paperback)

About the Book

An in-depth biography of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, written with the cooperation of Rommel's son, by a renowned military analyst and historian. Fraser examines Rommel's military career in both WWI and WWII, and explores Rommel's possible involvement in the plot against Hitler that lead to Rommel's forced suicide. 16-page photo insert; 10 maps.

Book Synopsis

"A vivid, balanced and frequently enthralling biography of Rommel, the general and the man. It is must reading for every aficionado of modern military history." -San Francisco Chronicle

Erwin Rommel's instinct for battle and leadership places him among the great commanders of history. In this definitive biography, David Fraser, an acclaimed biographer and distinguished soldier, looks at Rommel's career and shows how wild and superficially undisciplined Rommel's bold style of leadership could be, and how it inspired the men under his command to attack with ferocity and pursue with tenacity--qualities that served him well in his great battles in the North African desert and throughout his entire military career. Fraser also thoroughly explores the question of Rommel's possible involvement in the plot against Hitler and the reason for his forced suicide, even though there was no criminal evidence against him.

Revealing his failings as well as his genius, Knight's Cross is a fascinating biography of a soldier whose distinguished career has become a part of history.

From the Back Cover

An in-depth biography of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel written with the cooperation of Rommel's son, by a renowned military analyst and historian who is himself a general.

Review Quotes

"An outstanding biography, the best yet on Rommel." -- Washington Post Book World

"Scrupulously researched and told even-handedly, featuring one of the most intriguing figures in military history. . . . General Fraser has brought Rommel to life, depicting him as a master of maneuver on the battlefield and a leader of rare charisma." -- Washington Times

"General Fraser makes no bones about his admiration of Rommel, both as a man and as a soldier, yet he clearly sees his flaws. . .thoughtful and most readable." -- New York Times Book Review

"A vivid, balanced and frequently enthralling biography of Rommel, the general and the man. It is must reading for every aficionado of modern military history." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"A judicious appraisal of Germany's best-known WWII soldier. . . .A tellingly detailed account that manages to put Rommel into a human context." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Fraser's superb biography reveals Rommel not only as a warrior who ranks with Napoleon and Lee, but also as an unpretentious man who found much contentment in the company of his wife and son." -- Publishers Weekly