Book Review Advice needed: reading recommendations

Lads, as the next step in my reading tour of WW2 and points beyond, I am about to undergo the Gazala Gallop, and accordingly, I would like to ask you lot for advice about what to read next, in order to give the best possible coverage to the Battle for Egypt.

These are the books I have available:

The Day Rommel was Stopped, by Major F.R. Jephson MC, TD
Crucible of War III - Montgomery & Alamein, by Barrie Pitt
Dance of War - The Story of the Battle of Egypt, by Peter Bates
El Alamein, by Bryn Hammond
Pendulum of War - The Three Battles of El Alamein, by Niall Barr

Thank you in advance!

 

Hmm... I haven't read all of them but I've read a few. I guess there is a certain question about reading for knowledge or enjoyment...

Between Crucible and Pendulum: these are the two main volumes in your list that I have read. Pendulum is the better, more analytical work. Would you possibly enjoy reading Crucible more if you read it before Pendulum, though?

The third book in your list I have read is The Day Rommel Was Stopped. I was disappointed by this but my main recollection is that it was focused a lot on one unit and everywhere it went up until that point and I don't remember or think that it will give you the big picture so I would read something else first.

 

I too would advise against the Jephson book.

I found these books useful and both located in local libraries:

Corelli Barnett’s The Desert War (‘The Desert Generals’) – some advise treat with a lot of caution! (editions 1960, 1985 & 1999).
Michael Carver ‘Out of Step’ (He was a 8th Army staff officer and the book covers his longer career)

There are good online official history volumes from New Zealand, e.g.
http://www.22battalion.org.nz/publications/histories/egypt.pdf

 

Thirded.

I have pulled useful information from it, but it's a wretched read.

 

OK, lads, let me tell you that I usually read for knowledge, and that is why I ask for help, for which, BTW, I am very grateful. I try to face the task in a manner as thorough and orderly as possible.

Then, I have a question, as my usual operational procedure is to have some baseline general reading - 1 or 2 books - and then try to go deeper into the subject with something more specific: Does an arrangement Dance of War - Pendulum - Jephson (in the role of something specific about Ruweisat Ridge), sound reasonable?

BTW, about Kiwi Official History, "From Bardia to Enfidaville" will be one of my baseline works for the last stage of the Benghazi Handicap, all the way to Mareth and beyond!

 

Sorry mate, did not see your post until after I posted myself. Any suggestions about something more battle (as opposed to campaign) focused, to replace Jephson's?

 

To replace Jephson? The accounts of 'Outpost Snipe' which was first spotted via an image. See: Rommel’s Failed Gamble: The "Six Days' Race" Which is IMHO quite a good explanation of the period.

'Outpost Snipe' involved:

There is one main thread (includes a YouTube documentary): Outpost Snipe

For a short explanation of the Germans on the defensive try locating more on:

Behind a pay wall now for me: STEEL AND SAND

Both are defensive actions involving successful defence against armoured attacks.

I am a relative newcomer to the North Africa campaign.

 

About Snipe, you mean this one?

 

I've read the Hammond and Barr books you list: both decent in my view.

I tend, however, to approach campaigns via the personalities, so the lion's share of my knowledge has come via numerous biographies of Wavell, Auchinleck and Monty, plus the official histories from New Zealand and the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions.

I can certainly suggest some of those, but I don't think they're what you're looking for.

 

I would not bother to read Jephson.

It sounds like Hammond has quite a few first person sections so it would add something you wouldn't get from the other books.

 

Lads, is Alamein, by Jon Latimer, any good?

 

Have not read, but I liked this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-re...e=all_reviews&pageNumber=1#reviews-filter-bar

If you've read his extremely good book on the Battle of Britain, you'll recognise the approach (he's also a management expert), but this does not attempt such a far-reaching analysis.

 

I think I can get Bungay's too, and the reviews of both do sound good. Do you dare to recommend one over the other? Could any of them complement Barr's, with this last one as baseline reading?

 

I don't recall Latimer's well enough, I'm afraid, but I've sent a suggestion by private message.

 

Already answered you, mate. Seems that I am finally on my way to making up my mind, thanks to the help of you lot.

 

OK, lads, so this will be the final setup; I ask for any last-moment comments.

Pendulum of War - Dance of War - El Alamein (Latimer) - Account about Snipe from Perrett's Last Stand! Famous Battles Against the Odds.

Idea is to go from general (baseline reading) to particular / especific.

BTW, The Day Rommel was Stopped is also in the mix, mainly out of curiosity and if time allows, as my reading queue is behind schedule for around a year and a half!

 

I strongly recommend Peter Stanley's "Alamein, the Australian Story."

 

Very good reviews for this one, mate, but a tad expensive for me current "secret expenses" fund

Will see if I can get a copy in time to fit the reading schedule