ALAMEIN

An exhaustively researched and comprehensive academic book, Latimer's excellent account may be too finely focused for nonspecialists, yet the inclusion of veterans' recollections and memoirs will grab the interest of generalists looking for something more than simple war stories. Latimer's critical but balanced view of Rommel, British general Montgomery and others is welcome; the inclusion of their opinions of, and dealings with, each other are in keeping with the best professional military history. A former officer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Latimer (Deception in War) examines the tactics used by both sides in detail, something that will appeal greatly to military historians. All aspects of the battle are covered: the effect of Operation Ultra (Allied intercepts of encrypted Axis signals) and other intelligence on Allied strategy and the conduct of the battle; operations designed to deceive the Axis about details of the coming attack; accounts of small unit actions within the battle—all well presented in a carefully crafted and exciting style. Also included are 16 halftones, 14 maps and a 20-page order of battle for the forces engaged on both sides. Painstaking yet gripping, this should be the definitive account of the battle itself for years to come. (Nov.)