This highly acclaimed history of the British campaign in Africa during World War II draws together every aspect of one of the wars most strategic and dramatic theaters. Fought across three thousand miles of desolate terrain, the Desert War was a land campaign that meant more to the British people than any other between 1939 and 1945. Its climax, the battle of El Alamein marked the turning point in the Allies’ struggle against the Axis. Pitt’s use of recently released material and interviews with Eighth Army and Afrika Korps officers and enlisted men, produces a captivating narrative combining human drama with historical accuracy. By presenting the war from the point of view of the units engaged, yet never losing sight of the whole sweep of action, the ‘Crucible of war’ brings to life this monumental struggle as no other work does. -- From the book jacket.

Reprint. Originally published: London : J. Cape, 1980-1982.

Volume one.Western desert 1941. Prologue: September 12th, 1882 -- The first adversaries -- Skirmish and circumspect advance -- The pace quickens -- The ‘five-day raid’ -- The first battle for Tobruk -- Beda Fomm: The narrow victory -- ‘In all directions…’ -- Enter Rommel -- Battleaxe -- Auchinleck takes command -- Crusader: the clash of armour -- Crusader: the infantry take over -- Light riposte -- Appendices. Forces engaged in Operation Compass -- Forces engaged in Operation Battleaxe -- Forces engaged in Operation Crusader. Volume 2. Year of Alamein 1942. Prologue -- Embattled spring -- No drums, no trumpets -- “A progression of avoidable disasters” -- First Alamein -- Churchill intervenes -- A cool and refreshing breeze -- Daffodil, Hyacinth, Snowdrop, and Tulip -- Prelude to battle -- El Alamein: the onslaught -- Pause for reflection -- The crumbling process -- Brake-out and pursuit -- Appendices. Forces engaged at the battle of Gazala -- Forces engaged at the battle of Alamein.