"In anticipation of the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day comes this fresh perspective on the Normany invasion- the beginning of the end of World War II. The book highlights the conflicting egos, national rivalries, and professional abilities of the principal D-Day commanders who planned and executed the OVERLORD operation and its aftermath. Two historians, one American and one British, show how bad decisions and lack of cooperation lengthened the war, increased casualties, and allowed the later Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. ... Among the questions addressed: What caused the two-month delay for the Allied breakout from the Normandy beachhead? Why did the bulk of the German army escape from the Falaise Pocket? Who stopped Patton's August 1944 advance intyo Germany? Why did it take so long to open the Port of Antwerp, needed for securing the required supplies for the Allied advance into Germany? The evidence presented ... makes it clear that the problems raised by these questions and many other difficulties could have been avoided if the Allied commanders had been less contentious."--Jacket.

Setting the stage -- First shots -- Who will command OVERLORD? -- The OVERLORD gamble -- Cracks in Fortress Europe -- The 'longest day' comes up short -- Who is in control? -- Breakout blues -- Patton unleashed -- Falaise follies -- The lost victory -- Allied fumbles -- Crisis in command.