The campaign in Ethiopia, described by Wavell as “an improvisation after the British fashion in war,” was the first Allied victory of the Second World War and one of the most remarkable. It was in every way an extraordinary campaign, and one which has received less than its due share of attention in the ensuing years. But it must be remembered that it was fought in remote and inaccessible country where transport and supply presented problems which even today the famine-relief organizations find well-nigh inseparable. Michael Glover combines the critical eye of the strategist with the panoptic vision of the historian in this highly readable appraisal of one of the Second World wars least remembered but most unusual campaigns.

Theatre of war -- Summer of discontent -- Interregnum -- Limited offensive -- The gate -- The backdoors -- Decision -- Pursuit -- Strongholds -- Mopping up.