Blumenson blames jealousy and discord among the Allied commanders, as well as an overconcern with geographical rather than military objectives, for the Allies failure to encircle the Germans in the Falaise Pocket.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-278) and index. Copy in Special Collections is signed by author.

Part I. The Setting -- The Problem -- The Allied Commanders --The Coalition --The Struggle for Dominance -- The Invasion Plan -- Part II. The Precepting Action --The Germans -- The Crisis in Command -- The July Difficulties -- Part III. Cobra -- Bombing -- Breakthrough -- Breakout -- Part IV. The Encirclement --The Mortain Counterattack -- The Canadian Attack --The Short Hook -- The Stop Order -- The Second Stop Order -- Closing the Pocket -- Part V. The Aftermath -- The Seine River Crossings – Reflections.