From 1940 to 1942, some of World War II 's greatest legends were born, as Erwin Rommel the desert fox led his Africa core against the desert rats of Bernard Montgomery 's 8th army. The open expanses of the northern African desert made possible a dramatic confrontation, not only of operational doctrine, but of national character. Despite its undying fame, previous treatments of the devil war have left many unanswered questions. What effect did these campaigns in Libya and Egypt, which spilled over into Syria and Iraq, have on the subsequent history of the Middle East? Why do so many commentators dismiss the units of Romeo 's Italian allies, the ancestors of the Bersaglieri Light Infantry and San Marco Marines so valued at NATO strategists to day. The for many, of course, the North African campaign will always be Rommel's dedicated tankers and Panzer grenadiers and there unpredictable Italian allies versus Montgomery and his army of dower Scotts, cocky Australians, and exotic Indians with their deadly close- quarters weapons. -- From the book jacket.

List of maps: The North African shore ; The delta and western desert of Egypt ; Typical Tobruk perimeter Fort ; Capuzzo-Halfaya-Sollum ; The Middle East ; The fall of Mechili 1941 ; Totensonntag destruction of the 5th South African Brigade ; Robles dash to the wire ; Axis withdrawal after Rommel 's advance ; Axis front fortifications ; Opening round of Gazala ; June 5, 1942 ; The conquest of Tobruk ; 15th of June, 1942 ; Rommel’s proposed advance ; Rommel at the battle of Alam El Halfa ; October 23-November 1, 1942 ; November 1- 4, 1942.

Italy’s parallel war -- Rommel & the German Army arrive -- The approach of Crusader -- The stand at Mersa El Brega and advance to the Gazala line -- The El Alamein battles.