RRP £8.99 Lowest New Price £3.27

The History Press Ltd Number of pages: 264 Language: English (Original Language) Language: English (Unknown) Language: English (Published)

RRP: £8.99
So nearly, so far
Review date: 2007-12-03 Rating: 6 out of 10

Reverential deference is fine in a social setting, but not in a book. And "aw shucks" reticence irritates in a biography. When the subject gets chased and damaged by a swarm of German aeroplanes, we'd like to hear a bit about it, not just view the stiff upper lip later. It's for the author to prise the story out of the subject, and for the subject to open up and deliver the goods. Without both, there isn't a book. Combine this with the author's desire to trot out WW2 myths and legends as if they were facts, when they really could have done with a bit of checking, and you'll sense my irritation with this book. The allies didn't return to continental Europe five years after Dunkirk, it was three years into Italy and four into France.
Hugh Thomas has found a really interesting subject for a book, but missed his chance to add something important to the genre. His publishers also carry a good deal of blame, and I can't think why his editor allowed what looks like an early draft to hit the bookstalls.