Command cover art

Command

How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War

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Command

By: Al Murray
Narrated by: Al Murray
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About this listen

A unique analysis of the greatest commanders who helped the allies win the Second World War, written by one of the UK's best loved comedians and commentators. He also loves history.

Al Murray's passion for military history and the Second World War in particular has always run parallel with his comedy and was brought to the fore with several acclaimed and award-winning television shows and the recent huge success of his podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk which he hosts with fellow bestselling military author James Holland. In his first serious narrative book, Command showcases Al Murray's passion for this pivotal period in the twentieth century, as he writes an engaging, entertaining and sharp analysis of the key allied military leaders in the conflict.

Command highlights the performance and careers of some of the leading protagonists who commanded armies, as well as the lesser-known officers who led divisions, regiments and even battalions for the British, Commonwealth and United States of American armies. By showcasing each combat commander across every major theatre of operations the allies fought in, Murray tells the story of how the Western Allies rebounded from early shocking defeats (Dunkirk and Pearl Harbor) to then victories (El Alamein and D-Day) in its efforts to defeat the Axis forces of Nazi Germany and Japan, and what that tells us about the characters and the challenges that faced them. Command is the book for all fans of Second World War History who appreciate a true enthusiast of the genre with something new and compelling to say.

©2022 Al Murray (P)2022 Quercus Editions Limited
Europe Military War Imperialism

Critic Reviews

"Al Murray's new book proves, if anyone still feels the need to question it, that he is a major historian in his own right. Command is everything popular history should be: authoritative, full of deep wisdom and knowledge, genuinely fresh and original in approach and content and both compelling and entertainingly written. Skilfully blending the famous names with those lesser known, he examines each in a completely fresh light, focussing on differing aspects that collectively offer a satisfyingly comprehensive whole that takes the reader on a journey across a wide range of landscapes, theatres and battles. It is an utter joy to read from start to finish." (James Holland)

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Good

As a New Zealander I forgive Al for what he said about Fryburg. But why didn't James Holland read the book after all Al does the narration for his audiobooks.

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Wonderfully wise and humane

A wonderfully wise and humane book, which I greatly enjoyed for it’s scope and perspective.

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Enjoyable

Enjoyable listen, some good insights and amecdotes. More a biography of several leaders, than anl treatise on leadership

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Disrespectful

Funny guy but unfortunately disrespectful of Australian armed services. Trying to be more Tory than the Tories.

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really poor.

just not the narrative expected. more a talk of personalities. rather than military exploits. all round dissapointing. no depth into why these people were exceptional.

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