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Command

How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War

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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 Thought-Provoking 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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I never cease to enjoy the audiobooks narrated by Al Murray. It feels like I’m listening to a mate, telling me stories of daring do. What a credit, and a tribute to the men and women represented in this book.

Cheers

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No statistical history of these subjects should be studied or read without the accompaniment of this or the likes of this book.
Far more understanding of humanity and of these times and any times will be forthcoming .

Meat on the bones .

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How often are our leaders at work and in government guilty of attachment to what made them successful in the past, petty envy, and complacency. The negative price for these breakdowns in leadership are usually felt by others far away from where decisions are made. It’s also a key theme of the book that eventually hard times create strong people. Many lessons for business leaders to draw in today’s heightened tensions and economic hardships

Lessons from history doomed to be repeated

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I first came across this book on WW2 TV where Al Murray delivered an impressive presentation so it was a no-brainer buying this audiobook. Each chapter is well-paced, dramatic and delivered in a contemporary way, making it accessible for all levels of learning and interest. His choices are spot on throughout and this is one book that begs for a revisit in time to come, great work!

Inspired And Enjoyable Romp Through WW2 Command

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Perfectly balances dense subject matter without a patronising tone to deliver an insightful look at the second world war. Serious enough to deliver in depth knowledge befitting the tone of the subject but light enough for anyone to enjoy no matter their experience. Very much like the podcast.

Entertaining and greatly informative

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