Desert Fox

The Storied Military Career of Erwin Rommel

By: Samuel W. Mitcham Jr.

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the strange and fascinating life of Erwin Rommel, from his days as a youth in Imperial Germany - when he had a child out of wedlock with an early girlfriend - through his lauded military exploits during World War I to his death by suicide during World War II, after he attempted a failed coup against Hitler.

Rommel was a man of contradictions: a soldier who wrote a best-selling book about World War I, a commander who went from commanding Hitler's bodyguard to trying to kill him, and a serious military mind who was known for participating in practical jokes.

In Desert Fox, author Samuel Mitcham (Bust Hell Wide Open) confronts the truth about Rommel and takes a close look at his military actions and reflections.

©2019 Samuel W. Mitcham, Jr. (P)2019 Tantor

Great bio and History

Well written and preformed good solid balance of history and biography. If you’re interested in World War II, you will enjoy this book.

Wow

I hadn't heard anything about him and I am glad I have now.
I had to pause, relisten, pause again and double check in written form to confirm that I heard some of the "number of prisoners taken" correctly.
Awesome story about an awesome strategist.
Narration is good and clear as well.

Definitely recommend.

Rommel's life

Great book. Gives a better overall look at the life and times of Germany's greatest military leader.

Interesting, I learned a lot, but has some flaws

Story: 4 1/2 stars
Narration: 4 1/4 stars

I knew almost nothing about Erwin Rommel, or WWII in north Africa, before listening to this book.

The author clearly did a lot of research. I learned a lot about normal, about the war in north Africa, and about desert war in general.

I can’t say for sure, but I feel like the author is biased in favor of Rommel. That is only my opinion, again, I don’t have any background against which to judge that statement.

My only two critiques of the book are as follows:

There are A LOT of lists, particularly at the beginning of the book. Maybe it’s better in print, but it’s hard to listen to things like, “Rommel had 126 tanks, 24 antiaircraft guns, 136 trucks….” Some of the lists go on ad nausea.

The narrator is very clear and keeps a good tone. However, he insists on pronouncing Ramos’s name, as well as many other German, and Italian names with a German or Italian accent, which I found very distracting.

In short, a good listen.

One Word: Excellent!!

This is one of the most fascinating reads I’ve had on WW2. Loved Rommel before for how he stood up to Hitler in addition to his exceptional generalship. However now that I’ve listened to this book I’m all the more intrigued. Absolute must-have for any history buff’s collection!!

Great Book!!

Listening to this book was like being at the Movies watching a old WW II movie!!

awesome story

great writing about great person
hard to find fault
excellent narrator
well researched
lots of information

Good listen

I have listened to around 10 books on the Nazis and Germany directly after the war. This book added to the overall picture of Nazi Germany. It is very easy to see why he was popular and successful. Great narration.

Excellent story!

The story of Rommel was well researched and well written. I enjoyed the narrator and his presentation. Lots of excellent information.
The story went fast. Left me wanting to know more.

A German general worth admiring

I really enjoyed this book, more than I had anticipated. Gen Rommel was a true hero to Germany (its people) and a fierce adversary. In knowing more about him I have come to admire him greatly. I appreciate the education and history lesson. And thank goodness Hitler didn't listen to Rommel's advice on the Western Wall lest we have suffered even more to defeat Nazi Germany.