Montgomery: Lessons in Leadership from the Soldier's General

Bernard Law Montgomery was a dedicated battlefield tactician, though a controversial one. In North Africa in 1942, he commanded the Eighth Army to a great triumph against Rommel at El Alamein, which Churchill hailed as the beginning of the end of the war. During the planning stages for the invasion of Sicily, Montgomery proved himself to be a splendid organizer and a great believer in simplicity. But he was also known as a complicated man whose legacy remains tainted by his insensitive and boastful nature and desire for personal glory - all of which can have dangerous consequences on the battlefield. In the end, though, it was due to Montgomery's influence that the weight of the allied attack at Normandy was increased and the allied success of D-Day owes much to his far-sightedness. In the field, especially during the planning stages, he was at his best. An inspirational commander whose self-confidence was legendary, Montgomery's military life has proved to be a great lesson for leaders in the years since.

About the Author :
TREVOR ROYLE is a Broadcaster and Author specializing in the history of war and empire with a score of books to his credit. His previous books include Civil War: The Wars of Three Kingdoms, Crimea: The Great Crimean War 1854-1856, a New York Times Notable Book, and Lancaster Against York. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a regular commentator on defense matters and international affairs for the BBC and an Editor at The Sunday Herald.

Review :
Praise for Montgomery: “Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty’s mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished.”—Dennis Showalter, author of "Patton and Rommel: Men of War" ""Montgomery" provides a concise, objective assessment of the best known and most controversial British commander of World War II.  Trevor Royle sets 'Monty' in context of his origins, career, and contemporaries, contrasting the general's strengths (training and organization) against his faults (stubborness and vanity).  The analysis of Montgomery's often troubled relations with his American allies is especially worthwhile."--Barrett Tillman, author of "LeMay" and "Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan" "No top co Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished. "Dennis Showalter, author of Patton and Rommel: Men of War" "Montgomery" provides a concise, objective assessment of the best known and most controversial British commander of World War II. Trevor Royle sets 'Monty' in context of his origins, career, and contemporaries, contrasting the general's strengths (training and organization) against his faults (stubborness and vanity). The analysis of Montgomery's often troubled relations with his American allies is especially worthwhile. "Barrett Tillman, author of LeMay and Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan" No top commander of World War II cries out more urgently for a concise but comprehensive and balanced reassessment than Bernard Law Montgomery. Trevor Royle's compact biography provides precisely this--and does so with great intelligence, understanding, and elegance. Not a flaw or failing is winked at, but, in the end, we come to appreciate the justice of Churchill's postwar challenge to Monty's critical colleagues: 'I know why you all hate him. You are jealous: he is better than you are.' "Alan Axelrod, author of Patton and Bradley" In his illuminating biography, Trevor Royle casts British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery as the multi-faceted commander that he was--a skillful strategist and capable leader while being at times stubbornly nationalistic in coalition warfare. Royle reminds us that Montgomery's strengths in leadership often offset his weaknesses and that he deserves a lofty spot among World War II commanders. "John Wukovits, author of Eisenhower" Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished. "Dennis Showalter, author of Patton and Rommel: Men of War"" Praise for Montgomery: "Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished."--Dennis Showalter, author of "Patton and Rommel: Men of War" ""Montgomery" provides a concise, objective assessment of the best known and most controversial British commander of World War II. Trevor Royle sets 'Monty' in context of his origins, career, and contemporaries, contrasting the general's strengths (training and organization) against his faults (stubborness and vanity). The analysis of Montgomery's often troubled relations with his American allies is especially worthwhile."--Barrett Tillman, author of "LeMay" and "Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan" "No top commander of World War II cries out more urgently for a concise but comprehensive and balanced reassessment than Bernard Law Montgomery. Trevor Royle's compact biography provides precisely this--and does so with great intelligence, understanding, and elegance. Not a flaw or failing is winked at, but, in the end, we come to appreciate the justice of Churchill's postwar challenge to Monty's critical colleagues: 'I know why you all hate him. You are jealous: he is better than you are.'"--Alan Axelrod, author of "Patton" and "Bradley""" "In his illuminating biography, Trevor Royle casts British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery as the multi-faceted commander that he was--a skillful strategist and capable leader while being at times stubbornly nationalistic in coalition warfare. Royle reminds us that Montgomery's strengths in leadership often offset his weaknesses and that he deserves a lofty spot among World War II commanders."--John Wukovits, author of "Eisenhower""""Royle's polished and balanced analysis confirms Montgomery's place as Britain's greatest modern field commander and one of its great captains. Monty's mastery of the set-piece battle was matched only by his ability to sustain morale and inspire confidence in citizen-soldiers, sustaining Britain's war effort even as its resources diminished."--Dennis Showalter, author of "Patton and Rommel: Men of War"