Warren Tute vividly describes the entire campaign - an epic struggle extending over three years and thousands of miles, in­volving more than a million Allied and Axis troops, plus thousands of ships, tanks and aircraft. His text is supported by lavish illustrations including many striking con­temporary colour photographs.

North Africa was the scene of Britain's first victories on land, also of humiliating defeats at the hands of Germany's most brilliant commander, and, arguably, the greatest general of the Second World War, the legendary Rommel. Montgomery emerged as one of Britain's most outstanding com­manders, helping to turn the tide at Alamein. The American troops, led by Eisenhower and Patton, first tasted battle in the desert, and both armies learnt lessons in cooperation which later proved invaluable during the D-Day landings.