“An Army at Dawn” is a book written by Rick Atkinson and published in 2002. It is the first volume in Atkinson’s “Liberation Trilogy,” which covers the Allied liberation of Europe during World War II.
The book focuses on the Allied campaigns in North Africa during 1942 and 1943, including the landings at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers, as well as the subsequent battles between the Allied and Axis forces in Tunisia. It covers the efforts of American and British commanders, including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bernard Montgomery, to build an effective fighting force in the face of difficult conditions and setbacks.
Atkinson’s “The Army at Dawn” is a well-researched and engaging history of the North African campaign, and it has received numerous accolades, including the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for History. It is considered an important work of military history and is often recommended to those interested in the history of World War II.
Atkinson’s book focuses on the efforts of American and British commanders to build an effective fighting force in the face of difficult conditions and setbacks. He covers the challenges they faced, including poor equipment, inexperienced troops, and logistical difficulties, as well as the strategies and tactics they employed to overcome these obstacles.
Atkinson also explores the political and diplomatic aspects of the North African campaign, showing how these played a role in shaping the outcome of the war. He discusses the complex relationships between the various Allied commanders and the difficulties they faced in working together effectively.
Overall, “The Army at Dawn” is a comprehensive and engaging history of the North African campaign and provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the Allied forces during this critical period of World War II. It is considered an important work of military history and is often recommended to those interested in the history of World War II.