The Swordbearers: Studies In Supreme Command In The First World War (1963) By Correlli Barnett
 
Four of the most important World War I commanders-in-chief helped determine its outcome--and, by extension, the course of the 20th century. Here are the stories of Colonel-General von Molke, who attempted to defeat France in a mere 6 weeks; Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, who struggled unsuccessfully to crush the German High Sea Fleet; General Petain, whose inaction led the French troops to mutiny; and General Ludendorff, who mounted a titanic German offensive...that failed.

This book is a study of the great commanders on both sides in the First World War. it assesses the effect of individual character on great events and presents a masterly re-interpretation of the major issues of the war. Like the author's last book The Desert Generals, it gives most vigorous and moving portraits of men under the stress of supreme command, and discusses their handling of events and their relations with colleagues, politicians and subordinates. On a subject of far larger scipe and compexity than the earlier book it shows to even greater effect the author's powers of narrative, character study and lucid analysis. As can be seen from the back of this jacket, it has frawn high praise from two of our most eminent military historians.
 
Hard Cover With Dust Jacket
387 Pages 
In Good condition