Especially interesting are Atkinson's straightforward accounts of the many "feuds, tiffs and spats" among British and American commanders, politicians, and strategists and his honest assessments of their--and their soldiers'--performance and behavior, for better and for worse.

The invasion of North Africa was the first joint military operation conducted by the Allies in World War II and the book looks at the planning and launch of the operations, a campaign that made an impact on many future US military decisions. Atkinson gives both a detailed overview of it all and includes several eyewitness accounts bringing the reader right into the heat of battle.