The Aspects of History Book of the Year 2025.
Saul David has often been the bridesmaid, but never the bride, when it comes to the Aspects of History Book of the Year. He has gained notable mentions for past awards for titles such as Devil Dogs and Sky Warriors – yet he has never secured the top spot so to speak.
Until now. Tunisgrad: Victory In Africa continues the author’s run of good form in charting the narrative of various campaigns and regiments in the Second World War. The book is exemplary in painting a picture of grand strategy – and then focusing in on the story of the US, British and German soldiers involved in the fighting. Their humour and humanity, their triumphs and tragedies. The book deals with the campaign, after the Battle of Alamein, to eject the Axis forces from the continent of Africa, in preparation for invading Europe. One of the strengths of Tunisgrad is the argument as to how significant the episode was. The fighting denuded Germany of men and material, when it was also suffering on other fronts.
As with other chapters during WW2 – such as D-Day and the liberation of Paris – one of the heroes of the hour was Eisenhower. Ike, not without his critics and rivals, took on the burden of command for the campaign. There were delays and setbacks, but ultimately Eisenhower delivered, proving himself invaluable in regards to logistics and managing various personnel and relationships. The book also provides memorable portraits of Monty and Rommel.
Much has already been written about the Second World War, but in Tunisgrad David has arguably filled in a gap of our knowledge and understanding of a key part of the overall campaign. His prose is always engaging, his judgement sober and insightful.
The battle for Stalingrad will understandably hold more currency for readers of military history in terms of a tipping point of the conflict, but with Tunisgrad, the author has put North Africa on the map and expanded our appreciation of an often overlooked chapter in the war.
A deserved bestseller and winner of the Aspects of History Book of the Year 2025.
In terms of other titles which merit a mention in our favourite books of the year, we also greatly enjoyed Wolfpack, by Roger Moorhouse, Helen Carr’s Sceptred Isle and 1945: The Reckoning by Phil Craig.
