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Hitler's Most Controversial General
Among students of military history, the genius of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein (1887–1973) is respected perhaps more than that of any other World War II soldier. He displayed his strategic brilliance in such campaigns as the invasion of Poland, the Blitzkrieg of France, the sieges of Sevastopol, Leningrad, and Stalingrad, and the battles of Kharkov and Kursk.
Manstein also stands as one of the war’s most enigmatic and controversial figures. To some, he was a leading proponent of the Nazi regime and a symbol of the moral corruption of the Wehrmacht. Yet he also disobeyed Hitler, who dismissed his leading Field Marshal over this incident, and has been suspected by some of conspiring against the Führer. Sentenced to eighteen years by a British war tribunal at Hamburg in 1949, Manstein was released in 1953 and went on to advise the West German government in founding its new army within NATO.
Military historian and strategist Mungo Melvin combines his research in German military archives and battlefield records with unprecedented access to family archives to get to the truth of Manstein’s life and deliver this definitive biography of the man and his career.
510 pages of narrative, 647 pages in total
647 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2010
About the author
Mungo Melvin
4 books7 followersMajor-General Robert Adam Mungo Simpson Melvin CB OBE is a retired British Army officer, and a noted military historian.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 29, 2014
Elusive Wehrmacht Mastermind Finally, Marvelously, Deconstructed
MANSTEIN is irrefutably the best biography to emerge from the mountain and rubble of material about the Second World War.
While he never captured the popular imagination of such figures as the Desert Fox, Schneller Heinz, Monty, or Ike, Erich von Manstein was perhaps the most gifted General in the entire war. Literate and aristocratic, he was an operational and tactical genius who always planned ten steps ahead.
This remarkable bio was rigorously researched, and gives us an unprecedented view of Germany’s war on the Eastern Front, namely against the Russian juggernaut. Melvin writes with an assured, engaging style, throwing clever turns of phrase on every page. As much a poet as a military historian is author Major General Mungo Melvin.
Unlike most non-fiction written by soldiers, this book is never dense. In fact, it’s consistently fascinating. Of particular interest are the many times Manstein butted heads with and contradicted Hitler, a man who brooked no contradiction from subordinates.
While some may say that it is in poor taste to admire a General whose sole purpose was to further Germany’s hostile aims (and genocidal, though Manstein claimed ignorance of this until after the war, when he was presented with the overwhelming evidence, of which he was apparently--believably?--kept in the dark about during his campaigns). It is easy to sympathize with Manstein, who was no Nazi, who was indeed apolitical, just a leader who always strove to do the best by the armies under his able command.
Stalingrad, Sevastopol, Kursk, and many other pivotal battles are brought to vivid life by Melvin’s pen. Field Marshal Manstein was a complex and controversial and contradictory man, but Melvin, with balanced hindsight, captures him utterly. MANSTEIN is often at its best when it reveals the personalities of the major players on the troubled Eastern Front, putting a human, and humane, face on their struggles.
If you’re a history buff or a novice, MANSTEIN needs, demands, to be read.
MANSTEIN is irrefutably the best biography to emerge from the mountain and rubble of material about the Second World War.
While he never captured the popular imagination of such figures as the Desert Fox, Schneller Heinz, Monty, or Ike, Erich von Manstein was perhaps the most gifted General in the entire war. Literate and aristocratic, he was an operational and tactical genius who always planned ten steps ahead.
This remarkable bio was rigorously researched, and gives us an unprecedented view of Germany’s war on the Eastern Front, namely against the Russian juggernaut. Melvin writes with an assured, engaging style, throwing clever turns of phrase on every page. As much a poet as a military historian is author Major General Mungo Melvin.
Unlike most non-fiction written by soldiers, this book is never dense. In fact, it’s consistently fascinating. Of particular interest are the many times Manstein butted heads with and contradicted Hitler, a man who brooked no contradiction from subordinates.
While some may say that it is in poor taste to admire a General whose sole purpose was to further Germany’s hostile aims (and genocidal, though Manstein claimed ignorance of this until after the war, when he was presented with the overwhelming evidence, of which he was apparently--believably?--kept in the dark about during his campaigns). It is easy to sympathize with Manstein, who was no Nazi, who was indeed apolitical, just a leader who always strove to do the best by the armies under his able command.
Stalingrad, Sevastopol, Kursk, and many other pivotal battles are brought to vivid life by Melvin’s pen. Field Marshal Manstein was a complex and controversial and contradictory man, but Melvin, with balanced hindsight, captures him utterly. MANSTEIN is often at its best when it reveals the personalities of the major players on the troubled Eastern Front, putting a human, and humane, face on their struggles.
If you’re a history buff or a novice, MANSTEIN needs, demands, to be read.
March 21, 2026
Born in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
I’ve always been fascinated by some of the talented German officers during the Second World War. These men were able to wage a success war machine which expanded across Europe between 1939-41. There’s always been this feeling that Hitler himself was a huge blocker to their success. A mad man driven by blind hatred with little understanding of strategy or realities (thankfully Hitler did get in their way, but let’s remember without him there would have been no war at all!) Melvin Mungo’s Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General offers an interesting, if uneven, look at one of these gifted and controversial German commanders; Eric von Manstein. While the book contains valuable insights, particularly on military strategy and operations I found that it ultimately falls short as an engaging or polished read.
The biggest weakness is the writing itself. Sentence structure is often clunky, making the book harder to follow than it should be. At times it feels more like a dense report than a fluid narrative, which detracts from what is otherwise compelling subject matter. This lack of readability makes it difficult to stay fully immersed, even when the content is strong.
Where Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General does succeed is in its analysis of military affairs. Mungo, writing from the perspective of a brigadier, brings credibility and depth to discussions of operational art and strategy. His examination of Manstein’s campaigns highlights why he is still regarded as a strategic and operational genius, particularly in the context of maneuver warfare on the Eastern Front.
The portrayal of Manstein himself is appropriately complex, though not without its limitations. He emerges as a product of the old Prussian aristocracy: monarchist, traditional, and shaped by the rigid values of his class. Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General underscores the contradiction at the heart of his career: a supposedly apolitical officer serving a regime that demanded ideological complicity. While not a committed Nazi, Manstein’s failure to challenge Hitler or the broader system, at least until after his dismissal, raises difficult questions about responsibility and moral agency.
Mungo also touches on Manstein’s role in perpetuating the ‘clean Wehrmacht’ myth, an idea long since discredited. Although Manstein may not have directly ordered or endorsed atrocities, his failure to oppose them is a significant part of his legacy. This aspect is handled with some nuance, though readers may wish for a deeper critical exploration.
Ultimately, Manstein presents a portrait of a brilliant mind trapped in, and ultimately serving, a deeply flawed and criminal system. It suggests a man shaped by his time: loyal to Germany above all else, even as that loyalty bound him to a regime that distorted everything he stood for. He had some small redemption has his defence of the Wehrmacht helped found the Bundeswher, which has greatly contributed to NATO in the post war world. Manstein himself also offered advice it after his release from prison.
In summary, Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General is a book with solid military analysis and worthwhile perspectives, but one that is let down by its writing style. I would say that it is best suited for readers with a strong interest in military history who are willing to push through a less-than-smooth narrative. There is certainly something of value in here and I did understand Manstein ‘the man’ (personal and the professional), it was just hard work.
I’ve always been fascinated by some of the talented German officers during the Second World War. These men were able to wage a success war machine which expanded across Europe between 1939-41. There’s always been this feeling that Hitler himself was a huge blocker to their success. A mad man driven by blind hatred with little understanding of strategy or realities (thankfully Hitler did get in their way, but let’s remember without him there would have been no war at all!) Melvin Mungo’s Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General offers an interesting, if uneven, look at one of these gifted and controversial German commanders; Eric von Manstein. While the book contains valuable insights, particularly on military strategy and operations I found that it ultimately falls short as an engaging or polished read.
The biggest weakness is the writing itself. Sentence structure is often clunky, making the book harder to follow than it should be. At times it feels more like a dense report than a fluid narrative, which detracts from what is otherwise compelling subject matter. This lack of readability makes it difficult to stay fully immersed, even when the content is strong.
Where Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General does succeed is in its analysis of military affairs. Mungo, writing from the perspective of a brigadier, brings credibility and depth to discussions of operational art and strategy. His examination of Manstein’s campaigns highlights why he is still regarded as a strategic and operational genius, particularly in the context of maneuver warfare on the Eastern Front.
The portrayal of Manstein himself is appropriately complex, though not without its limitations. He emerges as a product of the old Prussian aristocracy: monarchist, traditional, and shaped by the rigid values of his class. Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General underscores the contradiction at the heart of his career: a supposedly apolitical officer serving a regime that demanded ideological complicity. While not a committed Nazi, Manstein’s failure to challenge Hitler or the broader system, at least until after his dismissal, raises difficult questions about responsibility and moral agency.
Mungo also touches on Manstein’s role in perpetuating the ‘clean Wehrmacht’ myth, an idea long since discredited. Although Manstein may not have directly ordered or endorsed atrocities, his failure to oppose them is a significant part of his legacy. This aspect is handled with some nuance, though readers may wish for a deeper critical exploration.
Ultimately, Manstein presents a portrait of a brilliant mind trapped in, and ultimately serving, a deeply flawed and criminal system. It suggests a man shaped by his time: loyal to Germany above all else, even as that loyalty bound him to a regime that distorted everything he stood for. He had some small redemption has his defence of the Wehrmacht helped found the Bundeswher, which has greatly contributed to NATO in the post war world. Manstein himself also offered advice it after his release from prison.
In summary, Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General is a book with solid military analysis and worthwhile perspectives, but one that is let down by its writing style. I would say that it is best suited for readers with a strong interest in military history who are willing to push through a less-than-smooth narrative. There is certainly something of value in here and I did understand Manstein ‘the man’ (personal and the professional), it was just hard work.
December 4, 2011
This is a fine biography of German General Erich von Manstein. The author, Major General Mungo Melvin, does a nice job of tracing the trajectory of Manstein's life--from childhood until his later years. Many who have examined Manstein's relationship with Adolf Hitler wonder. . . . And that is the takeoff point for this book (Page 7): "If there is one dominant theme of this analysis, then it is the exploration of the complex relationship between a commander-in-chief and his head of state."
The chronological ordering of the biography begins with his childhood and youth. We learn of his slow rise in the German military until he was on his way by the outbreak of World War II hostilities. While he spent a considerable part of that time in a staff position, he ultimately became a field officer, leading troops in combat.
The heart of the book is his military career during World War II. While he participated in combat in Western Europe, the bulk of his military work was in the USSR. He took part in the invasion of the USSR and was quite successful early on. Some issues discussed: his possible role in atrocities against Russians; his relationship with Hitler; his role in trying to raise the siege of Stalingrad; his sometimes underestimation of the Soviet forces facing him; his generalship while being outnumbered and outgunned by the seemingly inexhaustible supply of Soviet troops and tanks.
After the war, after Hitler had fired him from military command? He served a number of years in prison for his role during the war. Astonishingly, after he was released, he came to play a major formative role in the development of the new West German military. Quite a recovery in his fortunes after prison.
Overall, a fine biography of a complex person and one of Germany's better generals.
The chronological ordering of the biography begins with his childhood and youth. We learn of his slow rise in the German military until he was on his way by the outbreak of World War II hostilities. While he spent a considerable part of that time in a staff position, he ultimately became a field officer, leading troops in combat.
The heart of the book is his military career during World War II. While he participated in combat in Western Europe, the bulk of his military work was in the USSR. He took part in the invasion of the USSR and was quite successful early on. Some issues discussed: his possible role in atrocities against Russians; his relationship with Hitler; his role in trying to raise the siege of Stalingrad; his sometimes underestimation of the Soviet forces facing him; his generalship while being outnumbered and outgunned by the seemingly inexhaustible supply of Soviet troops and tanks.
After the war, after Hitler had fired him from military command? He served a number of years in prison for his role during the war. Astonishingly, after he was released, he came to play a major formative role in the development of the new West German military. Quite a recovery in his fortunes after prison.
Overall, a fine biography of a complex person and one of Germany's better generals.
November 25, 2018
This book was an amazing find. The Author doesn't really take sides in regards to Manstein's political views or even the arguments over his ability. Only once pointing out that Manstein wasn't really a strategist but an operational specialist. A level of military command ability that the author places between tactics and strategy.
While this book is mostly stand-alone, it does take a great deal of information and comparisons from Manstein's own work, 'Lost Victories'. So for some, it might be best to start with Lost Victories before reading this work, but it isn't necessary.
While for the most part, the Author appears to be of the Mind that Manstein was quite superior as a Commanding Officer at the Operational level he does bring up two occasions where his abilities seemed to be less than optimal.
The first of these was Stalingrad. The second was Kursk. In both cases, he points to things that were generally a forte for Manstein but were lacking in these particular battles. He also notes that in the case of Kursk, one of the largest battles on the Eastern Front, Manstein gives it a very short amount of notice in his own work. The implication of that is fairly clear.
All in all this book covers much more ground than Lost Victories and for those who are looking for information on one of the Officers that even the Germans considered to be one of their best, this is the book ranks as a must-read.
While this book is mostly stand-alone, it does take a great deal of information and comparisons from Manstein's own work, 'Lost Victories'. So for some, it might be best to start with Lost Victories before reading this work, but it isn't necessary.
While for the most part, the Author appears to be of the Mind that Manstein was quite superior as a Commanding Officer at the Operational level he does bring up two occasions where his abilities seemed to be less than optimal.
The first of these was Stalingrad. The second was Kursk. In both cases, he points to things that were generally a forte for Manstein but were lacking in these particular battles. He also notes that in the case of Kursk, one of the largest battles on the Eastern Front, Manstein gives it a very short amount of notice in his own work. The implication of that is fairly clear.
All in all this book covers much more ground than Lost Victories and for those who are looking for information on one of the Officers that even the Germans considered to be one of their best, this is the book ranks as a must-read.
August 22, 2011
Excellent bio of a complicated man and great general. British Army Major General Mungo Melvin has done a wonderful job gathering information and analysing sources to give an unbiased view of Manstein. Highly recommended!
March 11, 2026
An interesting and balanced book on a complex person. Manstein is without doubt the best operational general of the war and he has a better personality then the egotistical Montgomery or the blunt hot headed Patton. Though he could be a challenging subordinate it was less to do with his ego and more to do with arguing for the best military approach to a situation. He could be quite and reserved and a true gentleman, a brilliant member of the German General Staff and also extremely cool under pressure making a great field commander, he also participated in the various war crimes of the Nazi regime. But I mean I don't know of any Soviet commander resisting Stalin and his brutal policies but we don't condemn them.
For all his strengths Manstein only disagreed with Hitler on military matters and failed to think strategically and never fully appreciated the Soviet's great strengths both in their soldiers and their own operational art that unlike the German's tied into their strategic effort.
The author even says that the Soviet's were the best at operational art in the war but didn't explain. Would love to read the explanation :P
Interesting insights:
The reason Germany truly believed the stab in the back is because while beaten they were able to march home and withdraw in full order. Part of this is Manstein's fault for organizing his own units withdraw so effectively.
pg. 58 He overlooked the Soviet's superior operational art in achieving their victories.
In 1941 and 42 the German's in the east seemed to be short of tanks. But by operation Citadel they were able to replenish their tank force with superior models but were so short of infantry Manstein's Sothern wing had to change it's attack despite the German's scrapping the entire front to muster the forces for the attack. Model in the north had more infantry to attack with in the beginning but less tanks for the break out.
Manstein's plan that led to victory in 1940 along with their victory over Poland lured the German's into making the same gamble with Russia in 41. That being attacking without sufficient reserves and putting almost everything into the first line of attack. The German's attacked in 41 with only 3-4ook trained reserves while Russia had something like 15 million I read in one account. After their victory at the channel they turned to face the rest of France and that was the last time they had any kind of advantage through the rest of the war. At the battle of Kursk they had to pull together 63% of their armor in the east and weaken the entire line to have enough to attack with. Even then I think they had around 2k tanks meanwhile Russia had 5k and that was only 50% of the tanks in the front. Manstein had one division in reserve that OKH would not release meanwhile Russia had 500k troops in strategic reserve along with hidden forces on both wings to launch a counter attack as soon as the German's ran out of steam. Many accounts do not do a good job of filling out the picture as they want you to get caught up in the narrative as if the outcome was in question when in reality it was not. Each book offers a tiny tidbit that helps fill in the picture.
Manstein considered himself a strong Christian. I get the impression he never felt much remorse for what they did or was too proud to admit it. German Christian's are famous for either not resisting or trying to murder Hitler. The same people who give them a hard time seem oblivious to what is happening in Gaza right now. Funny how those things work. Lord have mercy.
For all his strengths Manstein only disagreed with Hitler on military matters and failed to think strategically and never fully appreciated the Soviet's great strengths both in their soldiers and their own operational art that unlike the German's tied into their strategic effort.
The author even says that the Soviet's were the best at operational art in the war but didn't explain. Would love to read the explanation :P
Interesting insights:
The reason Germany truly believed the stab in the back is because while beaten they were able to march home and withdraw in full order. Part of this is Manstein's fault for organizing his own units withdraw so effectively.
pg. 58 He overlooked the Soviet's superior operational art in achieving their victories.
In 1941 and 42 the German's in the east seemed to be short of tanks. But by operation Citadel they were able to replenish their tank force with superior models but were so short of infantry Manstein's Sothern wing had to change it's attack despite the German's scrapping the entire front to muster the forces for the attack. Model in the north had more infantry to attack with in the beginning but less tanks for the break out.
Manstein's plan that led to victory in 1940 along with their victory over Poland lured the German's into making the same gamble with Russia in 41. That being attacking without sufficient reserves and putting almost everything into the first line of attack. The German's attacked in 41 with only 3-4ook trained reserves while Russia had something like 15 million I read in one account. After their victory at the channel they turned to face the rest of France and that was the last time they had any kind of advantage through the rest of the war. At the battle of Kursk they had to pull together 63% of their armor in the east and weaken the entire line to have enough to attack with. Even then I think they had around 2k tanks meanwhile Russia had 5k and that was only 50% of the tanks in the front. Manstein had one division in reserve that OKH would not release meanwhile Russia had 500k troops in strategic reserve along with hidden forces on both wings to launch a counter attack as soon as the German's ran out of steam. Many accounts do not do a good job of filling out the picture as they want you to get caught up in the narrative as if the outcome was in question when in reality it was not. Each book offers a tiny tidbit that helps fill in the picture.
Manstein considered himself a strong Christian. I get the impression he never felt much remorse for what they did or was too proud to admit it. German Christian's are famous for either not resisting or trying to murder Hitler. The same people who give them a hard time seem oblivious to what is happening in Gaza right now. Funny how those things work. Lord have mercy.
February 4, 2012
One of the things that interests me about biographies is the ability of the writer to depict historical events, not chronologically necessarily, but centered about the personality in question. It’s a way of seeing history from a very personal vantage point, rather than from the omniscient, “on high” pose historians most often strike. This book does that, using Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, the man Hitler increasingly made responsible for Germany’s prosecution of its war against the Soviet Union during World War II.
First and most importantly, Melvin is no German apologist. In fact, he’s chosen Manstein for this “center-of-the-universe view” precisely because the Field Marshal was as politically neutral as they came during that war. Manstein was an operational genius, and because of his sense of integrity, his leadership transcended the issues of war. Such an examination of his personal and professional life, then, reflects deeply on those, much more flawed aspects of Hitler.
Manstein was of the Prussian aristocracy, an orphan adopted by relatives and reared in the Prussian military caste. He was a young officer during World War I, and was very nearly killed. But he had the good fortune to become a staff officer, these men responsible for the strategic and operational planning necessary to move the tactical chess pieces – not only during battles, but prior to and during a war – in other words, the long view.
By the time Germany began World War II, he had become adept at such planning, and he was largely responsible for planning the ultra-successful blitzkrieg war into the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Soon, the General Staff moved him to the east, and the war against Stalin. He gained his Field Marshal baton there due to his risky orchestration of the successful conquest of Sevastopol on the Black Sea. After that, however, he and Hitler were continually at odds and as the war turned against Germany in the east, Hitler fired him and sent him home a civilian. Although of the Prussian aristocracy and by training an operational planner, he was a soldier’s leader, always looking after the combatants’ welfare as best he could. And he was frequently at the front, urging forward, correcting tactical imbroglios, and even doing his own reconnaissance. Once, during the battles in France, he grabbed a young officer of an under-siege panzer unit, and together the general and the young officer swam a river to evaluate what they were up against.
A large portion of Melvin’s book is taken up with the war’s aftermath, the Nuremberg trials, and the personal trial of Manstein. At Nuremberg, Manstein once again stood out. Largely because of his near-photographic memory and his honest but eloquent testimony, he was able to absolve many of the General Staff of responsibility for the horrendous war crimes perpetrated by the SS and a relative few of the German Army. He was fortunate in being fired when he was, however; late in the war, Hitler began moving National Socialism-indoctrinated soldiers and officers into prominence. Had he been in charge of operations then, he would surely have been forced into complicity with those last, widespread deportations and executions.
Strangely, many of the generals were never tried; consequently the Allies sought to hang responsibility for the eastern war solely on Manstein. As a result, he served eight years in various prisons and was released then due of efforts of key British officers who took up his cause.
This isn’t an easy book. It deals with the mind-boggling complexities of war in general – its technology, its attachment to politics, and its grave moral issues. No one involved in such endeavors can help being tainted by them, and Manstein was no exception. But he stands as an example of how intellect, daring, integrity, and frank honesty can somehow weather such a brutal, barbaric war.
First and most importantly, Melvin is no German apologist. In fact, he’s chosen Manstein for this “center-of-the-universe view” precisely because the Field Marshal was as politically neutral as they came during that war. Manstein was an operational genius, and because of his sense of integrity, his leadership transcended the issues of war. Such an examination of his personal and professional life, then, reflects deeply on those, much more flawed aspects of Hitler.
Manstein was of the Prussian aristocracy, an orphan adopted by relatives and reared in the Prussian military caste. He was a young officer during World War I, and was very nearly killed. But he had the good fortune to become a staff officer, these men responsible for the strategic and operational planning necessary to move the tactical chess pieces – not only during battles, but prior to and during a war – in other words, the long view.
By the time Germany began World War II, he had become adept at such planning, and he was largely responsible for planning the ultra-successful blitzkrieg war into the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Soon, the General Staff moved him to the east, and the war against Stalin. He gained his Field Marshal baton there due to his risky orchestration of the successful conquest of Sevastopol on the Black Sea. After that, however, he and Hitler were continually at odds and as the war turned against Germany in the east, Hitler fired him and sent him home a civilian. Although of the Prussian aristocracy and by training an operational planner, he was a soldier’s leader, always looking after the combatants’ welfare as best he could. And he was frequently at the front, urging forward, correcting tactical imbroglios, and even doing his own reconnaissance. Once, during the battles in France, he grabbed a young officer of an under-siege panzer unit, and together the general and the young officer swam a river to evaluate what they were up against.
A large portion of Melvin’s book is taken up with the war’s aftermath, the Nuremberg trials, and the personal trial of Manstein. At Nuremberg, Manstein once again stood out. Largely because of his near-photographic memory and his honest but eloquent testimony, he was able to absolve many of the General Staff of responsibility for the horrendous war crimes perpetrated by the SS and a relative few of the German Army. He was fortunate in being fired when he was, however; late in the war, Hitler began moving National Socialism-indoctrinated soldiers and officers into prominence. Had he been in charge of operations then, he would surely have been forced into complicity with those last, widespread deportations and executions.
Strangely, many of the generals were never tried; consequently the Allies sought to hang responsibility for the eastern war solely on Manstein. As a result, he served eight years in various prisons and was released then due of efforts of key British officers who took up his cause.
This isn’t an easy book. It deals with the mind-boggling complexities of war in general – its technology, its attachment to politics, and its grave moral issues. No one involved in such endeavors can help being tainted by them, and Manstein was no exception. But he stands as an example of how intellect, daring, integrity, and frank honesty can somehow weather such a brutal, barbaric war.
October 29, 2011
"Manstein" was written by a British General who was also an academic historian. He gave himself a difficult task, to present an accurate picture of an enigmatic individual whose career became tangled up with the Nazis. He managed to deal with the dilemma of taking the career advantages of a dictatorial regime with assuming ignorance of the considerable side issues of brutality, criminality and direct interference in the operations of the German military machine.
April 28, 2016
Outstanding reading! Recommend it to anyone interested in an analysis and comparison with Manstein's own memoirs.
July 11, 2020
General Melvin gives a even handed approach in his work "Manstein: Hitler's Greatest General" about the general and his life. The book explores in detail about the tactics of Manstein the military genius. As he systematically studies each of the battles that have been the hallmarks of World War Two both during the France campaign as well as the biggest battles on the Eastern front. There is much to think about during, for example, Operation Citadel, in the Krusk salient and how delay of the set piece battle lent a strategic as well as tactical advantage to the Russian generals. What is missing in other books about Kursk is a) the over estimate of German superiority at the tactical level by German intelligence that consistently underestimated Russian superiority in numbers and tactics and b) the fact that while German forces on "paper" seemed to match with Russian force level the reality is that many German units were grossly under strength in weapons and had too many "green" replacements especially after the Stalingrad disaster.
General Melvin devotes the last quarter of his biography to post World War Two and how Manstein gave advice on the reformation of the German Army. However it is the analysis of Manstein's trials that take up the bulk. What is clear is that Manstein was the head of the German defense at Neuremberg during the Generals phase and was crucial to the exoneration of the German High Command of being "clean.
The subsequent trial, held in Munich, highlighted the fact that Manstein was deliberately "vague" as to what Einstazgruppe D unit activities were in the Crimea campaign. Melvin notes that it was the responsibility of the theater commander, Manstein, to know what all activities were happening, including SS activities that were to "counter act" partisan Russian actions. Crimea was home to a large Jewish population that were decimated by Einsatzgruppen under Otto Ohlendorf's command during '42. Being "vague" and being "overwhelmed" with "paperwork" is no excuse that Melvin sharply notes and implies that Manstein should have been held accountable with a more stringent sentence.
This is a book worthy of anyone who has a interest in history, military history, how politics play a crucial role in war, and failures of military commanders.
General Melvin devotes the last quarter of his biography to post World War Two and how Manstein gave advice on the reformation of the German Army. However it is the analysis of Manstein's trials that take up the bulk. What is clear is that Manstein was the head of the German defense at Neuremberg during the Generals phase and was crucial to the exoneration of the German High Command of being "clean.
The subsequent trial, held in Munich, highlighted the fact that Manstein was deliberately "vague" as to what Einstazgruppe D unit activities were in the Crimea campaign. Melvin notes that it was the responsibility of the theater commander, Manstein, to know what all activities were happening, including SS activities that were to "counter act" partisan Russian actions. Crimea was home to a large Jewish population that were decimated by Einsatzgruppen under Otto Ohlendorf's command during '42. Being "vague" and being "overwhelmed" with "paperwork" is no excuse that Melvin sharply notes and implies that Manstein should have been held accountable with a more stringent sentence.
This is a book worthy of anyone who has a interest in history, military history, how politics play a crucial role in war, and failures of military commanders.
December 29, 2025
Excellent biography by Mungo Melvin of German WW2 general, Erich von Manstein. Highly recommended. A few highlights:
1) von Manstein was the epitome of the Prussian military aristocracy. Was related to multiple German legends (inlcuding Hindenburg). Recieved all of the best military training possible.
2) The author claims that the Wehrmacht's organization and effectiveness was mainly from Manstein's organizational genius. Scaling up so quickly from the Versaille treaty limits to it's 1939/40 size was incredible.
3) Manstein was the architect of the plan (the "sichelschnitt") which triumphed over France in 1940. He had a relatively minor role in the actual fighting but he came up with the plan and personally sold it to Hitler.
4) Manstein's true legacy is in the Ostfront against the Soviets. His masterpiece was the "Miracle on the Don", which saved the Eastern Front from catastrophe after Stalingrad. We should all shudder at what may have been if Hitler had given Manstein full control on the Ostfront.
5) Manstein did not like Hitler and in private called him "Effendi" which mocked his dilettantish control in military affairs. But critically, he only ever fought Hitler on military affairs, never on policital affairs. He must have known about the atrocities...
6) Finally, after Manstein was released in 1953 from war crime imprisonment, he helped to reconstitute the new german military, the Bundeswehr, which was critical as part of NATO to deter the Soviets.
1) von Manstein was the epitome of the Prussian military aristocracy. Was related to multiple German legends (inlcuding Hindenburg). Recieved all of the best military training possible.
2) The author claims that the Wehrmacht's organization and effectiveness was mainly from Manstein's organizational genius. Scaling up so quickly from the Versaille treaty limits to it's 1939/40 size was incredible.
3) Manstein was the architect of the plan (the "sichelschnitt") which triumphed over France in 1940. He had a relatively minor role in the actual fighting but he came up with the plan and personally sold it to Hitler.
4) Manstein's true legacy is in the Ostfront against the Soviets. His masterpiece was the "Miracle on the Don", which saved the Eastern Front from catastrophe after Stalingrad. We should all shudder at what may have been if Hitler had given Manstein full control on the Ostfront.
5) Manstein did not like Hitler and in private called him "Effendi" which mocked his dilettantish control in military affairs. But critically, he only ever fought Hitler on military affairs, never on policital affairs. He must have known about the atrocities...
6) Finally, after Manstein was released in 1953 from war crime imprisonment, he helped to reconstitute the new german military, the Bundeswehr, which was critical as part of NATO to deter the Soviets.
March 31, 2025
A really enjoyable biography. The early part of Manstein's life is told as a traditional biography. The part concerning the Second World War becomes more of a military history looking at the plans and decisions of Manstein and analysing the operational level that Manstein was so brilliant at. After the war we have the trials and Manstein's imprisonment. The writing is enjoyable and the story flows well.
March 29, 2021
This is a brilliant book for military historians and those interest in the third reich.
It goes far to prove how good von Manstein was and indeed show he was the best German general or possible the best general of the Second World War.
It does shy away from his role in the criminal activities of the German army.
Great read.
It goes far to prove how good von Manstein was and indeed show he was the best German general or possible the best general of the Second World War.
It does shy away from his role in the criminal activities of the German army.
Great read.
April 3, 2023
Could be more than 4 stars if you like a lot of military detail. I feel the author was reasonably sympathetic towards Manstein, when he was in a position to prevent many of the atrocities that occurred in the theatre of war. Overall I found it interesting how Manstein came through the ranks to be a leading General for Germany.
December 31, 2024
" A superb book shows how Hitler could have won, but actually lost" to quote Andrew Roberts.
Von Manstein remains a hotly disputed figure, emblematic of a military class that claimed to be above politics, yet whose action (or non action) enabled Hitler to persecute a war of conquest and to perpetrate the Holocaust. This book reveals the true story of Hitler's most controversial general."
Von Manstein remains a hotly disputed figure, emblematic of a military class that claimed to be above politics, yet whose action (or non action) enabled Hitler to persecute a war of conquest and to perpetrate the Holocaust. This book reveals the true story of Hitler's most controversial general."
July 14, 2023
Good biography on Field Marshall Erich von Manstein. He was one of Germany's top Generals during WW2, he fought in Poland, France (1940 Campaign) and Operation Barbarossa (Invasion of the Soviet Union). He was finally dismissed by Hitler in March 1944, he was never called back to active duty. Good information on the plot to kill Hitler and his conviction on War Crimes. Good Read, who would like to know more about how the German Army General Staff worked.
June 10, 2016
An outstanding work on one of Germany's most outstanding soldiers.
Although the book starts slowly, following Manstein's own autobiography closely for the first decades of his life, it really comes to life with the outbreak of the Second World War, where Manstein's influence and experience was to become of global importance. In contrast to some biographies of other senior German commanders, Melvin draws upon his own experience as a high-ranking general to explore Manstein's approach to command, repeatedly drawing out examples where he operated in ways quite contrary to the contemporary style of the Allied armies. The result is a deep sense of just how brilliant Manstein truly was at the operational level of war, and so the reader gains an understanding of how the Germans were able to achieve such success against the Soviets, despite tremendous numerical odds against them. Equally, Melvin reveals the disasterous failings of Hitler as a military commander, with his complete inability to grasp Manstein's mobile concepts, and also the tendency of Manstein and his peers to consistently underestimate the capabilities of the Soviet forces from late 1942 onwards. The description of Manstein's efforts after the war to defend the reputation of the German Army, which Melvin indicates were sometimes pushed despite the evidence, and his role in establishing the Bundeswehr show a vital side to his character and abilities.
Despite being a wellworn phrase, this book truly deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the German art of command and in the course of the Second World War.
Although the book starts slowly, following Manstein's own autobiography closely for the first decades of his life, it really comes to life with the outbreak of the Second World War, where Manstein's influence and experience was to become of global importance. In contrast to some biographies of other senior German commanders, Melvin draws upon his own experience as a high-ranking general to explore Manstein's approach to command, repeatedly drawing out examples where he operated in ways quite contrary to the contemporary style of the Allied armies. The result is a deep sense of just how brilliant Manstein truly was at the operational level of war, and so the reader gains an understanding of how the Germans were able to achieve such success against the Soviets, despite tremendous numerical odds against them. Equally, Melvin reveals the disasterous failings of Hitler as a military commander, with his complete inability to grasp Manstein's mobile concepts, and also the tendency of Manstein and his peers to consistently underestimate the capabilities of the Soviet forces from late 1942 onwards. The description of Manstein's efforts after the war to defend the reputation of the German Army, which Melvin indicates were sometimes pushed despite the evidence, and his role in establishing the Bundeswehr show a vital side to his character and abilities.
Despite being a wellworn phrase, this book truly deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the German art of command and in the course of the Second World War.
May 8, 2010
This is an excellent book. The depth of research is clear from the outset and the author has vclearly left no stone unturned in capturing the essence of his man.
He writes really well; the pace is good; the level of detail is excellent; importantly it is delivered in a very personal/readable style.
The quality of the maps and the photos are the best that I have ever come across. The author's military experience both as a strategist, engineer and historian has blended well to ensure that an eye to detail has been kept on the mapping so that they truly add value to the narrative.
In sum, this is an excellent book - suitable for all readers. I suspect that anyone with a genuine interest in warfare, generalship, strategy or military history will want to get their hands on this book. Critically, it has plenty to tell us about how we might well do things better today.
Rommel
He writes really well; the pace is good; the level of detail is excellent; importantly it is delivered in a very personal/readable style.
The quality of the maps and the photos are the best that I have ever come across. The author's military experience both as a strategist, engineer and historian has blended well to ensure that an eye to detail has been kept on the mapping so that they truly add value to the narrative.
In sum, this is an excellent book - suitable for all readers. I suspect that anyone with a genuine interest in warfare, generalship, strategy or military history will want to get their hands on this book. Critically, it has plenty to tell us about how we might well do things better today.
Rommel
November 4, 2011
A well-researched and informative biography of General Manstein. He is less well known outside Germany where he was revered, during his lifetime. This is an even-handed account which does address the extent to which he was complicit in the atrocities committed on the eastern front. Without doubt he was as guilty as sin and lucky to get away without being hanged. (my opinion anyway).But a great defensive general who fought a good fight and like Monty, could have fought a much better one without interference from above.
November 11, 2012
Somewhat of a tough read due to the level of detail which seemed to detract from rather than supplement the overall assessment of Manstein as a military leader. However, I do think it is essential reading as a supplement to flesh out and explain, in a very balanced way, what Manstein wrote in "Lost Victories". I feel like I understand Manstein better after reading this book and I have a better feel for how Manstein fit into World War II overall, especially the post war prosecution of German generals.
July 17, 2015
One of the better military biographies I've read. Manstein is probably one of the most under appreciated generals of this conflict and MGen Melvin has probably done more than anyone to elucidate his contributions to the German war machine on the eastern front. Brings humanity down to one of the most brutal conflicts in recorded history. I particularly found the description of the politicization of his war trial fascinating. Just a reminder that wrong is decided by the victor. Great damn book.
July 20, 2015
Good:
* Detailed assessments of Mansteins' strengths and flaws, as well as reviews on his major operations.
* Many challenges in his life, from his military struggles against the Russians and Hitler to his criminal prosecution, are described very well.
* The German and Russian terms are provided, not just the English translation.
Bad:
* The battles are not covered with enough detail.
* Detailed assessments of Mansteins' strengths and flaws, as well as reviews on his major operations.
* Many challenges in his life, from his military struggles against the Russians and Hitler to his criminal prosecution, are described very well.
* The German and Russian terms are provided, not just the English translation.
Bad:
* The battles are not covered with enough detail.
November 14, 2011
A good biography. Good research. Left me wondering about him. (Sorry, written in haste)
July 4, 2012
Solid history, well written, balanced and continually interesting
March 9, 2013
Good bio of Manstein, but would benefit from some maps.
February 24, 2013
Very good but very much a biography. I would have e hoped for more focus on his thinking as a military operationalist
November 2, 2014
Loved it. A very in-depth account of a brilliant general.
April 12, 2021
Great reading of a flawed military genius
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