Arnhem: Black Tuesday

by Al Murray
Arnhem: Black Tuesday cover
Good Books rating 4.07
History
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  • ID: 3083
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781529938562
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-09-12
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Arnhem: Black Tuesday offers a unique and immersive look at the Battle of Arnhem, focusing on the critical events of a single day without the benefit of hindsight. Author Al Murray recounts the story through the experiences of British soldiers, providing a raw and unfiltered account of the decisions, successes, and failures that shaped the battle. This approach allows readers to understand the immediate challenges and opportunities faced by the troops, offering a new perspective on one of the most famous and tragic military operations of World War II. /n/n Murray's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject shine through, making this a compelling and insightful read for history enthusiasts. The book is praised for its originality and the way it brings the human element of the battle to the forefront, making it a standout in the genre of military history.

Reviews
Forces News · 2024-09-19
insightful 4.20

The author challenges the common historical view that Operation Market Garden was doomed from the start, offering a fresh perspective on the battle.

The reviewer highlights Murray's unique interpretation of the Battle of Arnhem, which diverges from the conventional wisdom that the operation was doomed from the outset. They appreciate the author's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject, which shines through in the narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be an insightful and thought-provoking account that challenges the reader's preconceived notions about the battle. The detailed analysis and fresh perspective make it a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    While Op Market Garden is considered by many historians to have been ill-fated from the start, Arnhem: Black Tuesday author Mr Murray disagrees.

    Al Murray has always been obsessed by this legendary battle, and in Arnhem: Black Tuesday he showcases all of his knowledge, interpretation and enthusiasm.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known battle, challenging conventional historical views.

Goodreads · 2024-09-12
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and detailed account of the Battle of Arnhem, making it accessible to both history buffs and casual readers.

The reviewer commends Murray's ability to make a complex historical event accessible and engaging. They appreciate the detailed account of the Battle of Arnhem, which is presented in a way that is both informative and compelling. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable addition to the literature on World War II, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known battle. The engaging narrative style makes it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events and their significance.

Quick quotes

    The Battle of Arnhem is one of the best-known stories in British military history: a daring but thwarted attempt to secure a vital bridgehead across the Rhine.

    The book is easy to read and the style of writing is good.

    Details of medals awarded are given for action taken, adding a personal touch to the historical account.

The Times · 2024-08-31
thoughtful 4.00

The author presents a balanced view of the battle, highlighting acts of bravery without glorifying the conflict. The tone is somber, focusing on the human cost and strategic missteps.

The reviewer appreciates Murray's thorough research and engaging writing style, which brings the events of the Battle of Arnhem to life. They note that Murray is fascinated by the battle but avoids glorifying it, instead emphasizing the bleakness and the human cost of the conflict. The reviewer finds the book to be a poignant exploration of a pivotal moment in military history, with a focus on the bravery of the soldiers involved and the strategic errors that led to their downfall. The overall mood is somber, reflecting the gravity of the events described.

Quick quotes

    Murray is fascinated by this battle, but not inclined to glorify it.

    He describes instances of incredible bravery, but the overarching mood is somber.

    The book is a poignant exploration of a pivotal moment in military history.

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