Command

Al Murray’s passion for military history and the Second World War in particular has always run parallel with his comedy and was brought to the fore with several acclaimed and award-winning television shows and the recent huge success of his podcast.

We Have Ways of Making You Talk which he hosts with fellow bestselling military author James Holland. In his first serious narrative book, Command showcases Al Murray’s passion for this pivotal period in the twentieth century, as he writes an engaging, entertaining and sharp analysis of the key allied military leaders in the conflict.

Command highlights the performance and careers of some of the leading protagonists who commanded armies, as well as the lesser-known officers who led divisions, regiments and even battalions for the British, Commonwealth and United States of American armies.

By showcasing each combat commander across every major theatre of operations the allies fought in, Murray tells the story of how the Western Allies rebounded from early shocking defeats (Dunkirk and Pearl Harbor) to then victories (El Alamein and D-Day) in its efforts to defeat the Axis forces of Nazi Germany and Japan, and what that tells us about the characters and the challenges that faced them.

Command is the book for all fans of Second World War History who appreciate a true enthusiast of the genre with something new and compelling to say.

‘My bookshelves were groaning with WW2 books, Hitler’s baleful eyes staring out at me from covers and spines for any new visitor (or passing burglar) to wonder if I might be a fan or at least mildly obsessed.’
— Al Murray

‘Al Murray’s new book proves, if anyone still feels the need to question it, that he is a major historian in his own right. Command is everything popular history should be: authoritative, full of deep wisdom and knowledge, genuinely fresh and original in approach and content, and both compelling and entertainingly written. Skilfully blending the famous names with those lesser known, he examines each in a completely fresh light, focussing on differing aspects that collectively offer a satisfyingly comprehensive whole that takes the reader on a journey across a wide range of landscapes, theatres and battles. It is an utter joy to read from start to finish.’
— James Holland

With his trademark combination of humour and deep-thinking – an iron fist in a velvet glove – Al Murray’s brilliantly incisive debut history forces us to think again about the nature of Command and how the Allies were able to turn disaster into triumph in World War II. Quirky, original and hard-hitting, it is as enjoyable to read as it is instructive.
— Saul David

Command is a stunning achievement. This is a book that sucks you in from the first page. Deeply incisive, each paragraph brings a new revelation. Al Murray’s writing is as original and his conclusions as controversial as the generals he depicts. At the end of each chapter, you are left exhaling with a sense of “I didn’t expect that.”
— Peter Caddick-Adams

   About the author
Al Murray is one of the most successful comics in the UK with his alter-ego The Pub Landlord and has had four previous bestselling books, The Pub Landlord’s Book of British Common Sense, The Pub Landlord Says Think Yourself British, Great British Pub Quiz Book and Watching War Films with my Dad. One of the most popular live comedy acts in the country, Al has sold out arenas nationwide, including London’s O2 Arena. He has earned numerous awards and accolades, such as the British Comedy Award for his ITV1 series Al Murray’s Happy Hour, the Perrier Award and two Olivier Award nominations.