High command: The genius of generalship from antiquity to Alamein

by John Laffin

Well-researched, and equally well-written study on the distinctive style of the great generals in history, such HANNIBAL, GENGHIZ KHAN, FREDERICK THE GREAT, ROMMEL, CROMWELL, NAPOLEON, WASHINGTON, WELLINGTON, AND MONTGOMERY. Along with the aid of battle maps, and plans, "High Command" reveals some striking affinities and connections. An excellent, informative, thought-provoking read, and a must-read for any military history buff.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 1995

About the author

John Laffin was a prolific author with nearly 130 books to his name. Many of his books concerned military history.

Laffin's parents both served in WWI, his father in the 20th Battalion and his mother as a nurse. In 1940, aged 24, having worked with Smith's Weekly and The Wagga Advertiser, he enlisted in the 2nd AIF. He trained as an infantryman and later completed an officer course before serving in New Guinea. While convalescing in Sydney in 1943 he met his wife Hazelle.

After the war Laffin worked for a number of newspapers and magazines, wrote short novels and began his own feature service and editing unit. With his family he left for England in 1956 where he resided for nearly 40 years. He wrote articles for Australian newspapers and taught English, history and geography in secondary colleges.

Laffin traveled extensively in Europe, especially the Western Front areas of WWI and in the Middle East. He returned to Australia in 1995 but Hazelle developed heart problems and died in early 1997. He is survived by his two daughters, Bronwen and Pirenne, and a son, Craig.

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In High Command, John Laffin gives a series of lectures on Military notables, both Characters and Tactical Innovations through the years -from the Bible to what was modern time when he wrote it in 1966. I do actually think this is a series of Lectures- Laffin was a noted Military Veteran, Journalist, Writer, and Lecturer on Military and Current Events- and I am pretty sure having read his work- he could do it from Memory without really needing notes, although the book is well documented- with notes and a great bibliography. Among the notable "Great Captains" he chronicles are Gideon, Claudius Nero, Arminius, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, Subutai, Gustavus II Adolphus, Cromwell, Marlborough, Frederick, Napoleon, Clausewitz, Wellington, Moltke, and Bernard Montgomery. The battles he chooses as illustrations are Marathon, Cannae, The Metaurus Campaign, Teutobergerwald, Crecy, Breitenfeld, Naseby, Leuthen, Austerlitz, Solferino and Alamein. He weaves a nice tale and knows the history well- as well as it was known in 1966. I found it a good read- if a bit dated.

Writing in 1966, of course, the use of ULTRA radio intercepts in the Battle of Alamein was still unknown and Top Secret. There are other points where his EuroCentrism, Edwardian Value System, and delight in biblical tropes can wear a bit thin. But as a tour of the essentials of military history and thought- Laffin does a solid job. There can be some massive oversimplifications and some amazing ethnic stereotyping, but it was written in an era where a charming Aussie could get away with some of his asides. I chose to understand it as a product of its time- and managed to enjoy the marrow of information on war through the occasional tin eared passage. He's never far wrong or really out of hand- and he does tell a good yarn.

Written in a forthright style, and with no real gore passages, this is a fine book for the Junior reader over about 11 years - with an interest in history.For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast. its a really interesting read. This IS one of those single books the "History" guy in the Local Game/Hobby club can give to a LOTR/Warhammer played- that will bring the reader up to date fast on whole Eras of warfare. For the Battles featured, there is always a map and enough text to aid in Scenario/Diorama development, although for battles a series of maps is better. The Military Enthusiast - a burgeoning one- will find the insight into so many ages of warfare a wonderful amuse buche to read more. A book with some imperfections, but a good book for learning about combat through the ages.