Barry, who served in senior positions in the army until 2010, tells this history with candor. His book is authoritative, detailed, and readable.

Foreign Affairs

An impressively detailed chronicle by an analyst well up to the task. Read it and weep.

Allan Mallinson, The Spectator

The author is among the best-informed commentators on our armed forces.

Max Hastings, The Times

Ben Barry combines the intimate knowledge of the insider with the objectivity of the strategic commentator.

Sir Hew Strachan

This highly authoritative book will please professional soldier and interested civilian alike.

Field Marshal Lord David Richards

This timely book is a love letter to the British Army, written by a man whose experience of the army spans all of the five decades under review.

Dr Robert Lyman, co-author of 'Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918–40'