In an interesting departure from his bent for naval fiction, C. S. Forester wrote his only characterization of an Army personality in 1936 a composite, in all likelihood, of Field Marshals French and Haig. Forester's general illustrates the unutterable con- sequences of the First World War and how it changed the social class that directed it to its cataclysmic end. Not surprisingly, in the next generation, Hitler made this book recommended reading for his general staff. It is still required reading at many a war college and military academy. The debate over Sir Douglas Haig's generalship has never abated and Forester depicts a view that is clearer than most. It is one of Forester's masterpieces.
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