This book, first published in 1967, examines the foundations and the substance of the Montgomery Legend. The public needed a Hero as Britain's time on the ropes ended, and it was also politically necessary, lest Britain be swamped by the power of its allies.

Part 1. The Inheritance 1. Churchill's Agony 2. Redemption 3. Catharsis Part 2. The Inheritors 4. The General 5. Alam Halfa: the General and the Battle 6. The 15th September Part 3. Anatomy of a Legend 7. 2nd Alamein 8. 2nd Alamein II 9. The Triumphal March 10. On to Tunis! Part 4. Under Two Flags 11. The Allied Command 12. 'Husky' 13. Fortress Europe 14. A Soldier's Farewell