This author primarily focuses on military history and biography, with a particular emphasis on the British Army. His works often explore pivotal moments and figures in military conflicts, including studies on Wellington and Napoleon, or Churchill and Hitler. His writing delves into the analysis of military strategies and leadership during significant wars. His books offer readers deep insights into military history and the actions of key personalities.
In 1941 Operation Squatter, part of the British disinformation campaign in North Africa, was the first mission for the newly formed SAS. It was an unmitigated disaster, but they soon rallied and became one of the world’s most fearsome elite fighting forces. Major General Strawson tells the story of the corps’ first four decades, from campaigns in the Middle East through to the Iranian embassy siege and the Falklands War.
Focusing on the Italian campaign of World War II, this gripping account by John Strawson reveals how this brutal struggle prolonged the war despite the shifting momentum against Hitler. It explores the rationale behind opening a new front, the impact of key tactical decisions, and the conflicts between notable military leaders like Patton and Montgomery. Strawson delves into the campaign's significance, providing rich detail and strategic insights that illuminate this often-overlooked chapter of history, appealing to fans of military history.
Could Napoleon have won the Battle of Waterloo? What would have happened if he had? Suppose Napoleon had not destroyed the French fleet at would he have conquered India and become emperor of the East? What if Hitler had not halted his forces before Dunkirk and had entrapped the entire British Expeditionary Force? How would Churchill have then defeated the Wehrmacht? If by chance Hitler had been assassinated in 1944 and the German General Staff had taken control, would there have been a totally different kind of surrender? In examining these and other contingencies, General Strawson presents us with an enthralling catalogue of chance and speculation, emphasizing how profoundly the character of commanders influenced events and how events influenced their character.
The exploration of law reveals its pivotal role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, highlighting the tension between Jewish claims for a homeland and Palestinian rights to return. John Strawson critiques how legal frameworks established by the League of Nations and the United Nations have marginalized Palestinians. He examines three critical moments: the League of Nations Mandate, the UN partition plan, and the Oslo agreements, arguing that these legal documents perpetuate conflict rather than resolve it, shaping national identities and entrenching divisions.
Based on first-person accounts from those who served under Hitler in the military, John Strawson explores the Führer’s strategic successes and failures in battles. In addition to looking at his relationship with his generals, he discusses the psychological and tactical reasons for why initial advances, including the campaigns in Poland and France, were followed by blunders such as those in Russia and North Africa .
A comparative study of two historical figures who shaped the twentieth century.