SAS Rogue Heroes Signed By Ben MacIntyre

Author: Ben MacIntyre
Price: £75
Publisher: Penguin, London, UK
Publication Date: 2016
Edition: First edition, 7th Impression
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in very good dustwrapper
Pages: 359

Description:

A signed reprint of this highly successful work. Near fine in very good, nicked, creased and rubbed dustwrapper. Signed by Ben MacIntyre to the title page. Scarce signed.

SAS Rogue Heroes: A Short Description

“SAS: Rogue Heroes: The Authorized Wartime History” is a book by British historian and author Ben Macintyre, published in 2016. The book chronicles the true story of the formation and early exploits of the Special Air Service (SAS), one of the most elite and secretive special forces units in military history. Macintyre, known for his detailed and engaging narratives of historical espionage and military operations, offers a comprehensive and thrilling account of the SAS during World War II.

Overview of the Book

“SAS: Rogue Heroes” is based on declassified records, personal diaries, and interviews with surviving members of the unit, as well as their families. The book covers the origins of the SAS, focusing on its creation during the North African campaign of World War II, and follows its evolution through some of the most daring missions of the war.

Key Figures

The book centres on several key figures in the formation and early operations of the SAS:

• David Stirling: A charismatic and unconventional Scottish officer who is credited with founding the SAS. Stirling’s vision for a small, highly trained force capable of carrying out surprise raids behind enemy lines was revolutionary at the time.
• Paddy Mayne: One of the most legendary figures in SAS history, known for his extraordinary bravery, strength, and unpredictable behaviour. Mayne’s exploits in the desert made him a wartime hero, but he was also a complex and troubled character.
• Jock Lewes: The intellectual force behind the SAS, Lewes was instrumental in developing the tactics and training methods that would define the unit. He was also the inventor of the “Lewes bomb,” an explosive device used effectively by the SAS.
• Blair “Paddy” Gibb and other members of the original SAS: Macintyre provides vivid portraits of the men who made up this extraordinary unit, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the camaraderie that developed among them.

Themes and Style

The book delves into the themes of innovation, bravery, and the psychological impact of war. It highlights how the SAS was born out of a need for unconventional warfare tactics, and how its members, often mavericks and misfits within the traditional military structure, thrived in this environment. Macintyre’s narrative style is fast-paced and vivid, blending detailed historical research with a gripping, almost novelistic approach to storytelling. He does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of war, but he also captures the humour, camaraderie, and audacity that characterised the early SAS.

Impact and Reception

“SAS: Rogue Heroes” was widely acclaimed for its engaging and meticulously researched portrayal of the SAS. Critics praised Macintyre for bringing to life a fascinating chapter of military history, making it accessible and exciting for a broad audience. The book became a bestseller and further cemented Macintyre’s reputation as one of the leading writers of popular history.

Adaptation

The success of the book led to its adaptation into the television series “SAS: Rogue Heroes,” created by Steven Knight and aired in 2022. The series, while dramatized, draws heavily on the events and characters depicted in Macintyre’s book, bringing the story of the SAS to a new audience.

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