Arnhem Black Tuesday
Al Murray has long been fascinated by the legendary Battle of Arnhem, and in *Arnhem: Black Tuesday*, he brings his deep knowledge, interpretation, and passion to retell the story of one of history’s most heroic failures from a fresh perspective.
The Battle of Arnhem is a pivotal chapter in British military history, a bold yet ill-fated mission to capture a crucial bridgehead over the Rhine and bring the war to a close by Christmas 1944. Often recounted with the benefit of hindsight as an inevitable failure, those who fought there—icons of military history—had no such foresight.
By zeroing in on the events of a single day, as experienced by the British forces on the ground and without the foreknowledge of what was to come, Murray offers a unique take on this familiar story. While some actions succeeded, many more failed, but this approach allows readers to grasp, for the first time, how decisions were made in real time and how critical opportunities were missed.
Tuesday, 19 September 1944 (known as Black Tuesday) was a day of dramatic change. From the optimistic planning that began just after noon to the destruction and despair that engulfed Arnhem by midnight, these 24 hours reshaped the war’s trajectory.
Al Murray
Al Murray's comedic persona, The Pub Landlord, has become one of the most iconic and successful characters in comedy over the past two decades. Murray, a highly acclaimed comedian with numerous awards to his name, continues to draw large crowds to arenas and theatres worldwide.
In addition to his comedy, Murray is an accomplished author, with several successful books including 'Watching War Films with My Dad' and 'Command', a witty and insightful exploration of key Allied military leaders during World War II. He also co-hosts the popular World War II history podcast 'We Have Ways of Making You Talk' alongside bestselling military historian James Holland.
Comments
‘Utterly brilliant... this book really is the last word on the Battle of Arnhem.’ James Holland
’Superb... A military historian of originality and insight to compare with the best.’ Saul David