$8.99 with 67 percent savings
Print List Price: $26.95

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Christopher Dunphie
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Pendulum of Battle: Operation Goodwood, July 1944 Kindle Edition

by Christopher Dunphie (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings
See all formats and editions
An account of the World War II clash between British and German forces, “the largest tank battle involving British armor ever fought” (MQ Magazine).

Operation Goodwood, the largest tank battle involving British troops ever to have taken place, has been a perpetual subject of controversy. Was it intended as a breakout from the Normandy Bridgehead, or not? Was it a success or failure? Did it lead to a severe crisis in confidence over Field Marshal Montgomery’s leadership? This book seeks to unearth the true background, reasons, aims and achievement of Goodwood, set in the context of the overall campaign, while bringing the battle to life through personal accounts of some of those involved, both British and German.

“This well-informed account provides an excellent balance between the strategy and tactics . . . Even in a year which is seeing an unprecedented number of books on the Second World War, Pendulum of Battle deserves to be read. It is a serious, yet highly readable study of warfare and can be warmly recommended.” —MQ Magazine
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    465 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Leo Cooper
  4. Publication date
    March 19, 2004
  5. File size
    52.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next slide of product details
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brigadier Christopher Dunphie MC served with the Royal Greenjackets. He is the author of Brightly Shone The Dawn and Gold Beach - Inland From Jig. He is a sought after battlefield guide. He lives in Perthshire.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CLEARFG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Leo Cooper (March 19, 2004)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 19, 2004
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 52.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 465 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Christopher Dunphie

Christopher Dunphie

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
36 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book provides a good, concise history of the offensive. It covers an interesting subject in depth, with background information on the battlefield following the landings. The author presents the information in a straightforward manner that makes it easier to follow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

HistoryClarity
4 customers mention "History"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's history concise and detailed. They appreciate the background information provided for the battlefield following the landings. The book covers an interesting subject in good depth, with the last two chapters being particularly engaging.

"...In addition to the commanders, the author gives background information of the battlefield following the landings so that if you're new to the..." Read more

"An excellent lesson in military history for the military reader as well as the layman with an interest in this subject...." Read more

"...Well written, detailed, and covering an interesting subject in good depth...." Read more

"Good concise history of the offensive..." Read more

3 customers mention "Clarity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's clear and straightforward presentation of information. They find the book detailed and covering an interesting subject in depth.

"...I really enjoyed this book for its concise, straightforward manner. This would be an ideal first book to read about the campaign...." Read more

"...This has to have been one of the most complex operations, post D-Day itself, in history at the time, and as the author states one of the largest..." Read more

"...Well written, detailed, and covering an interesting subject in good depth...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Eric J. Hartsfield
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good concise history of the offensive
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    While there has been a good amount of debate if Goodwood has to have been an attempt to make a breakthrough of the Eastern flank of the German defensive line in Normandy, I think Dunphie makes a good case it was a successful effort to draw German reserves, particularly armor, unto the 21 Army group to allow Operation Cobra to succeed. Granted their looses in armour where high, if one looks at the overall operational picture it was a vital factor in Cobras success. In a cold analysis Montgomery realized the had an abundance of armour that could be sacrificed vs a limited supply of infantry. I think history would have looked more favorably on the operation if it had not been seen as a breakthrough attempt.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dave Schranck
    4.0 out of 5 stars Concise, Competent and Easy to Follow
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    This is my third book on Operation Goodwood and its also my favorite. The other books are good but I like Mr Dunphie's content and presentation. The way he presented the information was easier to follow and made me appreciate the campaign better.

    In the first chapter you're presented with the key personalities from both sides that you will meet up with in the engagements and throughout the book more people will be introduced that made a contribution to the effort. Their photos will accompany a brief comment blog. In addition to the commanders, the author gives background information of the battlefield following the landings so that if you're new to the operation, you're have a better understanding of what was facing VIII Corps as it rode out of its bridgehead on July 18th.

    The book is easy to follow for each town or action point is segregated to its own chapter. The author does a nice job of describing the step by step planning of Operation Goodwood and its objectives before describing the action. Chapters cover leaving the Orne bridgehead, Cuverville and Demouville, Le Mesmil Frementel, Cagny, Bourguebus, Bras and Hubert-Folie etc. There is also coverage of the Infantry Divisions on the flanks driving south as well.

    There are many fine maps showing towns, terrain and movement that really helps your understanding of the narrative. The maps are at least half page and many are near full page, making it easy to read the details. There are also many good photos though many of them can be seen in other books. There are no aerial photos.

    The last two chapters were interesting. In "Recriminations", the author was defending Montgomery's handling of the campaign. The last chapter "Success or Failure", the author comments on the fact that Montgomery never meant the campaign to be a breakout; it was an attempt to hold the German panzers on the east side so Bradley could breakout during Operation Cobra and the campaign must be considered a success. I agree Operation Goodwood was a partial success but I have to take issue with Montgomery's position concerning holding the Germans in place. It doesn't take a genius to realize that a breakout during the Operation might not occur. Monty could have tried to save face ahead of time by making memos in his documentation to the "fact" that it was an operation from the very beginning to keep the Germans in place. He certainly promoted a breakthrough posture to Generals Eisenhower and Bradley. General Dempsey was definitely looking for a breakthrough. Churchill was surprised and disappointed that a breakout didn't occur.

    I really enjoyed this book for its concise, straightforward manner. This would be an ideal first book to read about the campaign. If you already have a "Goodwood" book and you're a collector, this book is good enough to add to your collection.
    13 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • VulcanPolo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Military History at its best
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent lesson in military history for the military reader as well as the layman with an interest in this subject. It is very evident that the author knows of what he speaks and delivers it in a clear and concise manner. This has to have been one of the most complex operations, post D-Day itself, in history at the time, and as the author states one of the largest Tank battles in history. It delivers a very interesting perspective of the major players and their personal stamp on the operation itself.
    The numerous maps are an essential part of the book as the author describes the bewildering array of British and German units confronting one another in the field.
    No less importantly the author has brought forth the reality, the stress and the horror of battle from the perspective of the ordinary soldiers who were on the ground.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • P. Weiser
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Steal
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent book at any price, and at the low Kindle price it's a steal. Well written, detailed, and covering an interesting subject in good depth.

    A slight revisionist bias (exculpating Montgomery) is noted, but does not detract. Maps a bit hard to read on my old Kindle Keyboard, but acceptable. A similar bias (written predominantly from the British viewpoint) not quite balanced by brining in a few German voices, but again this does not detract.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Praetoreanbob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Normandy 1944
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Highly recommended
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Charles Vasey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well analysed account of a glorious British defeat
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    Dunphie is the son of one of Patton's British Staff officers from Tunisia and a member of the Rifle Brigade (the Black Mafia). As befits a book written by a British Army insider the tone is one of cap-badge pride (8th Rifle Brigade being the motor battalion for 11th Armoured Division) but not to an undue degree. (Generals are allowed to criticise themselves rather than be criticised). Dunphie has talked not only to the British but to the German veterans and the result is a celebration of bravery and skill. It lacks the revisionist zeal of the non-military writer and some may prefer a rather more critical style. The book does concentrate on 11th Armoured but has a much wider remit. We have chapters on not only the 3rd Division on the east flank but also the Canadians at Caen and in Operation Atlantic. The question of 7th Armoured Division's stickiness is politely avoided. There is also a chapter on how tactical air support was operated. Each phase of the battle is carefully described with the aid of a chapter-specific map. For once one can follow something of the battle amidst the smoke and destruction.
    As always this publisher has an excellent choice (and plentiful amount) of illustrations.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report