With few exceptions, historians of Germany's conduct of World War II have concentrated on Adolf Hitler and on his talents and mistakes as a warlord. This authoritative study probes instead the relationship between Hitler and his generals -- men such as Rommel, Model, Student, Beck, and Keitel -- from the point of view of his staff. In Hitler's Generals, Correlli Barnett has gathered an outstanding team of military historians to document as never before the characters and careers of the high command who translated the Führer's directives into the dazzling victories of 1939-41 and who endured so long against heavy odds. These vivid portraits assess each man's military abilities, display his professional and social background, and portray how he reacted to Hitler's personality and style of leadership. - Jacket flap.