Epic Retreats by Stephen Tanner

Epic Retreats: From 1776 to the Evacuation of Saigon by Stephen Tanner is a fascinating study of military withdrawals that changed the course of history. Published by Greenhill Books in 2000, this hardcover edition examines seven dramatic retreats where survival, discipline, and leadership became more important than outright victory. Rather than focusing only on triumphant battles, Tanner explores the strategic importance of withdrawal and regrouping during moments of crisis.

Epic Retreats covers a diverse range of campaigns, including George Washington’s retreat from New York during the American Revolution, Napoleon’s catastrophic withdrawal from Russia, the Nez Perce retreat across Montana, the Allied evacuation at Dunkirk, the German First Panzer Army in the Caucasus, the Eighth Army in Korea, and the final evacuation of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Each chapter combines detailed military analysis with engaging narrative history, making Epic Retreats appealing to both serious military historians and general readers interested in warfare and leadership under pressure.

Stephen Tanner presents these campaigns with clarity and balance, highlighting the logistical, political, and human dimensions of retreat. Epic Retreats is richly informative and offers insight into how armies preserve strength and morale in the face of overwhelming odds. Military history enthusiasts, collectors of war studies, and readers interested in strategic command will find this an absorbing addition to their library.

This Greenhill Books edition is particularly attractive with its striking red dust jacket and quality hardcover binding, making it a desirable collectible for military history collectors and readers of twentieth-century warfare studies.

Condition – Near Fine

Near fine hardcover book in clean, sharp condition with strong binding and bright pages. The dust jacket is also in near fine condition overall, with a scratch present on the rear cover. An attractive and well-preserved copy.