"The Commanders" tells the story of 16 of Australia's most eminent military men as they performed under the stress of strategy-making and in the heat of battle. The questions it addresses include: Is there an Australian style of command?; how well have Australian officers been prepared for high command?; how have Australian commanders handled the problems of coalition war or co-operation with allies?; how have political direction, organizational structures and entrenched defense policy affected the performance of commanders in the field?; the commanders put under the spotlight are: Bridges, Brudenell White, Creswell, Chauvel, Monash, Lavarack, Sturdee, Gordon Bennett, Morshead, Blamey, Rowell, Herring, Vasey, Robertson, Scherger and Wilton. Each of the 16 lives examined presents a revealing account of the conditions under which crucial military decisions are made and carried out - on the battlefield, at headquarters, in victory and defeat. "The commanders" will appeal not only to students of military affairs but to everyone interested in Australian history and biography.