Field Marshal E. Manstein, recognized by friends and enemies as the best strategist of the Third Reich, in his memoirs created a living fabric of narrative about military action and military thought. Global analysis, a subtle vision of the “moments of truth” in battles, a consistent description of optimal plans and suboptimal actions - all this makes E. Manstein’s book a textbook of strategy. Personal involvement in events, interest, patriotism and awareness of the inevitability of defeat give it historical and psychological authenticity.