This book, based on newly classified material, describes the Jewish defense actions in the 1948 War of Independence. Milstein discloses the internal frictions among the Jewish commanders; the subsequent elevation of Ben Gurion to supreme command; and all the events-political and military-of the first month of war. The book is singular in its critical method, in the vast number of documents consulted, and the thousands of interviews with people, many of whom have passed away. Instead of generalizations, the book analyzes in detail the determinant events during that first month. It is intended for scholars, students, and the general public.