A Bridge Too Far

Cornelius Ryan (1920-1974) was a journalist and war correspondent whose career shaped his approach to military history. Born in Dublin, Ryan reported on World War II for the Daily Telegraph and Time, covering both the European and Pacific theaters. His frontline journalism, which was rooted in extensive research and human-centered storytelling, laid the foundation for his trilogy of WWII books: The Longest Day (1959), The Last Battle (1966), and A Bridge Too Far (1974). Ryan conducted hundreds of interviews with soldiers, commanders, and civilians on both sides of the conflict. He often wove personal stories into broader military events, making his accounts both accessible and emotionally resonant.

In A Bridge Too Far, Ryan brings this method to bear on Operation Market-Garden, blending tactical analysis with portraits of the men and women involved. This book was published during the Vietnam War era, when American faith in military leadership had begun to erode. Ryan’s account of Allied hubris, miscommunication, and political maneuvering resonates with the skepticism of the time, even as it honors individual acts of courage. His work reflects the impact of journalistic practices on military historiography.