Whether any advantage or benefit will be drawn from the suspension - or effective abolition - of the rank of Field Marshal is debatable. What is certain, however, is that Dr. Tony Heathcote's idea of compiling a definitive biographical dictionary of holders of this illustrious rank since its introduction by George II in 1736, is opportune and inspired.Those readers who anticipate a dry recitation of bare facts and statistics are in for a disappointment. A reference work this may be but the author, by dint of his depth of knowledge, has created a shrewd and highly readable commentary as well.As