Patton

by Alan Axelrod

Book Overview

Profiles the iconic American general as a controversial tactician whose methods and legacy still evoke heated debates, in an account that evaluates his military innovations and contributions to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1403971390
• ISBN13: 9781403971395
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Length: 205 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Great Introduction to one of the United States' Greatest Generals

This concise but authoritative biography of General George S. Patton, Jr. is the perfect text for the person who desires a penetrating biography of this legendary General without the length of some of the more complete biographies out there. As others have already posted, this is an easy-to-read biography that makes a great introduction to Patton's life, and for many readers this is complete enough to stop here. Alexrod does a great job of capturing the essence of Patton's life and philosophy in such a brief biography. The book starts out strong with the introduction by General Wesley K. Clark, and I can't help but agree with his sentiment that Patton was a winner, a morale- and team-builder who adapted quickly and sought to master every challenge and that we need leaders like Patton today. Axelrod has written an excellent concise biography of General Patton. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick overview of his life and desires an introduction to this great general. I also recommend it to those that have read more exhaustive biographies on General Patton as I have. Sure, I was familiar with what was written because I have read the longer texts on his life, but I enjoyed this quick read about one of my favorite generals. If you like Patton or want to know more about him, this is a great little book. Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series

Guts and Glory

General George Patton was a great, aggressive leader who had no fear of death. He could lead people where they thought they could not go. He was devout believer in Christ, a fatalist, and really believed himself a reincarnation of a past general. He loved war like Napoleon loved it, and when in one, always was attacking. I knew little about him before I read the book, and now I feel I have an understanding of his character. He was a man full of contradictions as the book will explain - things you wouldn't expect - like his inner self-doubt and depression, and his outer utter-confidence. Although they had minor differences of opinion, the conservativeness of Eisenhower and the aggressiveness of Patton with their similar beliefs and background made them a great team during the war. Patton was a natural leader, and the book reveals his character with all his idiosyncrasies. I would recommend the book to anyone who has general interest into Patton or WWII.

Great Read on Patton

In my humble opinion, this title is one of the best biographies I've read in a long time. While the book contains only about 180 pages, the account is thorough and does not get bogged down in a dry summary of war strategy and tactics that afflicts other books. Axelrod is able to describe in appropriate detail many aspects of Patton's life: 1. His early childhood in California, time at Virginia Military Institute, and ultimately graduating from West Point. 2. Involvement in the expedition against Pancho Villa and World War 1. 3. Rise to fame in World War 2. 4. Relationship with Eisenhower, Bradley, Montgomery, and other WW2 officers. 5. Relationship with enlisted men (including the 2 slapping incidents). 6. Tempestuous marriage to his wife Beatrice and his supposed reputation as a ladies' man. 7. The automobile wreck that led to his untimely death. The part I enjoyed reading the most was probably the author's description of this highly effective general and most complex individual's personality. On the one hand, there is no doubt that while Patton played a significant role in WW2, many people disliked him. However, no one can argue with his point that Russia should have been dealt with much more firmly at the conclusion of WW2. Events from the 1940s - 1980s proved him to be correct. A highly recommended read. Read and enjoy learning about one of our nation's greatest generals.

GREAT SHORT OVERVIEW - WELL DONE - A GOOD READ

As other reviewers have pointed out, there are a number of excellent biographies out there covering the life of General Patton. This short work though, does a wonderful job of compacting a very large amount of informaton into a short, readable biography. The author is quite concise and the material very well organized. For those readers not wanting to delve into a 1000 plus page work, yet are interested in this great generals life, this quite fills the bill. The technical aspect of war is kept to a minimum, yet the author is able to convey the complexities of war quite well as well as the complexities of George S. Patton. I do hope the rest of the books in this series are as well done. Overall, recommend this one highly.

"Born to Be a Soldier"

General Eisenhower once wrote that "Patton was born to be a soldier." Axelrod's biography makes it clear why this was true, while at the same time revealing the weaknesses that sorely cost Patton. George Patton, plagued by dyslexia throughout life, simply worked harder to overcome it - at first in his studies (requiring a "preparatory" year at VMI, and repeating his first year at West Point), and then reading to keep himself up-to-date on military tactics and history - including Rommel's writings and the Koran (the latter to prepare for battle in largely Muslim North Africa). Patton was appointed 2nd Corporal his second year at West Point, but eventually was demoted for being a martinet - always quick to upbraid classmates for failings, but failing to praise when appropriate. It was a lesson he kept with him, reminding subordinates later to be both demanding and praising. Lean and fit, he tried football, but injuries prevented his playing for West Point - instead he became a pentathlon athlete - placing 5th in the 1912 Olympics. Patton always pursued a preference for commanding soldiers in action to staff or stateside duties. This early on brought him into service with General Pershing, where he won acclaim in a small skirmish pursuing Pancho Villa and ultimately to Pershing's staff in WWI. Once in Europe, Patton became aware of the potential of tanks, was appointed to organize officer training in the new field, and took to the battlefield in their command. Their he demonstrated his trademark tactic of leading from the front - immediately resolving problems and motivating the soldiers, and was wounded. Just as importantly, Patton also realized that it was a mistake to limit tanks to supporting infantry - their speed offered much greater potential. Early postwar duty included helping Gen. McArthur clear the Bonus Marchers from Washington, which Patton found quite distasteful. Later it was strongly rumored that he had a long affair with his niece. Regardless, as WWII approached and Patton was moved to leadership of a large tank command, he took up flying as a means of helping resolve bottlenecks and thinking about methods of avoiding presenting massed tank targets for enemy aircraft. WWII began without Patton, but after the U.S. suffered a humiliating defeat in a North Africa tank battle, Patton was placed in command, and quickly turned the situation around - beginning with his insistence on strict discipline and providing well for his soldiers. He also became known for encouraging spirited debate among his staff, and then insisting on enthusiastic implementation of decisions. Slapping Incidents: Involved two soldiers and two occasions. The M.D. in charge notified Eisenhower after the second; Eisenhower managed to keep the incident quiet, asking the press to sit on the story to protect a key commander. Columnist Drew Pearson, however, eventually learned of it and stirred a furor with his story. Patton ended up sidelined for 11 m