Alan Axelrod

Middle-of-the-road, moderately satisfactory, relatively readable, and adds additional depth (not found in Chernow’s ‘definitive’ Washington biography) to an important period in Washington’s life and the beginning of the French and Indian War / Seven Years War. Could have used some additional information about the other people who appear in the narrative, such as why they are there and where they go afterwards. Also neglects to include the proper name of the Native American chief show more Tanaghrisson.

But Mr. Axelrod, we do not call someone a “half-breed” unless that term is included inside a quote from a historical source. show less

An excellent series of essays on 24 generals (12 North and 12 South) who ranged from horrible and infamous to merely competent to outstanding generals key to winning. This book, though not without a few evaluations which I disagree with, would be of great use to both Civil War scholars and the armchair historian alike. I cannot wait to purchase a copy of it myself!

An excellent single volume, reader-friendly history of the American Revolution. I especially admired the introductory chapters which focused on the causes of the revolution. The Russian and French Revolutions were rebellions by the starving lower class. But as author Alan Axelrod makes clear, the American Revolution's causes were less clear...it was, after all, a war between peers. English mistakes laid the groundwork for revolution and the author lays them out. Loaded with sidebars, show more factoids, and photos, this is a good starting point for anyone wanting to dip into the subject. Having read several books on the topic, although by means being a date-memorizing expert, I found plenty of new information. show less

I have read a few of the Great General series books. This one on General George S. Patton, Jr. was superbly done by Alan Axelrod. Though brief it covered Patton's career and character in an easy flowing informative way. I was surprised how many of the incidents covered in the book were paralleled in Academy Award winning movie with George C. Scott as Hollywood can tweak things beyond recognition and truth in such productions. Despite all the controversy surrounding the general and his quirks show more and antics he delivered the goods on the battlefield. Somewhere between crackpot and genius Patton was truly one of a kind and aptly dubbed a true warrior. His innovations in tactics and leadership is still with us today and is his legacy in military annals. show less