Patton

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 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 show more military annals. show less

This compact biography of an already over-documented life is interesting for its attempt to place General George S. Patton and his accomplishments in the context of his dramatic effect on the U.S. Army’s doctrine, training, and operations long after World War II. No startling revelations about Patton the general or the man, although the author does bluntly describe attitudes and prejudices that at this remove are repugnant but which were entirely expectable for a man of Patton’s social class and upbringing. Patton's famous for his self-publicized command of an Allied Army but biographers (including axelrod) rarely mention how he undermined Allied strategy in Europe. Axelrod, prolific professional author of well over 30 books, show more provides readable prose and workmanlike descriptive material. General Wesley Clark’s forward adds nada. Extensive endnotes, mainly of primary sources. Although not a substitute for the Blumenson or D’Este biographies, it is much more concise and accessible. First in Palgrave’s Great Generals Series. Series editor is Clark. An excellent choice for most libraries and a good introduction to the subject. show less

Doesn't break any really new ground, but some analysis of Patton's influence and a tidbit about dyslexia

Well researched and contains new information about one of the greatest military commanders ever.