George S. Patton was a general who achieved greatness in his field by contradicting his own nature. A cavalryman steeped in romantic military tradition, he nevertheless pulled a reluctant American military into the most advanced realms of highly mobile armored warfare. An autocratic snob, Patton created unparalleled rapport and loyalty with the lowliest private in his command. An outspoken racist, he led the only racially integrated US military unit in World War II. A profoundly insecure individual, he made his Third Army the most self-confident and consistently victorious fighting force in the European theater. An exuberantly profane man, he prayed daily and believed God had destined him for military greatness.
Alan Axelrod delivers a fascinating account of Patton's extraordinary life and legacy.
About the Author :
Alan Axelrod is the author of numerous books on history, business, and management. He has been a creative consultant to such television documentaries and series as The Wild West and Civil War Journal for the Discovery Channel. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brian Emerson is an actor and technical director with a long career in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.
General Wesley K. Clark served in the United States Army for thirty-four years and rose to the rank of four-star general as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. He is author of A Time to Lead, as well as the bestselling books Waging Modern War and Winning Modern Wars. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Review :
"An engaging minibiography...Patton's race across France has become legendary, but Mr. Axelrod reminds readers that it was the result of careful planning."
-- "Washington Times"
"Axelrod has captured Patton's checkered legacy in a balanced biography."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Axelrod's powerful prose and historical insight bring the epic bronze monument of George Patton to vibrant life in glorious tones, personal secrets and dramatic action. A compelling story that is a pleasure to read and read again--and to rely on as a rock-solid reference book"
-- "Col. Jack Kingston, National Security Council"
"Concise, incisive, and authoritative, Axelrod's Patton is a clear and entertaining biography of the famous general that captures both his complicated personality and the monumental events that made him perhaps the most controversial warrior in American history."
-- "Robert K. Wilcox bestselling author of Wings of Fury"
"Axelrod offers new and interesting insight into General George S. Patton...Brian Emerson's reading mirrors the ebbs and flows that characterized Patton's life. At times, Emerson's style is understated, yet at other moments he sounds as though he inhabits Patton's psyche, capturing the General's insecurity, intensity, and brilliance."
-- "AudioFile"
"Emerson handles his job flawlessly. He reads in an unvoiced conversational tone that is completely unobtrusive; he lets the listener's imagination carry the story."
-- "Kliatt"
