General Patton: A Soldier's Life

This is a different life of the legendary George S. Patton from other works...while there is considerable coverage of Patton's service and career as a soldier and general, much of the focus is on Patton the man...how he grew up in a surprisingly liberal (by the standards of the day) California political family, and was turned towards more racist and anti-Semitic views by his wealthy Massachusetts in-lawsFrom this, we learn about Patton's role in covering up his troops massacring some PoWs, the infamous slapping incidents, and his behavior as US proconsul in Bavaria after the war, where espoused inflammatory views about starting a new war with Russia, permitting Nazis to continue to work in important positions, and more anti-Semitism. The book also asks if Patton suffered traumatic brain injury from concussions suffered in pre-war polo matches. That may be a little extreme, but his postwar statements and actions suggested questionable thinking at best, or perhaps a sense of exhaustion and weariness...after conquering Bavaria, he had nothing left to conquer. His war was over, and the United States would not fight another war that he was fitted for until 1991.One gets a more well-rounded life of Patton the man from this biography than from some of the pot-boiler books that have been done over the past 70 years, and certainly than the otherwise outstanding movie about him, which reveals that behind the flamboyant warrior, bedecked in medals and general's stars, ivory-handled pistols holstered at his hip, was a human being, with strengths and weaknesses like everyone else.Patton deserves to be remembered by his country for his outstanding leadership, but like all people, it should be as a full picture, and this book helps round out that picture.

first 50 pages were confusing at first. after rereading everything makes sense.

if you like to read about World War II, this book is fantastic !!

Writer is toooooo wordy & all over the place with facts. Doesn’t flow like a historical piece should.

Very good book.

I was very happy with the book that I purchased from Amazon through Wonderbooks in Fredrick,Md and would definitely purchase from them in the future! The book was sent on a timely fashion even though the UPS driver delivered it the the address one block down the street. Thank goodness there are still honest people out there!thank againDuane

I didn't appreciate the author's liberal attitude of the slapping incidents; although I agree Patton's response was more than it should have been. A warrior has a difficult time understanding chickens.

This was a gift for our grandson. He is a World War II buff.

I bought this for the man in my life who expressed an interest in Patton now that we are commemorating D Day. Even though the book is well worn, the author knows his stuff and writes well. Very informative and "the man" is reading it a second time - 'nuff said..Lest we forget...

In my opinion,If you are looking for a long laborious analysis of Patton ,then this is for you. Personally I found it too heavy reading.Too much detail on early life and family.Can’t please everyone.

I’ve bought many Patton books, this one is right up there and I’d highly recommend this as an overarching anthology read,

A complete history of Patton's life.A must read for fans !