Patton

George S. Patton evoked wildly contradictory appraisals, but he also embodied contradiction: 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 U.S. military unit in World War II; an exuberantly profane man, he prayed daily and believed God had destined him to military greatness; a profoundly insecure individual, he made his Third Army the most self-confident and consistently victorious fighting force in the European theatre. This revealing biography illuminates the man behind the legend who modernized the U.S. army and developed the leadership strategies that have inspired generations.

ISBN 1403971390   Weight (grammes) 363 ISBN13 9781403971395 (What's this?)   Published in Gordonsville Publisher Palgrave USA   Series editor Clark, Wesley K. Imprint Palgrave Macmillan   Series ISSN 01 Format Hardback   Series title Great Generals Publication date 22 Sep 2006   Height (mm) 234 Library of Congress 2005051452   Width (mm) 156 DEWEY 355.331092   Spine width (mm) 21 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level Tertiary education, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional / Scholarly Pages 224   Alternative ISBN 9781433268632 Volumes 1

Introduction: Command and Controversy - To the Army Born - Cadet, Soldier, Athlete, Swordsman - In Pursuit of Pancho Villa - The Great War and the New Weapon - At War with Peace - Restless Mentor - From African Defeat to African Victory - Conqueror of Sicily - The Slap Heard 'Round the World - Operation Cobra - Warrior - 90 Degrees to the North - The Final Advance and the Last Controversy - Epilogue: Blood, Guts, and a Damn Good Plan

"An engaging minibiography...Patton's race across France has become legendary, but Mr. Axelrod reminds readers that it was the result of careful planning."--"The Washington Times" "Like Patton at his best: polished, precise and persuasive." --"Kirkus ""An excellent choice for the initial volume in Palgrave's Great Generals series... a solid if brief introduction to Patton's life and career.... Axelrod has captured Patton's checkered legacy in a balanced biography suitable for anyone looking for a concise introduction to the commander German Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt pronounced the Allies' best."--"Publishers Weekly" "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. For those who don't know Patton, it is a superb primer. For those who do, it is a balanced and insightful presentation of his life and the philosophical drive, personal and military, which propelled him to both greatness and scorn. Axelrod has cut through the politics and chaff to get to the man."--Robert K. Wilcox, bestselling author of "First Blue "and "Wings of Fury" "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."--Colonel Jack Kingston, National Security Consultant "Axelrod has written an excellent and compelling brief biography of an American aristocrat of violence, ascourge of the battlefield driven by a hunger for glory, whose enduring lesson for soldiers and commanders alike is that war is not about perfection but about opportunity."--Colonel Ernest Fisher (USA, ret.), Ph.D., Former Senior Historian, United States Army and author of "Guardians of the Republic: A History of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps of the United States Army" "Few generals achieve the status in the popular mind where their last name alone conjures up an image of martial prowess and preposessing personality strong enough to threaten to turn the man into the image. Surely George S. Patton is one such figure for Americans, but thanks to Alan Axelrod's marvelous compact biography the human Patton and the warrior are both revealed in startling relief. Clearly and concisely we are taken to the core of Patton's generalship."--Theodore F. Cook, co-author with Haruko Taya Cook of "Japan at War: An Oral History"

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