George S. Patton: A Biography

Greenwood Biographies

by David Andrew Smith

When many Americans think of George S. Patton, they conjure the image of George C. Scott. Yet the movie could only tell a compressed version of Patton's remarkable life. This book presents the full complexity of one of America's most famous generals. Patton began as a young man from a privileged background and loving family. He struggled to overcome what was probably a learning disability to gain entrance into West Point, and began a storied career as a soldier, one that would lead him into confrontations in Mexico, the Argonne Forest in World War I, and virtually everywhere in the European Theatre of World II, where his world renown exploded. Along the way, he found time to become a devoted family man, as well as an expert horseman and fencer. He even represented the United States in the Olympics.

This book also includes a thorough bibliography of print and electronic sources to aid further research. A timeline plots the key events in Patton's life and career. Accessible to students and general readers, this biography looks at Patton the soldier and Patton the man, and is perfect for those interested in the general's life, World War II, and the U.S. military in the early and mid-20th century.

Genres: Biography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2003

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a bad book. But, it was written for a middle schooler for a book report. Not a full biography. For a novice non-fiction reader, not bad; for an experienced biography reader, it lacked depth and left me wanting more substance.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, solid, easy to read biography. It is certainly for the Patton lightweight, but it serves as a good introduction to the man, his history, and personality.