Comrades: Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals

by Stephen E. Ambrose

The author looks at his own friendships with his father and brothers, as well as friendships between other brothers, fellow soldiers, and colleagues

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Military Fiction, American History, Military History, War

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Stephen Edward Ambrose was an American historian and biographer of U.S. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Richard M. Nixon. He received his Ph.D. in 1960 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his final years he faced charges of plagiarism for his books, with subsequent concerns about his research emerging after his death.

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good short book by Stephen Ambrose about the bonds of friendship between men. Many of the sections are from other works he has written. e.g. Undaunted Courage and Band of Brothers. Nevertheless it is a moving account that makes one thinks of his own friendships.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy reread for me, prompted by a Goodreads group challenge to read a works about friendship. My favorite literary friendships include the of playful, lucky Captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s doctor, naturalist, and spy Stephen Maturin in Patrick O’Brian’s series of maritime adventures with the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. It also includes the complex complementarity in the lifelong friendship between charming, lecherous, and literate Augustus McCrae and the laconic, stubborn, and violent Woodrow McCall in Larry McMurtry’s saga of a cattle drive across the West in “Lonesome Dove” and its two sequels. In third place as the most revelatory explorations of a friendship is that of Merriwether Lewis and William Clark, co-captains of the Jefferson sponsored exploration of the lands and Native peoples of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, which is masterfully told by Stephen Ambrose in his history “Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West”.

Highlights of the remarkable friendship of Lewis and Clark is the subject of one of the ten essays on the theme of comradeship. Others include the brotherhood friendships of Dwight Eisenhower and of George Custer, the warrior friendships the Sioux Crazy Horse and He Dog, Eisenhower and his commander George Patton during World War 2, and an American paratrooper lieutenant with his men (“Band of Brothers”) from D-Day to the Allied invasion of Germany. Another kind of friendship explored is the cathartic kind that formed between an American veteran at a key bridge battle after D-Day and a German officer who fought in the same battle. Richard Nixon, whom he came to know in writing his biography, is held up as an example of impoverishment in the area of friendship. Interpersed between these essays are four about friendships in Ambrose’s life, including one on his relationship with a brother, one on his bonds with his father, one on his buddies from college, and another on an academic collaborator and fellow adventurer in the outdoor wonders of the West.

He draws life lessons and themes about the rewards and challenges of various kinds of friendship. There is no systematic treatment of the subject nor any high-level truths put on the table. The pleasure for me was as a personal and nostalgic kind of personal lens on Ambrose’s career and interests as an historian. In that sense, this 1998 book is a prequel to his last book written while he was dying of cancer, “To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian” (2002). I loved how in that book he detailed the whys and wherefores of how he engaged in each of the long projects that resulted in the wonderful books left to us readers. For example, the writing of “Undaunted Courage” was intimately connected with his ten or more years spending summers with his family camping along the Missouri River and other western sites connected with the Lewis and Clark journey.

I close with some nuggets gleaned from Ambrose’s study of Lewis and Clark, whose friendship came to an end when years after their journey Lewis killed himself:

Friendship is different from all other relationships. … Unlike lovers and married couples it is free of jealousy. Unlike children and parents it knows neither criticism nor resentment. …
Friends never cheat each other, or take advantage, or lie. Friends do not spy on one another, yet they have no secrets. Friends minister to each other, nurse each other. Friends give to each other, worry about each other, stand always ready to help. Perfect friendship is rarely achieved, but at its height it is an ectasy. For Lewis and Clark, it was such an ecstasy, and the critical factor in their great success. But even at its highest, friendship is human, not godlike. For all his efforts and attentions, Clark could not save Lewis. But they gave to each other everything that can be drawn from a friendship, including their finest moments. Through their trust in each other they put themselves into the top rank of world explorers. And they gave to their country its epic poem while introducing the American people to the American West.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one of my favorite authors and historians comes Comrades: Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals by Stephen E. Ambrose in which he looks at the issue of male friendship, starting and ending with examples from his own life growing up with his first and forever friends, his brothers, and his evolving relationship with his father. He looks at Dwight D. Eisenhower who had a gift for friendship and who shared a perfect trust with his younger brother Milton despite their apparently unequal stations. Ambrose next explores the relationships of the young soldiers of Easy Company that was made into a film series called Band of Brothers where we see how former strangers form a bond as they fought and died together from Normandy to Germany. He describes with admiration three who fought in different armies on different sides in that war and became friends later based on their common though adversarial relationships. Next he reaches back in history to study the friendships of Lewis and Clark and of Crazy Horse and He Dog, and then recounts the story of the Custer brothers who died together at the Little Big Horn. The author concludes with the his moving recollection of his own friendship with his father. “He was my first and always most important friend. I didn’t learn that until the end, when he taught me the most important thing, that the love of father-son-father-son is a continuum, just as love and friendship are expansive.”

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Comrades, Stephen Ambrose examines male friendship throughout History by providing the reader with several case studies (including examples from his own youth) His chapters on the Eisenhower, and Custer Brothers are particularly strong. In addition he offers a penetrating analysis of the psyche of Richard Nixon which is not to be missed. The weakness in the book stems from the fact that Ambrose draws a little too much on his own experiences in the last chapter, this seems rather self-indulgent, and makes the book feel padded. I could have done with a few more historical relationships, and a little less Ambrose. Nevertheless, I found the book to be both illuminating, and deeply moving.

[Lizzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best essay is on Lewis and Clark. Many of the others feel like short historical essays that occasionally touch on bonds between men, but often lack any of the warmth and intimacy the author suggests is so important in male friendships. The chapters about the author’s friends seem dull- we went to school together and went hiking/camping/partying over and over. Rarely a story that felt deep or intimate or revealing, and Consequently felt very much like he was trying to convince us he has great friends but is unwilling to back it up. Not sure what the point of the Nixon essay was, except to shit on Nixon. A lot of the essays felt very self-congratulatory for the author - probably would’ve been better to stick to all historical essays or just do a straight up memoir, because this feels like a jumbled mess that rarely supports the claims he makes.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains and describes friendships and relationships shared between men and how they functioned. Mainly close friends who were like brothers. However, one chapter talked about President Nixon's inability to created or maintain a real friendship with anyone who worked or spent time around him. The author begins the book with the relationships he shared with his two brothers and father. Each chapter reveals events and situations of each relationship and how each character was affected by them from all points of view. For example, when the Custer boys would tease or prank each other, they were often very reckless and the actions they thought were funny at the time could have ended in a fatality for one of the brothers. I don't want to reveal the exact story, but this event is a specific example of boys being very reckless and yet remaining trustworthy in each other. This book would be an excellent choice for someone interested in history, friendships and who is curious of different types of people and how they function.

[Matt Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Stephen Ambrose, my favorite author, delivers again. A quick easy read that highlights the value of friendship.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ambrose is a master of the authentic story-telling experience especially when it comes to historical figures and events. I thoroughly have enjoyed reading his body of work and will continue to do so. That being said, I was disappointed in this book. The first half relays some excellent examples of friendship and comrades in arms, the last half of the book relays the powerful friendships of early explorers. It is the middle of the book that I struggled with. Ambrose obviously has a very high regard for Eisenhower as both General and President and a decidedly low opinion of Nixon. I cannot disagree with this assessment on its face, but Ambrose goes far beyond the objective and takes his hatred of Nixon and love of Eisenhower to an almost fanatical level.

Good stories, half full...historical analysis, not hardly.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this historian and the stories he's compiled. I LOVED the HBO series Band of Brothers that was based on his book. He interviewed these men and gathered stories that have been kept personal or even silent for decades. Learning more and more about WWII has changed my perspective on war entirely.

This is the 3rd book of his that I've read. It is a book on paternal and brotherly relationships. These are also the stories that are less known but which shape history. From reading the 2nd chapter I now want to read more about President Eisenhower's experiences.

Stephen Ambrose, has for me, created a yearning curiosity about American history like no other teacher in my past--besides my own Grandad.

[David Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comrades: Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals by Stephen E. Ambrose (Simon & Schuster 1999) (302.3) (3753).

What an odd little volume! Author Stephen E. Ambrose purportedly has penned a memoir to explore the bonds of (non-physical or sexual) love and trust that can exist between men.

Having read this, I can think of no reason to recommend this book. This book may have been deeply personal and a labor of love on the author’s part. In truth, however, it is this reader’s sense that the resulting volume is basically a vanity publication which the author penned to fulfill the last requirement of a multi-book contract with his publisher.

Ambrose pays homage to familial bonds in chapters about his siblings, his father, and several treasured fraternity brothers. Apart from those short chapters, the rest of this slim volume is a collection of brief essays in praise of (1) the ties that can bind military veterans (and their families too, as in the chapter about George Armstrong Custer, his brothers, and his nephew who were all massacred at Little Big Horn (the author’s designated spelling), (2) Cold-War era politicians who the author admires for the depth and strength of their relationships (Dwight Eisenhower and his brother Milton, Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton), and (3) the historically-adventuresome partners Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

Strangely but fittingly, Ambrose offers up one essay about an individual who he believes to be the antithesis of a comrade: the isolated and friendless man Richard Milhous Nixon.

Though the reviewer concedes that we humans are called to “love one another,” Ambrose’s essays provide little evidence or insight as to how men form particularly strong and lasting familial bonds.

I purchased a used HB copy in like-new condition for $0.75 from McKay’s Books on 6/1/22.

My rating: 6/10, finished 4/3/23 (3753).

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[Ted Waterfall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Ambrose, a well published historian, writes about friendship between men in this short book entitles, "Comrades." In a dozen brief essays, he describes a series of relationships he has either personally experienced, or has researched that he feels are noble. I have often felt that a strong, same-sex friendship is something rare and beautiful that enriches one's life so I rather looked forward to reading this book. I was disappointed.

I found his own story about his youth to be uninteresting. Many of the essays about friendships bound by combat were interesting, but nothing unique as the same information can be found in any decent memoir. I thought the essays, and the resulting comparison between Eisenhower and Nixon were fascinating and I personally had never read anyone's attempt at delving into personal friendships among Native Americans. Consequently, although I am sure every reader of this has heard of Crazy Horse, to find out that his life-long friend was a man named He Dog was most fascinating, especially since their personalities were so different.

Friendships are deep. These essays are superficial. But when each essay averages only about 10 pages in length, I suppose they cover about all they can cover.

[Joseph Morin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's a good collection of true stories about male relationships. Ambrose offers famous historical examples of famous brothers, friends, parents, and colleagues to demonstrate the power of healthy and/ or rewarding dynamics. And he shares tells anecdotal stories about the men in his life-- which were evidently the most emotive for the author to discuss, though not necessarily the most intellectually interesting parts of the book.

Comrades holds itself together by a thread of a through-line, till WAY later in the book. Most of Comradres is stories sans commentary or argument, until Ambrose starts to compare and contrast some of his subjects. Then the points of these stories become clear, in retrospect. And said points are satisfying.

Comrades taught me a thing or two about a few famous figures of American history, in a different light to how they'd normally be presented. So I'd say it's Worth a Read.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short but enjoyable treatise on the power of male friendship and was a good reminder and challenge for me personally. I feel like modern culture has had a hugely deleterious effect on our view of the necessity and beauty of deep relationships between guys, and this book exposed just how much I've personally been (unknowingly) affected by that change. This book was not life changing in and of itself, but it feels like the start of a journey that God is taking me on to heal some deep rooting things in my heart around this whole topic. Guess we'll see what comes next!

Favorite Quote: "He could listen as well as talk, always taking your views seriously while forcing you to wonder how good they were."

[Eric Schoening · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of stories of male friendships, both historic and personal, Comrades is an easy read and has a good message. I wasn’t very impressed with the writing style early in the book, but grew to appreciate it over time (in part because I think it became more natural and heartfelt when Ambrose starts talking more about his personal relationships and stories). This book was gifted to me by my dad, and I see why- the rarity but importance of adult friendships is something we should all strive for and never take for granted. As a book, probably a solid 3.5 stars from me.

[Chuck McGrady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's subject is friendship. As a historian, he writes of Eisenhower, Nixon, Custer, and veterans. He also speaks of family. As one who can look back and clearly identify who were my best friends at various points in my life, I found the book moving. My hope is the author is right: "Maybe the last friendship is the best...." If that is so, I've still got something special to look forward to.

[Adam Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly brief (139 pages) collection of thoughts and reflections on the subject of friendships between men from perhaps the most recognizable history author in America. I found the chapters on Eisenhower, Nixon and Lewis & Clark to be the most interesting and enjoyable portions of the book. The chapters where Ambrose focused on his own personal relationships were pleasantly readable but not particularly memorable.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book (only 139 pages) about relationships of brothers, friends, sons, etc. It was a lot of things taken from his other books (done in 1999) after he done the majority of his other books. I got it at a thrift store for only $1.50 and had been wanting to read this for a while. So I was pretty happy.

It is one of those books is if you see it, you like the author and its cheap I would probably pick up. It is retail for like $13 and given its only 139 I wouldn't get it.

[untitled lullaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine book. It’s a bit outdated but the guy is old. I do feel sorry for him I know he loved his father and appreciated him but I hope he didn’t treat his kids the same way. This read a lot like a memoir with some historical figures and obviously Easy Company spattered in. Male friendship is important. Shame that he plagiarized/fabricated his Eisenhower book because I feel that leaves a huge dent on his legacy overall.

[Ann Bornholdt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read in these times as Ambrose describes his looking forward to friendships as he gets old "free of can't, of competition, of seeking advantage, a friendship rich in trust and recognition."

So different from what I see from our leaders today though many he profiles were leaders in their day.

[marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

refreshing story of friendships. His personal account of friends and also his father.
The story of lewis and Clark was a side of the adventurers rarely written about.
Of course Crazy Horse and his friend has been written about before but never the less it was interesting.Nice topic for the historian.

[Mark O'brien · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this book were written by a rookie, I would give it three stars. But I expected more from Ambrose, an accomplished writer. Much of seems rewritten from newspaper clips and old histories; it lacks any memorable anecdotes, vignettes or other "meat" that makes a book worth reading. It struck me as a book thrown together to satisfy a contract or to cash in on Father's Day sales. Meh.

[Earl Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful overview of many male friendships. Ambrose covers a wide variety including his own friendships. Very insightful how many historic characters held on to certain relationships. Very enjoyable and very quick read.

[Rolland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certain chapters of this were remarkably good. In particular, I enjoyed "Faithful Friends: Lewis and Clark", "Combat Friends: The Men of Easy Company", and "Veterans". On the strength of these three chapters, I would recommend the book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike any other Ambrose book, I've read, Stephan takes a look at friendship using examples from his studies and his own life. He provides examples of the various roles friends take take in one another's lives through consistent caring and communication.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes you want to develop more than one deep friendship. Great book about friends and how different they can be but how needed they are. My favorite was Lewis and Clark, Eisenhower and Patton.

[Chris Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. Simple, yet powerful words on male camaraderie, along with history lessons. This book was referenced at my grandfather's memorial, so I knew I had to pick it up, and it did not disappoint.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful stories, even though it's all about men. A female historian should write the sequel!

[Gail Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary of male bonds created by pressures of all kinds

[Patrick Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. The best is a short essay on Eisenhower and his relationship with his brother. Enjoyable, but perhaps too much like his other stories.

[Clark Stinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t connect with this book the way I would have liked. A little too much detail on the authors personal life that I had no interest in even though I understood the intent.