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George Patton: A Life From Beginning to End
George Patton The name Patton has almost become synonymous with “General,” the two words have become nearly interchangeable in American history. When the name General Patton comes to mind we are automatically inundated with themes of strength, and tough resolution. Patton was a man who seemed to embody the old American ethos’ of the rugged individual who shattered all expectations, decimated the status quo, and pulled himself up by his bootstraps, succeeding when all odds were against just because he was audacious enough to try. In his exploits Patton seems to loom larger than them all. Inside you will read about… ✓ A Patent for Patton ✓ In Between War ✓ This Means War ✓ Operation Husky ✓ Invasion of Normandy ✓ The Battle of the Bulge ✓ Man of Controversy ✓ The Last Days of Patton And much more! But Patton was not some comic book superhero, he was a real person and just as flawed as the rest of us. He had his hopes and fears, he made his mistakes, and he lived his life. In order to understand Patton, you can’t focus on just one side of this larger than life personality; you have to take in the whole picture. This book allows you to do just that. Series World War 2 Biographies Book 2
49 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2017
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322 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 14, 2017
Without a doubt, the most famous and controversial U.S. general of the European theater of operations during the Second World War is General George S. Patton. Born in 1885, twenty years after the most destructively and costly war in American history, and during the apex of the era commonly referred to as the Wild West, Patton was destined to be a soldier. He served as the first tank commander during World War I, he immediately saw the benefits of tanks and mobile armored artillery on the battlefield. Unfortunately for him, shortly after the war, the army’s tank divisions were phased out, due to congressional financial cutbacks. During the World Wars, Patton did many things to keep busy. He participated in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London and chased Poncho Villa into Mexico. It would seem that everything he did was in preparation for the culmination of his dreams of daring on the battlefield.
As good as Patton was in leading tanks into battle, his lack of diplomacy and restraint in loudly voicing his personal opinion, eventually became his undoing. George Patton lived for war. The chaos, smoke, blood, and destruction on the field of battle, exhilarated him and made him whole.
This short biography of a highly loved, admired, and controversial figure, gives the reader a fleeting insight into the life of possibly America’s greatest soldier. This is a summary of a life that will earn the respect of his fellow generals and all the soldiers under his command. It left me thirsting for more. I recommend it to everyone interested in history.
As good as Patton was in leading tanks into battle, his lack of diplomacy and restraint in loudly voicing his personal opinion, eventually became his undoing. George Patton lived for war. The chaos, smoke, blood, and destruction on the field of battle, exhilarated him and made him whole.
This short biography of a highly loved, admired, and controversial figure, gives the reader a fleeting insight into the life of possibly America’s greatest soldier. This is a summary of a life that will earn the respect of his fellow generals and all the soldiers under his command. It left me thirsting for more. I recommend it to everyone interested in history.
April 22, 2019
A very short book.
It provided enough detail to wndthat i knew more than i did and a desire to make me want to find out more.
It provided enough detail to wndthat i knew more than i did and a desire to make me want to find out more.
March 30, 2018
Vey interesting. A lot of information in a few pages. I felt that the writer lacked a certain objectivity. The text had a number of misspellings of Patton's name.
November 25, 2022
Very impressive and inspiring subject - although there are instances galore that revolt, or are off-putting, to say the least - and good compilation, although author's writing has some examples of bad level of language, and is sometimes incomprehensible.
On the whole, wish Hourly History would select authors with better level of competence. Leave those incapable to write about sports, rock music, wrestling, et al.
................................................................................................
"“Say what you mean, and mean what you say.”
"—General George S. Patton"
In view of the stunt he pulled in Bavaria with the visiting Russian Field Marshal, however, he behaved himself quite opposite - and very likely was single-handedly cause for the Cold War, by making a dire threat he never had had any intention of carrying out.
................................................................................................
"Although the Pattons were no longer stationed in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese launched a massive surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, in the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, it certainly was a day that would “live in infamy.” Just a few months prior to this infamous date, George S. Patton would finally attain the title of General, first as a Brigadier General on October 2nd, 1941 and then as a Major General on April 4th, 1941."
The paragraph is altogether badly written, beginning with the first word - implying Patton had something to do with Pearl Harbor! - and later implying that April came after October during the year 1941.
"Even before the Japanese attack, the whole country seemed to be abuzz with rumors of war as the entire nation watched very closely the events transpiring between the fascist Axis powers, of Germany, Japan, and Italy. Beyond the fear and speculation of the general public, for the United States Military, war seemed like a very real possibility, one way or another.
"About one year prior to Pearl Harbor in December 1940, Patton had famously conducted a massive mock run of 1000 tanks from Columbus, Georgia all the way to Panama City, Florida. This was the practice drill for the incredible drive that General Patton would ultimately lead his tank battalions through in France just a few years later.
................................................................................................
Bias of author and publishers is now clear.
"As World War Two came to a close and the lines of Europe were beginning to be drawn, Patton could clearly see the fractured lines of the Allies begin to emerge as well. Even as the Germans were surrendering, Patton knew that the next threat wouldn’t be from Germany - it would be from Russia and its ideology of communist world domination.
"However, Dwight D. Eisenhower had his own fears, and more than Russia he feared an unreserved General Patton creating a diplomatic disaster on the world stage. Seeking to preoccupy the outspoken General from his idle political intrigue, Eisenhower sent Patton to be the Military Governor of Bavaria, far removed from the other international players of the post-war peace."
Other members of US team were less scrupulous, even far less prescient than Ike, and helped war criminals escape to live well, while Germany, seeing reporting to US about USSR nuclear weapons as the way to escape scrutiny, exaggerated the already rampant fears in US right-wing to where by end of century education and health had been ignored in US and war machine funded out of all proportion, while breaking USSR up had been so much a priority with right-wing US that they encouraged jihadists to sprout and proliferate, threatening the civilised world, education and freedom, and, most of all, women.
................................................................................................
"Eisenhower wished to keep the Russians from hearing such combative rhetoric out of his Generals, but according to some reports, the Kremlin was well aware of Patton’s criticisms of their government; as a result, it had landed this American General on the watch list of the notorious NKVD. Shortly after this Russian surveillance of Patton began, he was personally visited by a Russian General at his Bavarian headquarters.
"Coming completely unannounced, the Russian Field Marshal General was escorted into Patton’s office by his surprised Chief of Staff. After a brief introduction, the Russian General then issued Patton a series of demands and criticisms of how his men have conducted themselves. A particular point of concern was the fact that so many Germans had been allowed to flee the Russians and seek refuge in the American sector of the occupation.
"This was quite a common occurrence since the Germans knew that the Americans’ treatment of them would be much more humane than the revenge-seeking Russians, who were already well known for their brutality against German citizens. ... "
Author omits mentioning of the twenty million Russians killed by Germany’s invading forces, which included two million civilians as whole villages burnt alive and anyone escaping were shot dead, all by orders from highest echelon in Germany, and a preset design about occupationof land cleared of local residents upto Urals.
" ... In particular, the Russian General raised the issue of German boatmen who were using their ships to ferry hundreds of German refugees across the Danube and into the safety of the American Zone.
................................................................................................
"The Russian General then went on to assert that these boats and their operators were the property of the Russians since they were coming out of the Russian Zone, and as a consequence demanded that Patton have these men and their boats turned back over to the Russians at once. Patton’s Chief of Staff recalls the deafening silence in the room after the ultimatum was made.
"Patton, not saying a word, coldly stared at the Russian General as he slowly, painstakingly, took the Cuban cigar he had been smoking out of his mouth and placed it in his ashtray. His eyes still staring emotionlessly at the Russian before him, he then quietly opened his desk drawer as he pulled out his specially made Smith and Wesson .357 revolver.
"As both the Russian General and Patton’s Chief of Staff stared in shock, Patton then slammed the revolver down on his desk, his formerly placid face erupting in fury as he screamed, “get this son of a bitch out of here! Who in the hell let him in? Don’t let any more Russian bastards into this headquarters!” He then turned to his Chief of Staff and quickly rattled off in frenzied fury, “Alert the Fourth and Eleventh and Sixty-Fifth Divisions for an attack to the east!”
"At this point even the hardened Russian General looked terrified, truly believing that General Patton had just signed off on World War Three. Trembling as Patton’s Chief of Staff quickly led him out of the room, the previously imposing Field Marshal from the East was, by all accounts, scared to death.
................................................................................................
"But as insane as the theatrics were, they had all failed to call the General’s bluff. When the Chief of Staff returned, fearing that they were on the verge of all-out war with Russia, he was puzzled to find the previously enraged Patton, completely relaxed with a satisfied smile on his face. He asked, “How was that?”
"As his Chief of Staff could only stare in stunned silence, Patton answered for him as he continued, “sometimes you have to put on an act, and I’m not going to let any Russian marshal, general, or private tell me what I have to do.” Patton then nonchalantly added, “call off the alert, that’s the last we’ll hear from those bastards.” This was, in fact, the last time Patton would be questioned by the Russians; in just a few months, he would be dead."
He may have been, however, single-handedly responsible for the Cold War!
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
On the whole, wish Hourly History would select authors with better level of competence. Leave those incapable to write about sports, rock music, wrestling, et al.
................................................................................................
"“Say what you mean, and mean what you say.”
"—General George S. Patton"
In view of the stunt he pulled in Bavaria with the visiting Russian Field Marshal, however, he behaved himself quite opposite - and very likely was single-handedly cause for the Cold War, by making a dire threat he never had had any intention of carrying out.
................................................................................................
"Although the Pattons were no longer stationed in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese launched a massive surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, in the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, it certainly was a day that would “live in infamy.” Just a few months prior to this infamous date, George S. Patton would finally attain the title of General, first as a Brigadier General on October 2nd, 1941 and then as a Major General on April 4th, 1941."
The paragraph is altogether badly written, beginning with the first word - implying Patton had something to do with Pearl Harbor! - and later implying that April came after October during the year 1941.
"Even before the Japanese attack, the whole country seemed to be abuzz with rumors of war as the entire nation watched very closely the events transpiring between the fascist Axis powers, of Germany, Japan, and Italy. Beyond the fear and speculation of the general public, for the United States Military, war seemed like a very real possibility, one way or another.
"About one year prior to Pearl Harbor in December 1940, Patton had famously conducted a massive mock run of 1000 tanks from Columbus, Georgia all the way to Panama City, Florida. This was the practice drill for the incredible drive that General Patton would ultimately lead his tank battalions through in France just a few years later.
................................................................................................
Bias of author and publishers is now clear.
"As World War Two came to a close and the lines of Europe were beginning to be drawn, Patton could clearly see the fractured lines of the Allies begin to emerge as well. Even as the Germans were surrendering, Patton knew that the next threat wouldn’t be from Germany - it would be from Russia and its ideology of communist world domination.
"However, Dwight D. Eisenhower had his own fears, and more than Russia he feared an unreserved General Patton creating a diplomatic disaster on the world stage. Seeking to preoccupy the outspoken General from his idle political intrigue, Eisenhower sent Patton to be the Military Governor of Bavaria, far removed from the other international players of the post-war peace."
Other members of US team were less scrupulous, even far less prescient than Ike, and helped war criminals escape to live well, while Germany, seeing reporting to US about USSR nuclear weapons as the way to escape scrutiny, exaggerated the already rampant fears in US right-wing to where by end of century education and health had been ignored in US and war machine funded out of all proportion, while breaking USSR up had been so much a priority with right-wing US that they encouraged jihadists to sprout and proliferate, threatening the civilised world, education and freedom, and, most of all, women.
................................................................................................
"Eisenhower wished to keep the Russians from hearing such combative rhetoric out of his Generals, but according to some reports, the Kremlin was well aware of Patton’s criticisms of their government; as a result, it had landed this American General on the watch list of the notorious NKVD. Shortly after this Russian surveillance of Patton began, he was personally visited by a Russian General at his Bavarian headquarters.
"Coming completely unannounced, the Russian Field Marshal General was escorted into Patton’s office by his surprised Chief of Staff. After a brief introduction, the Russian General then issued Patton a series of demands and criticisms of how his men have conducted themselves. A particular point of concern was the fact that so many Germans had been allowed to flee the Russians and seek refuge in the American sector of the occupation.
"This was quite a common occurrence since the Germans knew that the Americans’ treatment of them would be much more humane than the revenge-seeking Russians, who were already well known for their brutality against German citizens. ... "
Author omits mentioning of the twenty million Russians killed by Germany’s invading forces, which included two million civilians as whole villages burnt alive and anyone escaping were shot dead, all by orders from highest echelon in Germany, and a preset design about occupationof land cleared of local residents upto Urals.
" ... In particular, the Russian General raised the issue of German boatmen who were using their ships to ferry hundreds of German refugees across the Danube and into the safety of the American Zone.
................................................................................................
"The Russian General then went on to assert that these boats and their operators were the property of the Russians since they were coming out of the Russian Zone, and as a consequence demanded that Patton have these men and their boats turned back over to the Russians at once. Patton’s Chief of Staff recalls the deafening silence in the room after the ultimatum was made.
"Patton, not saying a word, coldly stared at the Russian General as he slowly, painstakingly, took the Cuban cigar he had been smoking out of his mouth and placed it in his ashtray. His eyes still staring emotionlessly at the Russian before him, he then quietly opened his desk drawer as he pulled out his specially made Smith and Wesson .357 revolver.
"As both the Russian General and Patton’s Chief of Staff stared in shock, Patton then slammed the revolver down on his desk, his formerly placid face erupting in fury as he screamed, “get this son of a bitch out of here! Who in the hell let him in? Don’t let any more Russian bastards into this headquarters!” He then turned to his Chief of Staff and quickly rattled off in frenzied fury, “Alert the Fourth and Eleventh and Sixty-Fifth Divisions for an attack to the east!”
"At this point even the hardened Russian General looked terrified, truly believing that General Patton had just signed off on World War Three. Trembling as Patton’s Chief of Staff quickly led him out of the room, the previously imposing Field Marshal from the East was, by all accounts, scared to death.
................................................................................................
"But as insane as the theatrics were, they had all failed to call the General’s bluff. When the Chief of Staff returned, fearing that they were on the verge of all-out war with Russia, he was puzzled to find the previously enraged Patton, completely relaxed with a satisfied smile on his face. He asked, “How was that?”
"As his Chief of Staff could only stare in stunned silence, Patton answered for him as he continued, “sometimes you have to put on an act, and I’m not going to let any Russian marshal, general, or private tell me what I have to do.” Patton then nonchalantly added, “call off the alert, that’s the last we’ll hear from those bastards.” This was, in fact, the last time Patton would be questioned by the Russians; in just a few months, he would be dead."
He may have been, however, single-handedly responsible for the Cold War!
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
February 18, 2017
While many of the books in the Hourly History series are successful in presenting a condensed version of a person or past event, this book on the life of General George Patton is a mixed effort, at best.
On the positive side, many aspects of Patton's formative years as well as his military exploits are documented, and as promised, it is possible to complete this book within an hour. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were enjoyable, and even though I was familiar with many of them, it was good to be reminded of Patton and what he believed. As the book demonstrates, Patton was not a man to be quiet when he encountered anyone who did not agree with his basic ideas.
Poor editing in the form of punctuation and sentence structure appear periodically through the book. An example: "This was Patton's rationale for keeping thousands of people under barbed where and armed guard 24 hours a day." One careful read through the book would have taken care of many, if not all, of these issues. Additionally, the author's word choices don't always accurately depict Patton. I would agree he was strongly opinionated, but question the twice-used description "unhinged" (mentally unbalanced) as well as "dastardly" (wicked and cruel). Patton was certainly outspoken and at times viewed by his superiors as a loose cannon, but he had strong personal convictions. For instance, while not condoning his actions when he slapped two soldiers diagnosed with combat fatigue, his actions were not dictated by a decision to be wicked and cruel. History books better serve the readers when authors do not inject their personal opinions; rather, they supply the facts and allow readers to decide for themselves.
Overall, a decent read and one that may cause me to reread some of the books I have or purchase new ones...but not one of the better efforts from Hourly History. Three stars.
On the positive side, many aspects of Patton's formative years as well as his military exploits are documented, and as promised, it is possible to complete this book within an hour. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were enjoyable, and even though I was familiar with many of them, it was good to be reminded of Patton and what he believed. As the book demonstrates, Patton was not a man to be quiet when he encountered anyone who did not agree with his basic ideas.
Poor editing in the form of punctuation and sentence structure appear periodically through the book. An example: "This was Patton's rationale for keeping thousands of people under barbed where and armed guard 24 hours a day." One careful read through the book would have taken care of many, if not all, of these issues. Additionally, the author's word choices don't always accurately depict Patton. I would agree he was strongly opinionated, but question the twice-used description "unhinged" (mentally unbalanced) as well as "dastardly" (wicked and cruel). Patton was certainly outspoken and at times viewed by his superiors as a loose cannon, but he had strong personal convictions. For instance, while not condoning his actions when he slapped two soldiers diagnosed with combat fatigue, his actions were not dictated by a decision to be wicked and cruel. History books better serve the readers when authors do not inject their personal opinions; rather, they supply the facts and allow readers to decide for themselves.
Overall, a decent read and one that may cause me to reread some of the books I have or purchase new ones...but not one of the better efforts from Hourly History. Three stars.
July 30, 2017
Wow it is.
Hourly History books are the best, short and right on target with the required facts. A great personality to have read about.
Hourly History books are the best, short and right on target with the required facts. A great personality to have read about.
October 1, 2017
George Patton, the American general from the Second World War has always been a curious figure, known for bravery and tact, but at the same time, riddled with controversies. This is a short biography of General Patton by Hourly History.
The starting point of the book is the extensive military background of the Patton family who have served both in the army of the United States and also the Confederates. The book then goes on to describe his time at the United States Military Academy in West Point followed by his first experience with conflict during the Pancho Villa expedition against Mexico followed by the First World War. Post that, the focus was on the Second World War with him leading the American campaign in the Mediterranean, the scandals he was involved in, and his eventual post war career as the military governor of Bavaria during the interim United States administration of Germany.
The book did a good job in bringing out Patton’s very aggressive personality – callous and would do anything to get his job done. It also touched upon most of his wars and also his relationship with the other Generals in the military, including that of Eisenhower. I also appreciate that they didn’t try to justify all his actions, the controversial ones and stated them as they were and the judgement was left to the individual reader.
However, I think the book had contents for less than an hour and the author could have focused on more description on the conflicts he was involved in, similar to what was done in Hourly History’s book on Erwin Rommel (who was incidentally Patton’s opponent in Africa). That was a serious let down as this is a biography of a military general and the description of his military tactics and actions were inadequate.
I would say this is a good read for those who want to know about some of the less known figures of the Second World War and on that count, I would award the book a rating of six on ten.
The starting point of the book is the extensive military background of the Patton family who have served both in the army of the United States and also the Confederates. The book then goes on to describe his time at the United States Military Academy in West Point followed by his first experience with conflict during the Pancho Villa expedition against Mexico followed by the First World War. Post that, the focus was on the Second World War with him leading the American campaign in the Mediterranean, the scandals he was involved in, and his eventual post war career as the military governor of Bavaria during the interim United States administration of Germany.
The book did a good job in bringing out Patton’s very aggressive personality – callous and would do anything to get his job done. It also touched upon most of his wars and also his relationship with the other Generals in the military, including that of Eisenhower. I also appreciate that they didn’t try to justify all his actions, the controversial ones and stated them as they were and the judgement was left to the individual reader.
However, I think the book had contents for less than an hour and the author could have focused on more description on the conflicts he was involved in, similar to what was done in Hourly History’s book on Erwin Rommel (who was incidentally Patton’s opponent in Africa). That was a serious let down as this is a biography of a military general and the description of his military tactics and actions were inadequate.
I would say this is a good read for those who want to know about some of the less known figures of the Second World War and on that count, I would award the book a rating of six on ten.
September 12, 2025
It is a good read. The book makes readers think about all the controversies that have been following the man, even today, who was a capable military commander and a strong leader, but NOT a soft or refined one at all.
Being a strong leader is a good thing, especially when the time's tough, but a truly "respectable" leader had better be refined (not necessarily soft though), compationate (even when the reality wouldn't allow the compassion to be applied to actual policies) and patient to lead the people's "morale" and "motivation."
One crucial reason that causes this book to lose two stars is the author's lack of knowledge in "basic" military ranks and units. First of all, if the writer had really been an expert of the topic, the book wouldn't have exhibited the simple mistake with the dates of the General's promotions, which has severely hurt the quality of the book.
It is described as if the 2-star Genneral was promoted a year "before" the man was promoted to a 1-star General. I don't think the author knew the difference between a "Brigadier" General and "Major" General when this edition was first written and revised, not to mention the unit a Major General is supposed to run: A "Division," not a "Battalion."
What I've read is the 1st Ed. (2016), so I hope all these errors have been edited by now.
Again, the book is a pretty nice read, but it would have been even better if the author had been a military expert.
Being a strong leader is a good thing, especially when the time's tough, but a truly "respectable" leader had better be refined (not necessarily soft though), compationate (even when the reality wouldn't allow the compassion to be applied to actual policies) and patient to lead the people's "morale" and "motivation."
One crucial reason that causes this book to lose two stars is the author's lack of knowledge in "basic" military ranks and units. First of all, if the writer had really been an expert of the topic, the book wouldn't have exhibited the simple mistake with the dates of the General's promotions, which has severely hurt the quality of the book.
It is described as if the 2-star Genneral was promoted a year "before" the man was promoted to a 1-star General. I don't think the author knew the difference between a "Brigadier" General and "Major" General when this edition was first written and revised, not to mention the unit a Major General is supposed to run: A "Division," not a "Battalion."
What I've read is the 1st Ed. (2016), so I hope all these errors have been edited by now.
Again, the book is a pretty nice read, but it would have been even better if the author had been a military expert.
April 15, 2021
It is very interesting to learn that Patton's problem in school was math. But with the perseverance he was known for, he overcame his difficulty and graduated 46th in his class of 103. I think Patton was a man of his time. He was born in 1885, which made him eligible to be in both world wars.
Patton had such a fine reputation with the enemy, that even though he was being punished (and not given the lead position in an assault), the rumor mill touted that Patton would be leading the force, and the Axis powers believed it. They were sure he was the most dangerous of the generals in the Allied Army. Thus, they placed their defenses where they thought Patton was coming -- and not at the location where they were needed. When the fight started elsewhere, they still did not move them, expecting Patton to come.
Patton was an enigma; he was brilliant but brash. He got into so much hot water; the only thing that saved him was the fact that he was so good a leader. I would have liked to have known a bit more about his personal life. Otherwise, this story flew by because the writing style was so interesting.
Patton had such a fine reputation with the enemy, that even though he was being punished (and not given the lead position in an assault), the rumor mill touted that Patton would be leading the force, and the Axis powers believed it. They were sure he was the most dangerous of the generals in the Allied Army. Thus, they placed their defenses where they thought Patton was coming -- and not at the location where they were needed. When the fight started elsewhere, they still did not move them, expecting Patton to come.
Patton was an enigma; he was brilliant but brash. He got into so much hot water; the only thing that saved him was the fact that he was so good a leader. I would have liked to have known a bit more about his personal life. Otherwise, this story flew by because the writing style was so interesting.
November 11, 2020
To me Patton is one of the most interesting men in World War II and this book does a good job examining his own history, his place in World War II and the controversies that seemed to follow him.
One of the most interesting things about him that the book notes is that he believed in reincarnation and he felt that in the past he had been a Roman legionnaire and had served in Napoleon's artillery group.
The book goes into his birth, his participation in the 1912 Olympics, his experience in the first World War and his prediction that Pearl Harbor would be attacked by the Japanese. It notes his work in the North African campaign and his attack on Sicily. It discusses the plans for the Normandy invasion and the 'phantom army' that the British and Americans set up to deceive the Nazis.
It also goes into his military work during the war and how his personal behavior led to his being basically suspended from leading for about a year despite the fact that he was one of the most successful generals the Americans had.
It's a very interesting examination of his life.
One of the most interesting things about him that the book notes is that he believed in reincarnation and he felt that in the past he had been a Roman legionnaire and had served in Napoleon's artillery group.
The book goes into his birth, his participation in the 1912 Olympics, his experience in the first World War and his prediction that Pearl Harbor would be attacked by the Japanese. It notes his work in the North African campaign and his attack on Sicily. It discusses the plans for the Normandy invasion and the 'phantom army' that the British and Americans set up to deceive the Nazis.
It also goes into his military work during the war and how his personal behavior led to his being basically suspended from leading for about a year despite the fact that he was one of the most successful generals the Americans had.
It's a very interesting examination of his life.
May 6, 2019
Before reading this I knew nothing about Patton other than he was a military general and there was a movie about him. Due to my interest in highly rated movies, I knew that George C. Scott starred in the movie and that it was nominated for Academy Awards but I didn't even see the movie and therefore I found this book very informative. In under 40 pages I got a summary of the bare basics. What I learned was Patton was a man of extremes and quite controversial. I was shocked that he slapped soldiers who were suffering from PTSD. I was shocked that he was disparaging of the very people he liberated from concentration camps. It is ironic that there are conspiracy theories about his accidental death. In the end I have to say that this was one of the One Hour Biographies that was quite educational for me since I my knowledge of Patton was severely lacking.
May 12, 2019
A concise overview up someone was born to be a military man. Short and to the point about Patton's life and military accomplishments. The controversies that surrounded him are also included. As far as his nickname of "Old Blood and Guts" he was certainly a brave man to his own degree, but I can understand why some veterans who served under him resented him and had the attitude of, "He supplies the Guts, but we supply the Blood." After surviving on battlefields, the incident that caused his death was quite ironic.
If you're looking for in depth coverage of his battles and victories or broader coverage of World War II, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if you're only familiar with his name and the fact that he was a famous general and would like to know more about him, I thought that this book was a quick, interesting read.
If you're looking for in depth coverage of his battles and victories or broader coverage of World War II, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if you're only familiar with his name and the fact that he was a famous general and would like to know more about him, I thought that this book was a quick, interesting read.
May 23, 2023
Old Blood and guts
When you read this short biography of General George Patton you get the idea that he was larger than life. We have all heard The stories of the miles and the slapping incidents before. There are a lot of stories about Patton some good and some bad. This is the first time I have read about his treatment of the survivors of the death camps and that is a sad event in a great career. Still you come away with a sense of the man.
When you read this short biography of General George Patton you get the idea that he was larger than life. We have all heard The stories of the miles and the slapping incidents before. There are a lot of stories about Patton some good and some bad. This is the first time I have read about his treatment of the survivors of the death camps and that is a sad event in a great career. Still you come away with a sense of the man.
May 24, 2023
Interesting
Good read that covers the good and bad attributes of one of WW2's greatest tactical commanders. It was refreshing not to read the standard fanfare about his battle victories and look at the character of the man. Like most people he had his faults but in his case they cost lives and seem bit "over the top" even for the time. We do see in retrospect that he was completely correct about Russian leaders and nothing about them has changed. Good read for balance.
Good read that covers the good and bad attributes of one of WW2's greatest tactical commanders. It was refreshing not to read the standard fanfare about his battle victories and look at the character of the man. Like most people he had his faults but in his case they cost lives and seem bit "over the top" even for the time. We do see in retrospect that he was completely correct about Russian leaders and nothing about them has changed. Good read for balance.
May 24, 2024
General George Patton was one of the most famous and controversial Generals in the history of the United States. He was a gifted commander. I was surprised to read that based on his observations he warned of the Pearl Harbor attack.
The book is a very interesting read - it not only tells us about his many accomplishments, but also we also gain insight into his brash, complex and colorful personality.
The book is a very interesting read - it not only tells us about his many accomplishments, but also we also gain insight into his brash, complex and colorful personality.
December 11, 2020
Solid
Just the right amount of info to get a solid understanding of a polarizing man. I could see this being a driver for people to read a full biography on Patton. Definitely some opinionated undertones, but nothing that doesn't seem warranted based on other books I have read on Patton.
Just the right amount of info to get a solid understanding of a polarizing man. I could see this being a driver for people to read a full biography on Patton. Definitely some opinionated undertones, but nothing that doesn't seem warranted based on other books I have read on Patton.
November 29, 2022
A High School Project?
I would almost characterize this as a book for children, but there are so many basic errors and inaccuracies in it that it seems to have been written as a school project. The writer doesn't know a battalion from an army, and makes statements that fly in the face of even minimal research. Do not waste your money and time on this.
I would almost characterize this as a book for children, but there are so many basic errors and inaccuracies in it that it seems to have been written as a school project. The writer doesn't know a battalion from an army, and makes statements that fly in the face of even minimal research. Do not waste your money and time on this.
November 13, 2023
interesting unhappy life
The irony of this great general tells of an unhappy life. He achieved the best results while routinely forced the Germans to surrender WWII; but he was unable to do the right thing for those who surrendered as well as the Holocaust’s survivors.
An unfortunate death left a cloud on his many successes.
The irony of this great general tells of an unhappy life. He achieved the best results while routinely forced the Germans to surrender WWII; but he was unable to do the right thing for those who surrendered as well as the Holocaust’s survivors.
An unfortunate death left a cloud on his many successes.
December 12, 2023
Another informative, interesting and well-written slice of history in a small volume. Once again I am amazed at the amount of information conveyed in such a short book. There was one minor mistake [a matter of dates on page 12 where the order of promotions is reversed] but it does not affect the over-all thrust of the book. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2018
Too partisan to be a good read. References to the soldiers who died as "poor souls" indicates a total lack of objectivity. There are also some quite blatant errors, he was first promoted to General in October 1941 before being further promoted in April 1941. Disappointing.
June 3, 2019
Decent overview
Like most of the Hourly History series, this is a good, quick overview on the life of George Patton. There are a few typos and grammatical errors - and a couple minor inaccuracies, but in general it’s a decent read.
Like most of the Hourly History series, this is a good, quick overview on the life of George Patton. There are a few typos and grammatical errors - and a couple minor inaccuracies, but in general it’s a decent read.
October 27, 2020
I was disappointed with this one. I could have read Patton's entry on Wikipedia and got as much information. It has all the biographical facts about him, but little else. I guess I should have been wary of a book that cost $3. I am still interested in Patton and will look for other books.
January 23, 2021
History of a great American General
This was a great, concise history of General Patton. I've seen many movies and documentaries of the Generals life. However, I did get to read about some things I didn't know about him. I enjoy all these books about so many subjects.
This was a great, concise history of General Patton. I've seen many movies and documentaries of the Generals life. However, I did get to read about some things I didn't know about him. I enjoy all these books about so many subjects.
April 19, 2021
I guess you can put lipstick on a pig.
A figure of both pride and controversy, General George S. Patton is frequently looked at as someone who was both crude and eloquent; heroic and outrageous. How did someone so iconic develop such a duality in common perception?
A figure of both pride and controversy, General George S. Patton is frequently looked at as someone who was both crude and eloquent; heroic and outrageous. How did someone so iconic develop such a duality in common perception?
May 20, 2022
Libro muy corto pero que resume bien la vida militar del General George S. Patton Jr principalmente durante la II guerra mundial. Sin duda un hombre de claro/oscuros pero indudablemente una leyenda militar.
July 19, 2023
Short powerful synopsis of a unique man
Interesting and intriguing , this story about an unflappable Military leader makes for a nice read. Captures the essence without the speculations that surround the man.
Interesting and intriguing , this story about an unflappable Military leader makes for a nice read. Captures the essence without the speculations that surround the man.
June 5, 2017
Wow
Patton was Truly an American born and Bread. He is a Legend and always will be. He was a tactical Genius. Every American and European should be required to learn about this Man!
Patton was Truly an American born and Bread. He is a Legend and always will be. He was a tactical Genius. Every American and European should be required to learn about this Man!
August 9, 2018
A concise history
A concise (very!) of Patton's life. If you are just looking for a thumbnail, look no further. If you are wanting more, there are some great bio's out there.
A concise (very!) of Patton's life. If you are just looking for a thumbnail, look no further. If you are wanting more, there are some great bio's out there.
November 29, 2018
Quick read. Mainly highlights of Patton's life. Gives just enough history to interest you in learning more. Worth a read and see where it leads you.
December 12, 2018
On Kindle---this was a let down after reading other books about Patton.
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