Patton

By: Alan Axelrod

Narrated by: Brian Emerson

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

George S. Patton was a general who achieved greatness in his field by contradicting his own nature. 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. A profoundly insecure individual, he made his Third Army the most self-confident and consistently victorious fighting force in the European theater. An exuberantly profane man, he prayed daily and believed God had destined him for military greatness.

Alan Axelrod delivers a fascinating account of Patton's fascinating life and legacy.

This book is one of a series on great generals.

©2006 Alan Axelrod (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Axelrod has captured Patton's checkered legacy in a balanced biography." (Publishers Weekly)

The Generals "General"

Any additional comments?

Having been an admirer of Gen. Patton since the first time I saw the movie starring George C Scott in 1972. I was in the military at the time in this figure of leadership and impressed me to the point that over the decades I have looked for and read many things about this man. The author of this book puts all the facts, stories, and the legend into an easy reading and listening format. I can only look back on my career and wish that I had been born in a day when many of the trials and tribulations that Patton pursued and established were done with reckless abandon and adventurism. An example would be the excursion with Gen. Pershing in the Mexico, shooting bandits and strapping them into the hood of some of the first automobile that had been developed, to then parade them back to Columbus New Mexico like dear strapped to the hood of a pickup truck during hunting season. This reckless abandon carry-on the rest of his career and life, and we're thankful of his leadership no matter how reckless was there to stem the tide of World War II for the Allies. The sequel to Patton, the movie was entitled The Last Days of Patton this movie also starred George C Scott, however sad it will give you a good insight into those last days after he had been injured. It's amazing to me that Gen. Eisenhower did not come to see Gen. Patton when everybody knew he was dying in the hospital in Europe.

Patton (unabridged)

He really was a piece of work. However, as with all those who believe with all their being, it is not difficult to admire their tenacity and unbending commitment to what they believe in so passionately. Patton's life was extraordinary though perhaps a bit over embellished.

Patton

Very excellent audible story ,very well put together enjoy the author an the way it was presented;will place in library to enjoy reading again. love learning about history past ,a time not forgotten ,good read.

Invaluable in War, Disturbing in Peace

He’s a figure I’ve met many times in the course of reading. But whenever I do, it’s 1943 or 1944, and he’s already Patton, already the venerated apostle of armor and vilified slapper of soldiers. In this brief, brisk, sympathetic yet even-handed account, we get to see how he became both those things and more, living up fully to the critique by a fellow officer that serves as my title here.

No doubt, events Axelrod merely summarizes—Patton’s role in the development of American armor doctrine, or his affair with his niece—get deeper treatment elsewhere. But this book, though it focuses, naturally enough, on the Second World War, nevertheless gives a solid sense of the shape of Patton’s entire life and the origins of his unique personality. Wesley Clark's intro, as well as the last chapter, make it clear that Patton's legend and legacy are alive and well in the U. S. military. Our reader, Brian Emerson, does a fine job, sounding as intrigued with (and sometimes as bemused by) the man as we are.

Not too detailed and not too superficial

I recnetly purchased a book on Patton. It was boring due to the author's desire to include every "new" detail ferreted out from correspondence, etc. This book provides a well paced narrative. I loved it. Ron

Patton; a man for all time

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it gave me a chance to understand what my father endured. My father served under “Blood and Guts” Patton in Africa, Sicily and Italy. During that time he also received the Purple Heart with 3 Oakleaf clusters. I never understood fully until now why my father would say that they would have followed Patton to the gates of Hell. I remember of his telling me of the cold still nights in North Africa where they would hear Patton’s siren on his staff car for what seemed like hours only to get a quick glimpse of him standing as he rapidly passed. In later years long after my father had passed I got to know a next door neighbor. He too had served under Patton but in a much different role. Colonel Robert “Bob”Clark had served as an aid to Lt. Gen.Patton when Patton ordered the weather prayer. Several years ago now on a hot August evening Col. Clark shared something with me that I will never forget. It was the prayer, the original prayer hand written in pencil on a thin piece of cardboard. I stood there reading it and thought of my father and of course the movie but mostly how for that brief time I held a piece of history that millions have only read about. In these days of cancel culture and all the other clique words being thrown about I understand all to fully how a nation that was valued and fought for so hard has been given away by so many who not only would not fight but wouldn’t even take the time to look up from their phones to realize what they’re loosing. Thank you Dad, thank you Col. Clark and thank you General Patton. May God bless each of you.

Clear, succinct overview of Patton’s life

Well read overview, meaning both the background onto which the biography is written by Axelrod as well as the performance by Emerson. It is well-balanced, by highlighting the unique characteristics of Patton without hiding his flaws.
While much more can be said about almost any aspect, specifically in the WW2 theater of actions, this is a sold, well-recommended introduction into the life of a unique soldier!

Well done!

Well done! Narrator easy to listen to and follow. A true walk through history! Awesome!

ol blood and guts. and his destiny

excellent book about GSPatton Jr. it give a look at his love of battle. this book touches on the complexity of the man.

Great narration and story

The author does a wonderful job of telling the tale of Patton, which is read wonderfully by the narrator. An objective look at one of the US's most brilliant generals.