Brothers, Rivals, Victors

Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership That Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe

By: Jonathan W. Jordan

Narrated by: William Hughes

The true story of the friendship—and rivalry—among the greatest American generals of World War II

Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, General George S. Patton, and General Omar N. Bradley engineered the Allied conquest that shattered Hitler’s hold over Europe. But they also shared an intricate web of relationships going back decades. In the cauldron of World War II, they found their prewar friendships complicated by shifting allegiances, jealousy, insecurity, patriotism, and ambition.

Meticulously researched and vividly written, Jonathan W. Jordan’s book recounts the battle for Europe through the eyes of these three legendary generals. For the first time in such detail, the bonds between them are explored, and readers are treated to an insider’s view of life at the summit of raw, violent power. Throughout three years of hard, bloody warfare, Eisenhower, the Alliance’s great diplomat, sought victory in the fighting qualities and tactical genius of his most trusted subordinates, Bradley and Patton. They, in turn, owed their careers to Eisenhower. Yet their friendship would be put to the ultimate test as life-and-death decisions were thrust upon them, and honor and duty conflicted with personal loyalty.

Brothers, Rivals, Victors is drawn from the candid accounts of its main characters and strips away much of the public image of “Ike” (Eisenhower), the “GI’s General” (Bradley), and “Old Blood and Guts” (Patton) to reveal the men behind the legend. Adding richness to this story are the words and observations of a supporting cast of generals, staff officers, secretaries, aides, politicians, and wives, brought together to produce a uniquely intimate account of a relationship that influenced a war. The story of how these three great strategists pulled together to wage the deadliest conflict in history, despite their differences and rivalries, is marvelously told in this eye-opening narrative that is sure to become a classic of military history.

©2011 Jonathan W. Jordan (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A truly compelling narrative…A masterly, exciting study of character and tactics in World War II.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Great

This audiobook was so good I hated for it to end. It summed up three great American's strengths, fears, weaknesses, and their greatest victory. I recommend this to anyone interested in the War in Europe, or leadership.

WWII Generals - Up close and personal

A terrific book detailing the early personal relationship between Ike and Patton, the later personal relationship between Bradley and Ike, Bradley and Patton, the African campaign, and the European theater's operations. Drawn from scores of diary entries, personal conversations, the book gives a personal description the pre-war lives of each, of the time in North Africa, of the Sicilian campaign, of the Normandy invasion without Patton, of Bradley's Cobra push using Patton, and of crossing of the Rhine with unbelievable infighting among the allied generals, including especially Monty. What a complex love-hate-love-despise-admire-denigrate-on again-off again-on again relationship among these three (and other minor characters in this book, e.g. Montgomery, Smith, Hodges, Churchill, Roosevelt, et al.). Personal spats, tirades against one another, two against one, then a different two against the other one. The book gets a little tedious with the hammering on Patton's ego, and may make a few points a couple times too many, but what an insight into the personal relationships and into the personal experience of each of these generals in theater.

Celebrate history.

I have read deeply into the history of the war and this fleshed out the human Lyme the of that history like no other. Well done!excellent

Through each other's eyes

For those interested in these three great American generals this is a both 3 biograhies and detailed history of their activities in Europe during World War II. Because the author uses their words (diaries, letters, etc.), as well as those of their staff, the men come across as complex and sometimes contradictory men. The focus is narrow with little in the narrators voice but great wealth in Ike's, Brad's and George's voices and thoughts.

Real men in difficult circumstances

The story of Eisenhower, Patton & Bradley is the United States involvement in ww2. Through that lens the retelling of this story gives an account of what the leaders of such vast armies went through in planning, politics & process. A well researched story that informs and entertains.

Fascinating Look At The Intersection of 3 Generals

Well-written and -read. The contours of the war in Africa and Europe seen through Eisenhowever, Patton, and Bradley's diaries, official letters and cables, and that of their aides, portraying a fascinating picture of the challenges and trials of these three, whose personalities, skills, foibles, and military acumen played such a major role in the victory.

good, but

Every chapter, and really the whole book, is one story. George writing to his diary that ike and Omar are cowards and can't lead, Ike telling someone how frustrating george is, but that he is a great general and worth keeping, and Omar loving Ike and being frustrated with patton. Its good reading, lots of stuff from original documents (diaries, transcripts) that definitely brings the reader into the minds of these leaders, and gives you an appreciation for the thoughts of the leaders of the war, but its not like things changed all that much over the period covered.

The best tri-hero book in years!!

This is the BEST, and only (for my knowledge), book to speak in great detail about three of this country's most important figures of WWII. If you're a fan of WWII, and/or a fan of any of these great men, this book is an absolute must. The narrator is superb, which is a rarity. The author did his homework on these people, gathering comments from many sources. I highly recommend.

Awesome

If one of your heroes are Patton, Eisenhower or Bradley, you will love this book. The behind the scenes info revealed in this book really gives you an idea of the stress Eisenhower was under, his strained but affectionate relationship with Patton and his deep respect for Bradley. Time is fairly well split between all 3 men, but Ike & Patton do get a little more attention than Bradley, primarily beacause they knew each other longer and better. In fact, in the 1920's they could be considered best friends. I can't imagine the hours, probably measured in years, that the author put into this book. I learned a lot and was greatly impressed. Please note that it is not a complete history of the war, but a look at each mans daily life with insight as to what drove their decisions. Highly recommended to the WWII buff....but might bore the casual listener.

A Portrait of Patton beside his peers.

This was an enjoyable book to listen to, though it has flaws that are the responsibility of both the author and the reader. The author presents what is more and more a portrait of Patton as if it were a joint biography of Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton. While there is interesting material on the other two generals, the author’s main interest always seems to be be Patton, though even he would agree that Patton is not the most important of the three. The author’s style is also wearing. He loves “elegant variation” and insists on referring to the generals as “the cavalryman,” “the infantryman,” “the Missourian,” among others rather than just repeating their names. The reader is generally good, but is at time shaky on pronunciation. All that said, it is an interesting book and an enjoyable performance.