Brothers, Rivals, Victors

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

By: Jonathan W. Jordan

Narrated by: William Hughes

Length: 23 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

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 leader book dealing with staff analysis

Killer book, killer orator, one of the better war books I’ve read. Definitely would recommend.

Great story of three great leaders

While many words have been written about Patton over the years, far fewer cover Bradley. This book does much to fill in that gap. Written as a three-way biography, the insight into their evolving relationships in war and peace are most illuminating. Recommended.

Hooray for the trio and their involvement in WWII

If you could sum up Brothers, Rivals, Victors in three words, what would they be?

3 great men ...and it was too bad that "politics" sometimes (a lot of the time) sttod in the way of their success.....

What other book might you compare Brothers, Rivals, Victors to and why?

Nothing particular jumps out.

Which scene was your favorite?

any scene involving Patton...especially his handling of the troops in the Bulge battle.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

Good read....my daily routine had me walking 3 to 10 miles a day....this book made the miles fly by.....

Insightful to the pettiness of great generals

What other book might you compare Brothers, Rivals, Victors to and why?

The book is more insightful than the movie Patton. Although I think Patton was a superior general and was condemned for things that Bradley and eisenhaurer did on a much larger scale. Ie putting their troops at incredible risks

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made these supreme generals out to be real people not above anything in human nature

Any additional comments?

If you like non fiction you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Should be required listening by our military officer corp.

New Insights on the Generals

This book was excellent. If you're a WW2 buff, you will find this book very interesting. These men knew each other for years, and served with each other during the lean years between the wars. It details the rise to power, fall from grace, and resurrection of 3 men that were pivitol in our military history.

A well researched document with no revelations.

There is nothing much new revealed in any of this exhausting book. Everyone know Patton was a prima donna, this confirms it. Likewise Bradley is not very interesting; he's a damn good soldier. The only 'news' is how intertwined the 3 soldier's lives were before the war.
If there is anything new; it is that Ike was human and was overwhelmed, on occasion, by the magnitude of his responsibility as Supreme Allied Commander. This would be a much more readable effort if reduced by about 2/3.

Atrociously written

I usually enjoy books about World War Two, and having read biographies of Eisenhower and Patton, was looking forward to listening to this. But Jordan's writing displays all the worst characteristics of an amateur attempting to apply cliched rules about colorful writing. Which means that a grin has to be sheepish, eyes to twinkle, etc. I finally gave up at minute 26, shortly after hearing Eisenhower described as "instinctively likable." Whose instinct? Eisenhower's? Other peoples'? Think about it a minute and you'll realize that this is an example of a writer grabbing a readily available adjective without considering its meaning. Jordan tells us that "The Army wanted Eisenhower to stay in the States and train men." The Army did, eh? Was this before or after the Army wanted a BLT for lunch? Coming after books by Max Hastings and Andrew Roberts--who actually know how to write vivid and correct prose--this book seemed like Wonder Bread after crusty and flavorful sourdough. Yuck.

Bad history but interesting perspective

If you can get past the repetitive and gossipy first few chapters the story takes off with Overlord. Historical facts tend to drift apart but the multiple hagiographic slant is at least entertaining enough to keep listening while wishing there was a better and less melodramatic coverage of these three courageous personalities.

Don't know if I can finish it

This just isn't a very good book. I've read lots of interesting books on WWII and lots of interesting biographies. This isn't one of them.