Customer Reviews

General Patton, a Genius for War

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Carlo D'Este has written a colossal an exhaustively documented biography of the unparalleled General Patton.

He starts portraying Patton's ancestors. Usually this is neglected in many biographies: the micro history of the subject. Frequently, as in this case, it is essential to understand the character. Patton is the offspring of deep rooted American families. Remarkable warriors populate his lineage. Then is not surprising such a Fighter emerged from that soil.
D'Este follows Patton thru his earlier steps, his education, first at VMI, then at West Point. His struggle with dyslexia and with a physical condition that was not superlative for the burning activity that Patton displayed, he was always pushing his limits.
Next: Patton falling in love, marriage and early experiences as Cavalry officer is shown; his first contact with "real war" at Mexico with Pershing's Punitive Expedition; his WWI career with the new tank forces and his meteoric ascension to Colonelcy.
Then the dark and stark interwar period, with the rank reduction included and the boring regular army life is presented in detail.
Finally the last and more known portion of his life: from Africa, as warrior and diplomat; thru Sicily and the "slapping episode"; the rupture of Normandy's stalemate till the crossing of the Rhine.

D'Este constructs a solid biography, presenting the "real" Patton with his merits and drawbacks. Patton is neither an icon nor a monster; he is a human being convinced of his destiny and committed to fulfill it.
A superb book to be sure!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.