General Patton

Author: Herman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Those who weep for me do not know me. Peace is my hell. The history of war is actually the history of heroes, though their number is small. It was not the Kingdom of Macedon that conquered the world, but Alexander; it was not Rome that destroyed Carthage, but Scipio; it was not the Allies that defeated France, but Marlborough; it was not the Roundheads that overthrew Charles I, but Cromwell. There is a truth in war: a soldier may be nothing, but a general is everything. A leader must be a good actor. The secret of success lies in persistently pursuing the spirit of a warrior, tenaciously striving for victory or glorious sacrifice. — General Patton
A man born for war, who saw peace as hell, he was fortunate enough to experience two World Wars. A genius soldier-leader, fierce and ruthless in battle; he inspired his troops with his highly distinctive rough language, achieving numerous remarkable victories. A "thief in the American army," yet deeply devoted to his wife. General Patton, this tragic hero who roamed the battlefield but whose life was cut short by a car accident—what kind of legendary life did he truly lead? Stanley Herschell, based on access to a vast amount of secret materials never publicly released in the U.S. and the U.K., deciphers Patton, from his family history and rise at West Point, to his relentless efforts during the First World War and his brilliant achievements during the Second World War. The book also describes his controversial actions during World War II, such as the Sicily massacre. Unlike previous portrayals of General Patton, readers will find in this book not a purely heroic figure. His character is vivid and multidimensional, with both fragility and stubbornness, as well as ruthlessness. At the same time, Patton possessed exceptional social skills and was keenly interested in them. His political ignorance and military fervor are also depicted in the book in great detail.