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 US 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 extraordinary life and legacy.
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"I enjoyed this novel even though Faulkner makes you work for it. His sentences that can last a half page, to his made up words will have your head hurting at times if you were not in the right set of mind for reading deep, thought provoking literature. Yet if you stick with him, he will reward you with some note worthy lines and thoughts... some of my favorite quotes come from this novel."
— Samantha (4 out of 5 stars)
“Axelrod has captured Patton’s checkered legacy in a balanced biography.”
— Publishers Weekly“An engaging minibiography...Patton's race across France has become legendary, but Mr. Axelrod reminds readers that it was the result of careful planning.”
— Washington Times“Concise, incisive, and authoritative, Axelrod's Patton is a clear and entertaining biography of the famous general that captures both his complicated personality and the monumental events that made him perhaps the most controversial warrior in American history.”
— Robert K. Wilcox bestselling author of Wings of Fury“Axelrod's powerful prose and historical insight bring the epic bronze monument of George Patton to vibrant life in glorious tones, personal secrets and dramatic action. A compelling story that is a pleasure to read and read again--and to rely on as a rock-solid reference book”
— Col. Jack Kingston, National Security Council“Axelrod offers new and interesting insight into General George S. Patton…Brian Emerson’s reading mirrors the ebbs and flows that characterized Patton’s life. At times, Emerson’s style is understated, yet at other moments he sounds as though he inhabits Patton’s psyche, capturing the General’s insecurity, intensity, and brilliance.”
— AudioFile“Emerson handles his job flawlessly. He reads in an unvoiced conversational tone that is completely unobtrusive; he lets the listener’s imagination carry the story.”
— Kliatt" Okay - so now I've read Faulkner. Check. I listened to most of Light in August as an audiobook and was very much engrossed in the story and characters. Finished the last 130 pages or so of the paperback. I much preferred the audiobook experience. If I decide to read more Faulkner, I'll definitely go that route. "
— Dawn, 2/14/2014" Faulkner was and will always remain amazing. "
— Ishki, 2/12/2014" It's Faulkner in his glory, but not quite the tight, mind-blowing tightness of _As I Lay Dying_, which might be the best book I've ever read. _Light in August_ is compelling until 3/4 through, revealing a distinctive time and place, along with, perhaps, some of Faulkner's own biases. I need to find a good essay analyzing his attitude toward women. "
— Jocelyn, 2/7/2014" Very accessable Faulkner book. Good story. Worth reading for sure. It seems like it would be a good gateway to get to some of his more difficult works. "
— Jim, 1/17/2014" Absolutely great book. Classic novel, and great characterization that sucked me into another time and world. "
— Dale, 12/30/2013" One of my favs. Not an easy read. Had to take notes throughout. "
— Dan, 12/27/2013" One of the most moving books I have ever read. I keep going back to it. "
— Trish, 12/27/2013" I liked it a lot, a murder mystery, race issues. I even wrote a paper on it, read the book and then we can have a philosophical discussion on the racial epidermal schema. "
— Rebekah, 11/30/2013" Faulkner struck me as much more misogynistic this time around. Still a lovely book though. "
— Katie, 7/21/2013" An amazing portrayal of mulatto man trying to make sense of his existence. "
— Indira, 6/21/2013" I need to reread this within a few months. "
— Katy, 5/11/2013" Kind of boring to read. Read this for school and bleh. But it's meaningful/profound, but so boring to read. "
— Amy, 11/26/2012" O my gosh; Faulkner. He's a wonderful writer but reading his books is tedious and at times, feels more like work than a leisurely activity. "
— London, 8/27/2012" Read in a college class on Faulkner. Must admit I didn't get into Faulkner enough to read many others. "
— David, 7/16/2012" I liked it...although I don't believe I understand a vast majority of it. It may be well beyond me at this time. "
— Ckane737, 1/11/2012" Faulkner is overrated. This is the only book of his I could finish. "
— David, 8/12/2011" Complicated, beautiful, depressing and a stunning tour de force. Loved it!!!! Terrific writing.... "
— Cindy, 7/17/2011" Read Faulkner for the individual sentences. "
— K.D., 12/31/2010" This was an excellent overview of Patton's life. You saw what made this man and drove him to greatness. "
— Christopher, 3/19/2010" Interesting look into a successful general. "
— Mark, 3/19/2009" brilliant analysis, among other interesting tid bits, of Patton's approach to problem solving "an imperfect plan today is better than an excellent one tomorrow" "
— Sorin, 12/29/2007" I READ A BOOK!! It was very good. I may read another one... "
— Shane, 9/6/2007Alan Axelrod is the author of numerous books on history, business, and management. He has been a creative consultant to such television documentaries and series as The Wild West and Civil War Journal for the Discovery Channel. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brian Emerson is an actor and technical director with a long career in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.