Rating: 
Summary: An Oustanding Piece of Work
Review: As a constant reader of WW II history I found D'Este's Patton one of my most enjoyable experiences. The book is well reviewed elsewhere but I wish to mention two of the book's disclosures which most reviewers have overlooked. In regard to Patton's slapping of the soldier in the hospital, Eisenhower is quoted as saying that only 1/3 of our troops are good and occasionally heroic soldiers. The other two thirds are lagards and cowards. What better way to square such men around than a slap in the face?(It was not the Army's intention to publicize the incident -a "yellow dog" journalist, Drew Pearson, leaked it.) This leak forced Eisenhower's hand and almost cost us our best warrior. Patten's victories In Sicily, France and the Ardenes were acclaimed by the whole world -including the Nazi generals, but never did Eisenhower pin a medal on Patton's chest!Don Napier
Rating:
Summary: A great soldier deserves a great biography
Review: This is an excellently written book that captures the uniquepersonality of Gen. Patton. This is perhaps the most controversial,yet colorful, figure in the US military history. Like how people viewNapoleon, not everybody can stand Patton for his less than politically correct view not acceptable in today's society, and his nonconformity that will ensure Patton to be less than a colonel if he were in today's army. Only great insightful leaders like Marshall could utilize Patton's ability into the most productive use, despite Patton's personal flaws. He deliberately installed the image that made him the most dangerous/feared general in the Allied forces, as he believed success depends on the number of the enemy frightened. Maybe he's been too successful to create such a bloodthirsty image that it becomes real. But as nonconforming as he was, he probably wouldn't care how people think about him.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Though I still consider the Patton Papers 1 & 2 as the definitive biography of the General nonetheless A Genius For War merits a deserved place in the library of any military historian. Superbly researched. Particulary interesting were the conflicts with Eisenhower and Bradley, especially the later, also some glimpses into a rather erratic personal life (such as relationship with niece). The bottom line here however remains is that regardless of how well done a biography this is, we are left with a portrait of a profane abusive bully who did not deserve to wear the uniform of the United States Army. Unfortunately through his own personal failings he never achieved the greatness that he coveted...he should have been relieved in Sicily after the slapping incident for starters and yet again prior to Normandy - saved only by George Marshall. His letters and diary reflect contempt and disloyalty to his superiors and peers alike and the Hammelburg raid was a sickening use and waste of soldiers lives for his own personal gain another offense which should have justified relief. And his constant and vile Anti-Semitic rantings again in diary and letter (covered in more detail by Blumenson) make him more fit to wear the Nazi than the American uniform. I will take my generals in the mold of Stilwell Ridgway and Truscott and Gavin not the likes of a boorish brute obsessed with his own destiny and and endless litany of bizarre beliefs (reincarnation) and behavior. Perhaps the most telling comment of this book is how it shows how weak the US Army was at senior levels prior to D-Day when Patton was retained ONLY because he was needed for post-invasion command. I see absolutely nothing to admire other than an aggressive war fighting spirit however any positive aspects of that are unfortunately eclipsed by serious shortcomings. To summarize, a worthy portrait of a bizarre figure not worthy of personal or professional admiration, though nonetheless an important figure in WW2.
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Summary: All military officers must read
Review: I am sorry it has taken me so long to finally get around to reading this book. I must say it was enjoyable and fascinating. All officers serving and retired must get a copy. The leadership lessons learned by Patton brought out by LTC D'Este are wonderful. Any junior officer that will fall under my command in the future will be required to read this book. Essayons sir, thanks for being a great alumni of Norwich.
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Summary: Amazing dive into the life of a non-conformist...
Review: THis is a great book about the life of an American legend.This book rivals the definitive biography of General Stonewall Jackson(sorry I forgot the title) in its look into the motivation of the man, his childhood, and it most importantly sets the record straight. Many "patton" myths will be dispelled, and the author backs up every comment his says with a credible and first person source (from Patton's diaries to his letters to the biographies of other generals). You will laugh, cry, and be amazed by the things that Patton does... this book rightfully points out "georgie's" faults and his virtues. It provides many quotes directly from Patton on one subject, and almost always quotes the general on the "other side" of Patton's praise, tantrums, and arguments. One thing I like about this book is that also includes commentary about the movie which answers the question, "did he really say that?" and many times... he did... I recommend this book to all who are interested in Patton, because it is filled not only with military details (not as much as 'War as I knew it' so it is not quite as confusing to some) but crazy tales(while making sure to discount the false ones).
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Summary: Best book I've ever read
Review: This very in-depth review of Patton's life is well researched and great reading. I found myself laughing at times or yelling out with patriotism to different events covered. The book is written well enough to be enjoyed by anyone whether for military purposes or just to enjoy the colorful and historic experiences of one of the greatest Americans to have ever lived. I wish the Patton movie had been as thorough as this book.
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Summary: Superb! A Rich and balanced portrait of a great leader.
Review: "Patton" A Genius for War " is an outstanding biography of General George S. Patton. After seeing some less than glowing critical reviews of this book, I was hesitant to read it, expecting it to be over-long, somewhat disjointed and unorganized. But, I plunged ahead anyway, and found the book to be a genuinely pleasant surprise - superbly written, richly detailed, balanced, and obviously well researched and organized. The portrait of Patton which emerges is that of a man destined for greatness on the field of battle from the beginning. Here is seen the scion of a Virginia family steeped in military tradition since the Civil War (two ancestors died as heroes to the Confederacy during that conflict). Here is the young man with a tremendous intellect and drive to succeed; suffering from, and successfully compensating for, dyslexia and feelings of inadequacy brought on by this disability. And, here is the army officer who believed he was destined for greatness, demonstrating a natural genius for war throughout his long military career; a highly patriotic, proud, and profane general, capable of quickly moving an entire army across Europe; yet afflicted with the hubris which ultimately led to his firing as Third Army commander at the end of World War II. "Patton: A Genius of War" is a wonderful biography of a highly complex and yet deeply flawed man. For readers interested in getting beyond the image of Patton presented by the movie, this book is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: This is an outstanding book. It reads fast and is a great bio. It does a good job at condensing the Patton Papers Vol. I & II, but I still suggest both Vol(s) to anyone who wants to know the real Patton (not the George C. Scott version).
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Summary: The most insightful account of Patton available
Review: I found D'Este's expose of Patton truly compelling. Like many, I was first introduced to Patton via George C. Scott's portrayal in the movie. This biography delves so much deeper into not only Patton the great general, but Patton the man.
I disagree with review of the reader in Korea. D'Este's account results from unique, brilliant & exhaustive research. About half the book is dedicated to Patton's pre-WWII fame. His formative years as a child, his unique bond with his Aunt, the courting and 35-year marriage to his beloved wife Beatrice (who was a tremendous supporter of her husband & responsible in no small part for his successes), his first action hunting the infamous Pancho Villa - all this and much more mixed together to produce a unique & complex officer. An excellent read for anyone wishing to explore the innerworkings of all that became and was Patton.
Rating: 
Summary: D'Este triumphs with richly-detailed work!
Review: Carlos D'Este's Patton: A Genius for War is a brilliantly written work. Why? Because it doesn't just capture the life of Patton, it also captures his personality. It shares with the reader the misconceptions of Patton reviewed by the news, by superiors, and by a world in general. It reminds us that Patton was not a boorish lout because he swore, and he was not an unreliable man because he was dyslexic. He was a military genius who used his determination to overcome any obstacle that would dare rise against him. He was the one true man to get the job done and D'Este realizes that. Patton's early life is covered, but not as extensively as his campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, and Europe. I never found myself bored by the book, except in the earlier chapters describing young Patton's life. Other than that, it flows like a novel, but teaches like a pro.
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