Martin Blumenson, one of America's leading military historians, served as staff historian of Patton's Third Army. He is the author of many military histories, including The Patton Papers, hailed as "remarkable" by The New York Times.
George S. Patton Jr. is remembered as much for his tough, profane image as for his military skill. Few sense that this image represented an ideal and a command tool to Pattonand that developing and projecting it was one of many struggles for a man forever in doubt about his aptitude and performance. Blumenson (author of The Patton Papers and a one-time member of the general's staff) has written a detailed and persuasive study of Patton's character, making liberal use of quotes by Patton and his family which afford insight into Patton's view of himself. More afraid of cowardice and under-achievement than of injury or death, unable to live up to his own impossible standards or the example of his martial forebearsbut always tryingPatton was very conscious of his shortcomings and insecure in his accomplishments. From his early efforts to overcome dyslexia to forcing his courage on the battlefields of World War II, he remained ill at ease with the differences between himself and the ideal he desperately wished to embody. Photos not seen by PW. 35,000 first printing; $40,000 ad/promo. November 11
The complex personality of ``Old Blood and Guts'' George S. Patton, Jr. is always a fair target for psychologists and amateur psychohistorians. Now, Patton scholar and ex-aide Blumenson has capped his excellent presentation of The Patton Papers with a mildly interpretative account of the colorful general's life and foibles. Unfortunately, he uses a vast amount of source material but does not tell us anything particularly new. The book is gossipy and fast moving but disappointing to readers hoping for fresh insights into this major military figure. A glib and entertaining popular biography in no way superior to any of the existing works on the subject. Raymond L. Puffer, U.S. Air Force History Prog., Los Angeles
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
