I'm getting a book on Patton, just don't know which one yet. I've narrowed it down to two. General Patton: A Soldiers Life by Stanley Hirshson. Patton: A Genius For War by Carlo D'Este. Anyone any opinions? Which is the best? Thanks.
My recommendation would be for Carlo D'Este's book. This is not to denigrate the other one, but 'AGenius For War' was very well-reviewed when it appeared and I think is still reckoned to be just about the most comprehensive and balanced overall biography of Patton.
Thanks Martin, ordered the D'Este book and it arrived this morning. Plenty of reading in it, should keep me busy for a while.
On my to-read list, I recently bought "Patton a study in command" by Brigadier H Essame. Essame also helped to write "Corps Comander - Sir Brian Horrocks" which I started to read yesterday.
Yes and no. It's interesting to have, especially an early edition in its original wrapper. BUT - the book was heavily 'bowdlerized', ie censored at the request of Patton's family to omit any any potentially embarrassing/controversial remarks. The result doesn't really 'read like Patton', but nonetheless it's still an important book. Much more authentic is 'The Patton Papers' edited by Blumenson which gives you more of the flavour of the man.
