Agostino von Hassell

A brief biography of one of WWIIs most significant commanders. The author starts off very complimentary and defensive about some of the negative light that Patton was shown in with the popular movie about him. However, while he defends him he is clear about his mistakes and his shortcomings.

He points out that he was a son of whom much was expected. His father was disappointed that he was not able to make a career in the military so he raised his son from the beginning to live the life he did not have. In addition to that pressure his father and grandfather had an outstanding military record and he was expected to live up to them.

The author makes it clear that though he came from a wealthy family he earned his success and worked very hard to be the best he could be in the Army.

He learned to read at a late age and though he loved reading struggled academically (the author notes he never learned to spell well) though he authored many papers on tactics and new developments in warfare over the years.

Patton was also an Olympian competing in a five event challenge as the only American and acquitting himself well.

This volume is very approachable and easily readable. Highly recommend for someone wanting a quick read on a controversial and significant WWII commander.… (mais)

This book was a difficult read for me. At my age, I prefer books that are uplifting and inspiring.

I found nothing uplifting or inspiring in the story of William Tecumseh Sherman.

Instead I found a military man who regarded his in-laws as domineering, and wished to make himself aloof to them. At times to the point of alienation. His gruff demeanor would have been a burden on any wife, and yet how his wife perceived him isn't addressed by the writers.

I found him harsh and uncaring. And when reading between the lines, perhaps even endangering to those put under his charge.

I do not care for this book at all, and cannot begin to imagine how this biography made it into The Generals series of books.

I allow this book one star alone and that is entirely for the photographs included.

I do not recommend this book to anyone under the age of 18, and it should be read solely as a lesson in how a young man should not lead his life.

****Disclosure: This book was provided by Book Sneeze in exchange for an independent and non-bised review.… (mais)