In Patton, Montgomery, Rommel, one of Britain’s most accomplished military scholars presents an unprecedented study of the land war in the North African and European theaters, as well as their chief commanders—three men who also happened to be the most compelling dramatis personae of World War II.Beyond spellbinding depictions of pivotal confrontations at El Alamein, Monte Cassino, and the … Cassino, and the Ardennes forest, author-scholar Terry Brighton illuminates the personal motivations and historical events that propelled the three men’s careers: how Patton’s, Montgomery’s, and Rommel’s Great War experiences helped to mold their style of command—and how, exactly, they managed to apply their arguably megalomaniacal personalities (and hitherto unrecognized political acumen and tact) to advance their careers and strategic vision.
Opening new avenues of inquiry into the lives and careers of three men widely profiled by scholars and popular historians alike, Brighton definitively answers numerous lingering and controversial questions: Was Patton really as vainglorious in real life as he was portrayed to be on the silver screen?—and how did his tireless advocacy of “mechanized cavalry” forever change the face of war? Was Monty’s dogged publicity-seeking driven by his own need for recognition or by his desire to claim for Britain a leadership role in postwar global order?—and how did this prickly “commoner” manage to earn affection and esteem from enlisted men and nobility alike? How might the war have ended if Rommel had had more tanks?—and what fundamental philosophical difference between him and Hitler made such an outcome virtually impossible?
Abetted by new primary source material and animated by Terry Brighton’s incomparable storytelling gifts, Patton, Montgomery, Rommel offers critical new interpretations of the Second World War as it was experienced by its three most flamboyant, controversial, and influential commanders—and augments our understanding of each of their perceptions of war and leadership.
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I found it very informative the way in which the three central characters are revealed to be thoroughgoing egotists (Rommel not as much as the other two). Each of the three were pivotal figures in their respective armies, whilst being very different temperamentally from one another. Montgomery sought to have an overwhelming superiority in men and …
Terrific analysis of the actions of 3 major generals in WW II. Incisive comparisons among the three. The author makes these sometime controversial figures come alive.
Majestic comparison of 3 greatest WWII Generals. Very informative and historical.
This triple comparative biography was riveting. I appreciated that it reflected the greatness of these three generals without falling into hagiography. The clay feet were described for all three, as were their tremendous accomplishments and unique strengths. Military history buffs should love this one.
This book did a good job of going behind the mythology of three of the preeminent military commanders (and supreme egoists) in the ETO. Of the three, Patton comes off the best, although his faults and foibles are discussed. Just the same, they were pretty well known. Rommel’s image was tarnished a bit, and he doesn’t come off anywhere near the …
Good portraits of the three heroes. I’m stalled about a third of the way through. Perhaps because none of the three seems that important in retrospect–as if they were more the popular images than the substance of the war?
Good read with mini-biographies of the central characters. Informative and very readable.
Good detail of their respective roles and interacting with each other.
I enjoyed the history and the contrasts and similarities of these 3 historic figures.
If your a history buff, you’ll enjoy thi book.
For those who enjoy military history, and the characters that create great moments, this is a good book to examine Montgomery, Patton and Rommel – their drives, motivations, strengths & weaknesses. One is struck by the prescient views Rommel had, only to be undone by leadership.
A good, easy and fun read.
These three were the most Notable Allies Commanders in WWII. Yet they had similar education, training, ambistions and leadership qualities.
The book details their type of Leadership and decision making. The was a lot of information about Gen. Montgomery that I never knew. It compares the rivalary between Patton and Montgomery in warfare and in …
Very interesting !
Tedious and a bit disjointed. historical references aside, the tome could have given the same basic detail in a briefer and much more readable format.
Well and thoroughly researched, Excellent description of people, equipment, geography and pertinent events.
I enjoyed it immensely.
I knew little of Rommel and Montgomery experience during WWI. That section alone is worth the cost of the book.
I loved this book it was very informative
Somewhat superficial (of necessity, given the characters & accomplishments of the three) but quite interesting withal.
It reveals what a jerk Monte was. My uncle served under Patton and had the same feelings toward Monte.
Engaging, fast paced, and easy to read. The characters were brought to life and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.