In Patton, Montgomery, Rommel, one of Britain's most accomplished military scholars presents an unprecedented study of the land war in the N...
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reviews
Jul 17, 2010
Patrick
rated it: 
VERY good so far. Triple biography about three fascinating men leading up to and through World War II. I had little dribbles of knowledge about these men and the South African front in WWII, but I didn't even have all the dots to connect into the big picture. Now I've got a working knowledge of the strategic and tactical reasons for the whole thing. I also get the basics of the Sicily/Italy campaign, and now I'm reading the planning for the Normandy Invasion. Personality conflict, ego, and
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Dec 20, 2010
Fergie
rated it: 
I would have given this four stars except for the amount of time spent on actual battles. As a reader of history, I am always more interested in the personal side of it. The author covered a sufficient amount of this for me to really like the book. I was surprised how likable Rommel came across while, of the three, I found the British General Bernard Montgomery the most pompous and disagreeable. As a personal figure, I found very little to admire about him. As I had known the most about Pat
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Apr 01, 2011
Michele
rated it: 
I enjoyed this version of the greater story. As most WWII books focus on specific theaters of war and/or specific battalions, I found this to be interesting. Patton, Montgomery, and Rommel can each be accused of having huge egos and each was able to compartmentalize the actual casualties of war in a way that made them appear either completely apathetic or superhuman in their lack of emotions. My largest complaint about this book was the Rommel bits seemed tossed in. They didn't add to the story
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Feb 26, 2011
Roberta
rated it:
A well-written biography of three of the most colorful personalities of World War II. Lieutenant General Patton a profane, intelligent, and audacious soldier. Field Marshal Montgomery a careful planner with an ego even greater than his genius. Field Marshall Rommel a strategic genius with a blind spot where Hitler was concerned. The tale all of all three men is seamlessly interwoven to show how their three careers impacted on the world stage in the war in Africa and Europe. Highly recommend
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Jun 16, 2011
Carmela
rated it:
A very interesting, revelatory book! The mingling of the three biographies was a nice mix, and I felt good about myself for having learned about three important figures in WWII in one book. It taught me more about the general timeline of the European theater than any history textbook or article I'd read. A personal perspective, such as those found in biographies like these, always aids in the learning of the big picture.
Apr 07, 2011
Keagan
rated it:
Capitalized on a ton of research into the three most famous generals of WWII. Told a the story of the war through their eyes and added new insights into how outcomes were often decided based on the strong personalities of these soldiers. Reaffirmed my belief that Montgomery was a truly awful person.
Aug 30, 2010
Josh
rated it:
An interesting parallel biography of arguably the three most famous generals of World War II. It's useful to see the similiarities and differences as time progresses and their different but important experiences in World War I.
One fascinating thing I learned about the three subjects was their various odd coincidences. All were born in November and within 6 years of each other. Monty and Patton both got dogs as pets in 1944. Rommel had an affair as a young officer which he broke o More...
One fascinating thing I learned about the three subjects was their various odd coincidences. All were born in November and within 6 years of each other. Monty and Patton both got dogs as pets in 1944. Rommel had an affair as a young officer which he broke o More...
Jan 31, 2010
John
rated it:
It had interesting character stories. It wasn't just about each generals service in World War II. Also attempted to be unbiased and presented opinions contrary to the authors. The author explained why he didn't believe them; i.e. that Montgomery was a homosexual. (Reasoning: he was just British.)
Apr 29, 2011
Goncalo
rated it:
Excellent book that gives an overview of the 2 world wars from the eyes of these 3 generals, detailing the 2nd WW with more enphasis since the 3 generals had a much bigger influence in this last war.
Very good writing which grabs the reader till the end!
Definitely a must!!!
Very good writing which grabs the reader till the end!
Definitely a must!!!
Nov 12, 2010
Ben
rated it:
This was a great immersive history lesson, both rich in personality enough to be entertaining, and rigorous in including a variety of interpretations on points of debate, so that you don't feel spoon fed. I am not a WW II buff, but this was even more worthwhile than I hoped.
Jun 09, 2010
Lee
rated it:
A good read, I uncovered a few bits of trivia I hadn't learned. Since these are three very deeply covered generals, there wasn't much that I expected to find. It does a very good job of not showing bias towards the Patton-Montgomery feud.
Mar 11, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
Had a road trip to Bisbee and listened to this on the way. It is amazing to me that even though I know how everything turned out, the personalities involved are still so compelling. I find Rommel particularly interesting.
May 04, 2010
Maryellen
rated it:
This is a good introductory book on the above three. Quick, easy read. Three gigantic egos.
Mar 01, 2010
Dawn
rated it:
Very interesting side-by-side comparisons of Patton, Montgomery, and Rommel.
Mar 06, 2010
Martin
rated it:
This is a well written account of the development of three great leaders pre World War II and during World War II. The author takes you through each leaders point of view as the war progressedo on. This is a great read.
Apr 26, 2010
Tony
rated it:
A compelling look into the lives of the three most powerful battlefield commanders in WWII. As a history buff I was surprised to find some new facts about these three iconic figures of a war that made America a "Superpower".
Mar 28, 2010
Andrew
rated it:
The author liked Patton and Rommel and despised Montgomery. If you know anything about Montgomery it is easy to see why. This was entertaining but there wasn't too much that I hadn't read before.
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