General Patton: A Soldier's Life
CUNY history professor Hirshson's exhaustively researched and  well-written biography presents a balanced view of Patton's life  from every angle, from his performance in the 1912 Olympics to  his belief in reincarnation. Of course, most of the book  chronicles his career in WWII, and the material is excellent.  Besides a first-rate account of Patton's notorious slapping  incidents, Hirshson (The White Tecumseh) also reveals American  atrocities in Sicily fomented by Patton's oratory to his troops.  He examines the strategies and tactics of the American war in  Europe, and includes fascinating analyses of the often  problematic relationships between Patton and Allied generals.  Tracing Patton's advocacy of tank warfare throughout his career,  Hirshson offers the surprising revelation that the general  voiced doubts about it shortly before the battle for France in  1944. Extensive use of quotations from letters, memoirs, etc.,  enhance his clear, stimulating prose, and important insights on  Patton from his extended family add to Hirshson's complete  portrait. Offering an essentially sympathetic view of the  general, the book still describes all of Patton's faults though  carefully. His extramarital affairs (and those of other  generals), for instance, are dealt with tastefully. The best  biography of Patton to date, this will most likely become the  definitive work on his life. Not only should it appeal to a wide  audience, it should also serve to correct certain popular  misconceptions that the film Patton encouraged. 16 pages of b&w;  photos; 8 maps. (Aug.)Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.