Book Description
General George S. Patton and General Erwin Rommel. They served their countries through two World Wars. Their temperaments, both on and off the battlefield, couldn't be further apart from each other-but their approaches to modern warfare were very similar.
Written by a prominent military historian, Patton and Rommel takes a provocative look at both figures, intertwining the stories of the paths they took and the decisions they made during the course of the Second World War-and compares the lives and careers of two men whose military tactics changed the course of history.
Customer Reviews:
An academic study of two generals.......2007-09-17
I was hoping for a more readable book instead I felt as if I was taking a college course under Professor Showalter; at least it is not referenced page by page.
Many reviewers have noted the lack of maps and photos. I had to refer to an atlas of WWII battles as I read this book. It is not for the casual reader of history; the cryptic style of writing frequently leads one to refer to a standard history text to get "the rest of the story".
I found it overall quite uneven; many pages were spent on the youths of the Patton and Rommel but very little on events surrounding thier deaths. The author appears fascinated by the behavioral outbursts of Patton.
I believe with a heavy editor's pen and the addition of maps and photos, Professor Showalter would have a wider audience; however this style may not stand academic muster.
90 division limit for the US army?!.......2007-02-05
Several others have already commented on the curious and total lack of maps and photos. How can you have a book on battles and omit maps? Plus, the textual descriptions of key battles, like El Alamein, Tobruk, Kasserine Pass and the Allied invasion of Sicily are good but abbreviated. You can find far more detailed accounts elsewhere. For example, there are numerous books devoted to El Alamein or the Battle of the Bulge. Still, Showalter must be clearly aware that his book adds little new to the existing accounts of the battles it describes. Perhaps this was the reason for the omission of maps?
The purported value of the book is in its comparison of the experiences and, to some extent, the personalities and motivations of Patton and Rommel. Here, other reviewers have also remarked that this is quite a hard task. But Showalter seems to have done a reasonable job, including, I presume, interviews with Manfred Rommel, the general's son.
But at least for me, there were a few new snippets that I have not found in other texts. First was the deliberate decision by the US to restrict the size of the army to 90 divisions. In part because the navy and marines have to be built up to fight the Pacific war. But also, this let the US arm as heavily as possible those army divisions. So the US took advantage of its industrial prowess, to minimise its casualties. Fair enough. But in many other accounts of the war, I've never run into mention of this 90 division limit. I'm not saying it's a secret. Undoubtedly, there must be books mentioning it; perhaps even the official histories of the US army. Still it's surprising to know. Especially because Showalter asserts that one consequence was that after Normandy, Eisenhower was restricted in how aggressively he could march across Europe. Whereas with more troops, he might have been able to attack earlier into Germany.
Another useful insight was about how Patton and Rommel were regarded after the war, by the militaries of the US and West Germany. Books on World War 2 tend to end their accounts shortly after the end of the war, naturally. So it was interesting to read that ironically, Patton was more highly regarded than Rommel by the Bundeswehr. While the reverse tended to be true in the US. Typically, it is not easy to get any detailed accounts of the Bundeswehr, written in English. Partly because peacetime militaries generate less interest than wartime. But perhaps also because the Bundeswehr deliberately kept a low profile after the war, to discourage militarism. So Showalter's descriptions of Bundeswehr assessments, if accurate, are quite interesting and fill a gap in the general knowledge.
Nice summary of the careers of two major WWII generals.......2006-09-24
I bought this book at an airport bookstore, and really enjoyed it. For those that don't have the time to read full biographies of Patton and Rommell, this is the book for you. If you've already read separate biographies of the two, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book.
Light Reading.......2006-09-18
This is not a bad book if you realize what it really is: a nice light-reading history. This is not for those who already have dozens of books about these two men. It is a book for those who haven't read much history, but would like to get a nice introduction to these two great generals. For that, it's a really good book.
I found that the author of this book seems to favor Rommel over Patton. Whereas Rommel is depicted as a competent professional soldier, Patton is often depicted as someone who is more concerned with his career and rank rather than military issues. The author paints Patton as a man on the verge of mental breakdown, and as a bit of a whiner. If you're a Patton fan, you might want to avoid this book.
A puzzling dual biography that roams from its objective.......2006-04-03
Showalter is to be commended first for attempting to write a history that he claims as "reader-friendly, by eschewing the academic apparatus that so often gets in the way of the story." On the other hand, to anyone with a bit of knowledge of the era and the personalities, Showalter may have a greater desire to obscure the origin of much of his work. Large parts of Showalter's history are literal quotes of earlier works. He does provide proper attribution once or twice, but for the most part the works he borrows from are unattributed.
His declared goal is to depict "two complex personalities in the contexts of their military cultures and the countries that sustained them. Focusing on the generals, it compares the U.S. Army and the Wehrmacht as military instruments, and American and German ways of war." Showalter never acheives this objective.
Instead he has written summary biographies of Patton and Rommel, occasionally inserting his own opinions of what made each man tick. There is nothing new in his observations, nothing that hasn't been previously opined.
Showalter writes in a disconcertingly colloquial way. Happily there is little of the academic style, which is a plus. But occasionally he throws in a little-used archaic word or, worse, slings jargon that many will not be familiar. He particularly uses a tired baseball cliche that I haven't heard in several decades.
The editing and proofreading are amazingly poor. Take this sentence that appears on page 409: "The other was in Paris, where another more group of officers . . ." Yeah, "another more." Huh?
There are no maps or photographs in the book. Military history without even simple diagrams? It doesn't work.
Ultimately this history doesn't really illuminate either Patton or Rommel beyond what is available elsewhere in more vivid detail. As to providing a comparison between the two men, it never even begins the task. Neither general could be said to embody the warrior's ethos of the age. Both men were unique and had strong personalties and favored what were considered unorthodox ways. Showalter could have done a much better job of examining how the men's individual idiosyncracies played out, but it still would not have fulfilled his original objective.
Overall, I can't recommend this history to the serious student of military history. It is, as I noted above, dully repetitious of earlier works. It brings no revelatory insights to bear on either general or on warmaking in general. Except for the awful editing and proofreading and the occasional lapses of the author into slang and archaic language, it is readable, but it is not overly interesting.
Jerry
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Rommel and Patton
R. Rohmer
Manufacturer: Irwin Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0772516235 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Historian, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2007. The length of the article is 527 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Patton and Rommel: Men of War in the Twentieth Century.(Book review)
Author: Niall Barr
Publication:
The Historian (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 69
Issue: 1
Page: 170(2)
Article Type: Book review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable Read.......2007-10-19
I have read every book that Jeff Shaara has written and have enjoyed them all, however this book did not go as far as his others in providing me new insight to the personalities involved. I still recommend this book to anyone at all interested in WWII however and I look forward to his next book.
Jeff Shaara has done it again.......2007-10-18
As expected with one of Jeff Shaara's books, it is great. If the next in the series is as good as this one they will be a collectors item.
As with his other novels, Shaara has taken history and put his own literary spin on it. You feel you are right there in the decision making process of the beginning of the war.
I recommend this book to any one who is interested in American history.
Good, but not great.......2007-10-04
(review by her husband)
The Rising Tide is Jeff Shaara's first part of a WW II Trilogy. Having enjoyed both his Civil War and Revolutionary War histories, I looked forward to his approach to this conflict. Unfortunately, the book lacked the spark that Shaara imparted to his earlier writings. Herman Wouk did it better in his set.
Great story!.......2007-10-02
Another great Jeff Sharra story, this time WWII. Looking forward to a continuation of this story in the next volume.
The Rising Tide.......2007-09-30
Interesting part of WW II covered,but not as crisp as some of his earlier works.
Average customer rating:
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World War II: Europe
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0007WAAQA |
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Louis Agassiz: His Life And Correspondence
Louis Agassiz
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1419131362 |
Book Description
. . .I have also a piece of good news to communicate, which will, I hope, lead to very favorable results for me. I think I told you when I left for Paris that my chief anxiety was lest I might not be allowed to examine, and still less to describe, the fossil fishes and their skeletons in the Museum. Knowing that Cuvier intended to write a work on this subject, I supposed that he would reserve these specimens for himself. I half thought he might, on seeing my work so far advanced, propose to me to finish it jointly with him, --but even this I hardly dared to hope. It was on this account, with the view of increasing my materials and having thereby a better chance of success with M. Cuvier, that I desired so earnestly to stop at Strasbourg and Carlsruhe, where I knew specimens were to be seen which would have a direct bearing on my aim. The result has far surpassed my expectation.
Download Description
. . .I have also a piece of good news to communicate, which will, I hope, lead to very favorable results for me. I think I told you when I left for Paris that my chief anxiety was lest I might not be allowed to examine, and still less to describe, the fossil fishes and their skeletons in the Museum. Knowing that Cuvier intended to write a work on this subject, I supposed that he would reserve these specimens for himself. I half thought he might, on seeing my work so far advanced, propose to me to finish it jointly with him, --but even this I hardly dared to hope. It was on this account, with the view of increasing my materials and having thereby a better chance of success with M. Cuvier, that I desired so earnestly to stop at Strasbourg and Carlsruhe, where I knew specimens were to be seen which would have a direct bearing on my aim. The result has far surpassed my expectation.
Book Description
A giant of nineteenth-century natural history study, Louis Agassiz made major contributions to modern knowledge of geology, paleontology, and zoology. Agassiz's fame in America was largely as a popularizer of natural history and teacher of advanced students. Founding the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard was his lasting teaching and research achievement, and the Smithsonian Institution and National Academy of Sciences benefited from his impulse to professionalize science. A life-long opponent of the theory of evolution. Agassiz affirmed the magnificence of God's plan to all who would "study nature, not books".
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Methods of Study in Natural History
Louis Agassiz
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
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ASIN: 0766195554 |
Book Description
1896. The series of papers collected in this volume may be considered as a compliment or commentary to my Essay on Classification, since I have endeavored to present here in a more popular form the views first expressed in that work. And although the direct intention of these pages has been, as their title indicates, to give some general hints to young students as to the methods by which scientific truth has been reached, including a general sketch of the history of science in past times, yet I have also wished to avail myself of this opportunity to enter my earnest protest against the transmutation theory, revived of late with so much ability, and so generally received. It is my belief that naturalists are chasing a phantom, in their search after some material gradation among created beings, by which the whole animal Kingdom may have been derived by successive development from a single germ, or from a few germs...the resources of the Deity cannot be so meager, that, in order to create a human being endowed with reason, he must change a monkey into a man.
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The Burgess Animal Book For Children
Thornton W. Burgess
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1417929782 |
Book Description
1920. A charmingly written introductory-level book for young minds to the four-footed friends, little and big, which form so important a part of the wild life of the United States and Canada. The purpose of the book is to acquaint the reader with the larger groups-orders, families, and divisions of the latter, so that typical representatives may readily be recognized and their habits understood.
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The Burgess Animal Book for Children
Thornton W. Burgess
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1432621653 |
Book Description
1920. A charmingly written introductory-level book for young minds to the four-footed friends, little and big, which form so important a part of the wild life of the United States and Canada. The purpose of the book is to acquaint the reader with the larger groups-orders, families, and divisions of the latter, so that typical representatives may readily be recognized and their habits understood.
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Essay on Classification
Louis Agassiz
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0486435806 |
Book Description
A treasure of historically valuable insights that contributed to the development of evolutionary biology, this volume introduced the landmark contention that paleontology, embryology, ecology, and biogeography are inextricably linked in the process of classification. Its emphasis on advanced and original work gave major impetus to the study of science directly from nature.
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Louis Agassiz: His Life and Correspondence
Manufacturer: Thoemmes Continuum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1855069547 |
Book Description
This first edition of the standard biography of Louis Agassiz contains correspondence between Agassiz and other great men of science, including Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt, Georges Cuvier, Charles Lyell and Richard Owen, and offers an intriguing insight into the life and times of this important paleontologist.
Book Description
Studies show that one in five of us worries too much about our health. In fact, pervasive worry over preserving health or preventing disease can _itself_ become a disorder, one with very real physical and emotional consequences. The condition is known as health anxiety, and it often leads people to misinterpret minor symptoms and normal bodily sensations as the warning signs of a serious disease. In It's Not All in Your Head, health psychologists Drs. Gordon Asmundson and Steven Taylor encourage readers to consider whether excessive worry may be their greatest cause for concern. This straightforward and effective self-help program teaches sufferers how the physical side effects of anxiety--like muscle tension, nausea, or a quickened heart rate--may compound their sense that something is wrong. For anyone whose personal life or career has been disrupted by health anxiety--and for their caring yet frustrated loved ones--this compassionate, nonjudgmental, and practical book may be just what the doctor ordered.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent !!.......2006-03-21
None of the other books listed by Amazon sounded like they dealt with health anxiety, so I tried this one. It is EXCELLENT!!! It is very thorough and simple to understand. It has wonderful tips to use as well as suggestions on how to work with doctors and when to get additional help. Not much is written for the regular person on health anxiety, so this is a very valuable resource. Health anxiety is a form of anxiety in which the person worries excessively about his health and bodily sensations. Going to the doctor repeatedly for assurance does not help because you can get addicted to the reassurance! By the time you get home from the doctor after he tells you that you are fine, you have convinced yourself that he must have made some type of error or omission of tests, and you are super worried all over again! This book uses cognitive behavior therapy to help break the cycle of worry and fear over symptoms.
Book Description
Arranged by season, this cookbook highlights the abundance of fresh foods cultivated in Northern California. In addition to our members' favorite recipes, which have been triple-tested in our own kitchens, California Fresh Harvest provides fascinating food lore, inspirational menus, wine pairings, cooking tips, and information on local events and special destinations. In the tradition of the treasured, original California Fresh cookbook, again the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay has created a classic for Northern California residents and visitors alike.
Customer Reviews:
My favorite cookbook.......2006-11-04
Received this cookbook as a gift and have since given it as a wedding gift... this is my favorite cookbook hands down... has a great layout with nice pictures... recipes are organized seasonally with focus on fresh local food... recipes have interesting combinations of flavors and spices... everything I've made has turned out to be something I'd make again as a staple meal for entertaining or just for the family.
California Fresh Harvest.......2003-10-20
I received this book as a gift. What a treasure it has become - great recipes for all seasons, an excellent layout, beautiful illustrations, and simple instructions. It is now the first cookbook I go to!
California Fresh Harvest.......2002-07-16
Absolutely a phenomenonal cookbook! Just purchased on vacation in Cape May, New Jersey at Love the Cook. Gorgeous pictures, wonderful recipes......California at it's best! A real winner...a real find.
A Junior League Classic!.......2002-02-27
I originally received this cookbook as a gift. I was so delighted with it, I subsequently ordered four additional copies to give as gifts. The recipients are still thanking me! First, the recipes are creative and delicious -- fully enhancing the flavors of bountiful, diverse, fresh ingredients found in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country. (It's hard NOT to eat well in this region!) Second, the cookbook itself is uncommonly successful in evoking this spectacular setting with gorgeous photos, sidebars of interesting sidetrips, local restaurants and wineries, and mind-boggling facts regarding the abundance of local agriculture. Food preparation tips, background information on local food and wine festivals/events, and delicacies such as Meyer Lemons are also highlighted. While it's fun to simply browse through this beautiful cookbook, it's even better to sample the Junior League's trade-mark "home cooking with flair." Full menus are offered here. My personal favorites are the Baja Guacamole, Savory Polenta w/Asiago Cheese, Garlic-Roasted Chicken, Pork Tenderloin w/Apricot Ginger Sauce, and Cherries & Berries Compote w/Crispy Puffed Pancake. The Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are worth the price of admission all by themselves! I'm not surprised this cookbook is winning national rave reviews and awards. They are very well deserved! It is so beautifully rendered, it puts most commercially-produced cookbooks to shame.
Impress Guests with Simplicity and Elegance.......2002-02-26
I received this cookbook as a gift. I must admit, at first I found it so nice to look at that it sat on my coffee table on display. Recently, however, I hosted a baby shower and prepared several dishes which were simple yet elegant. Everyone was so impressed--I felt like Martha Stewart without any of the hassle. Another nice feature of this cookbook is that it recommends menus, which is great, b/c I never know what to serve together. This is one of my favorite cookbooks now!
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