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Sign up todayBrothers, Rivals, Victors
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Learn moreThe true story of the friendship—and rivalry—among the greatest American generals of World War II
Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, General George S. Patton, and General Omar N. Bradley engineered the Allied conquest that shattered Hitler’s hold over Europe. But they also shared an intricate web of relationships going back decades. In the cauldron of World War II, they found their prewar friendships complicated by shifting allegiances, jealousy, insecurity, patriotism, and ambition.
Meticulously researched and vividly written, Jonathan W. Jordan’s book recounts the battle for Europe through the eyes of these three legendary generals. For the first time in such detail, the bonds between them are explored, and readers are treated to an insider’s view of life at the summit of raw, violent power. Throughout three years of hard, bloody warfare, Eisenhower, the Alliance’s great diplomat, sought victory in the fighting qualities and tactical genius of his most trusted subordinates, Bradley and Patton. They, in turn, owed their careers to Eisenhower. Yet their friendship would be put to the ultimate test as life-and-death decisions were thrust upon them, and honor and duty conflicted with personal loyalty.
Brothers, Rivals, Victors is drawn from the candid accounts of its main characters and strips away much of the public image of “Ike” (Eisenhower), the “GI’s General” (Bradley), and “Old Blood and Guts” (Patton) to reveal the men behind the legend. Adding richness to this story are the words and observations of a supporting cast of generals, staff officers, secretaries, aides, politicians, and wives, brought together to produce a uniquely intimate account of a relationship that influenced a war. The story of how these three great strategists pulled together to wage the deadliest conflict in history, despite their differences and rivalries, is marvelously told in this eye-opening narrative that is sure to become a classic of military history.
Jonathan W. Jordan is the author of the award-winning book Lone Star Navy: Texas, the Fight for the Gulf of Mexico, and the Shaping of the American West and the bestselling Brothers, Rivals, Victors: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership That Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe, and the editor of the Library of Texas edition of To the People of Texas. His writing has appeared in World War II magazine, Armchair General, Military History, WWII History, and MHQ.
William Hughes is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. A professor of political science at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, he received his doctorate in American politics from the University of California at Davis. He has done voice-over work for radio and film and is also an accomplished jazz guitarist.
Reviews
“What Jordan gives us is the war as Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton saw it…Anybody who believes that generals are just, rational men, imbued with a soldierly feeling of comradeship toward one another and an ingrained respect for their political superiors, will be shocked by this book.”
“This is one of the great stories of the American military…told here by Jonathan Jordan with insight and compassion, relish and vigor. I read it in two sittings.”
“The writing is vivid, the admiring portraits of these friends—and rivals—are carefully crafted, and Jordan has a fine eye for the telling detail. A fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable read.”
“An intimate, well-researched, and gracefully written portrait of three important generals—Jordan succeeds in bringing Patton, Brad, and Ike to life once again. Brothers, Rivals, Victors is full of fresh insight and compelling drama. You will have trouble putting this book down.”
“The standard line among historians is that there’s nothing new to be said about World War II…Jonathan Jordan shows us just how wrong that is…Fastidiously researched and deftly written, Jordan’s work is compellingly authoritative and adds to our knowledge something that we have not had—a tale of the intertwined and sometimes discomforting relationships of three American heroes. There is no such thing as the last word on any part of our history, but Brothers, Rivals, Victors comes close.”
“Finally, a major work that examines and highlights the most important American military triumvirate of World War II…General readers will appreciate the fast pace and descriptive prose, while historians and specialists will be impressed by the depth and breadth of research. Jordan’s work will put the war into a new perspective for many readers…A must-read for anyone interested in World War II, or who wants to know something about how command decisions are actually made.”
“A fascinating triple biography. Jordan elegantly describes the ever-changing relationship between America’s three most important European ground commanders. His detailed account shows how the responsibilities, and politics, of high command can test even the best of friends.”
“Brothers, Rivals, Victors is a landmark publication in the history of the Second World War. Anchored by a breathtaking amount of new research, Jordan explains the strange alchemy that existed between Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley as they struggled to defeat Nazism. Jordan has written a real historical tour de force. Highly recommended!”
“Ably marshaling a considerable amount of research, Jordan fashions a truly compelling narrative of three outsized American military figures. A masterly, exciting study of character and tactics in World War II.”
“This is very much an emotional military history, compelling and easy to read, yet also well documented. Recommended to both specialists and general readers.”
“A well-researched, well-written book, so comprehensive that WWII collections large and small may consider it a useful addition.”
“Narrator William Hughes has a friendly, all-American kind of voice that perfectly suits his subject. With a balance of enthusiasm and measure, Hughes keeps the listener engaged. Despite the presence of strong personalities like the flamboyant Patton, Hughes is never overly dramatic in his reading. Instead, he consistently conveys the facts in a clear, steady tone. Both author and narrator are compelling and show genuine enthusiasm for this exciting period of America’s history.”
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