Michael Reynold's account compares the lives of Allied generals Bernard
Montgomery and George Patton. Born two years apart, both were
commissioned within a year of each other and both were wounded in France
in the First World War. Both men encompassed very different but very
valuable characteristics in combat: Monty-careful and meticulous,
Patton-dashing and diplomatic.
Despite the differences, both generals demonstrated striking
similarities: commitment to their careers, a ruthless egotism,
interesting when you consider neither held superior command. This did
not impede their desire for the limelight and fame in warfare, arrogance
and the manipulation of colleagues in high places to advance their
careers. Both were machiavellian in their own affairs and
self-interested in their own personal progression.
Neither Monty nor Patton were pleasant people, they did not like the
other very much, but their ambitious and calculating personalities make
them fantastic subject material. Reynolds includes their contributions
to the victory in North Africa and Europe as well as a superb overview
of their respective command.