Patton Reconsidered: James Ellman on the Real George S. Patton

About this episode

Was George S. Patton really one of America's greatest generals? On this episode of Speaking of Writers , Steve Richards talks with historian and author James Ellman about his provocative new book, Patton Reconsidered: General George S. Patton Jr. as a Wartime Commander . Ellman strips away the famous helmet, pistols and larger-than-life persona to examine Patton's actual record as a wartime commander — from Kasserine Pass and Sicily to France, Bastogne and the final campaign in Germany. They also explore Patton's leadership style, his treatment of soldiers, his clashes with authority, his relationship with Eisenhower, his postwar political views, and the question at the heart of the book:…