It’s not often history gives us an in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the personal lives of those who write it. The public hardly hears about the personal stories of war heroes, presidents or American icons, until now.

In his book titled “Brothers, Rivals and Victors,” Selma-native Jonathan W. Jordan, vividly expounds on the war in Europe during World War II and the key persons involved in helping to crush German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s grip on Europe during the time: Supreme Allied Cmdr. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. Omar N. Bradley.

Deemed as fascinating, well researched and gracefully written by critics and customers alike, the critically acclaimed “eye-opening” narrative shows how the three battle captains’ dynamic friendships were tested by jealousy, patriotism, ambition and varied allegiances.

Reaching no. 48 on Amazon’s top-100 list, this is Jordan’s second book. Jordan, who spent five years writing and researching the narrative, has always had a love for history.

“Growing up in both Selma and New Jersey in the 1970s, I was used to seeing big budget, Technicolor remakes of World War II films,” Jordan said. “I was always interested in what the guys behind the portrait were like, what was behind the uniforms and the soldier medals.”

Jordan said the men, who were extremely good at their crafts, were still just regular people.

“I thought Eisenhower, Bradley and Patton was a good study and showed the human color and background of contrasting personalities,” Jordan said. “I want readers to get a sense of what the three men were really like under that immense amount of pressure of managing a complex war. They were extraordinary heroes.”

Just this month, Jordan has travelled to the Pritzker Military Library in Chicago, the National World War II Museum and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and appeared on WGN radio to promote his book.

Jordan is a 1985 graduate of Selma High School and currently lives in Marietta, Ga., as a practicing bankruptcy attorney.