Book Description
Over the course of a lifetime of service to his country, Colin Powell became a national hero, a beacon of wise leadership and, according to polls, “the most trusted man in America.” From his humble origins as the son of Jamaican immigrants to the highest levels of government in four administrations, he helped guide the nation through some of its most heart-wrenching hours. Now, in the first full biography of one of the most admired men of our time, award-winning Washington Post journalist Karen DeYoung takes us from Powell’s Bronx childhood and meteoric rise through the military ranks to his formative roles in Washington’s corridors of power and his controversial tenure as secretary of state.
With psychological acumen and a reporter’s eye for detail, DeYoung introduces us to the racially integrated neighborhood where Powell grew up, his courtship of and marriage to Alma Johnson, and his years as a promising young Army officer. We are witness to the pivotal events that helped shaped his world view, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was disillusioned by a breakdown in leadership and the lack of a clear objective, and a 1988 meeting as President Reagan’s national security adviser with Mikhail Gorbachev, who looked at him dead-on and effectively declared an end to the Cold War. We are privy to his reasoning as the architect of Operation Desert Storm and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, a position that made him a household name and an international celebrity. And we experience his agonizing deliberations in the face of a groundswell of public desire that he run for the presidency.
Yet it was his capacity as America’s chief diplomat in the administration of George W. Bush that brought Powell the most renown—and criticism. Charged with the formidable task of making the case for war with Iraq, he convinced a wary nation that it was both necessary and right, only to find his own credibility hanging in the balance as the justification for invasion began to unravel. At odds with the White House on a range of foreign policy issues, Powell’s counsel went unheeded and his reputation was tarnished.
With dramatic new information about the inner workings of an administration locked in ideological combat, DeYoung makes clearer than ever before the decision-making process that took the nation to war and addresses the still-unanswered questions about Powell’s departure from his post shortly after the 2004 election. Drawing on interviews with U.S. and foreign sources as well as with Powell himself, and with unprecedented access to his personal and professional papers, Soldier is a revelatory portrait of an American icon: a man at once heroic and all-too-humanly fallible.
Customer Reviews:
Colin Powell: serving the USA for almost 50 years.......2007-06-30
This biography of Colin Powell is very impressive. It details both his career as a serviceman and then as a political appointee for a period totalling almost 50 years.
As a non-American, it is interesting to read a biography of an individual who is both influential in terms of the positions he has held, and a positive role model for many. Colin Powell comes across as a fundamentally decent human being in an environment where power can have a corrosive effect.
I recommend this biography to anyone who wants to know more about Colin Powell and his life and times, as well as to anyone interested in understanding the world events and political influences within which he served the USA.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
What a Man.......2007-06-28
One of the best biographies of a political character that I have ever read. There are times where I lose track of who the players are and what a particular politician or officer's title means. Yet, overall I was able to follow what was going on and how it affected our nation. Powell did an excellent job of speaking at the Speaker Series. He was smooth and easy to follow with quips and humorous antidotes throughout the evening. He reminded me of that member of everyone's family who is easy to talk to and one who people are drawn to. That is probably why he has been such a great leader of our generation.
Colin Powell: soldier of good fortune.......2007-04-24
With Colin Powell, what you see is what you get. Karen DeYoung's exhaustive biography of the former secretary of state reveals a man who prioritized loyalty and military values. The respect shown Powell over the years is a reflection of his deep-rooted strength of conviction, subdued yet commanding personality, and sense of decency. A career soldier who served two tours of duty in Vietnam and commanded the 1991 Persian Gulf War victory, Powell dealt in the power of the chain of command. How that served - or, late in his career may have disserved - him and his country is at the crux of this book. DeYoung, an associate editor at The Washington Post, flexes her considerable reportorial muscle as she whisks you past every security checkpoint, and into the midst of sensitive and historic meetings at the highest levels of government. We highly recommend this fascinating and riveting look at an American hero who played the game as best as he could - even though the other guys made the rules.
A Good Soldier to the End.......2007-03-19
While this is a biography about the man, I think the real importance of this book is the insight it gives into the decision made to attack Iraq. Colin Powell was in the middle of that decision, his speech to the United Nations mirrored the certainty felt at the time that Iraq had and was expanding their WMD's.
This is now known to be false, and the more radical Democrats have adopted as a mantra: 'Bush lied.' But it is becoming ever more clear that the beliefs in WMD's were simply wrong rather than 'Bush lied.'
The other aspects of the book regarding decision making in the Bush White House are also intrigueing. Ms. DeYoung is certainly no fan of V. P. Cheney. But this is not the main thrust of the book, it is instead on Powell, a decent, well meaning, very bright man, but a soldier of the 'shut up and follow orders school,' rather than the leader in his own right.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Powell in the future. He is now 70 years old, but certainly shows no outward signs of age. Would a more central Republican president want him somewhere in his administration? Would Obama? I can't see Hilary wanting him around. Ms DeYoung's book shows Powell to be a very bright senior manager, but not the insightful creative leader.
Service to the Nation.......2007-03-03
This is an unauthorized biography of Colin Powell but contains many excerpts from his autobiography, My American Journey, and includes interviews with him. Being that the author is able to interview other persons involved in his life, Karen DeYoung is able to analyze certain events from a neutral third person perspective. This is the strength of the book as she objectively presents both his critics view and his counter viewpoint. Events such as Mai Lai in Vietnam, the Iran-Contra scandal, and the response to the 9-11-2001 attacks on the United States are discussed.
The first third of the book presents pretty much the same information that was presented in his early life, pre- Vietnam, as written in is autobiography. The second third of the book covers his military years that is again similar to his autobio, but includes much more analysis.
Critics complain of Powell's lack of military command time and he spent too much time in Washington DC to have been promoted to a Four Star General. However, the author presents the events as they occurred and allows the reader to analyze the events and the working behind the US government to make their own decision. There is no doubt in my mind that he was successful as Chairman and that his military time spent in Washington DC benefited the nation as a whole.
It was truly enlightening on reading how President Reagan personally requested that General Powell return to the White House to correct the problems that resulted from Iran Contra. His interactions with the different Presidents from Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton along with how their staffs worked, or rather didn't work together in the case of Clinton, was very insightful. The basics of organization, professional courtesy (such as returning a phone call or personally replying to an email), and conducting a meeting are presented and can be compared between administrations.
The final third of the book covers the period of time after his military retirement. His thoughts towards running for President, his attempts to bring the Republican Party back to moderation, and why he did not run for office is discussed. The book also discusses his time as Secretary of State and the challenges it posed in dealing with the extremist views of the Vice President and Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Sec Def in 2002.
The book can be infuriating at times when one reads how certain politicians chose to ignore Mr. Powell's world life experience and advice after 9-11. Certain appointees have their views, but they are at times not in the best interest of this nation, its citizens, and the world community. Mr. Powell has been the voice of reason trying to prevent extremist views (of both political parties) from dominating our government's policies for the past three decades.
Was he the "odd man out" as Secretary of State? The reader can decide for themselves, but one thing is certain, Mr. Powell has served our nation with distinction and honor. This book presents a balanced viewpoint on his life, his accomplishments, and allows the reader to determine if the criticisms of him are fair or unjustified.
Some current readers may try to compare a senator from Illinois, Mr. O, to Mr. Powell, but to do so is unfair to Mr. Powell. Mr. Powell has served this country for decades while the other is a first term senator with little experience.
Recommend reading this book at least for at least the last two thirds regarding the insights into the inner workings and dynamics of our nation's government over the past few administrations. Am not sure about recommending ownership of this book, however as it is can be a bit dry and slow to read in certain portions. The last third of the book covers a lot of his life that was not included in his autobio and may be worth including into a supporter's collection.
Book Description
This definitive biography of the revolutionary era villain overturns every myth and image we have of him
The narrative of AmericaÂ's founding is filled with godlike geniuses—Franklin, Washington, Adams, Jefferson—versus the villainous Aaron Burr. Generations have been told Burr was a betrayer—of Hamilton, of his country, of those who had nobler ideas. All untrue. He did not turn on Hamilton; rather, the politically aggressive Hamilton was preoccupied with Burr and subverted BurrÂ's career at every turn for more than a decade through outright lies and slanderous letters.
In Fallen Founder, Nancy Isenberg portrays the founders as they all really were and proves that Burr was no less a patriot and no less a principled thinker than those who debased him. He was an inspired politician who promoted decency at a moment when factionalism and ugly party politics were coalescing. He was a genuine hero of the Revolution, as much an Enlightenment figure as Jefferson, and a feminist generations ahead of his time. A brilliant orator and lawyer, he was New YorkÂ's attorney general, a senator, and vice president. Denounced as a man of extreme tastes, he in fact pursued a moderate course, and his political assassination was accomplished by rivals who feared his power and who promoted the notion of his sexual perversions.
Fallen Founder is an antidote to the worshipful biographies far too prevalent in the histories of the revolutionary era. BurrÂ's story returns us to reality: to the cunning politicians our nationÂ's founders really were and to a world of political maneuvering, cutthroat politicking, and media slander that is stunningly modern.
Customer Reviews:
Follow the Money.......2007-10-16
Most of my negative feelings regarding Isenberg's work have already been ably stated. I am appalled that a working, teaching historian could write such a poorly balanced book. If her purpose was to reopen the Burr debate by arousing the ire of historians working in this historical period, so be it. That is a legitimate aim. But there is evidential materials and there are evidential materials. Which do you use and which do you ignore.
But my most important criticism is where did Burr get his money. Who was paying his bills as he traveled about the nation and the world at large. I wanted this question answered. Ms. Isenberg disappoints.
A Burr in One's Saddle.......2007-10-01
A sober reassessment of Aaron Burr is much needed. This isn't it. Rather than convince us that perhaps Burr wasn't quite the scoundrel we all grew up believing he was--well, all of us except maybe Gore Vidal--the author's only recourse is snipe at Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, Burr's two great antagonists. Yes, both were flawed men, but both left behind tremendous legacies to the Republic; in Hamilton's case, a sound economy and in Jefferson's a much expanded country and a reputation for being a man of letters. And Burr? Besides being somewhat ahead of his times in his treatment and regard for women and a pretty good lawyer, one comes up short One comes away from Ms. Isenberg's book with the distinct impression that she fell victim to the biographer's fatal mistake: she fell in love with her subject. A good biography of Burr remains to be written.
Superb biography. Beautiful history........2007-09-23
Most revisionist biographies are dedicated to tearing down the marble statues we've constructed for our founders. This exhaustively researched biography (which brings to mind McCullough's biography of John Adams) builds one. Thoroughly and intentionally revisionist, this nearly perfect blend of biography and colonial history corrects many of the stale myths we carry about Aaron Burr and his contributions to the founding of the United States. Burr was a restless and mammoth intellect severely limited by the provincial political bickering around him. His refusal to be politically labeled has come down to us from historians as his "lack of integrity." And since he refused to allow Hamilton and Jefferson to tag and control him, they attacked him personally. Too liberal for the Federalists and too elitist for the Republicans, ad hominem from resentful enemies has been Burr's unfortunate legacy. This beautifully written book will help you reconsider all that. Includes one of the most impressive collections of fully annotated endnotes I've ever seen.
Saint Burr?.......2007-09-13
To begin, I think this is a well-written and researched book. It also pretty well written. That said, Isenberg's constant drum beat of blind support for Burr make it difficult to take the material seriously. Certainly, Burr was no more the vile snake than Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and Hamilton are the saints they are portrayed as by history.
Isenberg does little to assist Burr's cause, as her thesis is too easily discounted due to her completely one-sided, sometimes disingenuous and many times childish support for Burr. A reader without a foundation in this era would believe that Burr is (1) a founder of the republic and (2) the actual mythical figure of the pure revolutionary American that was besmirched and ruined by moneyed interests and unscrupulous politicians. Often times, rather than acknowledging Burr's faults, Isenberg excuses them. For me, when a historian makes excuses they eliminate any possibility for objectivity. When she excuses some of Burr's financial schemes and other bad behavior by stating that Hamilton's or other contemporaries were worse, I almost put the book down.
Overall, her attempts to re-create Burr as a man of utmost political and moral character that was virtually the only man of public life during the formative years of this country that remained true to his political cause and refused to engage in dirty tricks, financial schemes and political machinations is so preposterous, that her obviously detailed work backfires. It would have done Burr a better service to portray the man for what he was, with all of his faults, which would have achieved Isenburg's goal -- to show he was not the dastardly villian most know him as. Her attempt to elevate him upon a pedestal above even Washington, Jefferson and others makes her sound ridiculous.
A frustrating read.......2007-09-08
This is a must read to know more about Burr, but be prepared - Isenberg comes off far too often as a cheerleader for Burr. And it is especially frustrating that almost always, when mentioning his legal career and various cases, she tell us a bit about the case, buit seldom what the final court ruling was, so we get little idea of whether he ever won his cases.
Book Description
The orthodoxy regarding the relationship between politicians and military leaders in wartime democracies contends that politicians should declare a military operation's objectives and then step aside and leave the business of war to the military. In this timely and controversial examination of civilian-military relations in wartime democracies, Eliot A. Cohen chips away at this time-honored belief with case studies of statesmen who dared to prod, provoke, and even defy their military officers to great effect.
Using the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, Georges Clemenceau, Winston Churchill, and David Ben-Gurion to build his argument, Cohen offers compelling proof that, as Clemenceau put it, “War is too important to leave to the generals.” By examining the shared leadership traits of four politicians who triumphed in extraordinarily varied military campaigns, Cohen argues that active statesmen make the best wartime leaders, pushing their military subordinates to succeed where they might have failed if left to their own devices. Thought provoking and soundly argued, Cohen's
Supreme Command is essential reading not only for military and political players but also for informed citizens and anyone interested in leadership.
Customer Reviews:
War is too important to be left to the generals.......2007-08-03
According to the appendix of the book, there is civilian control because military expertise may be isolated. There is a theory of objective control, but it doesn't suffice. The leadership of a Lincoln, a Ben-Gurion, a Churchill does not depend upon the separation of the military sphere from the civilian sphere. Tolstoy described strategic nihilism. Waging war is a different activity than the practice of other professions. An experience curve, routinization, is lacking. Calamities do not stem from incompetence, per se. Effective wartime leaders show ruthlessness, mastery of detail, interest in technology. The leaders cited in the book interfered with the military professionals. In Clauswitz's view there is no line dividing the civil and military areas of control. There are differences. In the military there are rules, in politics there are none.
Abraham Lincoln both found his generals, Grant and Sherman, and controlled them. Jefferson Davis had more military qualifications than Lincoln. Lincoln's war was driven by the rifle, the telegraph, and the railroad--new technology. Assaults on field fortifications proved ruinous. Lincoln's strategic plan had to be modified in practice.
Visits to the front betokened Clemenceau's wartime civilian leadership. In 1917 he was seventy-six. He served during the last year of the war and the negotiation of the peace. When Poincare called upon Clemenceau to guide France, it was experiencing a blood bath. In visiting the front, (Clemenceau had also done this as a senator), Clemenceau was practicing management by walking around. He acquired information and influenced events.
Winston Churchill had strength, humor, readiness to listen, (he thought outside of the box). His wartime leadership has been attacked by historians, but the writer of this book disagrees with such negative assessments. It has been charged that Chruchill had a deplorable strategic sense. The existence of a Churchill Society, evidence of popular acclaim, makes serious historians wince. Details provided by Lord Moran, Churchill's physician, have suggested impairments from drink and aging tending to hurt Churchill's reputation.
Notwithstanding what critics have said, Churchill had system and he was a glutton for work. Disciplined habits drove his career. He could see the relationship between the large and the small. He was unprepared to take military judgments on faith because he distrusted bureaucracies and remembered World War I. Churchill developed grand strategy, cultivating the Americans and the Russians in order to win the war. He excelled at holding together the alliance. He engaged in incessant close-questioning of his military staff. Churchill needed to goad his commanders into action. He mastered political rhetoric.
This book is a marvel of good arguments supported by telling details.
The theme is that greater exertion by civilian leadership ensures a better outcome in instances of last resort, i.e. nations finding it necessary to go to war.
Fully-vetted argument; could have been expanded.......2007-01-10
Eliot Cohen's work informs the current debate on the use of force to attain political objectives and the role of the statesman or politician compared to that of the soldier. His use of case studies is effective in proving his basic argument - that the normal theory of civil military relations is an inadequate explanation for success in war. But Cohen's poignant discussion does leave some questions unanswered on the military profession's place in a democracy:
- Understanding that Cohen's focus was on wartime leadership, the reader still could have gained benefit from a parallel discussion of the use of force in peacetime (e.g. U.N. Security Council Resolution enforcement, sanctions, show of force/posturing). In today's strategic environment, regional military personnel (combatant commanders) wield great power in peacetime foreign policy formulation. A treatment of the combatant commander's influence in foreign policy and the ethics of an unelected government official wielding such power would be valuable.
- Especially relevant today is a treatment of the retired military officer's place in a democracy: outspoken critic, advocate, or silent observer. Many, including Cohen apparently (see p. 171 comparing retired soldiers to "true civilians" in Israeli society), believe that for retirees to criticize a military strategy or the policy that guides the strategy degrades civil-military relations. I have the greatest contention with this thought. Military personnel, active duty or retired, have a stake in the outcome of the state's foreign policy machinations, and it is appropriate for them to state that opinion. As a former great citizen-soldier commented, "When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen."
The negative tone of this review should not detract from Cohen's excellent treatment of the subject. Supreme Command furthers the debate on civil-military relations and those in the defense establishment stand to gain from a careful study of this work, be they soldier or civilian.
Senior Military Leaders Must Read This Book.......2006-11-10
Senior Military Leaders Must Read This Book.
A must read for any military officer or civilian leader in the Department of Defense. Anyone interested in leadership will benefit from reading the lessons of leadership by great men during difficult times. 5 stars.
Scattered and loses focus.......2006-06-18
Eliot Cohen has an impressive background in policy work (OSD) and academia (Naval War College and Harvard). I had high hopes for this book because I thought his experience with the military combined with his academic work would produce a focused and well-grounded work. I was disappointed. I never really bought his argument that political leaders can lead war better than generals. He seemed to cherry pick leaders than fit his mold. I could not believe that someone who works so closely with the military would generalize military leadership in such a stereotypical way.
The article might have made a good article in a foreign affairs journal, but the author seemed to fill out the book with a lot of interesting but not really relevant historical stories and facts. The Lincoln chapter providing nothing that has not been stated numerous times in more detailed and focused work. The Churchill chapter was the best. Cohen obviously has extensively studied Churchill. His sections on how the historical view of Churchill have ebbed and flowed over the years was well done, thought not rally tied to the focus of the book. I learned the most from the Ben-Gurion, since I knew the least about him.
The book may be useful to an undergraduate class studying political leadership or foreign policy, but beyond that the book unfortunately offers little that is new or of great interest.
Square peg into round hole (or, stop after the 4 bios).......2006-02-26
This would have been 4 stars had I stopped after the individual chapters on Abraham Lincoln, Georges Clemenceau, Winston Churchill and David Ben Gurion. However, I unfortunately found out, in the subsequent chapter, that Cohen's REAL purpose was an end-around to attack American leadership during Vietnam (and, to a lesser extent, the Gulf War). For a book that focuses on leaders from England, France, and Israel, as well as the US, this struck me as a non-sequitor out of left field.
I do recommend purchasing this book. However, do NOT continue reading beyond the Ben Gurion chapter. You will become disappointed with your purchase.
Book Description
Part One Of Two Parts
As chief of staff of the United States Army during WW II, George Marshall helped shape the defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. He was an active, often decisive, influence in the conferences between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin.
But it was as a statesman that he made his greatest mark. Secretary of State under Truman, Marshall engineered the European Recovery Act (Marshall Plan) to rebuild a war-ravaged continent.
At the conclusion of his long career, Marshall was given the Nobel Peace Prize -- the first and only military man to be so honored.
"No student of leadership in a democracy can afford to ignore this book and its implications for the coming decades." (Library Journal)
Customer Reviews:
Gentlemen, scholar, and Inspiration.......2007-10-04
This is a fantastic biography of an incredible leader. Marshall is usually associated with the European Recovery Act and as the Chief of Staff of the Army during World War II. He influenced so much more during his long Army career. A true gentlemen and scholar, his long career and dedication to service is an inspiration for all of us today.
THE Classic Life of Marshall.......2007-02-13
I read this book immediately after I finished Douglas Southall Freeman's massive four volume biography "R.E. Lee," and at first, I thought I'd be underwhelmed. How wrong I was.
Cray's book covers all the major moments of Marshall's life. While it probably won't surplant Forrest Pogue's definitive four volume work, it will probably remain the finest one volume distillation.
Marshall's contribution to this nation cannot be overestimated in any way. A key member of Pershing's staff in the First World War, his time with the 15th Infantry in China, helping organize the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression, his ascension to Chief of Staff on the very day Germany attacked Poland and his invaluable contribution in that post over the next six years, his time as Secretary of State in the Truman administration, there is little that Cray didn't cover.
Truman and Eisenhower would have major differences between each other over the years, but their flat out admiration of this man was well warranted.
I stand in awe that this country could produce such a man. We certainly could use more like him.
General of the Army is a solid book. Well written and instructive. Definitely worth the time it takes to read it.
Character Counts.......2006-07-08
George Marshall was arguably the greatest man of what has come to be known as the Greatest Generation. Only George Washington commanded a similar level of veneration and awe from his contemporaries as Marshall. And, like Washington, Marshall was revered mostly for his irreproachable integrity and honor.
In this solid, single volume life of the celebrated Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, Ed Cray captures the essence of a man who was at once Olympian, yet, in a sense, quite common and whose special qualities should have been, in an ideal society, unexceptional. Marshall became a legend by being a world-class manager (one might even say a highly skilled bureaucrat) and earning a reputation for incorruptibility and almost unnatural selflessness. He was a larger-than-life figure who got that way through hard work and honesty, rather than uncommon genius or death-defying battlefield heroics. That has been Marshall's reputation since his lifetime, and Cray's biography generally endorses that image.
But this is no hagiography. As Cray tells the story, Marshall was, in fact, deeply ambitious; the prospect of being passed over for Chief of Staff drove the future five-star general to fits of despair and he fretted over his slow career advancement during the 1920s and 1930s. Moreover, Cray argues that Marshall didn't shy away from using connections and influence to advance his own cause and engaging in self-promotion when necessary, especially early on his career. In one memorable anecdote, Cray writes how a young Marshall literally elbowed his way into the Oval Office to talk President McKinley into giving him a shot at taking the Army Officer's commission test (it worked and Marshall passed). Any notion that Marshall simply worked hard, kept his head down and let the chips fall where they may has to be rejected after reading Cray's biography.
Not surprisingly, Cray devotes a great deal of focus to Marshall's role in the Second World War. He stresses Marshall's unswerving commitment to a few core strategic principles and his epic battles with some of the biggest egos of the 20th century. First, he steadfastly promoted the maximization of industrial production in the US and the careful allocation of resources based the key objectives being sought (much needed amphibious landing craft - LSTs - played an unusually critical role). Second, from the earliest days of the war Marshall maintained a steady focus on a "Europe-first" approach to strategy and a landing in France as the means to winning the war, which brought him into frequent clashes with Admiral King, General MacArthur, overall US public opinion, and, last but not least, Winston Churchill and his penchant for operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the "soft underbelly" of Nazi Germany. Finally, Cray describes Marshall as an unapologetic defender of his commanders in Europe - especially Eisenhower - against the badmouthing and operational encroachment of the British.
Cray eloquently and accurately sums up George Marshall's life this way: "[he] exemplified in his lifetime all that was America's best - its sense of mission, of responsibility, of integrity, even nobility." Indeed. It's a shame that there aren't more like him.
Underrated hero - underrated biography.......2005-08-09
Other reviewers have covered the reasoning as to why FDR's fear that General Marshall would be the "forgotten hero" have come to pass --
Suffice it to say that I agree with others that the content, writing style and research make this an all-time classic for understanding the politics of war and importance of character in persons in positions of high authority. General Marshall should be the example for all service academies in this country -- even better -- for all ELECTED officials in the land.
A great book.
An Unsung Hero of the Republic.......2005-06-20
It always amazes me how few Americans know about this great man.
I first heard of him while in the Army and how he made the changeover of Army from a sleepy institution and made it into one of the finest fighting forces that they world has ever seen. Then how he unleashed it upon one of the greatest threats that Western Civilisation has seen since Atilla the Hun. He then followed it up as the father of the Marshall Plan which saved western Europe from a new Dark Age and the enslavement of the Soviet Empire. All the while establishing a record of honor, honesty and integrity that is just unbelieveable. All I can say is here was a Man!
Book Description
Foreword by Fred Smith, President and CEO, Federal Express
The importance of George Marshall to 20th century American and world history cannot be overstated. And yet Marshall's place in the pantheon of great leaders often goes unrecognized. Eclipsed perhaps by the larger personalities of his contemporaries -- Roosevelt, Churchill, Truman, Eisenhower, Patton -- Marshall was a visionary whose legacy still resonates worldwide. His impact is evident from a look at even a few of his many astonishing accomplishments. For example:
*As Chief of Staff of the United States Army before and during World War II, he oversaw its expansion from a force smaller than Bulgaria's into the mightiest army ever assembled.
* He personally mentored future generals Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Ridgeway, and others.
* He was the first career soldier ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and was twice named Time magazine's Man of the Year.
* As Secretary of State, he introduced the plan that would literally save Europe from post-war economic ruin: the European Recovery Program, universally known as The Marshall Plan.
Marshall's extraordinary career reflects unparalleled leadership capabilities and consummate skills, which Jack Uldrich has aligned with seven overarching principles. Through shining examples that could only have come from the life of Marshall himself, Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker outlines these principles and their importance and applicability to today's aspiring leaders.
Uldrich's chronicle of Marshall's stunning record demonstrates the value of:
* Integrity: doing the right thing, "frankly and without evasion"
* Action: mastering the situation by acting swiftly and decisively
* Selflessness: serving the greater good, especially when "the issue is too great" to involve one's personal feelings
* Candor: speaking one's mind and leaving nothing "between the lines"
* Preparation: remembering it's not just about the battles themselves, but laying the groundwork for those battles
* Learning and teaching: "learning how to learn," and sharing the knowledge gained
* Fairness: choosing the right people and seeing that they are rewarded, rather than compromising or settling for mediocrity
* Vision: knowing that every decision must drive the big picture, and "swallowing the little things in order to go to bat on the big ones"
* Caring: considering the interests of your constituents "first, last, and all of the time"
Winston Churchill called Marshall "the organizer of victory" and "the last great American." President Truman called him "the great one of the age." More recently, Tom Brokaw proclaimed him "the godfather of the greatest generation." An illuminating portrait of an undersung hero, Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker brings the life and achievements of General George C. Marshall front and center -- where they have always belonged.
Customer Reviews:
Every Western politician should read this book!.......2007-04-16
Today the legacy of George C. Marshall is seen everywhere in Europe thanks to his tireless preparation for WWII, running the US war and then heading the after war efforts to rebuild Europe. He believed that one could never over prepare for war and the peace that ensues after. Too bad GW Bush and Chenay never read his work! The book illustrates Marshall's Nine Core Values with examples from his career as well as with present day efforts by current CEOs. Trumen's "doomed to repeat " quote about the perils of ignoring history resound out of this book as you see how the US and Canada are responding to the current wars. Marshal was a man with a mission, to get any war over as quickly as possible, to spare as many lives as possible, and to do everything he could to show the troops that the military and the country was 100% behind them at all times. History used Marshall well and then he seems to have been forgotten. Easy. organized read that I recommend for those looking for leadership lessons. Get it from Amazon.com or Amacom.
More Biographical than it was Instructional.......2005-08-25
Like most of the other reviewers, I hold General Marshall in high regard, and as a result, I wanted this to be a defining book. It was not. It was however, a short little interesting look about Marshall.
I also realize my opinion contradicts what others here have written, but what I read was a somewhat disjointed biography (meaning it was not chronological) themed around General Marshall's leadership style. Generally speaking it is difficult to actually teach leadership or impart lessons learned, from a third person perspective, even when it is based on very thorough research. This book has research and some hearsay. What carries weight, is leadership taught in the 1st person. A good example of this--although in a very different setting--is John Wooden's book, Wooden on Leadership.
While this book is insightful, it is not nearly as inspirational as I would have hoped, or as it could have been. Assuming that in large measure the readership of this book are people having a personal relationship with the military or an affinity for its history, I believe the author missed an important opportunity to tie Marshall's leadership into the development of current leadership doctrine as defined in Army Field Manuals (FM 22-100, being primary). If anything, Marshall epitomized the current Army "Be, Know, Do" philosophy of leadership.
I would have preferred the author spend a little time explaining the difference between the "authority" Marshall gave his subordinates and the authority he and his subordinates earned from the men in their command. Over the years I have seen many people mistake the two. In the first instance Marshall, or any leader, authorizes a subordinate to make certain decisions without having to check back for permission. The implication being that the leader will support the subordinate's decision. In the second instance it is a case of leaders earning the authority to lead from those they lead. By virtue of rank or position, leaders are given power and responsibility for those things in/under their command. The use of power can certainly get things done, but power alone will almost never create the type of organization that is recognized for its excellence. Sooner or later, folks are going to resent being "powered" around. Conversely, authority to lead that is earned by positive influence and is based in part on trust, is something real leaders receive FROM their subordinates. On the part of the led, it is a willingness to follow. And that was the sort of leadership that Marshall practiced and Army doctrine teaches.
A few other recommended first person leadership books (instructional): by John C. Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, and Developing the Leaders Around You. By Jon M. Huntsman, Winners Never Cheat, by Dale Dauten, The Gifted Boss, and James C. Hunter, The Servant.
Leadership Lessons: I've Never Seen It Done Better.......2005-06-18
As a retired US Army Infantry officer, I valued this book highly for two unique achievements by the author.
First, Jack Uldrich taught me here what a great part of the values and aspirations that shaped my military career and continue to make me proud of it, arose from the work of this single great American. The nine principles fostered and exemplified by Marshall, and so well identified and expounded by Uldrich, continued to shape the Infantry School and the US Army long after Marshall's departure. The entire book could have been written to a different plan using current military examples from the second half of the twentieth century, and George Marshall's unique contribution might have been highlighted just as clearly.
But Uldrich chose to apply Marshall's principles to the whole of our public life; this is his second unique achievement. If we seem to be living in a time of leadership failure everywhere we turn, this book is a ray of hope. Uldrich provides the diagnosis and points out where solutions can be found. In business, politics, government, academia, and non-profits, we do still find leaders who apply these principles. We may expect to find them succeeding, and we should honor them.
from one who served with General Marshall.......2005-06-13
This review was written by F. Gorham Brigham, Jr. Mr. Brigham served in General Marshall's Office from September 1940 until November 1945, the critical Word War II period.
"I am an avid reader of books written about General Marshall. Mr. Uldrich did a remarkable job in bringing out the key incidents of this remarkable leader. What makes the book exciting are the examples. The author relates how Marshall's skills can relate to today's managers. Most of us like to believe we live in dynamic times and perhaps we do. Few of have been critical leaders in the most dynamic period in America's history. This book is well worth managers' time as General George C. Marshall continues to be a role model for leaders of today."
www.boardoptions.com
[...]
Lessons for Everyone.......2005-04-25
When men like Fred Smith, CEO of FEdEX; former U.S. Senator Warren Rudman; Bob Nardelli (CEO of The Home Depot) and Warren Bennis, all endorse a book it says something about that book.
In this case, the book is Soldier, Statesman, and Peacemaker: The Leadership Lesson of George C. Marshall and it succinctly capture the greatness of George Marshall. It also ably demonstrates how much, as Colin Powell said, " we still have to learn from the man."
I recommend this book for everyone--but I think it would make an especially good gift to young people just entering the world of business, finance, politics or the non-profit world. First, they
don't know much about George Marshall--and they should--and secondly, and more importantly, it demonstrates how people can still maintain their integrity and achieve great things."
Customer Reviews:
A Country-by Country Summary of the July Crisis.......2006-05-12
I found July 1914, edited by Samuel Williamson and Russel Van Wyk to be an interesting supplement as to James Joll's The Origins of the First World War. July 1914 analyzed the reaction of each of the great powers of Europe, along with Serbia, to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. This book was a combination of primary sources, including letters, state documents, telegrams, and newspaper editorials, along with background information provided by the authors. The book's overall purpose was to analyze what went wrong: why did a seemingly trivial incident escalate into the second worst war in history?
While none of the powers claimed to have wanted a war, they all (with the possible exception of Italy) really did. They just did not want war declared in July 1914. Upon reading the primary sources, it is clear that most of the European leaders wanted the war postponed for a few months or years. Austria-Hungary, Russia, and France were not ready for a war then because most of their soldiers were on leave harvesting their crops. Russia would have preferred to delay the outbreak of the war for two or three years to complete their industrialization and military preparations, but they could not back down to the Central Powers a third time or they feared that they would lose all credibility in the Balkans. France, nervous that she had a population just two-thirds that of Germany, wanted to wait until her eastern ally was ready. Serbia's army was exhausted after fighting the two Balkan Wars. England was dealing with internal issues and faced the threat of rebellion in Ireland. Germany was the only power that sensed that this was the opportune time to fight; they viewed the outbreak of war in July-August 1914 as a pre-emptive strike before Russia was fully prepared.
Williamson and Van Wyk confirmed Joll's thesis that Germany and Austria-Hungary started the war because they knew that things would be much worse on the Eastern Front in a couple of years. Austria-Hungary (ir at least the duo of Leopold Berchtold and Conrad von Hotzendorff also wanted war, hoping that a decisive victory over Serbia would pacify their Slavic subjects. It is important to note that none of the Allied powers seemed to be willing to back off, either.
The authors believed that the lack of civilian control of the military (except in the case of France) was a major cause of the war. Although Serbian Prime Minister Nikola Pasik opposed the assassination, he was unable to prevent Dragutin "Apis" Dimitrijevic from being able to carry it out, let alone fully cooperate with Austria-Hungary because he feared the quasi-governmental Black Hand organization (this is similar to how people question whether Mahmoud Abbas could control Hamas or other Palestinian terrorist organizations even if he wanted to). German Chief of Staff Helmuth von Moltke did not have to answer to the Reichstag. The Russian system discouraged cooperation between the army and civilian authority. After Italy entered the war, the leaders of the army were able to do whatever they wanted to (including squander untold numbers of soldiers before the Caporetto Campaign).
This lack of civilian control proved to be a dangerous situation. The citizens of Europe had little or no say as to whether their country would go to war; while there were briefly some strikes in France after war was declared, most people chose to follow their country's flag. That might not have been the case if the people were consulted earlier in July...they might not have cared if Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in a town that they probably couldn't spell.
Military leaders tend to favor their wars because that is their job. Both Hotzendorf and Moltke favored a quick victorious war to make their people happy...What if the war is neither quick nor victorious? General Vladimir Sukhomlinov of Russia either lied to Foreign Minister Sazanov about the level of preparedness of the army or he himself did not know its exact strength. Henry Wilson wanted a British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Continent asap.
The other problem with this lack of civilian control was that once the army started to mobilize, it would be difficult to impossible to stop. Due to the poor communication and transportation systems of the time, it was difficult for any government to control mobilization. This could be seen in Russia's dilemma as to whether it should partially or completely mobilize and whether its frontier with then-neutral Germany should be included. Austria-Hungary faced a similar quandary in regards to Serbia and Russia (made worse by the fact that there was only one railroad line going to Serbia). It would be difficult for any negotiator or leader to control that process.
Reading between the lines, I believe that the July Crisis might have been diffused by an effective international forum. There were too many problems with communication at this time. French President Raymond Poincare missed some key telegrams when he was traveling by boat from Russia. The famous Nicky-Willy telegrams between Czar and Kaiser were frequently delayed and were ineffective in preventing a war). Unfortunately, the Concert of Europe system was obsolete and the Hague was only temporary. Europe needed something more permanent and effective. I am not saying that the world learned its lesson, as both the League of Nations (1919-1939) and the United Nations (1945-present) have proven to be worse than worthless preventing aggression.
Europe was on the brink of war in July 1914. The political animosities from one end of the continent to the other were too great to prevent World War I from occurring. Through better statesmanship and communication, the war could have been prevented for a few months or possibly a few years. If that was the case, then Williamson and Van Wyk would have written a book describing the reactions of a different crisis. The outcome might have been the same or hopefully Europe would have chosen different leaders who might have been able to prevent the horrors were created resulting from World War I and its aftermath.
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A Prophet from Amongst You: The Life of Yigael Yadin : Soldier, Scholar, and Mythmaker of Modern Israel
Neil Asher Silberman
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Customer Reviews:
FROM VICE-PRESIDENT TO REBEL.......2007-09-26
WE ARE FORTUNATE AS AMERICANS TO HAVE A NUMBER OF INTERESTING POLITICIANS IN OUR SHORT HISTORY. bRECKENRIDGE IS NO EXCEPTION. DAVIS HAS WRITTEN MANY BGOOKS ON THIS ERA OF OUR LIFE AND THIS IS MATCHED ONLY BY JEFFERSON DAVIS AS A WORTHWHILE BOOK TO READ AND ABSORB. THE AUTHOR TAKES US THROUGH BRECKENRIDGE'S LIFE THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATESMAN WHO TOPS HIS CAREER AS AS VP OF AMERICA IN THE DARKEST HOUR TO A PATRIOT WHO CHOOSES AS SO MANY OTHERS TO FOLLOW HIS STATE AND TAKE UP ARMS FOR THE SOUTH. WE SEE THE MAN, NOT JUST THE POLITICIAN/SOLDIER IN THIS BIOGRAPHY. IT IS NOT BY ACCIDENT THAT SO MANY HISTORIANS AHVE CITED AND QUOTED THIS VOLUME IN THEIR OWN WORKS. iF YOU DON'T HAVE THIS BOOK, GET IT.
Compelling, magisterial biography .......2006-01-15
As William Davis explains in the book's introduction, in the mid-1960s, while researching the Battle of New Market in BATTLES AND LEADERS, he came across information regarding John C. Breckinridge, the most interesting being that he had been vice-president of the country under Buchanan. "What could have induced a man who had been vice-president . . . to turn and fight against his own country?" He spent the next nine years not only attempting to answer that question, but compiling the information needed to put together the "thorough biography" Breckinridge "deserved." It's a magnificent achievement.
Right off the bat he corrects a mistake that has lingered in historical sketches of Breckinridge, and that is his birthdate: he was born on January 16, 1821 (not the 21st), and it was "in" Lexington, KY (not "near" it). After attending what is today's Princeton University and studying law in Lexington, he was admitted to the bar in 1841. In 1847 he went to Mexico at the head of a force of Kentucky volunteers, but arrived too late to see any action in the Mexican War. After serving two years in the Kentucky state legislature, he was elected to Congress, 1851-55. He was nominated as vice-president with James Buchanan on the Democratic ticket, and his conduct as presiding officer of the Senate (being able especially to put aside his own pro-slavery beliefs for the good of the body elect) has been praised by contemporaries and historians alike.
When the Southern Democrats broke with the national party in protest over the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas in 1860, they nominated Breckinridge as president. He was able to garner 72 electoral votes in the election, effectively splitting the Democratic party enabling Lincoln to take the presidency. Returning to the Senate (so popular was he in KY that he was elected Senator of the state in 1859, even though he would've been unable to take office until 1861), he tried to keep his home state neutral while at the same time opposing Lincoln. But by September all seemed lost, and he abandoned his Senate seat for the Confederacy.
Commissioned a brigadier general, Breckinridge first saw action at Shiloh and then at Vicksburg. In August 1862 he was promoted to major general and was with Bragg at Stones River and Joseph E. Johnston at Jackson, MS. Later engagements included Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and a number of actions in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia. He commanded the Department of Southwest Virginia at the end of 1864 and saw action at Nashville. He was appointed Jefferson Davis's secretary of war in 1865, and when he was captured by Sherman's forces while escaping with Davis to the South after Lee's surrender, Sherman advised him to leave the country for his own safety. He did, going first to Cuba and then to Europe. He expressed a strong desire to return to America, however, and in 1868 a pardon was granted after which he re-established himself (and his law practice) in Lexington, where he died in 1875.
The "symbol" referred to in the title I think is best applied to what Breckinridge represented after the war: he wanted the country more than anything to move on beyond the differences and hatreds fostered by the War; for himself, he said he regretted joining the Confederacy, though was proud of his service there. Upon his death he was mourned by the entire country.
Davis's biography is among the best ever written, not only of a Civil War figure, but of anyone in the country. He writes with great authority and magnificent style, and the pleasure one gets in reading him is almost beyond measure. It's a long, thorough book, but always fascinating, always engaging. Highly recommended.
From US Vice President to Confederate Secretary of War.......2005-03-03
Excellent biography of one of the most interesting men in the US Civil War. From a political star as Vice President and Presidential Candidate against Lincoln, Brekinridge typlifies the great split in our country. Dutiful and professional serving as VP to the virtual end of his term he leaves as a vagabond due to his southern sympathies. Brekinridge served as a Confederate General during the war and ended it as perhaps the most proficient Secretary of War that the south had. Davis covers Breckinridge's rise as the succesor to the great Henry Clay. When the crisis of civil war looms, he is reaching his zenith as a political star. In an almost sad despair, he leaves to fight for the south as his border state home Kentucky remains in the Union. Breckinridge is a great subject of the war as he serves in both the western theater and the east as well and as a succesful independent commander in southwestern VA. Davis captures Breckinridges life throughout the war with great detail such as when his division is severly punished at Stones River under Bragg who in turn accusses Breckinridge unfairly of incompetence and drink. But Breckinridge thives later as an independent commander in an undermaned and threatened theater of southwestern VA. He consolidates his troops and wins one of the souths last great, although small, battles at New Market that is forever associated with the valor of the VMI cadets who supported the final charge. Breckinridge later serves wiith Lee at Cold harbor and throughout the overland campaign. But as the author Davis carries you through Breckinridge's career, you become a witness to the south's final destruction as Breckinridge is the Scretary of War during the final months of the Confederacy. Aside from closely associating with Lee, Breckinridge is with the Confederate government that flees Richmond. Breckinridge, with loyalty but with objectivity, tries to steer Davis into the realization that the war is doomed. While Davis is in flight, Breckinridge stays with Joe Johnston and helps negotiate terms that Stanton felt were so generous he publicly embarrased Sherman causing Sherman's return for a new surrender. With this biography, the author provides you an inside view of the sadness the war has on a leader who does seem caught in the middle and who is involved in both the military and political situation. Breckinridge was in the center of the military and the government throughout the last year to its final collapse. An excellent biography that bridges you to many of Davis' other books such as the Battle of New Market, his Davis Biography, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government and the Orphan Brigade.
Begin here to understand the Civil War!.......2004-04-05
John C. Breckinridge was one of the most notable politicians of the 1850's, a confederate general serving in all theaters of the war, and a member of Jefferson Davis cabinet, playing a key role in negotiating the terms of surrender.
It is not too much to say that an examination of this one life can throught new clarifying light virtually all issues relating to the Civil War. From the Compromise of 1850, to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, to the Lecompton covention and the Dred Scott decision, the split of the Democratic convention in 1860, to the move toward secession, to the last ditch efforts for peaceful reconciliation, to the war itself, to the surrender of the armies of Northern Virginia and Tennessee, to the immediate aftermath Breckinridge was there frequently as a major player.
However, as much light as Breckinridge throws on these various issues, there are aspects about his career that remains troubling. While Davis protrays Breckinridge as a unionist and personally opposed to slavery, Breckinridge *continually* sides with the pro-slavery contingent in Congress. Whether it's Dred Scott, or Lecompton, or running on a rival "southern rights" platform to Douglas, Breckinridge is unerringly on the pro-slavery side. Breckinridge (and Davis) always have a reason (or an excuse) for a given position, but the overall pattern is clear. In the final analysis, it may have been Breckinridge's devotion to the "right of property" as being *absolute* and hence even *above* the constitution.
In any case Breckinridge's finest hour comes in the twilight of the confederacy when he serves briefly but effectively as Secretary of War and going behind Jeff Davis's back , who is border line delusional at this point, to negotiate with Lee and Johnston a plan of surrender to the Union. This story is one that Davis tells more fully in his HONORABLE DEFEAT and it cannot be understated that Breckinridge prevented the Confederacy from decending into guerilla warfare and banditry that would have lingered for years if not decades.
Also in the aftermath, Breckinridge takes principled stand in favor of accepting negro testimony in court and against the Ku Klux Kan in Kentucky. Toward the very end, his participation in the Lee memorial in Lexington KY throught light on the emergence of the "Lost Cause" mythology as Jubal Early will set up a competiting memorial in Lexington VA. (This smacks of different apparitions of the madonna during the Mexican revolution with the rebel adopting the lady of Guadalupe, while the government forces adopt Pilar.)
Finally this book, it has to be remembered that this book was written 30 years ago and while it's still valuable a lot has been published on the Army of Tennesee (particularly Pat Cleburn) and on the southern Unionists during the secession crisis. I think a revised edition that could take these recent developments into account would be valuable.
I loved it.......2003-12-09
I love this book. It really gives an in depth view of John, who I want to mention is my great great uncle. I loved seeing his life through someone else's view point. It paints him in a very graphic way, very colorful. Davis doesnt shy away from writing the truth. Very great book.
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George C. Marshall: Soldier of Peace
Larry I. Bland , and
James B. Barber
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
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Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker: Leadership Lessons From George C. Marshall
ASIN: 0801858143 |
Book Description
George C. Marshall served as chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff during World War II and as secretary of state during the rebuilding of Europe. A master of mobilization and organization, he did as much as any national leader in achieving Allied victory in the war; afterward, as architect of the Marshall Plan, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for that massive and highly effective effort on behalf of Western European economic recovery. Winston Churchill called him "the noblest Roman of them all."
This colorful collection of Marshal portraiture and memorabilia commemorates and humanizes this giant of a man, about whom comparatively little beyond his career achievements is known. The book will accompany an exhibit on Marshall that will open at the National Portrait Gallery in November 1997.
"He was certainly no flamboyant general, he was not a character, there were no pearl-handled revolvers or corncob pipes of crusty anecdotes to spice up the legend of Marshall. He never wrote a book to tell his story. He never ran for election to public office. He never sought popularity. He never exploited his fame. He never asked for recognition or favors. He was a man driven more than anything else by a sense of duty, by the powerful, overpowering obligation of service. To him, it was never George C. Marshall that was important; it was the task at hand." -- Colin Powell
Distributed for the National Portrait Gallery
Customer Reviews:
Very good abbreviated biography.......2005-10-11
This is a good biography of the general. If you want more in depth read the masterpiece four volume biography by Forrest Pogue.
Just the Facts Please.......2004-09-17
This is a perfectly unobjectionable book outlining Gen. Marshall's life and military and political careers. It did strike me as being rather cursory in a number of areas and does not go very far in terms of the motivations and character of its subject. Undoubtedly this is in part because Marshall left very little in the way of written reminiscences of his own and kept a studied distance from those with whom he worked. As such, it leaves a bit to be desired as an in-depth biography. Nonetheless, it is well written, fair in its viewpoint and can be read within a couple of evenings. It is certainly a fine introduction to Marshall, but a reader looking for a comprehensive treatment of his life might well select one of the longer alternatives.
A Succinct Appraisal of an Extraordinary Leader.......2003-05-05
Mark Stoler writes a concise account of the life and accomplishments of George C. Marshall, one of the greatest soldiers and statesmen in U.S. history. The opening lines in chapter one describe how Marshall was the only professional soldier to receive the Nobel Peace prize. Stoler's work provides inspiration to not only those in uniform, but also diplomats and others interested in leadership in general. I found the book highly readable, succinct, yet having the detailed notes that provide guidance for further reading. It is well worth the read.
Stoler's work comes in at just under two hundred pages, but adds depth with extensive notes for the reader who wishes to pursue more details on the life and accomplishments of General Marshall. The author leans heavily on Forrest C. Pogue, Marshall's official biography, and others who have written extensively on the leader and World War II. The book also features a chronology of Marshall's life, two sets of photos, a bibliographic essay, and an index.
I found the chapter on Marshall's time as Secretary of State to be extremely interesting. He not only garnered passage of the European Recovery Plan ("Marshall Plan") during his tenure, but he also helped negotiate the Rio Pact and Organization of American States, witnessed Tito's Communist coup in Czechoslovakia, opposed the Soviet blockade of Berlin, and supported the creation of NATO. Marshall's immense impact on world affairs can still be felt in Western Europe and elsewhere, as his military and diplomatic efforts set the stage for international relations for the remainder of the 20th century.
As a military leader, I found this to be great reading and a good source for future reading on General Marshall. Read Stoler's work if you are a student of history or enjoy reading about leadership. Highly recommended!
Essential Reading for Military & Foreign Policy Enthusiasts.......2000-12-31
The book by Stoler is an excellent,albeit somewhat abbreviated account of the life of Marshall. The format, which discusses a time period and its relevance in US History and the life of Marshall was an excellent choice by the author. The only place it falls short, in my opinion, is in that its not really a critical review - the author never really analyzed Marshall's actions and took him to task for anything, and I find it hard to believe that, while a great man, Marshall never did anything wrong. Nonetheless, anyone who wishes to understand US military and foreign policy in the 20th century needs to read this book.
Good introduction to a Great Man.......2000-07-18
As other reviewers note, Marshall was one of the greatest men of the 20th century and a model of what our leaders should be. The author does not engage in hagiography, but instead provides a concise view of this man's life in its historical context. Unfortunately, I was hoping for something more comprehensive, yet not as massive as Pogue's exhaustive (exhausting) work.
Stoller does a good job of describing the footprint that Marshall left upon the world, but not enough about him as a man.
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