American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964
by William Manchester
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Book Summary Information
Author: William ManchesterEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-12
ISBN: 0316024740
Number of pages: 816
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Book Reviews of American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964
Book Review: A Flawed Soldier Statesman
Summary: 5 Stars
It's been over 30 years since William Manchester's definitive classic of Douglas MacArthur was first published.
What the reader will learn is the rise of a military General's son who was both brilliant and also how do I say this without offending people, a legend in his own mind.
As in all of Manchester's writing, his prose reads like a novel. Even though it does read easy, it is well researched. I read this book twice, once back in 1979 and later in 2003. What stands out is that MacArthur was indeed a man living in the 20th Century but with the mindset of a 19th Century man.
MacArthur's matriculation at West Point was both historic in the fact that academically he was rated the highest standing of any cadet to graduate from West Point. Also his stay was rather odd in the fact that he was a mother's boy stated by the fact his mother lived for 4 years at the Hotel Thayer adjacent to USMC.
His Army assignments took him to the Philippines and the Western Front as the youngest American General. He was fearless in combat and used his superior mind as a tactician and as a strategist. He indeed climbed the ranks rapidly. He became the Superintendent of West Point and later the Chief of Staff.
He was both revered during World War II as well as despised. There seemed to be no middle ground. He was in charge in the Pacific when the instruments of surrender were signed on the USS Missouri in 1945.
His greatest act as an occupying Governor of Japan ruling from the Dai Ichi, was his guidance of the Japanese government in post World War II. He was instrumental in developing a democratic form of government. He also was responsible for developing its economy. No small task indeed.
It was later as Supreme Commander of the Allies in the Pacific during the Korean Conflict where MacArthur usurped his authority and undermined the President of the United States.
MacArthur's failures in a flawed intelligence of the Red Chinese which led to the defeats at the Chosin Reservoir and Kanurni led to needless loss of lives. There was no excuse for these failures, it indeed was the result of hubris. To further complicate the matter MacArthur did not take any responsibility for these said failures. The fact of the matter Macarthur blamed the Truman administration and argued for an escalation to the hostilities with the Red Chinese.
Truman did what needed to be done, he fired Macarthur. It indeed cost Truman another term as President but in the end he did do what was right.
As for MacArthur, he had his parade in New York City. He addressed Congress. Later he gave his farewell speech at West Point.
MacArthur was brilliant, but flawed. This book was done very well. Manchester wrote it with no bias. It is what it is. Five Stars! Good Job!!
Summary of American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964
Inspiring, outrageous... A thundering paradox of a man. Douglas MacArthur, one of only five men in history to have achieved the rank of General of the United States Army. He served in World Wars I, II, and the Korean War, and is famous for stating that "in war, there is no substitute for victory." AMERICAN CAESAR exaines the exemplary army career, the stunning successes (and lapses) on the battlefield, and the turbulent private life of the soldier-hero whose mystery and appeal created a uniquely American legend.Historical Books
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