American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command [Paperback]

Edgar Puryear (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2001

This stimulating book asks key questions about the twentieth century's leading American generals and, by analysing their character and personality, outlines the qualities which went into making officers such as Patton, Eisenhower and Schwarzkopf distinctive and successful in combat. Based on frank discussions and interviews with American generals and their staffs, and a detailed analytical study of official records and personal recollections, American Generalship pinpoints how well each particular general responded to the demands of war in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Edgar Puryear examines how each commander stood up to the heavy responsibility of command, overcame the rigours of campaign and performed on the field of battle. He concludes that, despite different techniques and conditions, outstanding American generals all had 'character' in common and shone because of their personal qualities and strength of personality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'We can always learn more about the importance of character to leadership. With this book, we do just that.' - General Norman Schwarzkopf

About the Author

Dr Edgar F. Puryear is a recognised authority on military history and the theory of strategy and command. He is the author of a number of articles on twentieth-century American history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press (November 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891417702
• ISBN-13: 978-0891417705
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good history. Ex`cellent insights, December 26, 2004

By 

THOMAS E. DAY "Tom" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in what it takes to be a leader. Filled with many excellent tidbits of history and personal insights from the leaders themselves, Puryear has put together a really good book, one that I will recommend to many others. Of particular note, in my opinion, are his references to leaders embracing change (p.70 and 32), Marshall's decision-making (p. 56-57), the importance of your chief of staff (p.90), how to react to decisions that don't go your way, matching leaders to their jobs, and his thousands of quotes and anecdotes from Ridgway, Marshall, Westmoreland, Eisenhower, Powell, MacArthur, etc.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading., May 2, 2004

By 

"harryblum" (Memphis TN 38118) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command (Paperback)

This author wastes energy on knocking down a straw man: we already know that leadership and command are "art," not "science". Directing men in situations of fear and chaos requires odd combinations of qualities and that instinct usually proves more valuable than learned behaviours. Even so, this book traces what has been uniquely American about our leaders' actions, efforts and behaviour. The case studies are well chosen, as is the level of analysis. We can all learn more about our human relations from this book, which provides great value for money.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for your Leadership Development library, July 28, 2005

By 

Samuel Benjamin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command (Paperback)

Mr. Puryear wastes no time with fluff. He gets right to the heart of leadership in this wonderfully written book. He has done a superb job in researching and interviewing each of the men he writes about. So, the information you'll receive from this book is both accurate and personal. You can read it casually or blaze through it. Either way, I believe you will be pleased with the nuggets of leadership wisdom revealed by some of the world's finest military leaders.