Customer Reviews

American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command

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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.

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.

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.

The first book assignment in my Strategic Leadership and Decision Making (SLDM) elective for Air War College was "American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command" by Edgar F. Puryear Jr. The level of leadership this study aims at is very high indeed - the ranks of the general officers. The kind of strategy that leaders at this level create and conceptualize, during both peace and war, involves all of the nation's forces, and applies itself through large-scale, long-range planning and development, to ensure security or victory. This book deals exclusively with the sort of character, mentorship and values that a leader at this level must possess, and it does so with a tidal wave of good examples and meaningful quotes.

The subtitle of the book, "Character is Everything: The Art of Command", defines the focus of this study in leadership. Although the leaders studied in this book are chosen from fairly narrow sections of time and from only one country (USA), those times are the greatest perils. Ike, Patton, MacArthur, and Clark are drawn from World War 2. Grant, Sherman, Lee, and Jackson are cited from the American Civil War. Extensive passages on Billy Mitchell's experience as well as that of his ardent supporters Hap Arnold and Tooey Spaatz. George Washington's contribution is discussed in detail. There is a far too small, albeit tasty, portion for more recent leaders, like Colin Powell, Schwarzkopf, Meyer, and Creech, who have had to deal with the today's hyperpolitics, scandal-centric journalism, perpetual war and a evaporating budgets.

As good as "American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command" is, some important details of the leadership experience are left in rather soft focus. The rationale behind Operation Market Garden (p288, listed in other references as "disastrous"), continued support for Wedemeyer (p318-9, a similar set of "circumstantial" charges against an officer today would certainly be career ending), and clearing the Hooverville shantytown built by "Bonus Army" marchers (p264-265, brutal tactics used and the unfortunate remarks made at the press conference that immediately followed). These details could have provided the all important context that framed these actions and decisions. Character is revealed through actions inside context.

More examples could have been provided about leaders who did not read books. The book only lists one leader, the confederate Longstreet (p152-153), who did not read extensively. On the other hand, the narrative bogs down with mountains of evidence that reading books, particularly biographies and historical works, helps leaders think more broadly and learn from the timeless lessons of the past.

All things considered, "American Generalship: Character Is Everything: The Art of Command" is certainly worth a read. It is a very good book that could have been great if only it had spent a little more time in the hands of an editor.

This is a great book. I think Puryear did a great job researching for this book. He draws insight from many 4-stars throughout the US military and packages it nicely. There is a lot of history in the shaping of the American Military discussed in this book. Plus there is enough information to make it a good collection to anyone in upper management in the business world.

I decided to read this since it was on the CSAF reading list. I have found it to be insightful. I now understand the shaping of the AF, can see how the PFE and other leadership documents have focused on the great leaders of the past and present.

An easy, inspirational read. Clear concise and to point on every aspect of leadership. This should be stressed to be read by any inspiring officer or one on active duty for 20 years.

Excellent application to the civilian world as well. Wish I'd have found this sooner!

Outstanding book on leadership. It covers the dynamics of proven performers through the ages and gives the reader a strong foundation in personal assessment and grow. A must-have for anyone's professional library.

As a career Air Force officer I have read many books on leadership and command. American Generalship stands out as the best I've ever read. The author highlights shared leadership traits held by several of great generals that he gleaned from personal interviews. I give this book to all the officers under my command to mentor them as leaders.

This book is well written and keeps me interested; it is not dry at all. It really gives me insight towards becoming a good manager and leader for any situation.

A very important work describing the qualities of honorable service which this country has so benefited from, qualities of selflessness and wisdom which our current, civilian, leadership so lacks. The mention of Pan American Airlines also revealed exceptional research about the friendships which continued throughout WWII and after. Friendships and honor which has served the country up to today.