Customer Reviews

Fighting Wars, Planning For Peace: The Story Of George C. Marshall (World Leaders)

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This book is worth buying. It's packed full of information, yet uses simple explanations and includes amusing touches, making it easy and enjoyable to follow. Detailing the chronological path of Marshall's life and work, Gimpel provides insight not just into what Marshall accomplished but also how he grew as a person. This allows readers to learn or brush up on the last century's history while feeling like part of Marshall's quest to make the right choices for himself and his country. Both younger and older readers will likely find themselves inspired by Marshall's persistence in the face of obstacles, his assertiveness in making the most of opportunities, his adaptability when he gets what he wants but finds it different than expected, and his forthright and humble character.

Gimpel provides a solid overview of the progression of 20th century history, including descriptions of many other great leaders of that time. The sections about WW II and the Marshall Plan are particularly good. I imagine that any reader would see the relevance of Marshall's strategies to present-day international affairs.

Truman said of George C. Marshall: "He was the greatest of the great of our time." After reading this book, you'll know why.

A teenage friend lent me this book on Marshall and recommended that I read it. I haven't read a history book since college and have never been interested in biographies of military heroes, but I read it anyway. It was great! I found myself incredibly impressed with Marshall's leadership skills at a young age and his patience, persistence and humility as a leader, diplomat and outstanding human being who really valued peace. I unexpectedly found myself caught up in the historical events that now have so much more meaning to me. The examples of his leadership and the challenges he faced are so completely relevant for our current issues that I found myself wondering how Marshall would lead us through the global and national issues we face today. It's definitely on my holiday shopping list for other young readers I know and for friends who would appreciate a good modern history book that is well written and a quick and easy read.

George C. Marshall's approach to his life will serve as a model to every student with regard to purpose and the shaping of a man that resulted in the shaping of a nation. The makings of great people lead to the ingredients necessary to continue to fight for American freedoms today, just as we did in years past. The principles remain the same, and Gimpel has done a superb job at translating Marsall's life to an easy-to-follow and digest reading that will be intriguing while educational. A great voice for a great role model in American history.

Lee Gimpel's Fighting Wars Plannign For Peace: The Story Of George C. Marshall packs in nearly 200 pages of details about a man who shunned publicity yet was twice selected as Time magazine's Man of the Year, and who won a Nobel Peace Prize. Marshall never had any desire to rise in politics: his World War II command led the country into becoming a reigning world power, leading the struggle for peace.

A fascinating man and a remarkably well constructed novel, this is a must read. The story invites you into Marshall's life and you will quickly be taken aback by his strength of character and determination. I don't often take the time to write reviews, but after finishing this book I was so impressed I wanted others to experience it for themselves.

The jacket editor failed to notice that Gen. Marshall's photo is inverted (US insignia on the lepal, ribbons on the wrong side, mirror image face). Does that portend the editing of the book manuscript? I would hope not because the book is excellent.