The book tells of Gen. MacArthur, one of America's greatest generals, and the events that placed him in the unprecedented role of conqueror, statesman, and humanitarian - taking on the task of destroying an enemy's war making capability and instituting a democratic nation dedicated to peace. The core of the book is from the General's own writings, touching on the significant actions, reforms and challenges of the Occupation of Japan. It also includes excerpts from other prominent American and Japanese writers which expand and confirm our understanding of these fascinating times. The author adds overviews and anecdotes, giving the reader a sense of realism and color not found in historical treatments. The book is an easy to read narrative which moves from one of the world's greatest tragedies to one of the greatest success stories in the history of these two mighty nations. It is well illustrated with 39 photographs and extensive captions to explain and highlight the story.
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
David Valley, as a young soldier, was a member of Gen. MacArthur's Honor Guard. He lived in Japan for many years as a business executive. Now retired from an engineering career, he resides in San Diego, California with his wife Dottie. April, 2001 David will join other former honor guards in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Gen. MacArthur's departure and to honor all Americans who served in the Occupation. David has previously written short adventure stories and a novel, "Brothers One."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gaijin Showgun,
By Robert A. Johnson (San Pedro California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gaijin Shogun : Gen. Douglas MacArthur Stepfather of Postwar Japan (Paperback)
The author did an excellent job in pointing out the accomplishments of General Douglas MacArthur in Japan. I, also,was one of the General's Honor Guard. David and I went over events during of our tours of duty both before and after the author's assignment of how MaArthur was bringing the Japanese back into the United Nations fold as an upstanding nation. I was delighted to read what he had written , but how well he had written it. When we compared notes, it became amazing to each of us how slowly the progress was at first. Perhaps, items such as the Marshall Plan and Harry Bridges "Long Shoremans strike" that lasted for over seventeen months. Nobody saw a real potatoe for over six months. Not that anyone suffered for it. Japanese national progress did accelerated over the following short years. The personal climate to all of us including Mrs MacArthur was that we were unafraid to walk among the Japanese from the very first moments we where there at any time , day or night. There was seldom a case of anamosity shown. The Japanese were model citizens. This is a illustration of how well MacArthurs policies were performing. The author was factual, brief and very accurate with details. He created each scene with actual quotations from the General about verbal discriptions. The General took all his problems in his stride. The resolve was contigious. When it came to authority, the author precisely depicted the attitudes and backgrounds of the British and the Russians and the worst party of all, our own State Department. He was candid. The General was skillful in his steps that he took. He had spent too much time in the houses of power to be careless with the heads of state and worse their correspondants. In total, the book is a good comprehensive story of the General who did an extraordinary job of uplifting the country of a former enemy. After all his seventy years of preparation, his experience prepared him well for the task. It is noted that it has not been repeated since the reigns of Alexander the Great and Julis Ceasar.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating,
By Larry Durbin (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gaijin Shogun : Gen. Douglas MacArthur Stepfather of Postwar Japan (Paperback)
I have read two other books on the General and listened to another on Books on Tape. Mr. Valley's book is easily the best, probably because he was really there not learning about it from a library. Brilliant insights and personal details fill this magnificent work. Get it! Enjoy it!Larry Durbin, Captain, United Airlines
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Pleasurable Memory Enhancer,
By Edward Sailer (Florida) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gaijin Shogun : Gen. Douglas MacArthur Stepfather of Postwar Japan (Paperback)
David Valley's book, "Gaigin Shogun ..," is great fun and an easy read. At the same time it makes you think about things you may not have thought about before. I never realized how much of the Japanese miracle recovery was attributable to the manner in which the occupational forces governed Japan after the war. Also the excerpts of the writings by MacArthur made the message crisp and believable. It leaves one in awe of MacArthur, and feeling that he may have been one of the most under appreciated hero's of our past. Valley did a fine job. Definitely worth reading.
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