A major historical biography of George C. Marshall—the general who ran the U.S. campaign during the Second World War; the Secretary of State who oversaw the successful rebuilding of post-war Europe; and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize—and the first to offer a complete picture of his life.While Eisenhower Patton; Bradley; Montgomery; MacArthur; Nimitz; and Leahy waged battles in Europe and the Pacific; one military leader actually ran World War II for America; overseeing personnel and logistics: Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1945; George C. Marshall.This interpretive biography of George C. Marshall follows his life from his childhood in Western Pennsylvania and his military training at the Virginia Military Institute to his role during and after World War II and his death in 1959 at the age of seventy-eight. It brings to light the virtuous historical role models who inspired him; including George Washington and Robert E. Lee; and his relationships with the Washington political establishment; military brass; and foreign leaders; from Harry Truman to Chiang Kai-shek. It explores Marshall’s successes and failures during World War II; and his contributions through two critical years of the emerging Cold War—including the transformative Marshall Plan; which saved Western Europe from Soviet domination; and the failed attempt to unite China’s nationalists and communists.Based on breathtaking research and filled with rich detail; George Marshall is sure to be hailed as the definitive work on one of the most influential figures in American history.
#99045 in Books Yossi Klein Halevi 2014-11-04 2014-11-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.00 x 5.31l; .68 #File Name: 0060545771624 pagesLike Dreamers The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A War That Solidified A NationBy studebhawkThis is the story of the little nation that could. Attacked simultaneously on multiple fronts by the Arab League; the defenders of Israel; many of them reservists; rallied to her defense. Like Dreamers is the story of the parachute brigade that fought Jordanien troops and captured Jerusalem.Their heroic action solidified support across all of Israel and turned many of the men into heroes This story is thoroughly researched by a well known Israeli author. He tracks the lives of these men right up to the beginning of the Intifada. The first third of the book resonates with action and excitement of ordinary men performing heroic acts.The following two thirds of the book follows the lives of these men as they return to their civilian lives. We then get very deep into the weeds of domestic Israeli politics.For the most casual Non-Israeli reader; this deep dive makes for a challenging read. With my comments; not withstanding; Like Dreamers is a masterfully researched; beautifully written story that deserves all of the accolades the author has earned. Today the problems created in the aftermath of the war are still with us; and; the world is still waiting for a solution.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A work of love for his people and countryBy Peter CorriganWow. I learned far; far more about Israel in these 500+ pages than in my many years of slaving over the NY Times and accounts of Resolution 242 or 338 or all the other news stories that have pored forth on the 'problems' there. I have read several books on the the military campaigns of the Israel but little that provided any real insight into the soul of the nation; even a biography of Moshe Dayan recently. But this was a truly fascinating; educational and moving account even (maybe especially) for a goyim (or is it a goy?). The depth and complexity of Israel and the Jews is incredibly well elucidated. I think it is a tribute to the author that I was not really able to discern his 'agenda'. Left; right middle? I think he attempted to be fair. And it wound up being just a brilliantly humanistic work on a people struggling with their incredibly long and convoluted history and now interesting place in the world. I wondered who among the men profiled I would actually want to meet in person and I think Yoel Bin Nun would be my choice; which is fairly shocking to me because as one of the founders of Gush Emunim I would not have expected that. One does come away with some serious questions about any people who insist they are the 'chosen' ones. It simply does not allow much of a place for the ones who are not chosen.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Has the dream come true?By Stephen Ira TamberThis book is not just the story of the Paratroopers who reunited Jerusalem. Through their eyes the reader is able to understand the conflict in the Middle East; not just the seemingly intractable push/pull of the Arab-Israeli struggle; but the internecine social and religious strife among Israelis.Each story of the members of the paratroop brigade is richly drawn. The reader sees them during war and during the periods of uneasy peace- regular call up of the reserves; training; preparing for war and how that impacts on their lives The book fleshes out the background of the settler movement and how it has impacted the attempt to achieve peace.Religious extremism; the Intifada; both the first and second; it's all here. The extreme interpretation of Jewish text and how that text lead to the death of Prime Minister Rabin is explored. For those of us who have grown up listening to the heroic stories of the kibbutzniks; it is interesting to read about whether the movement remains relevant today.Whether it is the small size of the country or its population; it is fascinating to read about the thread that binds these paratroopers through political infighting or religious disputations.The book; while lengthy; provides unique insight into the lives and struggles of people who have sought to build a home in a pretty tough neighborhood..For those who want an interesting and thoroughly readable piece that informs and makes daily headlines more understandable; this book is the one.Stephen Ira Tamber
