This biography I happened to pick up and as I got into it seemed familiar. In searching my books I discovered I had read a biography on the General years ago. Arthur Herman's offering is an in-depth and comprehensive look taking us through all aspects of this American icons life. Herman on balance takes a favorable view of MacArthur without crossing the line to hagiography. A most complex man,General MacArthur shaped our history and in a sense our future unlike few that have taken the world stage. His life started and ended military and in service to what he loved, his country and the army. He came across to me as a mix between a genuine genius and a crackpot. And I don't say that with any disrespect to the man. His military and geo-political insights I thought were beyond challenge. His take on how the Pacific Rim would come to dominate our future has been spot on. His handling of the peace and reconstruction of Japan appeared to be brilliant. Wrapping his career in the Korean fiasco and his eventual dismissal some see as failure, but he may in fact have been right in seeking total victory as we still live with threat today over fifty years later. There is no doubt MacArthur let his ego overshadow his keen insights at times. Also his personal recklessness in facing death on the battlefield itself was truly remarkable but foolhardy. The book does much to shed light on that man, his character, and his legacy. It is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to grasp what we faced and what we may face particularly in the Pacific and the related military ramifications. (read less)

This biography I happened to pick up and as I got into it seemed familiar. In searching my books I discovered I had read a biography on the General years ago. Arthur Herman's offering is an in-depth and comprehensive look taking us through all aspects of this American icons life. Herman on balance takes a favorable view of MacArthur without crossing the line to hagiography. A most complex (read more)

I didn't think it could get better than William Manchester's biography of Macarthur but Herman raises the bar. This may be the definitive biography of the general. Riveting. Compelling. Definitely worth a detour.