George C. Marshall: Soldier Statesman of the American Century

by Mark A. Stoler and Johm Milton Cooper

Book Overview

Series Editor: John Milton Cooper, Jr., University of Wisconsin-Madison.This distinguished series provides complete interpretive biographies of influential twentieth-century figures. Based on extensive research and written by a prominent scholar, each concise study examines the subjects career, private life, political milieu, public image, and impact on modern society.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805777857
• ISBN13: 9780805777857
• Release Date: February 1989
• Publisher: Twayne Publishers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very good abbreviated biography

This is a good biography of the general. If you want more in depth read the masterpiece four volume biography by Forrest Pogue.

A Succinct Appraisal of an Extraordinary Leader

Mark Stoler writes a concise account of the life and accomplishments of George C. Marshall, one of the greatest soldiers and statesmen in U.S. history. The opening lines in chapter one describe how Marshall was the only professional soldier to receive the Nobel Peace prize. Stoler's work provides inspiration to not only those in uniform, but also diplomats and others interested in leadership in general. I found the book highly readable, succinct, yet having the detailed notes that provide guidance for further reading. It is well worth the read.Stoler's work comes in at just under two hundred pages, but adds depth with extensive notes for the reader who wishes to pursue more details on the life and accomplishments of General Marshall. The author leans heavily on Forrest C. Pogue, Marshall's official biography, and others who have written extensively on the leader and World War II. The book also features a chronology of Marshall's life, two sets of photos, a bibliographic essay, and an index. I found the chapter on Marshall's time as Secretary of State to be extremely interesting. He not only garnered passage of the European Recovery Plan ("Marshall Plan") during his tenure, but he also helped negotiate the Rio Pact and Organization of American States, witnessed Tito's Communist coup in Czechoslovakia, opposed the Soviet blockade of Berlin, and supported the creation of NATO. Marshall's immense impact on world affairs can still be felt in Western Europe and elsewhere, as his military and diplomatic efforts set the stage for international relations for the remainder of the 20th century. As a military leader, I found this to be great reading and a good source for future reading on General Marshall. Read Stoler's work if you are a student of history or enjoy reading about leadership. Highly recommended!

Concise, accurate, extremely readable biography / history

For myself as a guide at the George C. Marshall Museum in Lexington, VA Stoler's book is a MUST read. Mine is marked up and worn, but is a source of information I couldn't do without. I recommend it to anyone interested in the life of George C. Marshall, the kind of hero we need more of today. I used his book as a guide and reference in writing Growing Up,By George!George C. Marshall's early years(1880-1901) for ages 9-12

Excellent

George C. Marshall; Soldier-Statesman of the American Century is a excellent overview of the American military power that we are today. The manuscript also explains why we had to be the world's most powerful nation. George C. Marshall is truly the Man-of-the-Century.