Pershing

by Jim Lacey

Book Overview

The riveting story of General Black Jack Pershing, the first great modern commander to lead a major campaign in Europe.This persuasive biography sheds light on the nation's first modern combat... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0230603831
• ISBN13: 9780230603837
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Generals knew more then.

Pershing (Great General) pretty much could do it all! He put down a major insurrection in the Philippines, beat back an attempt by the Mexicans to recapture Texas, stormed up the Hill with Teddy Roosevelt and knew him on a first name basis, and took a bunch of school kids to Europe, trained them, led them in battle, took mre gaff from the Allies than he deserved, and won WWI. Too much for one General. I thought so, too. Apparently though, he did all those things and many more which I didn't list. It must be true. Generals knew more then. This was a great read, artfully told by the author. Charley Irions, Major General, USAF (Ret)

A View from Above

Author Jim Lacey clearly gives the GENERAL'S perspective of the events during Pershing's life. The reader gets no feeling of having been in the trenches although the general's perspective is presented quite well. The author, if he truly did set out to communicate only the view from above, was very successful and I do recommend this book for those who are interested in that angle. The clearest example of this bias is the campaign against the Moros in the Philippines. The slaughter was presented as always a necessary thing. It makes one wonder. Perhaps the reader who wishes a broader perspective of Pershing's professional activities should compare and contrast views by other historians as well. Paul Baum, Ph.D. Living Historyist Audrain County Historical Society

Outstanding

The author, Jim Lacey, does an outstanding job of capturing the history of one of the first great military leaders of the 20th Century, General Pershing. It is undeniable the mark that Pershing left on the military after WWI, giving the United States a huge advantage when it saw action again during World War II. Lacey does a fantastic job of telling the life story of Pershing in 193 easy-to-read pages. For any student of history, more specifically military history, this text is a must read.

Superb

Pershing has always been an interest of mine, as I viewed him as the best forgotten general America has ever produced. The two best biographies prior to this were both huge multi-volume editions and I was a bit wary about anyone trying to capture Pershing and all of his many accomplishments in a single slim volume. However, Jim Lacey appears to have captured everything I would want covered and even presented a few priceless bits of information I had not seen elsewhere. For instance, he lays to rest a debate that has raged on the Internet and among historians as to whether Pershing ever condoned wrapping dead Islamic insurgents in pork skins to deter others. In summary, the book proceeds at a furious pace and truly brings Pershing to life. It is a must read for all historians, and for anyone else look for brilliant leadership study.