The Long March

By William Styron

Book Overview

"The long march" by William Styron offers a powerful and unflinching exploration of the human experience during wartime. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, this compelling work of military fiction delves into the arduous realities faced by soldiers in combat. Styron, a celebrated literary voice, masterfully portrays the psychological and physical toll of military life, grounding his narrative in the intense challenges confronted by United States forces during the 1950-1953 conflict.

This acclaimed war story transcends its historical setting to illuminate universal truths about duty, endurance, and the profound impact of battle. As a significant contribution to war literature, "The long march" stands as a testament to Styron's skill in crafting narratives that resonate deeply with readers. It remains an essential read for those seeking profound insight into the personal narratives woven into the fabric of military history and the timeless ordeal of war. Its enduring literary quality ensures its place as a classic reflection on the nature of combat.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025247485
• ISBN13: 9781025247489
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 78 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Military for the young

No doubt that this story makes it clear why the military is for the young, especially the marines. The author shows how reservists may show their cynical side about the gun ho stuff after they were already in a war and then get called up for the Korean war. The author, having been a Marine himself, probably understood well the difficulty the called back veteran would have in getting back into the gun ho attitude of the naive young recruit. Good book, short read. It is not a condemnation of the military, rather a portrait of why it is hard to come back to the military after you have been away and matured.

From Back Cover

In the blaze of a Carolina summer, among the poison ivy and loblolly pines, eight Marines have been killed by misfired mortar shells. Deciding that his battalion has been "doping off," Colonel Templeton calls for a 36-mile forced march to inculcate discipline. THE LONG MARCH is a searing account of this ferocious ordeal - and of the two officers who resist. In Lieutenant Culver and Captain Mannix, Styron has created unforgettable portraits of civilized men tested to their physical and spiritual limits.

A classic slice of military fiction

I wish it was longer. A very interesting drama, well written. Offers no false glory, nor does it pretend to loan the reader a view of ""authentic" military life.This may have been written for the reader who did serve in the military and needs a reminder of how seemingly foolish/pointless the whole military scene was at times.