Reminiscences

By Douglas MacArthur

Book Overview

Written in his own hand and finished only weeks before his death, Gen. Douglas MacArthur's memoir spans more than half a century of modern history. His vantage point at center stage during major controversies of the twentieth century enabled him to present unique views of the conflicts in which he played a vital role. No soldier in modern time has been more admired--or reviled. Liberator of the Philippines, shogun of Occupied Japan, victor of the Battle of Inchon, the general was a national hero when suddenly relieved of his command by President Truman. His supporters believe his genius for command and ability to implement that command by strategy stand as landmarks in military history. His critics are not so kind, calling him a gigantic ego paying homage to himself in this book. Decade by decade, battlefield by battlefield, this self portrait is a moving final testament to a life of service that began at West Point and continued in Vera Cruz during the Mexican uprisings and throughout the world wars. Appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific, MacArthur was the architect of the campaign to drive the Japanese from their strongholds at Bataan, Corregidor, and New Guinea. His recounting of World War II is dramatically punctuated with intimate portraits of key personalities and insights into his stand on controversial issues. Although the autobiography was written more than thirty years ago, it continues to be a valuable document of the period.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1557504830
• ISBN13: 9781557504838
• Release Date: April 2012
• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Length: 472 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Reminiscences

Great reading, clarifying several points of Manchester's "American Caesar." To one who lived through it and seldom saw a newspaper at the time, the Korean War and its consequences are finally understood.

Very good autobiography!

Autobiographies do not get better than this. Its packed with information about many of America's wars through the eyes of the greatest general in United States history. Like the previous reviewer stated, the last chapter itself its unbelievable. It contains content and predictions that could be lifted and applied to the modern present world. I could not believe that this book was written 40 years ago. MacArthur was truly ahead of his time in thinking. His recollection opf events is superb and very detailed for a man who has probably more memories that ordinary men have for a lifetime. I'd recommend this book to anyone, the last chapter is alone worth the price!

A great story from a great soldier.

I first read this book as a teenager, and loved every word. So much so that *I* dreamed of being a general. I'm older now, and can see just how self-serving the book really is. It's basically the work of a gigantic ego paying homage to itself. Lots of stress on all the things he did right, nothing about the wrong. For example, his flapper marriage is disposed of in about two sentences, and there's no explanation of how he got caught with his pants down, first in the Phillipines and then in Korea. It's almost as if he needed a crisis to be all that he could be. Anyway, de mortuis nil nisi bonum. The book's beautifully written, and Mac Arthur was a great general - probably America's best ever.

Required reading for every American

Although this book is now out of print, I recommend that you make all possible efforts to find a used one. This is World War II and the Cold War through the eyes of one of America's greatest generals. You will be amazed at the accomplishments of MacArthur - he is a giant among men and one of our nation's true heroes. This book is beautifully written, and the final chapter is worth reading and re-reading. You won't be disappointed. Send me your comments. Reviewed by Rep. Louis (Woody) Jenkins, 910 N. Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.