MACARTHUR: The Life of a General

by Allen Phelps ulian ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1963

It is still too soon to pass final judgment on General MacArthur's unique role in American history. It is much too soon to award the man a halo. By writing of the already legendary MacArthur as if he were a soldier-saint, the author has done his subject a disservice. The following excerpt illustrates the author's tone and position: The General's parents)... laid the foundation for the impressive intellect which would later enable him...to reach flawless decisions"". Why a flawless decider should have been a continuing center of controversy is an unanswered question. Critics of MacArthur from the Bonus March of the '30's right up to the 38th parallel are disssed as ""vicious"". Hotly defending MacArthur's courage, the author breathes life into the dead, scurrilous rumors to the contrary that were circulated in World War II. The Archer book has it that the General is and was the easy going ""Doug."" Here we have a lengthy description of a formal, aloof MacArthur who treats his wife to the old fashioned courtesy of ""Ma'am"" rather than Archer's ""Jeannie"". Both are tasteless, but this is totally partisan for the man and the political events through which he moved.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Duell, Sloan & Pearce

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION