MacArthur at War - by Walter R Borneman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The definitive account of General Douglas MacArthur's rise during World War II, from the author of the bestseller The Admirals.

World War II changed the course of history. Douglas MacArthur changed the course of World War II. Macarthur at War will go deeper into this transformative period of his life than previous biographies, drilling into the military strategy that Walter R. Borneman is so skilled at conveying, and exploring how personality and ego translate into military successes and failures.

Architect of stunning triumphs and inexplicable defeats, General MacArthur is the most intriguing military leader of the twentieth century. There was never any middle ground with MacArthur. This in-depth study of the most critical period of his career shows how his influence spread far beyond the war-torn Pacific.

A Finalist for the Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History at the New York Historical Society

Review Quotes

"[One of the] best examples of the middle ground lying between hero-worship and derision."--Jonathan W. Jordan, Wall Street Journal

"A first-rate account of its subject and an excellent history of the less-known half of the American experience in the Pacific."--Robert Messenger, Wall Street Journal

"A no-holds-barred portrait of a controversial figure and a feast for World War II aficionados."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"As he did with his previous WWII narrative, The Admirals, Walter Borneman does full justice to yet another colossus of WWII. It took flawed giants to forge victory and this account of the legendary Douglas MacArthur, warts and all, is superb history and an enormously enjoyable read. You can't ask for more."--Alex Kershaw, New York Times bestselling author of The Bedford Boys and The Longest Winter

"Borneman has found a sweet spot... a worthwhile and commendable addition to military writing."--Raymond Leach, The Virginian-Pilot

"Irresistible.... A necessary read for anyone who attempts to understand the man."--Joseph C. Goulden, Washington Times

"More than any other book I have read, MacArthur at War gives readers a unique portrait of the great general with his almost incredible combination of admirable and detestable qualities. Nearly as important are the insights into unflappable General George C. Marshall, who managed MacArthur's gifts and flaws to wrest victory from near defeat in a global war."--Thomas Fleming, author of The New Dealers' War: FDR and the War Within World War II

"The special quality of MacArthur at War is its combination of research in relevant literature and archives with a fairness of presentation and judgment often missing when MacArthur is the subject."
--Gerhard L. Weinberg, History Book Club

"This balanced account of one of the most notorious Allied World War II generals should be well received by readers interested in World War II history, specifically the ­Pacific Theater."--Matthew Wayman, Library Journal

About the Author

Walter Borneman is the author of eight works of nonfiction, including The Admirals, 1812, The French and Indian War, and Polk. He holds both a master's degree in history and a law degree. He lives in Colorado.