A Question of Loyalty - by Douglas C Waller (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A Question of Loyalty plunges into the seven-week Washington trial of Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, the hero of the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I and the man who proved in 1921 that planes could sink a battleship. In 1925 Mitchell was frustrated by the slow pace of aviation development, and he sparked a political firestorm, accusing the army and navy high commands -- and by inference the president -- of treason and criminal negligence in the way they conducted national defense. He was put on trial for insubordination in a spectacular court-martial that became a national obsession during the Roaring Twenties.

Uncovering a trove of new letters, diaries, and confidential documents, Douglas Waller captures the drama of the trial and builds a rich and revealing biography of Mitchell.

Review Quotes

Named to the Washington Post Book World's "Best of 2004" list -- Washington Post Book World

Named to the Chicago Tribune's "Best of 2004" list -- Chicago Tribune Books

Named to the Booklist Editors' Choice 2004 list -- Booklist

"Fascinating book" -- John Lehman (member of the 9/11 Commission), Washington Post Book World

"Waller has probably done his best work ever in this recounting of Mitchell's life and trial" -- Booklist (starred review)

"Facinating . . . A Question of Loyalty is a must-read" -- Wall Street Journal

"[A] fascinating well-told story of a military maverick's life" -- Chicago Tribune

"Don't pass up Douglas Waller's riveting read about the legendary Billy Mitchell, whose rebellion captivated a nation." -- Senator John McCain

"Buy this and get ready to hang on to your seats! A gripping true-life trial. I loved it." -- Greta Van Susteren, Fox News