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George Marshall

Defender of the Republic

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About this listen

 The extraordinary career of George Catlett Marshall—America’s most distinguished soldier–statesman since George Washington—whose selfless leadership and moral character influenced the course of two world wars and helped define the American century.

“I’ve read several biographies of Marshall, but I think [David] Roll’s may be the best of the bunch.”—Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review • “Powerful.”—The Wall Street Journal • “Enthralling.”—Andrew Roberts • “Important.”—William I. Hitchcock • “Majestic.”—Susan Page • “Engrossing.”—Andrew J. Bacevich • “Judicious.”—Walter Isaacson • “Definitive.”—Kirkus

Winston Churchill called him World War II's "organizer of victory." Harry Truman said he was "the greatest military man that this country ever produced." Today, in our era of failed leadership, few lives are more worthy of renewed examination than Marshall and his fifty years of loyal service to the defense of his nation and its values.

Even as a young officer he was heralded as a genius, a reputation that grew when in WWI he planned and executed a nighttime movement of more than a half million troops from one battlefield to another that led to the armistice. Between the wars he helped modernize combat training, and re-staffed the U.S. Army's officer corps with the men who would lead in the next decades. But as WWII loomed, it was the role of army chief of staff in which Marshall's intellect and backbone were put to the test, when his blind commitment to duty would run up against the realities of Washington politics. Long seen as a stoic, almost statuesque figure, he emerges in these pages as a man both remarkable and deeply human, thanks to newly discovered sources.

Set against the backdrop of five major conflicts—two world wars, Palestine, Korea, and the Cold War—Marshall's education in military, diplomatic, and political power, replete with their nuances and ambiguities, runs parallel with America's emergence as a global superpower. The result is a defining account of one of our most consequential leaders. Americas Military Military & War United States World War II War Imperialism Imperial Japan Winston Churchill US Army Franklin D Roosevelt Cold War Russia Self-Determination Soviet Union Submarine Middle East
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An excellent book, excellently read. An outstanding biography of a major twentieth century figure, and a first class listen from start to finish.

Simply outstanding

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This special book on a special American ends with this line, spoken of General of the Army George Marshall, Let us pray in these dark times that these words remind us of our better angels.

If you want to test a man’s character, give him power

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I was wary of purchasing this book because I was afraid that it would lapse into the type of cringeworthy hagiography that mars most of the biographies of another famous WW2 US military leader, Douglas MacArthur. I need not have worried. Roll gives us an objective, unbiased account of the life of a key figure in twentieth-century history. Lack of bias does not preclude empathy and Roll’s empathy for his subject ensures that the biography does not become a dry chronological account of Marshall’s life. Roll’s insight and analysis enable the reader to gain a deep understanding of Marshall’s personality and Marshall's role in some of the key events of the last century. This will surely become the definitive biography of George Marshall for students of twentieth-century history.

Mark Bramhall’s narration is excellent.

A first-rate biography

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I had only heard of Marshall's name and knew nothing about him before listening to this. An extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life. He is so different to what we have now and stands in reproach to them. If only we had someone like him now - he is very much needed. A fascinating and pleasurable book.

Extraordinary man

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Though it is a through book, telling of fact after another within timelines of Marshall's Life, it fails totally in explaining or diving deeper into his character, his managerial strategies and what drove this important man. Instead we get the usual facts - "he did this...then that..etc" most of which any reader can get from many other historical books. Very disappointing.

Disappointing - very 1 dimensional !

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