Pershing: General of the Armies - Hardcover

Smythe, Donald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 025334381X ISBN 13: 9780253343819

Publisher: Indiana University Press, 1986

Synopsis

The product of nearly 25 years of research, Pershing: General of the Armies remains one of the most authoritative biographies of the man known as "Black Jack." Newly appointed head of the American Expeditionary Forces, Pershing sailed for Europe in May 1917. Once in France, he set about the task of building an army. By October the Americans were at the front and over the next year became involved in increasingly significant battles, all vividly recounted here: Cantigny, Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, and the 47-day slugfest in the Meuse-Argonne. Although the impact of the American forces on the outcome of the war has been much debated, there is no question that the troops acquitted themselves well under Pershing’s command. Pershing’s postwar life included an unsuccessful run for president, a stint as Chief of Staff, and a secret romance with a French woman 34 years younger than he; nonetheless, his influence as a leader extended into World War II.

About this title

About the Author:

Donald Smythe (1927–1988) was Professor of History at John Carroll University in Cleveland and lectured at the Army War College and the National War College.

From Library Journal:

This book completes Smythe's biography of John J. Pershing. His first volume was Guerrilla Warrior (1973). Smythe's is the second modern two-volume biography of the general; the other is Frank E. Vandiver's Black Jack: the life and times of John J. Pershing ( LJ 10/1/77). Smythe and Vandiver agree that Pershing put his mark on the American Expeditionary Force that helped turn the tide to the Allies' favor in World War I. Smythe argues that Pershing was almost overwhelmed by his multiple jobssupervisor of logistics, field commander, and diplomat who blocked amalgamation of U.S. units with British and French divisions. While Smythe's book is more thoroughly researched in primary sources than Vandiver's, Vandiver's is the more sprightly written. General readers may prefer Vandiver; scholars may prefer Smythe. Highly recommended for all college and large public libraries. Joseph G. Dawson, History Dept., Texas A&M Univ., College Station
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 025334381X
• ISBN 13: 9780253343819
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 416