Lucius D. Clay: An American Life - Hardcover

Smith, Jean Edward

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080500999X ISBN 13: 9780805009996

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 1990

Synopsis

Chronicles the life of the distinguished statesman, covering his West Point days, his experiences in the army's Corps of Engineers, his directorship of military procurement under FDR, and his role as military governor of post-war Germany

About this title

Review:

This thoroughly researched and engaging book by college professor Jean Edward Smith opens the door to the life of Lucius D. Clay, a man referred to in some circles as a "logistical genius" and as "one of the most skillful politicians to wear the uniform of the United States Army." Smith illustrates how Clay selflessly devoted his life to public service, making him an influential and significant player in some of the most momentous events of the 20th century. As military governor from 1945 to 1949, Clay had a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the prosperous and democratic Germany of today. He also played a key role in initiating the New Deal policies of FDR as well as preparing America for the military mobilization required for World War II. In Lucius D. Clay: An American Life, Smith has compiled a wonderful and important biography, and thus offers a valuable service to any student of military and social history. --Jeremy Storey

From Publishers Weekly:

Clay (1898-1978) headed the military procurement effort in WW II, served as U.S. military governor in occupied Germany until his retirement from the Army in '49, and went on to careers in business and banking. He was also active in politics, playing a pivotal role in Eisenhower's '52 presidential campaign. Pragmatic, decisive and incorruptible, he was a type of American who, as Smith notes, "seems less in evidence as the century winds down." The biography is based in part on interviews Smith, editor of The Papers of General Lucius D. Clay , conducted with Clay over a six-year period. Of particular interest are the general's detailed comments on his tenure as military governor of Germany and commander of U.S. forces in Europe, when he laid the foundation for a prosperous and stable Federal Republic of Germany and stood firm against the Soviets with the 1948-1949 Berlin airlift. Short on humor, not given to self-revelation or illustrative anecdote, Clay as depicted here remains a remote and two-dimensional figure. But his mighty deeds are well chronicled in this meticulously researched biography. Photos.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 080500999X
• ISBN 13: 9780805009996
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 835