The General vs. the President

MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War

De: H. W. Brands

Narrado por: Scott Brick

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From master storyteller and historian H. W. Brands comes the riveting story of how President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur squared off to decide America's future in the aftermath of World War II.

At the height of the Korean War, President Harry S. Truman committed a gaffe that sent shock waves around the world. When asked by a reporter about the possible use of atomic weapons in response to China's entry into the war, Truman replied testily, "The military commander in the field will have charge of the use of the weapons, as he always has." This suggested that General Douglas MacArthur, the willful, fearless, and highly decorated commander of the American and UN forces, had his finger on the nuclear trigger. A correction quickly followed, but the damage was done; two visions for America's path forward were clearly in opposition, and one man would have to make way.

Truman was one of the most unpopular presidents in American history. Heir to a struggling economy, a ruined Europe, and increasing tension with the Soviet Union, on no issue was the path ahead clear and easy. General MacArthur, by contrast, was incredibly popular, as untouchable as any officer has ever been in America. The lessons he drew from World War II were absolute: appeasement leads to disaster, and a showdown with the Communists was inevitable - the sooner the better. In the nuclear era, when the Soviets, too, had the bomb, the specter of a catastrophic third world war lurked menacingly close on the horizon.

The contest of wills between these two titanic characters unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of a faraway war and terrors conjured at home by Joseph McCarthy. From the drama of Stalin's blockade of West Berlin to the daring landing of MacArthur's forces at Inchon to the shocking entrance of China into the war, The General vs. the President vividly evokes the making of a new American era.

©2016 H. W. Brands (P)2016 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Scott Brick's narration shines as he delivers Brands's detailed account of the ultimate battle for military control between a struggling President Truman and a rogue General MacArthur.... Thanks to the talents of narrator and author, a broad audience will find this a riveting listen that goes beyond the simple historical facts to reveal the real men who, for a brief time, controlled the fate of the world." ( AudioFile)

the personalities behind the forgotten war

A great way to present the Korean War...in terms of its most prominent personalities. Truman and McAuthor

Dynamite.

Perhaps a bit long, but truly awesome information about a time in history I haven't spent a lot of time in. And Scott Brick is my favorite narrator.

Very interesting

Very interesting and well written.
There is one misquote I think I heard though.
I way be mistaken, but I believe the quote the author attributes to Colonel Murray at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir about “Advancing in a different direction.” Was actually a quote by General Oliver P. Smith.

Wow!

Wow! Just, "Wow!"

This book and its narration are among the very best of the very best.

Surprising History

A long book but I learned many surprising details of history. I've never been a MacArthur fan and am less so now.

A great tribute to freedom

A wonderful look back at two historical figures that shape our world today. I feel that there was a balance laid forth fairly regarding viewpoints of MacArthur and viewpoint of President Truman. We can learn much from looking back on these historical events as history has a way of repeating itself, and this book highlights the wisdom of our founding fathers when establishing our constitution, which is unsurpassed and its wisdom and and governance of our country. I recommend this book to everyone, no matter what party or political affiliation they are with. Wonderful work!

Underrated president and overrated general

Growing up I knew who both these men where, one a president who I honestly didn’t know much about. The other a celebrated war hero who seemed to never do anything wrong. However I believe that Truman is one of our most underrated presidents who actually did a lot for this country, while MacArthur in contrast seems to be a general who became out of touch with his time. He was a great commander but he also thought he could do no wrong and their lies his biggest problem. And overall excellent book and great narration as well.

Very good book

Good book. We'll researched and written. Truman was a great president who saved the United States from WWIII.

Very Fine Book but Ill-Suited Narration

What did you love best about The General vs. the President?

The book makes good use of original source materials like letters, orders, speeches, etc. It thus lets the characters tell their own stories to a very great extent. The pacing is also very good. Coverage of events is comprehensive, but moves along at a good clip. I learned a lot about the Korean War and this period.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The General vs. the President?

Truman's firing of MacArthur is, of course, the most memorable moment, but other, less well known events are also key, e.g., the Wake Island conference & Ridgway's revitalization of the Eighth Army.

How could the performance have been better?

I must dissent from the widespread praise other reviewers have heaped on the reader. His slow, breathy style seemed ill-suited to the narrative. His tendency to drop his voice, sometimes almost to a whisper, at the end of sentences was particularly annoying. The style would be a better match for a novel, perhaps even a romance. This story needed a crisper, more businesslike and forceful telling better suited to its protagonists.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Clash of American Titans Over Cold War, Korea & Constitutional Power

How to deal with N. Korea based on history

interesting book. China intervened in the 50's to allow N Korea to exist today. they have a moral responsibility to resolve the issues that we face today.