Ludendorff: Soldier, Dictator, Revolutionary

by D.J. Goodspeed

Biography of Erich Ludendorff, German general who served as chief of staff to Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg on the Eastern Front and the Quartermaster General of the German Army from 1916 and 1918 and as such virtual dictator of Germany.

Genres: History

285 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Colonel (Retired) Donald James Goodspeed was a Canadian military officer, historian and academic. At his death he was Professor Emeritus at Brock University (St. Catherines, Ontario). Professor Goodspeed also wrote mystery/detective fiction under the name Dougal McLeish.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this biography engrossing even though much of it involved the movement of various armies across battlefields and the movements in battle of various military forces, which I have trouble understanding or picturing. The author did a good job of portraying the Germans sympathetically. He also brought to life the evolution of Ludendorf from a military genius to a Nazi. Ludendorf's life before and after WWI are only given brief attention. I look forward to reading a more complete biography of Ludendorf.

[Roberto Lacerda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A avaliação da biografia de Ludendorff não se detém nas questões psicológicas desse forte caráter. As influências do temperamento na tomada de decisões são tão importantes quanto a transformação na personalidade pelos sucessos e fracassos e a derrocada final.

Rico em fatos históricos, inclusive datas, diários etc. Deixa a desejar na exposição de documentação, que fica restrita a bibliografia.

[Edgar Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written account of General of Infantry Erich Ludendorff's life and career focusing on Ludendorff's participation in World War I. Goodspeed's study is based on memoirs and published letters and diaries. The archives were not yet open to researchers when Goodspeed conducted his research, but the essential story is there in outline if not in detail. Goodspeed was particularly adept at conveying atmosphere and personality.