Old Soldiers Never Die: The Life of Douglas MacArthur

by Geoffrey Perrett

Provides insights into the life and times of the great military leader and takes a look at MacArthur's military career, personal relationships, and flirtation with politics

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, World War II, American History, War, Military Fiction

663 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Geoffrey Perrett is an author who writes about American history. His work focuses primarily upon the political dynamics that influence strategic and tactical military decisions, as well as broader political themes. He has published over thirteen books dealing with a variety of topics, among them the U.S. Presidency - including several biographies of iconic Presidents such as John F. Kennedy and Ulysses S. Grant - leading American military commanders such as Douglas MacArthur, and pivotal American military engagements.

Perrett was born in the UK and went on to serve in the U.S. Army for 3 years. Later he studied at Long Beach City College and then obtained his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from the University of Southern California in 1967. He was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained his postgraduate degree from Harvard University in 1969 and then studied law at the University of California at Berkeley.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

American generals tend to come in two flavors: modest (Zachary Taylor, Grant, Sherman, Bradley) and flamboyant (Winfield Scott, McClellan, Patton, Schwarzkopf). No doubt about where Douglas MacArthur fits in! Perret's fine biography of one of America's most famous generals is an excellent addition to the corpus of writings on Mac's varied and fascinating career, and a useful counterpoint to William Manchester's somewhat worshipful "American Cesear." MacArthur was an incredibly brave and highly decorated combat leader in the First World War, and yet his reputation suffered both before and during the Second. His moment of true military genius was the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950, and yet, soon after, because he had discounted the Chinese threat and violated orders about speaking out against a grand strategy he disagreed with, he was sacked by Truman. All this and more makes for stimulating reading, and Perret here, as in his other fine history books, wields his pen deftly. Certainly worth the time it takes to read.

[Travis Ristau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Douglas MacArthur and this book did a great job of showing everything he has done. Some remarkable parts of his life that I didn't even know came from this. One that stuck out was everything he went through at West Point. Even with this, he was able to overcome all of this and graduate at the top of his class. This book did a good job of explaining the thoughts and ideas of Douglas in each of the wars he served in. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes WW2 or great war generals as it explains what he did as a general and who he got his ideas from.

[Alex Krembs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well measured chronicled analysis of MacArthur's career. Too often the books on MacArthur lean towards hagiographic. I found that this biography acheived a good balance which adds weight to it findings.

Of note - the authors different take on the Wake Island meeting between Truman and MacArthur. And he gives significant detail to the New Guinea campaign.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a superb biography of General of the Army Gouglas MacArthur and adds additional information to the terrific and a bit earlier work, American Caesar by William Manchester.

Despite MacArthur's numerous peccadiloes, a production line dedicated to his public relations, and his selection of a mediocre staff to support him, nevertheless MacArthur remains one of America's most brilliant strategists in WWII, and America's most decorated soldier in WWI, where he served as a brigadier general in the 42nd Rainbow Division.

Despite many detractors, this book shows MacArthur as the consummate martial leader, who suffered fewer casualties, in his march from the Solomon Islands through the Phillippines, from 1943 through early 1945, than the US Army suffered in just the Battle of the Bulge in Northern Europe during Christmas of 1944.

Perret does a masterful job weaving the many elements of MacArthur's life together, and constructs for the man whose military career stretches from a cavalry post to the age of the atomic bomb.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously, the right starting place for MacArthur would be William Manchester's book. However, this one does not disappoint. As a matter of fact, of all Perret's books, this one is most likely the best, despite its flaws. Our subject is the greatest military mind this country has ever produced.
Was Gen. MacArthur an egomaniac? Yes, name me a general who wasn't. But in America's 'brief' history, you will not find a more intelligent, and courageous officer than this man. During WWI, his personal bravery and daring led to seven Silver Stars. During WWII, he lost less men in the southwest Pacific in four years of fighting, than Gen. Eisenhower did at the Battle of the Bulge alone! During the Korean war, at seventy years of age, his offensive at Inchon was the height of audacity and planning. He wrote Japan's postwar constitution, he is also revered by many Japanese to this day.
All in all, his career is enough to make one say, "Patton who?"

[Paul Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by Perret's review of the facts and historical record in writting candidly about MacArthur. He did not shy away from the good,bad or u...moreI was impressed by Perret's review of the facts and historical record in writting candidly about MacArthur. He did not shy away from the good,bad or ugly. Well done.

[B E E E · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read William Manchester's book on MacArthur ('American Caesar), you need to also read this one as it clears up a few points that Manchester (who obviously liked his subject) got wrong, particularly stuff concerning the Bonus Army. A fascinatingly complex character. For instance, Mac was fearless in battle, yet deeply afraid of hospitals.

[Alton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair and balanced portrait of MacArthur-overall a good read that touches on every major point of his life. Of interest is where he differs from other biographies of MacArthur (I have read three) and is willing to show him warts and all where most tend to paint a glowing picture of him.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second biography I've read on MacArthur out of three significant works. Geoffrey Perrett does a great job of documenting a great American hero's unmatched accomplishments. I was sorry it ended but that's what happens with a great book and a great life, they end.

[Wachlin007 Hotmail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was a good biography of Douglas MacArthur. It was very informative, but I thought American Caesar was a bit more entertaining.

[E. T. Brother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting