Nineteen Stars: A Study in Military Character and Leadership

by Edgar F. Puryear Jr., Forrest C. Pogue (Designed by)

Examines the careers of four great military leaders of World War II--Patton, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall--and discusses the leadership abilities that made them superior commanders. Reprint.

Genres: Leadership, Military Fiction, Biography, Nonfiction, War, Military History, History

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Terry Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This juxtaposes how these men became the leaders they did. I read this book many years ago and have revisited it again - I still have it on my shelf.
Arguably, one could say this is neither a biography or that it has anything really new. I beg to differ. I have been able to think about this through the lens of time and my own leadership positions and career in and out of the military.
This is a good look at how skill, luck, mentoring, self-critical examination and perseverance came together in each of their careers. Yes, it might be helpful to have read individual biography's, however this is a look at comparative leadership. How some came to tarnish their names - Patton's slapping incidents and MacArthur's Hubris in WWII and Korea - are not indicative of leadership, but rather the hubris and arrogance that comes from when one forgets "their roots" My personal favorite in this Marshall.

[Doug DePew · Rating 5 out of 5]

"19 Stars: A Study in Military Character and Leadership" is a wonderful study of the leadership styles of four of the most prominent generals in World War II: MacArthur, Marshall, Eisenhower, and Patton. It gives a brief synopsis of each of their biographies then goes on to address how they handled themselves in different facets of leadership such as dealing with subordinates, character, courage, and preparation. It pays great attention to how they each used a different style to accomplish the same thing which was defeating fascism and winning the greatest war the world has ever fought.

I particularly enjoyed how each leader is contrasted. The most interesting part of the book for me was when Mr. Puryear compared and contrasted them. It was interesting how they were all so different yet so alike. They came from extremely diverse backgrounds, but they all found common ground in the military. The book is well written and would provide useful insight to anyone studying military leadership, WW-II, or leadership in general. I recommend it.

[Jonathan Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author's intention didn't seem to be to make this book a biography, but most of the pages were taken up by accounts of the generals' lives. There was nothing particularly new or insightful, but he did do a good job of summing up the positives of their careers

The crux of his book, ostensibly, is to identify why the four generals chosen (MacArthur, Marshall, Patten, and Eisenhower)turned out to be such great leaders. The problems with his analysis were twofold: First, when trying to compare intangible leadership qualities between four people leads to some cherrypicking of attributes they shared.

Though the author did extensive research (interviewing hundreds of generals), some of the qualities he came up with were not particularly convincing. Among the least convincing facets of their personalities that made them leaders was their relationships with religion (something most men shared at that time) and the drive to minimize casualties (something any sane person would strive to do).

As is almost inevitable with a subject like this, the other qualities mentioned were believable but tough to back up with anything more than anecdotal evidence, and the author did not achieve any penetrating insights.

It's a good read, if just to get one's self to think about leadership qualities, but, extensive research notwithstanding, the conclusions drawn by Puryear shouldn't be taken too seriously.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read but nothing groundbreaking. The biographies of the four generals could have been more critical. The author does a good job, however, of arguing what makes a good military leader.

[Patricia Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nineteen Stars is a comparative study of Generals George Marshall, George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur. These men were true leaders with the interests of their soldiers and the American people at the heart of all decisions made. They were strong, determined men, whose leadership skills were honed with education and experience. The book was interesting throughout. I learned so much and, with every page, wanted to learn more. I am by no stretch of the imagination a history buff, but I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this true military chronicle.

[Jens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read biographies of Eisenhower and Marshall and definitely plan to read on Patton and MacArthur, but this book takes the most interesting facts out of them all. Next to the stories of their life, the author also tries to answer questions or themes based on their actions and decisions. I loved the fact he also got answers from other Army Commanders like Clark, Hodges, Collins, Truscott,.. Well worth your time.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started off thinking this was a book with no new information, just well organized to address the topic of leadership and it is. I did take exception with using Lee as an example of a man of character and there is at least one historical misstep.

[Brian W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book covers the characteristics of outstanding leadership by covering Patton, MacArthur, Marshall, and Eisenhower. Great leadership lesson from the most remarkable military leaders of the 20th century!!

[Keith McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the study of leadership and you get the added bonus of four biographies of men that served our country with great honor, dedication and selflessness. #GoArmy

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This serves as a decent biography, encyclopedia-style, and a simply written course in how to succeed in a military career. The author has it down pat: character.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

19 Stars was one of those books that you start to read, and then forget about how good it is until you decide to pick it up again. I really enjoyed this book after reading only 20% until the last 4 days. It brilliantly biographies Patton, Marshall, Eisenhower, and McArthur. It also ties their leadership to character, humility, desire, luck, preparation, and many more. Overall 4/5

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not really familiar with military history and I feel like I learned a lot. I'm not sure that I really learned what makes a great leader? I think this would be more informative but also nastier if there were comparisons with people who were put in leadership positions and failed or were simply adequate. It's definitely interesting that MacArthur, Patton, Eisenhower, and Marshall are all so different. Puryear mentions that, at the time, people wondered how America was able to produce these exceptional military leaders when the country had basically been in a state of peace for so many years. I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me something to think about, and it also stimulated some interest in learning more!

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting review of the characteristics of what goes into a good leader, with some particularly useful insights into military leadership. A little too uncritical and adulatory though - for example, he skips over that small incident involving MacArthur, Truman, and Korea by just restricting himself to WWII. Would have been a more interested study if he'd widened the scope a bit and included some criticism.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended reading by Air University. A very good review and analysis of the leadership characteristics of four key military leaders of the 20th century.

[Lucas A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a study in military leadership and thought the book was very well written!