George Marshall: Defender of the Republic

Product Description
The extraordinary career of General George C. Marshall—America’s most distinguished soldier–statesman since George Washington—whose selfless leadership and moral character influenced the course of two world wars and helped define the American century  

“I’ve read several biographies of Marshall, but I think [David] Roll’s may be the best of the bunch.”—Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review • “Powerful.”—The Wall Street Journal • “Enthralling.”—Andrew Roberts • “Important.”—William I. Hitchcock • “Majestic.”—Susan Page • “Engrossing.”—Andrew J. Bacevich • “Judicious.”—Walter Isaacson • “Definitive.”—Kirkus

Winston Churchill called him World War II’s “organizer of victory.” Harry Truman said he was “the greatest military man that this country ever produced.” Today, in our era of failed leadership, few lives are more worthy of renewed examination than Marshall and his fifty years of loyal service to the defense of his nation and its values. 

Even as a young officer Marshall was heralded as a genius, a reputation that grew when in WWI he planned and executed a nighttime movement of more than a half million troops from one battlefield to another that led to the armistice. Between the wars he helped modernize combat training and re-staffed the U.S. Army’s officer corps with the men who would lead in the next decades. But as WWII loomed, it was the role of army chief of staff in which Marshall’s intellect and backbone were put to the test, when his blind commitment to duty would run up against the realities of Washington politics. Long seen as a stoic, almost statuesque figure, he emerges in these pages as a man both remarkable and human thanks to newly discovered sources.

Set against the backdrop of five major conflicts—two world wars, Palestine, Korea, and the Cold War—Marshall’s education in military, diplomatic, and political power, replete with their nuances and ambiguities, runs parallel with America’s emergence as a global superpower. The result is a defining account of one of our most consequential leaders.
Review
Praise for George Marshall: 
“A deeply researched and masterfully written work that relies in part on never-used documents, one that should establish Marshall at the top of any list of American titans.”
—The Washington Times

“David Roll has brilliantly brought George Marshall to life in a biography chock full of revealing and inspiring moments, reminding us what real leadership can be.”
—Evan Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of First: Sandra Day O’Connor 
 
“An overdue, authoritative biography of one of America’s greatest soldier-statesmen… a definitive, nuanced portrait.”
—Kirkus, starred review
 
“David Roll’s 
George Marshall couldn’t come at a more crucial time. There’s a growing conviction among Americans that their country no longer produces strategists and statesmen of Marshall’s stature. Thanks to new sources on the general’s life and the military establishment through which he rose, this thorough, balanced, and wise book goes far in assessing that claim.”
—John Lewis Gaddis, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of George F. Kennan: An American Life
 
“[An] authoritative and engaging biography…This well-written and captivating book will stand as the definitive biography of Marshall.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
“A book as necessary as it is great. At a time when Americans are struggling to define what real leadership looks like, David Roll’s brilliant new portrait of George Marshall offers valuable clarity. An eminently human Marshall emerges, but one whose bedrock values and unwavering commitment to the responsibility of service can inspire us to live to a higher standard.”
—General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army, Ret.
 
“David Roll’s 
George Marshall is a tonic for our troubled times. Roll brings to life the decency and strength of character that made Marshall one of America’s greatest soldiers and statesmen, showing how, for all his b