World War II Magazine
"MacArthur Reconsidered, a well-written, informed, lucidly argued critique of MacArthur’s career as a battlefield commander."
The New York Times
“Reviewing MacArthur’s performances in World War II and the Korean War, [Ellman] concludes that the general was a mediocre commander who lacked interest in details, packed his staff with incompetent bootlickers and often lied in trying to justify his actions. And, of course, he was quite insubordinate, with an alarming tendency to ignore orders and contradict stated policies.”
Military History Chronicles - Robert Young
"MacArthur Reconsidered is an excellent addition to a military history library."
New York Journal of Books
“In his new book MacArthur Reconsidered, Ellman pronounces MacArthur a poor wartime commander whose “insubordination” was a threat to the Republic.”
Marc Gallicchio
In this lively, well-researched book, James Ellman deflates the MacArthur myth and persuasively shows how MacArthur’s political connections, tireless self-promotion, and habitual lying enabled him to escape the consequences of his numerous failures and acquire an undeserved reputation for military genius.
Edward F. Aldrich
History often elevates certain figures higher than the merit of their achievements deserve. As James Ellman reveals in a steady, forceful, and engaging manner, Douglas MacArthur is a case in point. With the skills that an experienced trial lawyer would envy, Ellman carefully examines MacArthur’s record from a number of vantage points and makes it clear that the five-star general’s heightened reputation as a military strategist and commander is far from warranted.
From the Publisher
In his new book MacArthur Reconsidered, Ellman pronounces MacArthur a poor wartime commander whose “insubordination” was a threat to the Republic.” —New York Journal of Books
Library Journal
07/28/2023
Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) is one of the most renowned generals in U.S. history. He was dramatic in his leadership, was perceived as a conquering general, and was fearless in the face of enemy fire. With his dark sunglasses, distinct prop pipe, and campaign hat, he projected American confidence and resolve, and many idolized him in his heyday. Historian Ellman (Axis Defeat in World War II) seeks to puncture that image down to its core by critically examining MacArthur's leadership during World War II and the Korean conflict. The author's evaluation is based on a set of questions focused on specific military practices. He concludes that MacArthur's weaknesses overshadowed his strengths as a military leader. The structure of this polemic reflects the general's wartime leadership within the context of three retreats and three advances in the Pacific Theater between 1941 and 1951. This book is not a comprehensive biography, but elements of MacArthur's life do come into play as background information. VERDICT This well-researched, well-written military-history title will draw general readers, especially ones interested in the history of World War II and the Korean War. It will also benefit historians looking for a different interpretation of MacArthur's role in those conflicts.—Glen Edward Taul
