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Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45 by Barbara W. Tuchman, John King Fairbank
paperrhino's review against another edition
4.0
Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45 is a biography of one the lesser well-known generals of World War II through which Tuchman explores China from about the time of the Boxer Rebellion through the end of World War II through the eyes of the US. In typical Tuchman fashion, she pulls no punches in assigning blame where she thinks it is warranted and as a result comes up with a cast of heroes and villans. Among the cast of heroes are Stillwell and Marshal and among the villains are Chennault, Rosevelt to a lesser degree, and Chiang Kai-shek being the chief villain of them all.
The book presents a definite one-sided view of the Chinese involvement in World War II, for which I deduct a star, but as a result reads as a more interesting story. And this is one reason why I like reading Tuchman. Her books are well researched and very well written. And so long as it isn't your only source for the history covered, very informative.
I highly recommend to history buffs and fans of her other work.
The book presents a definite one-sided view of the Chinese involvement in World War II, for which I deduct a star, but as a result reads as a more interesting story. And this is one reason why I like reading Tuchman. Her books are well researched and very well written. And so long as it isn't your only source for the history covered, very informative.
I highly recommend to history buffs and fans of her other work.
citizenkahn's review against another edition
4.0
A much easier read than Tuchman's "Guns of August" the book described extreme Stilwel's career and the extreme challenges faced during his quixotic mission in China. Chiang Kai-shek and theKuo-min-tang regime seemed caught by circumstance, environment, or their own incompetence in a downward spiral of graft and inaction. Stilwell's success and deepset flaws offer great object lessons in the application and limitations of personal power. Leadership gains some strength based on position, but relies on building trust between the leader and those further down the org chart. Stilwell's never ending support and belief in the capabilities of those who did the work on the ground enabled him to do great things even when hampered by the hording of resources by the KMT.
wolvereader's review
4.0
Barbara Tuchman relies on General Stilwell's extensive journals and private correspondence to provide an in-depth look at the complicated and frustrating relationship between the US and the Chinese Nationalists during WWII. Tuchman's narrative style humanizes "Vinegar Joe" and makes the case that the US squandered one of its best generals on an ultimately impossible battle of wills with Chiang Kai-Shek.
For fans of WWII or fans of modern Chinese history.
For fans of WWII or fans of modern Chinese history.
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