Pershing

Features the first modern commander to lead a major campaign in Europe. The book is relevant today - Pershing grappled with the challenges of being the first American leader working with foreign Allies in a major war and produced all the senior Army leaders who won WWII (like Patton and MacArthur). Lacey has an engaging style that immediately captivates the reader and has a wonderful sense of narrative timing and relevant detail. Although books on Pershing exist, the literature isn't very deep. Pershing was a notoriously private person, but by focusing on his strategy and legacy, Lacey is able to shed new light on Pershing the man. In this new biography, Lacey sheds light on Pershing's legacy as the nation's first modern combat commander. Idolized by the public, he was the first American general to fight a mechanized war. With focus and clarity, Lacey demonstrates how Pershing implemented structural changes that lead to victory in WWI and WWII.