From the cover: "America's War and Peace, a novel by Anton Myrer, now a universal best seller on NBC-TV." [1976] The Atlantic said, "An ambitious, magnificently vivid novel."
This was an interesting book to read. I went through the over 800 pages rather quickly. But honestly, I didn't enjoy it. Due to all the recommendations by military types, I expected a good book on leadership. What I got was two cliched characters and the same things happening over and over again in different wars.
As a former Marine officer, and Viet Nam veteran, with 12 years service (active duty and reserves) I really didn't learn anything new about leadership. If this is the kind of book the military recommends for junior officer to learn leadership, then we may very well be in trouble.
However, where the book did shine, is in its depiction of the waste of war. For war is the greatest waste of natural resources, especially people, ever developed by Man. Perhaps the lesson of the book is that, after stupid politicians make it necessary, wars must sometimes be fought. But that still doesn't make wars or combat glorious.
As a former Marine officer, and Viet Nam veteran, with 12 years service (active duty and reserves) I really didn't learn anything new about leadership. If this is the kind of book the military recommends for junior officer to learn leadership, then we may very well be in trouble.
However, where the book did shine, is in its depiction of the waste of war. For war is the greatest waste of natural resources, especially people, ever developed by Man. Perhaps the lesson of the book is that, after stupid politicians make it necessary, wars must sometimes be fought. But that still doesn't make wars or combat glorious.
Amazon.com
America's fighting men have turned to Once an Eagle as a sourcebook for the military's core values since its publication at the height of the Vietnam War. The novel, following the careers of virtuous Sam Damon and opportunistic Courtney Massengale, is required reading for all members of the United States Marine Corps and frequently taught in leadership courses at West Point. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The New York Times
"A remarkable novel...utterly engrossing. Myrer is a superb story-teller, one of the few gifted novelists now writing who cares about the art of narration and is a master of it...A grim, exciting and almost overwhelming account of twentieth-century war. It is an astute study of the mind and character of a good general and a good man. And it is a brilliant inside views of the life of a career officer in peace and war." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
America's fighting men have turned to Once an Eagle as a sourcebook for the military's core values since its publication at the height of the Vietnam War. The novel, following the careers of virtuous Sam Damon and opportunistic Courtney Massengale, is required reading for all members of the United States Marine Corps and frequently taught in leadership courses at West Point. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The New York Times
"A remarkable novel...utterly engrossing. Myrer is a superb story-teller, one of the few gifted novelists now writing who cares about the art of narration and is a master of it...A grim, exciting and almost overwhelming account of twentieth-century war. It is an astute study of the mind and character of a good general and a good man. And it is a brilliant inside views of the life of a career officer in peace and war." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
"A classic novel of war and warriors." A study in character and values,courage, honesty, and selflessnes, here is an unforgettable story about a man who embodies the best in our nation...and in us all. A remarkable story. I enjoyed everyone of the 1291 pages, (big book for a really big story) Enjoy!!!
Takes a soldier from pre WWI until Vietnam with his career in the developing Army. Lots of action and love interest as his wife follows him around the world.
"A remarkable novel...utterly engrossing. Myrer is a superb story-teller, one of the few gifted novelists now writing who cares about the art of narration and is a master of it...A grim, exciting and almost overwhelming account of twentieth-century war. It is an astute study of the mind and character of a good general and a good man. And it is a brilliant inside views of the life of a career officer in peace and war."
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW
Eh. A bit too florid in the prose for my tastes.
