Portrait Biographical Series Of Secretaries Of War

This book reflects two major themes of the U.S. Army's commemoration: the role of the soldier-statesmen of the Revolution in the creation of our government, & the constitutional principle of civilian control of the military. This edition continues to recognize those twin legacies. As this volume carries us through the roll of the Secretaries of War & the Secretaries of the Army, it provides insights into the character & background of those who have served as the Army's most senior official. It also honors them for their contributions as eminent leaders in the history of the Army & in the history of the nation. Each secretary is shown in a full-page color portrait.

At the time of his death, renowned Lincoln biographer Benjamin Thomas was at work on a life of one of the most controversial figures in American history: Edwin McMasters Stanton, the man who marshaled the military forces of the Union in the Civil War and played a crucial role in the only presidential impeachment trial in our history. Harold Hyman, himself a prize-winning historian, undertook to carry on from the advanced point in research and writing that Thomas had reached. The result of their collaborative efforts is a monumental work worthy to stand beside Thomas’s own Lincoln as a truly outstanding American biography. Continuously absorbing and written with clarity and grace, Stanton gives an objective, full-scale portrait of this complex and enigmatic figure. Stanton could be explosive and domineering or gentle or considerate; he was at once single-minded and self-doubting. That Stanton should be “controversial” is curious, for he served with distinction under three Presidents; Lincoln offered him unquestioning trust and warm personal friendship. Yet Stanton’s name is commonly associated with duplicity rather than with selfless patriotism, including charges that he connived in Lincoln’s murder, betrayed each of the Presidents he served, antagonized such generals as McClellan and Sherman, and thwarted opportunities for the peaceful reconciliation of North and South. This biography puts legend and prejudice in clear perspective by going directly to documentary evidence, by probing into Stanton’s motives and methods, and by evaluating his accomplishments and failures. It is a judicious and honest portrait of a stubborn, dedicated man; but it also brings to light many important details about the times in which he lived.

From the Foreword: Leadership is of surpassing importance of arms. Judgment, competence, and courage often count for more than armed might alone in achieving success. Generalship is carefully studied by soldiers who will lead men in combat, whether or not they aspire to general-officer rank themselves. Over time our comparatively young army has developed an impressive list of senior officers who have ably demonstrated the importance of leadership in trying circumstances. This volume offers a unique glimpse of the commanding generals and chiefs of staff who have lead the United States Army in peace and war. Their rise through the levels of leadership to the pinnacle of their profession reveals both striking parallels and fascinating contrasts. As the author's introductory analysis makes clear, their responsibilities have evolved over more than two hundred and thirty years. Although the essential elements of leadership remain unchanged, the complexity of technology and staff organization has increased radically over time. The format of this volume combines biographical sketches with the officially designated portraits of the commanding generals and chiefs of staff, accompanied by brief accounts on the artists. As an aspect of the art history that has continued for more than three centuries, these official portraits add an interesting and revealing dimension to the biographer's words. This volume not only celebrates the legacy of dedication and patriotism left by these leaders but also enhances our understanding of military leadership at the highest levels. I commend it to the attention of all students of our profession.