Mask of Command
A) What is the subject of the book' John Keegan's Mask of Command examines the unique status of the wargeneral as he is perceived in a variety of historical and culturalsettings. As war is a hallmark of all cultures, Keegan points to theuniversality of the general's persona. However, the author does not treatgeneralship solely from a psychological perspective. Rather, he sets out toplace war generals in context of their times and societies. By analyzingfour major historical figures that shaped not only their own cultures butthat of neighboring societies and future generations, Keegan backs up histhesis with historical fact. The four war generals Keegan focuses on:Alexander the Great, Wellington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Hitler, each made aunique impact on history but was also a unique product of their particularepoch and culture. Therefore, Keegan shows that each of these major wargenerals deserves a different historical perspective. For instance,Alexander the Great is described by Keegan as being the quintessentialhero. Especially in context of ancient Greek civilization in which heroismbrings specific guidelines, Alexander embodied what it means to be a true
Grant's time period was during the American Civil War, which occurred inthe 1860s. The main subject matters of The Mask ofCommand include war in general; the nature of war generals; and therelevance of war generals in a nuclear age. Keegan's study may not be comprehensive, as he only analyses four wargenerals. Because weaponstechnologies have become more deadly than ever and potentially devastatingto huge portions of the globe, war generals today have a singularresponsibility without historical precedent. Second, Keegandevotes an entire chapter to the post-heroic nuclear era in whichtechnology has effectively drowned out the call to glory. However, Grant's leadership during the American Civil War wasoptimally suited for the conditions and times in which he served thecountry. F) What are the author's conclusions about the subject' Keegan makes two overarching conclusions about this research andmaterial. D) What topics are covered' Keegan touches upon most aspects of war generalship from psychology tosociology. Hisinclusion of Wellington, Grant, and Hitler shows his predilection formodern history: from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries. H) Is there an Introduction' Bibliography' Index' The author provides an Introduction, Bibliography, and an Index to thematerial. In apost-heroic age, says Keegan, the nature of military command needs to bethoroughly reexamined with a realistic eye. His thrust is on the social and historical context of each ofthe generals he has chosen for scrutiny. J) Check to see if the book is reviewed in the Book Review Digest. The Introduction is entitled "Pre-Heroic Leadership.
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Acceptance Essays
