Full Description
For this book, fifteen distinguished historians were given a deceptively simple task: identify their choice for the worst military leader in history, and then explain why theirs is the worst.
From the clueless Conrad von Hötzendorf and George A. Custer, to the criminal Baron Roman F. von Ungern-Sternberg and the bungling Garnet Wolseley, this book presents a rogues' gallery of military incompetents. Rather than merely rehashing biographical details, the contributors take an original and unconventional look at military leadership in a way that will appeal to both specialists and general readers alike.
While there are plenty of books that analyse the keys to success, The Worst Military Leaders in History offers lessons of failure to avoid. In other words, this book is a 'how-not-to' guide to leadership.
Contents
Introduction by John M. Jennings and Chuck Steele
PART I Criminals
1 Roman Fedorovich von Ungern-Sternberg, John M. Jennings
2 Nathan Bedford Forrest, Christopher M. Rein
3 John M. Chivington, Courtney A. Short
PART II Frauds
4 David Beatty, Chuck Steele
5 Gideon J. Pillow, Robert P. Wettemann, Jr
6 Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Gates Brown
PART III The Clueless
7 Franz Conrad von Hoetzendorf, Mark E. Grotelueschen and Derek Varble
8 Lewis Brereton, John J. Abbatiello
9 George A. Custer, David W. Mills
PART IV Politicians
10 Marcus Licinius Crassus, Gregory S. Hospodor
11 Nikias, James Tucci
12 Raymond VI, Count of Toulouse, Laurence W. Marvin
PART V Bunglers
13 Nogi Maresuke, Danny Orbach
14 Romanus IV Diogenes, Andrew Holt
15 Lord Wolseley, Joseph Moretz
Contributors
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
