15 Stars

Eisenhower, MacArthur, Marshall: Three Generals Who Saved the American Century

Look inside
Paperback
$27.00 US
6"W x 9"H x 1.3"D  
On sale May 06, 2008 | 576 Pages | 9780451223920
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

15 Stars presents the intertwined lives of three great men—Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall—against the sweeping background of six unforgettable decades, from the two world wars to the Cold War. As it reveals the personalities behind the public images, it shows how much of a difference three men can make not only to a nation, but the world. 

In the closing days of World War II, America looked up to three five-star generals as its greatest heroes. George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur personified victory, from the Pentagon to Normandy to the Far East. Counterparts and on occasion competitors, they had leapfrogged each other, sometimes stonewalled each other, even supported and protected each other throughout their celebrated careers. In the public mind they stood for glamour, integrity, and competence. But for dramatic twists of circumstance, all three—rather than only one—might have occupied the White House.
Stanley Weintraub is Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, and the author of numerous histories and biographies, including 15 Stars, 11 Days in December, and Silent Night. View titles by Stanley Weintraub
“[An] object lesson in how even the most iron-willed president must always have strong, independent-minded commanders and, no less important, be willing to listen intently to them.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“[A] stormy tale.”—Washington Post Book World
 
“An interesting portrait of America’s most prominent modern generals.”—Desert Morning News

About

15 Stars presents the intertwined lives of three great men—Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall—against the sweeping background of six unforgettable decades, from the two world wars to the Cold War. As it reveals the personalities behind the public images, it shows how much of a difference three men can make not only to a nation, but the world. 

In the closing days of World War II, America looked up to three five-star generals as its greatest heroes. George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur personified victory, from the Pentagon to Normandy to the Far East. Counterparts and on occasion competitors, they had leapfrogged each other, sometimes stonewalled each other, even supported and protected each other throughout their celebrated careers. In the public mind they stood for glamour, integrity, and competence. But for dramatic twists of circumstance, all three—rather than only one—might have occupied the White House.

Author

Stanley Weintraub is Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, and the author of numerous histories and biographies, including 15 Stars, 11 Days in December, and Silent Night. View titles by Stanley Weintraub

Praise

“[An] object lesson in how even the most iron-willed president must always have strong, independent-minded commanders and, no less important, be willing to listen intently to them.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“[A] stormy tale.”—Washington Post Book World
 
“An interesting portrait of America’s most prominent modern generals.”—Desert Morning News

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and educators are increasingly aware that integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum is critical if we want students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Download the thematic educator guides on Teaching About Anxiety and Mindfulness and Teaching About Student Wellness. Explore our specially curated collections on

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Middle School titles AANHPI Creators – High School titles .

Read more