This book joins a pile of others about the famous American General and commander of the South-West Pacific Theater during World War II. What sets it apart, I believe, is Perry's emphasis on two main points. The first is McArthur's openness and honesty with his superiors, first with President Roosevelt and later with Chief of Staff of the Army, General George Marshall, which gave the latter two men insight into the true inner workings of the War Department and the Army. Although General MacArthur could be friendly, he may have had few friends; he apparently judged people solely on their effectiveness, which enabled Roosevelt and Marshall to select people for responsible positions during WWII whose names we revere today. It also enabled Roosevelt and Marshall to trust McArthur with vast resources, responsibilities, and authorities never before or since entrusted to an American military officer.The second point that Perry brings out about McArthur is the latter's development of self-awareness. McArthur became almost chameleon-like in his ability to adapt his behavior and demeanor to the people and situations around him. McArthur's adaptability enabled him to get along well with, and secure cooperation from, Australians who were most of his infantry for the first years of his command and later with powerful Navy commanders who apparently were determined that the Pacific Theater was going to be solely a Navy show.What may annoy you about Perry's new book is his version of "facts" about Douglas MacArthur's life and their correlation with those printed in other sources. On the one hand, you may wish that the author was in the same room with you so you could throw his book at him and scream "Why couldn't you have gotten the small stuff right?" On the other hand, it is possible that Perry is right and the other sources wrong, but how long would it take to find out? However, on some third appendage you may ask "What are the implications if both sets of "facts" are correct?" For example, if it's true that when McArthur entered the Philippines he celebrated his birthday in November, given that other sources list it as being in January, what does that say?In summary, this is a fascinating book which not only will you find it almost impossible to put down, but also you may have difficulty falling asleep as you replay portions of it in your mind. Mark Perry is to be congratulated on a totally new take on a great, famous, and effective American personality who influenced hugely and positively the people and countries United States dealt with in the Pacific during and after the Second World War.