Rating: 
Summary: Separated but close.
Review: The Mask of Command is a very commendable reading for different audiences: those interested in specific military topics, those interested in history (as myself), those who research on leadership and more, much more, because John Keegan writes with a dynamic and fluent style and expose his ideas very engagingly.
Four historical figures are chosen as examples for this study, we may dissent with the choice. I'm sure every reader will have a different list, if forced to select four characters among the enormous list of suitable candidates.
Each Commander is presented in his historical background: political and social circumstances; his staff and soldiers, his ideals and goals, his methods and resources. Then compared and confronted with the other subjects. Here is where Mr. Keegan displays a very imaginative and didactical approach. A deep insight into the commandeering skills of these forceful characters, separated in time and space, but very close to each other in the quests they have to solve.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
Rating:
Summary: The greatest study in command
Review: The Mask of Command is not a typical history. Indeed, in many respects it is not a history at all. What Keegan is after in this book is a glimpse at different styles and techniques of command used by different historical figures. First, it should be pointed out that it is "command," not "leadership." The two terms, although frequently interchangeable, are not the same -- if you are looking for a tome that will advise you on how to be a leader in the business or sports environment, this is not it. If you are interested in learning about military leadership, or thinking about its applications in other areas, this is the book for you. Keegan takes us from Alexander to Hitler by way of Wellington and Grant. Each one of these figures represents a different answer to the question: out front -- sometimes, always, or never? Describing these differences, comparing them in a vaccuum, and then explaining them contextually is Keegan's point, and he does it wonderfully. Beginning with the personal mythos of Alexander, continuing with the distance of Wellington and the humility of Grant, and concluding with the concerned megalomania of Hitler, the book does a great job of exploring the different ways of creating a cult of personality, and inspiring subordinates. The Mask of Command is the freshest look at the importance of military history in a generation. This book will be invaluable to soldiers, business and sports leaders who need to move beyond John Maxwell, and teachers looking for a way to bring new meaning and importance to their classroom.
Rating:
Summary: The greatest study in command
Review: The Mask of Command is not a typical history. Indeed, in many respects it is not a history at all. What Keegan is after in this book is a glimpse at different styles and techniques of command used by different historical figures. First, it should be pointed out that it is "command," not "leadership." The two terms, although frequently interchangeable, are not the same -- if you are looking for a tome that will advise you on how to be a leader in the business or sports environment, this is not it. If you are interested in learning about military leadership, or thinking about its applications in other areas, this is the book for you. Keegan takes us from Alexander to Hitler by way of Wellington and Grant. Each one of these figures represents a different answer to the question: out front -- sometimes, always, or never? Describing these differences, comparing them in a vaccuum, and then explaining them contextually is Keegan's point, and he does it wonderfully. Beginning with the personal mythos of Alexander, continuing with the distance of Wellington and the humility of Grant, and concluding with the concerned megalomania of Hitler, the book does a great job of exploring the different ways of creating a cult of personality, and inspiring subordinates. The Mask of Command is the freshest look at the importance of military history in a generation. This book will be invaluable to soldiers, business and sports leaders who need to move beyond John Maxwell, and teachers looking for a way to bring new meaning and importance to their classroom.
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