Plot Summary

Dereliction of Duty

H.R. McMaster
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Dereliction of Duty

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1997

Book Brief

H.R. McMaster

Dereliction of Duty

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

216

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Vietnam War • 1960s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster, a 1997 book, critiques the handling of the Vietnam War by President Lyndon Johnson, his civilian advisors, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. McMaster argues that political motives and ineffective strategies led to the conflict's mismanagement and highlights errors in decision-making and the lack of proper military engagement and input that contributed to the United States’ failure in Vietnam.

Informative

Challenging

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.2

7,394 ratings

79%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

H.R. McMaster's Dereliction of Duty provides a meticulously researched critique of the Vietnam War, focusing on military and political leadership failures. It is praised for in-depth analysis and extensive documentation. Some criticize its dense prose and complexity, which may challenge casual readers. Overall, it is a significant contribution to understanding U.S. military history.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dereliction of Duty?

Readers who appreciate detailed military history, analysis of leadership decisions, and insider perspectives will enjoy H.R. McMaster's Dereliction of Duty. Comparable to works like David Halberstam's The Best and the Brightest, this book appeals to those interested in Vietnam War studies and critical evaluations of U.S. foreign policy.

4.2

7,394 ratings

79%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Dereliction of Duty is written by H.R. McMaster, who later became a National Security Advisor under the Trump administration.

The book originated from McMaster's Ph.D. dissertation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Dereliction of Duty critiques the U.S. military and political leadership during the Vietnam War, including the decisions made by President Lyndon B. Johnson and his advisors.

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Book Details
Pages

216

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Vietnam War • 1960s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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