Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45

By: Barbara W. Tuchman

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Length: 29 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

In this Pulitzer Prize - winning biography, Barbara Tuchman explores American relations with China through the experiences of one of our men on the ground. In the cantankerous but level-headed "Vinegar Joe", Tuchman found a subject who allowed her to perform, in the words of the National Review, "one of the historian's most envied magic acts: conjoining a fine biography of a man with a fascinating epic story."

Joseph Stilwell was the military attaché to China from 1935 to 1939, commander of United States forces, and allied chief of staff to Chiang Kai-shek from 1942 to 1944. His story unfolds against the background of China's history, from the revolution of 1911 to the turmoil of World War II, when China's Nationalist government faced attack from Japanese invaders and Communist insurgents.

©1971 Barbara W. Tuchman (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most interesting and informative book on U.S.-China relations...a brilliant, lucid and authentic account." ( The Nation)
"Barbara Tuchman's best book...so large in scope, so crammed with information, so clear in exposition, so assured in tone that one is tempted to say it is not a book but an education." ( The New Yorker)

Excellent Long-form Nonfiction.

Would you listen to Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45 again? Why?

Yes. But one has to be a real WWII history geek. This 600 page book was written foran earlier generation of readers who were in a culture of long-form reading. So actuallythe audible format is a lot better for the way we all are now. But it is especially betterfor those under 40.I had a special interest, as one who is doing research on a family member who servedon Stilwell's staff in China-Burma-India. The book cast a lot of light on the artifacts anddocuments I am going through. I could read articles in the CBI Roundup papers withsome knowledge of the who/what/where/whens.

What did you like best about this story?

Tuchman was a great writer from the old school of historians. I think that being awoman made her have a different viewpoint on the personalities. Military history ismostly written by men. Her views and opinions had that feminine insight. At thesame time she maintained a balanced tone, often stating the opinions and judgmentsof people with different perspectives.You also learn a lot about the Chinese history and worldview. In this regard the book is not "old" history, but is highly relevant to the China we deal with today.The book also gives you a good picture of life in the U.S. Army of the '20s and '30s.

Which scene was your favorite?

Wherever Stilwell was POed about events, Tuchman and the narrator really give you a feel for the man, really bring him to life. Because of Tuchman's writing and the excellent narration of Pam Ward I felt like I got to know the man. He came to life through their
talents.

Any additional comments?

Good book for WWII enthusiasts. Not a quick read. Even in Audible format, get ready for a long involved journey.

Informative for students of US efforts in the Pacific Theater during WWII

Tuchman wrote a sober, clear and thoroughgoing description of General Joseph Stilwell's military career. Stilwell was at large in in China, Burma, and the Pacific generally during the during the lead-up to and front-line battles in World War II.

Tuchman portrayed in her text an energetic and effective leader who persevered at an interconnected set of impossible tasks that faced the US Army and conflict with Japan and dealings with our so-called allies. She might downplay his 'vinegar' nature overall, but she quotes many of his sour declarations. His presence among enlisted soldiers of several nationalities on march and under fire may have absolved the old salt some of his eccentricities.

Tuchman included in the narrative evocative descriptions of many key leaders that worked with and against Stilwell in the course of two World Wars, including Gen. and Madame Chiang Kai Shek who did both--at times simultaneously...

Amazing book

You can see why Tuchman got a Pulitzer for this book. What an incredible story of Vinegar Joe and his dealings with the Chinese in WW2!

Great personal history

quite a career. it is nice to have a history of competent heros that are not popularly remembered.

Superb Story and well narrated. Loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45 to be better than the print version?

No

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course, ole Vinegar Joe. How could he not be. This story brought the crusty old soldier right back to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Vinegar and Peanuts don't mix

How did she do it?

Starting with the guns of August, this is the Zimmerman telegram, Bible insured, the first salute, and now this book, I find it works simply amazing. She takes the most complex stories, chasing them back to the beginning point sometimes hundreds of years earlier, Interweaving the characters In ways that makes them make sense for the first time. I sure wish you were still writing. In any case I am sure that I will keep reading until I’ve completed all of your works. RIP.

Ombres chinoises

Barbara Tuchman didn’t win 2 Pulitzer prizes for nothing. She writes about military campaigns with such clarity that who needs maps? Unfortunately, the narration is all over the place. She handles the Chinese names and phrases beautifully. But with every quote from Stilwell’s diary, she resorts to low-grade ventriloquism. Stilwell’s writing was unpolished. She makes it worse. I still recommend the book. Just be prepared to grit your teeth.

Outstanding in every way!

An important read. Well written. Well read. I have always been interested in this theater of the war and Stilwell. This was a great place to start.

US in China in WW 2

A stunning story of heroism, perseverance and the will to overcome all obstacles in the face of an ally not unable, but unwilling, to fight for itself. The story of Stilwell in China could easily be understood as the prototype for what happened in Viet Nam a decade later. It was impossible for me to come away from this book without a completely new understanding of Chiang Kai-shek and the role he played (or perhaps more accurately didn't play) in the Second World War. It gives a very positive view of Stilwell and the American effort, a positive view of many, many Chinese, but a very negative view of the active government in China during World War 2. And it serves as a dramatic counter-point to the allied victories in Europe and in the Pacific.

I recommend it, but it is not an easy book to read. The book is not new (it was originally published in 1971) but Barbary Tuchman did a great service with this book and it deserves to be read. The narrator does an excellent job but, as I said, it is not an easy book to read.

If you really want details

This over 20 hours of listening in 4 parts of the life and times of Joseph Stillwell. It chronicles his life from birth (1911) to death (1945). He first went to China in 1920 and spoke fluent Chinese. He was the military attache to China (1935-39) and commander of US forces and allied chief of staff to Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) in 1942-44. While he was commander of the forces in China he also had to deal with the British which a different agenda in Far East, CKS, the communists Chinese, the Japanese and another US General Chenault. All of these factions had their own agenda and made Stillwell's plans extremely difficult to carry out. In particular, Stilwell believed in taking over the Burma Road to allow for supply of goods into China. The British wanted resources elsewhere; Chenault wanted an exclusive air attack: CKS wanted U aid but did not want to commit Chinese troops and was more worried about the communists than the Japanese and Japanese were aggressively attacking China.

Stilwell is depicted as a person who had a great respect and admiration for the Chinese people but had no respect or trust for high ranking chinese officers who were more interested in kickbacks and maintaining their army rather than winning the war. Stilwell also butted heads with CKS over how Chinese troops should be utilitized.

The story also provides a good summary of the history of China from 1900 on. The story ends sadly. Stilwell does eventually open the Burma road, but air resources had improved to the point where the road was not necessary for supplies. Stilwell was eventually recalled back to the US when Roosevelt caved in to CKS request to have Stillwell removed. He returned to the US without fanfare or recognition for his efforts as the person who saw more battles than anyother in the Pacific.

If you are interested in the history of China ane beginnings of US - China diplomacy you find this book interesting.