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Monash Paperback – October 1, 2014

by Roland Perry (Author)

4.5 412 ratings

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s/t: A Biography of Australia's Greatest Military Commander

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Heinemann Australia (October 1, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 656 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0857982133
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0857982131
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.52 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.06 x 1.81 x 9.17 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,931,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #432,819 in Biographies (Books)

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4.5 412 ratings

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Andrew O'Keeffe

Superb - One of THE BEST books

Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2015

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Monash is an outstanding book. The book has every ingredient - an amazing character, superbly researched and written so well that one is so engrossed in the story one forgets you are reading a book. As an Australian I was left amazed that I knew so little about Monash (well, the book answers why that's the case). I don't usually read military history and I am SO PLEASED I started on this one - and once started I could not put it down. I am telling all my family, friends and work colleagues to read this book! I will be emailing Roland Perry to congratulate him on a superb job. It is the best biography I have ever read, probably one of the best non-fiction books and in the top few best books full stop.

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Dan Dare

Not bad for a Jewish Militia man

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2013

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Sir John Monash is a somewhat imposing person in Melbourne. Today people travel over Princess Bridge and probably never think of who built it. People use reinforced concrete every day here and yet who pioneered it? The Nazis unleashed Blitzkrieg on the world , tanks, artillery, infantry and planes in a massive coordinated strike, yet who blazed the trail with the tactic. Answer a little Jewish boy of German ancestry from Australia.
Now this book I think is very good and despite one critic suggesting it smacks too much of Monash's own work, I think it is pretty impartial. Unfortunately we are often being conned by modern revisionist writers trying to make a name for themselves.
This well researched book tells in detail the story of a person who overcame discrimination to become the first person in 200 years to be knighted on the battle field by a king or queen. it is a must read for Aussies and it would serve other well to see what an Aussie can do. So when can we expect the film?
He was brilliant but unfocussed in his academic life, but his love of military things saw him a hard taskmaster on himself and others. He became an excellent engineer and quite handy at law too that saw him take on win against Isaac Isaacs a fellow Jew and, notably as well as a great man of law, Australia's first native born Governor General. Monash pioneered the use of concrete reinforcing process and left a legacy of great structures.
His private life is revealed and may surprise.He was somewhat of a Lothario and there are some somewhat seedy events regarding an affair he had. His marriage was an odd thing and one that seemed somewhat loveless but convenient. He did stray and that reveals the human side of this man. The author makes no attempt to gloss over any imperfections in the man.
He is probably remembered more for his rise as a military man " the higher he got, the better he got." He was a man frustrated by the lack of control over action and the apparent lack of planning of those military actions he was involved in. As he gained more control his attention to detail was impeccable as was his overwhelming desire to protect his troops. Haig believed in attrition, simply we have more men so just keep on killing and we will win. Monash preferred to use the new technology and to spare men rather than waste them. However when he had to commit men to a battle knowing many would be killed he did so. He also proved he was not only a master of set battle pieces but could run with a flowing battle.
Americans may be interested to learn that on July 4th 1918 he commanded an attack which included the first dougboys to see action. That was touch and go as Black Jack Pershing did not want US troops under a non US commander. Monash pushed on and the battle was won and the yanks who fought were the envy of their fellow troops.
His list of battle honors stretch from Gallipoli to the final battles on the Western Front where he planned (among others)the great battle of Amiens. He had previously used tank, artillery, planes and troops successfully on a small scale and his plan for a similar approach was submitted to Sir Henry Rawlinson and thence to Douglas Haig. It was approved and "Blitzkrieg" was launched on the German positions. The Australians spearheaded the attack together with the Canadians on the right flank and British on the left. Apart from some trouble on the left flank the attack routed the Germans and to satisfy the old 19th century thinking a cavalry charge ended the attack- much to Monash's disgust as he saw it as outdated, wasteful and unnecessary, but he had to agree to allow his plan to go ahead. It was after this offensive that Ludendorf saw the end was nigh.
People tended to forget the tactics after the war except the Germans who resurrected it in WW2 Did anyone tell Hitler it was a plan developed by a Jew?
Monash rose to high rank despite considerable discrimination. It is this aspect of the book that really rankles and makes the most interesting reading. He was of German descent, he was a Jew and he was not regular army, all of which were thrown up against him. King George V sympathized with him over his German origins as he was similarly of German origin, yet no one suggested the King was a German agent or traitor. Monash was Jewish at a time when that was openly and embarrassingly criticized especially by C.E.Bean the journalist and Australian War historian. He was a strong critic of Monash simply because he was a Jew. Keith Murdoch, father of Rupert hated him for all sorts of reasons and tirelessly and ruthlessly tried to manipulate the Australian Government not to promote Monash. He failed, Monash was too brilliant and stoic.
Notably he was responsible for the repatriation of the Australian forces post WWI and it was he who initiated ANZAC day, probably now Australia's most sacred day. He was Chairman of the State Electricity of Victoria and Vice Chancellor of his old University, Melbourne.
The book which is easy to read, covers all this and certainly shows his weaknesses and his strengths. Usually the retelling of battles is complicated and a bit baffling to a non military person. Perry makes it much more intelligible although it is still not all that easy to comprehend. As for the real story of battles and controversies over who did what and when. Well that is what old Generals talk about as they fade away. Monash certainly did not fade away and this book is a must read for those wishing to understand the man and what he did and the prejudice he overcame.
Oh, one last thing, he new Ned Kelly!

4 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

On of the best history books I've had the pleasure to read

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013

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Roland Perry has written a remarkable biography about perhaps the most outstanding and distinguished hero in military history in the last two centuries. He has clearly shown us how great were Monash’s skills when it came to planning and executing complex military battlefield manoeuvres. The meticulous research of Monash’s military career and also his personal life must also be admired. Perry has shown up the great stain on Australia that some snivelling politicians and prejudiced journalist heaped on Monash that caused such frustrations and hurt which is clearly articulated with Perry’s delving into the true facts of racism in Australia at the time. The writing is clear and easy to read. It is difficult to fault anything in this outstanding piece of writing. Well worth every dollar.

3 people found this helpful

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MickM

Monash. The outsider who won a war

Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2013

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Congratulations Roland Perry. A very well written book which outlines General Sir John Monash's life in a very systematic and easy to read manner. This book should be compulsory reading for all Australian history students. The book also educates the reader on what Australian Society was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Readers will also be amazed at Monash's wartime exploits, perhaps the greatest fighting general of WW1 but also his achievements in civilian life.

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normmcv

Monash is an eye opener

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2013

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The story is well told and contained excellent insights into the character of Monash and the other generals. Perry is to be congratulated for precise style and his ability to keep the reader interested in what is a true and spectacular account of Monash's life. What stands out is the petty jealousies amongst the top war leaders but in this case talent won out over connections and perceive superiority due to birthright.
Murdoch had too much influence as a journalist, with little consideration to those fighting and losing their lives, Hughes was shown up badly and if the King had not influenced the selection of Monash as the top commander we might have lost to the Germans. In a modest way he highlighted the fighting ability of the Australians who were feared by the Germans and far superior to the British and American soldiers.
I fear modern Australia will never be able to produce such soldiers again maybe in quality but not in the quantity.

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Andrew Bennett

A very readable account of the life of a truly great Australian

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015

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Details how Monash, in his early career as an engineer changed the face of a new nation, led it's soldiers with distinction in the crucial battles of WW1 in the face of of sustained religious and professional prejudice on the part of the Australian political, military and press establishment, and played a central role in the development of the combined arms approach that broke the stalemate on the Western Front.

Returned from the war to support the establishment of "Legacy" for the care of the orphans and widows of his former command, lead the design and establishment of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and as head of the State Electricity Commission created a modern electricity distribution network in his home state of Victoria.

More than just a tribute, this excellent work also discusses the relentless ambition that drove Monash to achieve greatness, and his weaknesses as a business partner, husband and lover.

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Michael Behan

Very Good

Reviewed in Australia on February 27, 2024

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Very Good

Amazon Customer

Quality of consumables

Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2024

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This item was purchased as a gift. It was perfect for its purpose.

Bill DeGaris

An excellent history of an Australian who has largely been forgotten ...

Reviewed in Australia on September 10, 2014

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An excellent history of an Australian who has largely been forgotten by the passing of time. This book reveals the relationship between Monash, various politicians and journalists who opposed him, including Billy Hughes, Keith Murdoch and CEW Bean. However, Perry carefully reveals Monash as a scrupulously careful planner who cared most for his troops, and little for the political niceties. His careful planning, eye for detail, understanding of military history, and use of every piece of modern military hardware made him unique amongst all the Allied generals in World War 1. His superior, Field Marshal Haig, knew this, and placed great faith in Monash. In return, Monash's victories in France probably saved Haig his job! Moreover, King George V instinctively knew Monash was a superior leader and general. That the King knighted Monash in the field is testament to the King's respect for Monash.
With a careful balance in presenting his private life, and his public achievements, Roland Perry has written a cracker of a biography. It ought to be compulsory reading, along with Les Carlyon's "Great War" in our schools.

8 people found this helpful

Lamaan Whyte

Monash: The Man Who Secretly Changed the World.

Reviewed in Australia on December 12, 2020

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Some people do amazing things, and win fame and glory; others do amazing things - and get ignored. General Sir John Monash had it both ways: as engineer, lawyer, businessman, administrator and military leader, he did amazing things for Australia and with Australians, and became an Australian legend, acclaimed and revered as a father of the Australian nation. This book is very much about this aspect of Monash's legacy. As such, it is compelling reading for all students of late 19th and early 20th Centuy history.

There was, however, another aspect to Monash's achievements, which this book touches upon, but perhaps treats less thoroughly than it deserves. In addition to changing the way that Australia thought about itself, Monash also changed the ways in which wars were fought by inventing modern warfare. Quite simply, as well as being father to the Australian nation, he was also father to the German's WW2 Blitzkreig, and the American Gulf War's Shock and Awe. For this, however, he has gained little regard in the rest of the world. There was no honour for this particular prophet, it seems, except in his home country. Many of the reasons for this are most carefully explained in this book; other aspects, however, will, I suspect, be hard for people unfamiliar with Australian history and culture to fully understand. A special edition written for non-Australians may be needed.

2 people found this helpful

Phillip Kerrigan

A Great Australian

Reviewed in Australia on May 9, 2018

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This is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary man and full of important and relevant personal details and explanations of battles in WWI. The battle descriptions are probably the best of any I have read and exceed most other war books in this area.
It is a sad indictment on our "celebrity" society that I grew up knowing more about Sergeant York (via Gary Cooper) than I did about this great Australian. If he was an American he would have been held in the same esteem as Eisenhower, Bradley and Patton.
An excellent book, well researched and written, totally enjoyable, it filled in many gaps of my knowledge of Australians in WWI, the war to end all wars. (If only!).

2 people found this helpful

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