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Robert Coram

Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War Paperback – Illustrated, 10 May 2004

by Robert Coram (Author)

4.6 2,288 ratings

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John Boyd may be the most remarkable unsung hero in all of American military history. Some remember him as the greatest U.S. fighter pilot ever -- the man who, in simulated air-to-air combat, defeated every challenger in less than forty seconds. Some recall him as the father of our country's most legendary fighter aircraft -- the F-15 and F-16. Still others think of Boyd as the most influential military theorist since Sun Tzu. They know only half the story.

Boyd, more than any other person, saved fighter aviation from the predations of the Strategic Air Command. His manual of fighter tactics changed the way every air force in the world flies and fights. He discovered a physical theory that forever altered the way fighter planes were designed. Later in life, he developed a theory of military strategy that has been adopted throughout the world and even applied to business models for maximizing efficiency. And in one of the most startling and unknown stories of modern military history, the Air Force fighter pilot taught the U.S. Marine Corps how to fight war on the ground. His ideas led to America's swift and decisive victory in the Gulf War and foretold the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

On a personal level, Boyd rarely met a general he couldn't offend. He was loud, abrasive, and profane. A man of daring, ferocious passion and intractable stubbornness, he was that most American of heroes -- a rebel who cared not for his reputation or fortune but for his country. He was a true patriot, a man who made a career of challenging the shortsighted and self-serving Pentagon bureaucracy. America owes Boyd and his disciples -- the six men known as the Acolytes -- a great debt.

Robert Coram finally brings to light the remarkable story of a man who polarized all who knew him, but who left a legacy that will influence the military -- and all of America -- for decades to come . . .

Print length

504 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Back Bay Books
Publication date

10 May 2004
Dimensions

13.97 x 3.18 x 20.96 cm
ISBN-10

0316796883
ISBN-13

978-0316796880
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Product description

Review

""Fascinating....An excellent book....Coram captures the dazzling diversity of John Boyd--fighter pilot, aerial tactician, engineer, and scholar."

About the Author

Robert Coram was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for his work as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is the author of seven novels and four nonfiction books, including American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day and Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. He lives in Atlanta.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books; Illustrated edition (10 May 2004)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 504 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316796883
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316796880
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 3.18 x 20.96 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 63,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 84 in Air Force Biographies
- 199 in Military History of Strategy, Tactics & Military Science
- 224 in Military History of Air Forces

Customer reviews:
4.6 2,288 ratings

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Robert Coram

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I was born and grew up in deep southwest Georgia. For many years I have lived and worked in Atlanta. But southwest Georgia remains a big part of who and what I am.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

2,288 global ratings

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2 star		1%
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Garrett

An engaging biography on an unorthodox, driven, conceptual revolutionary - and a totemic fighter pilot. Must Read.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2016

Verified Purchase

I strongly recommend this book - a very engaging biography on a complex and enigmatic man. From Col John Boyd's drive to master his profession, and calling, as a fighter pilot and his subsequent personal journey to develop a revolutionary theory on the application of force, it is a fascinating, engaging read.

Coram's narrative can slip into hyperbole to make a point, particularly when describing Boyd's confrontations with 'the orthodoxy', be they his peers, superiors or a monolithic service [Navy, Army, Marines or Air Force]. However, this style does encourage you to identify with Col Boyd and understand why his unconventional approach allied with his sheer determination was so necessary to question dogma and unchallanged assumptions. You live Col Boyd's struggle to develop a mathmatical formula [the EM theory] to allow a comparative assessment of a fighter aircraft and how this was extrapolated to become a theory of manoeuvre applicable through the strategic, operational and tactical levels of warfare. There is a price for this innovation and it was his family; it is clear Col Boyd was a singularly driven man.

Any military professional must read this book as it provides an ideal means to understand the development of the Manoeuvrist Approach in the modern Western context. I have a few criticisims; source referencing could be better and there really should be wider selection of photographs. Finally, alot of detail is invested in the the EM theory, the F-X and LWF that a explanatory diagrams would of added value in illustrating core points, but these do not detract from an engaging biography.

2 people found this helpful

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J P Sullivan

A must Read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 February 2022

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This book, while technically (Suspect) biased, is a must read.

It is a massive eye opening homage to a great an unknown American hero.

It is definitely the tip of the iceberg and I hope that’s Col Boyd’s India’s and innovation will influence my reading for a long time to come.

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AGF

Boyd, the silent genius

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 January 2018

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I had heard of John Boyd, but never fully realised the true impact of his life's work in the wider military environment. It becomes apparent, in Robert's excellent text, that Boyd was a troubled genius who strived to influence and shape the, then, arcane environment that was the pentagon. Between Boyd and a small band of 'believers' waged their 4th generation warfare techniques, within the Pentagon, to influence, cajole and out-manoeuvre the many who did not agree with, and see the benefits of change. Boyd's lasting legacy can be found in the aircraft used in the Airforce and the tactics employed in the wider military.

This book is a great read which takes the reader through the life of Colonel John Boyd, it is engaging, well written and never dull. The only time I put it down was to research texts that were referenced within the book. Never in a biography have I learnt so much about a much wider subject than this book. Great work Robert!!!!!!

4 people found this helpful

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Mike Hales

fascinating on many levels

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2021

Verified Purchase

As a personal tale, Boyd is hard to love but even harder to ignore. His work was far ranging and a fascinating blend of thinking. Good he got some recognition but clearly deserved more.

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JOHN

HISTORICAL & THOUGHT PROVOKING

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 May 2021

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THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK. IT IS WELL WRITTEN ABOUT A SUBJECT THAT I KNEW A LITTLE ABOUT BUT THIS WAS COVERED THE VARIOUS SUBJECTS IN GREAT AND WELL DETAILED DEPTH. IT IS THOUGHT PROVOKING AND HAS A VERY HUMAN TOUCH. SHOULD BE COMPULSORY READING FOR MILITARY SCHOLARS AS WELL AS POLITIICANS INVOLVED IN DEFENCE MATTERS.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2021

Verified Purchase

A truly extraordinary story about an exceptional man. A maverick of the first degree fighting the establishment. Well worth a read. Brilliant

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Chris

To Be or To Do? This is book is the later.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 March 2021

Verified Purchase

The book builds very well. If you are used to autobiographies, stick with it. The fact it is a biography brings a sense of lore to Boyd's life and his Messiah like contributions to modern warfare theory.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2015

Verified Purchase

I thought the book told the story well. I liked the way it elaborated on the political battle in the Pentagon. It showed the fundamentals of how the small guy against the big guy can win by using speed, facts and confusion to win the battle.

Good read

Ken p

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