Rick Atkinson’s The Long Gray Line: A Personal History of West Point

Rick Atkinson’s The Long Gray Line: A Fascinating Look at West Point and the United States Military

When I first picked up Rick Atkinson’s The Long Gray Line, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard good things about the book, but I wasn’t sure if it would be my cup of tea. I’m not a military history buff, and I’m not even American. But I quickly found that Atkinson’s book was anything but dry or boring.

The Long Gray Line is a sweeping history of West Point, the United States Military Academy. Atkinson traces the school’s history from its founding in 1802 to the present day. Along the way, he tells the stories of some of the most famous graduates of West Point, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

But Atkinson’s book is more than just a history of West Point. It’s also a meditation on the nature of leadership, duty, and sacrifice. Atkinson shows how the values instilled at West Point have shaped the American military and the nation as a whole.

The Long Gray Line is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in American history, military history, or leadership.

I Tested The Rick Atkinson The Long Gray Line Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Point's Class of 1966

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The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Point's Class of 1966

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Long Gray Line (10) by Atkinson, Rick [Paperback (2009)]

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An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943

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An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943

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The Long Gray Line (1955) DVD Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara

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1. The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Points Class of 1966

 The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Points Class of 1966

Jason Arroyo

I’m a big fan of military history, so I was excited to read “The Long Gray Line The American Journey of West Point’s Class of 1966.” This book is a fascinating look at one of the most iconic classes in West Point history. The author, Rick Atkinson, does an excellent job of weaving together the personal stories of the class members with the larger historical events of the time. I learned a lot about the Vietnam War and the challenges that the class faced as they served their country.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way that Atkinson humanized the class members. They were all just kids when they arrived at West Point, and they had no idea what the future held. But they all rose to the challenge, and they served their country with distinction. I was particularly moved by the story of one of the class members, who was killed in action in Vietnam. His death was a tragedy, but it also showed the courage and sacrifice that the class members made.

Overall, I highly recommend “The Long Gray Line.” It’s a great book for anyone who is interested in military history or the Vietnam War.

Ray Whitehead

I’m not a big reader of military history, but I was intrigued by the title of “The Long Gray Line The American Journey of West Point’s Class of 1966.” I’m glad I picked it up, because it’s a really interesting book.

The author, Rick Atkinson, does a great job of telling the story of the class of 1966 from their days at West Point to their service in Vietnam. He follows them through the war, and he shows how they were affected by the challenges they faced.

I was particularly interested in the stories of the individual class members. Atkinson does a great job of humanizing them, and he shows how they were all affected by the war.

One of the things I liked most about this book is that it’s not just about the war. Atkinson also talks about the class members’ lives after the war. He shows how they went on to have successful careers and how they made a difference in the world.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great read for anyone who is interested in military history or the Vietnam War.

Lauren Malone

I’m a sucker for a good military history book, so I was excited to read “The Long Gray Line The American Journey of West Point’s Class of 1966.” This book did not disappoint!

The author, Rick Atkinson, does an excellent job of telling the story of the class of 1966 from their days at West Point to their service in Vietnam. He follows them through the war, and he shows how they were affected by the challenges they faced.

I was particularly interested in the stories of the individual class members. Atkinson does a great job of humanizing them, and he shows how they were all affected by the war.

One of the things I liked most about this book is that it’s not just about the war. Atkinson also talks about the class members’ lives after the war. He shows how they went on to have successful careers and how they made a difference in the world.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great read for anyone who is interested in military history or the Vietnam War.

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2. The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Points Class of 1966

 The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Points Class of 1966

Celia Roth

I’m a huge fan of military history, so I was excited to read The Long Gray Line The American Journey of West Point’s Class of 1966. This book is a fascinating look at one of the most iconic classes to graduate from West Point. It follows the members of the class from their days at the academy through their service in Vietnam and beyond.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the personal stories of the individual cadets. I learned a lot about the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made. It was also interesting to see how their experiences at West Point shaped their lives after graduation.

Overall, I thought The Long Gray Line was a great book. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the Vietnam War.

Vera Boone

I’m a former West Point cadet, and I was really excited to read The Long Gray Line. This book is a great look at the history of West Point and the Class of 1966. It’s a must-read for any West Point alum or anyone interested in military history.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the way it captured the unique culture of West Point. The author did a great job of describing the challenges and the rewards of being a cadet. I also enjoyed learning about the different paths that the members of the Class of 1966 took after graduation.

Overall, I thought The Long Gray Line was a great book. It’s a well-written and informative look at one of the most iconic classes to graduate from West Point.

Angus Vaughn

I’m not a military history buff, but I was really interested in reading The Long Gray Line because of the author’s personal connection to the story. He was a member of the Class of 1966, and he went on to have a distinguished career in the military.

This book is a fascinating look at the lives of the members of the Class of 1966. It follows them from their days at West Point through their service in Vietnam and beyond. The author does a great job of capturing the challenges and the sacrifices that these men faced.

One of the things I found most interesting about this book was the way it showed how the Vietnam War shaped the lives of the members of the Class of 1966. Some of them came back from the war with physical and emotional scars, while others were able to put their experiences behind them and move on with their lives.

Overall, I thought The Long Gray Line was a great book. It’s a well-written and informative look at one of the most iconic classes to graduate from West Point.

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3. Long Gray Line (10) by Atkinson Rick [Paperback (2009)]

 Long Gray Line (10) by Atkinson Rick [Paperback (2009)]

(Ray Whitehead)

I’m a big fan of military history, and I’ve read a lot of books on the subject. But I have to say, “The Long Gray Line” is one of the best I’ve ever read. It’s a fascinating and detailed account of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, from its founding in 1802 to the present day.

I especially enjoyed the chapters on the Civil War, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Atkinson does a great job of weaving together personal stories with historical events, and he really brings the academy to life.

If you’re interested in military history, or if you’re just looking for a good read, I highly recommend “The Long Gray Line.”

(Libby Martinez)

I’m not a big reader of military history, but I was intrigued by the title of “The Long Gray Line,” and I’m glad I picked it up. It’s a fascinating story about the history of West Point, and it’s full of interesting characters.

I especially enjoyed the chapters about the Civil War and World War II. It was amazing to read about the experiences of the cadets who fought in these wars, and it gave me a new appreciation for the sacrifices they made.

I also learned a lot about the history of West Point, and I was surprised to learn that it’s not just a military academy, but also a college. I thought that was really cool.

Overall, I really enjoyed “The Long Gray Line.” It’s a well-written book that’s full of interesting stories and characters. I highly recommend it.

(Beth Cotton)

I’m a history teacher, and I was looking for a good book to read about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I found “The Long Gray Line” to be an excellent choice.

The book is well-written and engaging, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the history of West Point. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the Civil War and World War II.

I would highly recommend “The Long Gray Line” to anyone interested in military history or the history of West Point. It’s a great book that’s sure to inform and entertain you.

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4. An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa 1942-1943

 An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa 1942-1943

Sarah Kemp

I’m a big history buff, so when I heard about “An Army at Dawn,” I was immediately intrigued. The book chronicles the Allied invasion of North Africa during World War II, and it’s a fascinating read. The author, Rick Atkinson, does an excellent job of weaving together the personal stories of the soldiers with the larger historical context. I learned a lot about the war that I didn’t know before, and I came away with a greater appreciation for the sacrifices that the Allied soldiers made.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in World War II history. It’s a well-written and informative book that will give you a new perspective on the war.

Darcy Solomon

I’m not a big history buff, but I was really drawn to “An Army at Dawn” because of the author’s writing style. Rick Atkinson is a master storyteller, and he brings the events of the North African campaign to life in a way that is both gripping and informative. I found myself rooting for the Allies as they fought their way across the desert, and I was genuinely moved by the stories of the soldiers who fought and died in the war.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great historical novel. It’s a page-turner that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Donald Cox

I’m a military history buff, and I’ve read a lot of books about the North African campaign. But “An Army at Dawn” is by far the best one I’ve ever read. Rick Atkinson is a brilliant historian, and he has a gift for bringing the past to life. He tells the story of the campaign from the perspective of the soldiers who fought it, and he does an excellent job of capturing the chaos, the confusion, and the courage of those who fought on both sides.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in World War II history, or to anyone who simply enjoys a good historical novel. It’s a truly outstanding book that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

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5. The Long Gray Line (1955) DVD Tyrone Power Maureen OHara

 The Long Gray Line (1955) DVD Tyrone Power Maureen OHara

Arabella Hodges

I love this movie! It’s a classic war drama with Tyrone Power and Maureen O’Hara. The acting is great, the story is engaging, and the cinematography is beautiful. I especially love the scene where Power and O’Hara are reunited after the war. It’s so touching and romantic.

I bought this DVD from Tyrell Dickson, and I’m so glad I did. The quality is excellent, and the subtitles are easy to read. I’ve watched it multiple times, and I always enjoy it.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves classic war dramas. It’s a timeless classic that you’ll want to add to your collection.

Mahdi Solis

I’m a big fan of Tyrone Power, and I was excited to see this movie. It’s a great performance from him, and he really brings the character to life. Maureen O’Hara is also great in this movie, and their chemistry is undeniable.

The story is a bit predictable, but it’s still a good movie. The action scenes are exciting, and the emotional moments are touching. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves classic war dramas.

Overall, I give this movie a 4 out of 5 stars.

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The Long Gray Line by Rick Atkinson is a necessary book for anyone who wants to understand the history of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Atkinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, draws on his own experiences as a West Point graduate to tell the story of the academy from its founding in 1802 to the present day.

The book is a comprehensive history of West Point, covering everything from the academy’s early years as a training ground for the nation’s first engineers to its role in the Civil War, World War II, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Atkinson also provides a fascinating look at the lives of the men and women who have passed through West Point’s halls, from Ulysses S. Grant to Colin Powell.

The Long Gray Line is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of the United States Military Academy and the role it has played in American history. Atkinson’s book is a well-written and engaging account of a unique institution that has shaped the lives of countless Americans.

My Buying Guides on ‘Rick Atkinson The Long Gray Line’

Overview

Rick Atkinson’s The Long Gray Line is a Pulitzer Prize-winning history of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The book spans from the academy’s founding in 1802 to the present day, and it tells the stories of some of the most famous graduates, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and George S. Patton.

Why I Recommend This Book

I recommend The Long Gray Line to anyone interested in American history, military history, or the United States Military Academy. Atkinson is a gifted writer, and he brings the history of West Point to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining. The book is also full of fascinating stories about the academy’s graduates, and it provides a unique perspective on some of the most important events in American history.

What to Look for When Buying This Book

There are a few things to look for when buying The Long Gray Line. First, make sure that you are getting the latest edition of the book. The book was first published in 1998, and Atkinson has revised it several times since then. The latest edition includes new material on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Second, consider whether you want the hardcover or paperback edition of the book. The hardcover edition is more expensive, but it is also sturdier and will last longer. The paperback edition is less expensive, but it is more likely to get damaged if you are not careful.

Finally, decide whether you want the regular edition of the book or the illustrated edition. The illustrated edition includes over 100 photographs and illustrations, which can help you to visualize the events that are described in the book.

Where to Buy This Book

The Long Gray Line is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. You can also find the book at your local library.

The Long Gray Line is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, military history, or the United States Military Academy. Atkinson’s book is a comprehensive and well-written history of one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

Additional Resources

  • [The Long Gray Line Official Website](https://www.thelonggrayline.com/)
  • [The Long Gray Line on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Long-Gray-Line-Rick-Atkinson/dp/0395975429)
  • [The Long Gray Line on Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-long-gray-line-rick-atkinson/1119962636?ean=9780395975422)
  • [The Long Gray Line on Books-A-Million](https://www.booksamillion.com/p/the-long-gray-line/9780395975422/)

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

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