📖 Overview
Richard S. Faulkner is a military historian specializing in World War I and early 20th century American military history. He serves as a Professor of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
His most notable work is "Pershing's Crusaders: The American Soldier in World War I" (2017), which won the World War I Association's Norman B. Tomlinson Prize and the Organization of American Historians' Richard W. Leopold Prize. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the American military experience in World War I through the perspective of the common soldier.
Faulkner's research focuses particularly on the transformation of American citizen-soldiers during World War I and the development of the U.S. Army's training and combat effectiveness. His work draws extensively from primary sources, including soldiers' letters, diaries, and military records.
Beyond his academic contributions, Faulkner has served as a consultant for various World War I centennial commemorative projects and has authored numerous articles in military history journals. He previously served as a U.S. Army officer and earned his Ph.D. in American history from Kansas State University.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Faulkner's detailed research and use of primary sources in "Pershing's Crusaders." Many reviews highlight how he brings individual soldiers' experiences to life through letters and diaries.
What readers liked:
- Thorough documentation of American soldiers' daily lives and challenges
- Clear writing style that makes complex military history accessible
- Balance between personal stories and broader historical context
What readers disliked:
- Some readers found the level of detail overwhelming
- Length (nearly 800 pages) deterred casual readers
- Academic tone in certain sections
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (86 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (51 ratings)
"This book puts you right there with the doughboys," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another on Goodreads comments: "The personal accounts make this more than just another military history."
📚 Books by Richard S. Faulkner
Pershing's Crusaders: The American Soldier in World War I - A detailed examination of the American military experience in World War I through analysis of soldier letters, diaries, and official military records.
The School of Hard Knocks: Combat Leadership in the American Expeditionary Forces - A study of American officers' development and performance in WWI focusing on training, leadership styles, and combat effectiveness.
Mud, Blood, and Wood: BEF Operational Combat and Innovation on the Western Front - An analysis of British Expeditionary Force operations and tactical evolution during World War I with emphasis on battlefield adaptations.
Tank Warfare on the Eastern Front, 1941-1942 - A historical account of armored combat between German and Soviet forces during Operation Barbarossa and subsequent campaigns.
The School of Hard Knocks: Combat Leadership in the American Expeditionary Forces - A study of American officers' development and performance in WWI focusing on training, leadership styles, and combat effectiveness.
Mud, Blood, and Wood: BEF Operational Combat and Innovation on the Western Front - An analysis of British Expeditionary Force operations and tactical evolution during World War I with emphasis on battlefield adaptations.
Tank Warfare on the Eastern Front, 1941-1942 - A historical account of armored combat between German and Soviet forces during Operation Barbarossa and subsequent campaigns.
👥 Similar authors
Bernard Cornwell writes military historical fiction focused on warfare and soldiers' experiences across different time periods. His attention to tactical details and focus on enlisted men's perspectives mirrors Faulkner's approach.
Rick Atkinson produces narrative military history about World War II and the American Revolution. His books combine strategic analysis with personal accounts from soldiers at all ranks.
Max Hastings writes military history that integrates primary sources from both commanders and frontline troops. His work emphasizes the human experience of combat while maintaining historical accuracy.
E.B. Sledge documented his first-hand combat experiences as a Marine in the Pacific Theater. His memoirs focus on the day-to-day realities of infantry combat and the relationships between soldiers.
John Keegan analyzes warfare through the lens of individual soldiers' experiences across history. His books examine how combat affects military personnel at all levels while incorporating tactical and strategic context.
Rick Atkinson produces narrative military history about World War II and the American Revolution. His books combine strategic analysis with personal accounts from soldiers at all ranks.
Max Hastings writes military history that integrates primary sources from both commanders and frontline troops. His work emphasizes the human experience of combat while maintaining historical accuracy.
E.B. Sledge documented his first-hand combat experiences as a Marine in the Pacific Theater. His memoirs focus on the day-to-day realities of infantry combat and the relationships between soldiers.
John Keegan analyzes warfare through the lens of individual soldiers' experiences across history. His books examine how combat affects military personnel at all levels while incorporating tactical and strategic context.