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Boyd

The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War

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Boyd

Written by: Robert Coram
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
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Summary

John Boyd may be the most remarkable unsung hero in all of American military history. Some remember him as the greatest US fighter pilot ever - the man who, in simulated air-to-air combat, defeated every challenger in less than 40 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. 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.

©2002 Robert Coram (P)2016 Tantor Armed Forces Military Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Air Force Warrior Aviation War US Air Force Imperial Japan Biography
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The writing was transparent which I love in a bio. The narration was spot on, really gave an impression of Boyd's brash attitude without going overboard on characterization.

I found the middle third dragged a bit, but push through because the intellectual work of Boyd's later years is really inspiring. This bio made me go look up the actual briefs and papers on "Patterns of Conflict".

A fascinating bio for "do something" people

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Just an all round great book: the story is fascinating & the narrator brings it to life extremely well (hard to tell the quality of the writing from an audiobook but it seemed fine). I found this to be the most riveting audiobook I've listened to so far.

Incredible

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The only reason I listened to the end is because I was interested in John Boyd. The book sounds like a fanboy love letter. Part 2 got better. I did not enjoy the narrator at all.

Not great

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