A) What is the subject of the book'
             John Keegan's Mask of Command examines the unique status of the war
             general as he is perceived in a variety of historical and cultural
             settings. As war is a hallmark of all cultures, Keegan points to the
             universality of the general's persona. However, the author does not treat
             generalship solely from a psychological perspective. Rather, he sets out to
             place war generals in context of their times and societies. By analyzing
             four major historical figures that shaped not only their own cultures but
             that of neighboring societies and future generations, Keegan backs up his
             thesis with historical fact. The four war generals Keegan focuses on:
             Alexander the Great, Wellington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Hitler, each made a
             unique impact on history but was also a unique product of their particular
             epoch and culture. Therefore, Keegan shows that each of these major war
             generals deserves a different historical perspective. For instance,
             Alexander the Great is described by Keegan as being the quintessential
             hero. Especially in context of ancient Greek civilization in which heroism
             brings specific guidelines, Alexander embodied what it means to be a true
             war hero. His character seamlessly fit into his role as a war hero. In
             contrast, Wellington proved to be what Keegan calls an anti-hero, as he was
             reserved and relatively not ambitious, especially when compared with
             Alexander the Great. Many such generals were simply thrust into their roles
             as leaders because of their military know-how, intelligence, and prowess,
             not because they exhibited special character traits that enabled them to
             obtain glory for their nation. Likewise, Ulysses S. Grant is characterized
             by Keegan as being un-heroic: small in stature, Grant was notably modest
             and not prone to theatrics. His distaste for the bloodiness of war also
             bore testimony to the differences between him and other historical
             generals. However, ...