A West Point graduate, Rhodes scholar, and Army Ranger describes his extensive military education, the ways in which his service in Afghanistan shaped his views, and his work as a Naval Academy instructor. 40,000 first printing. Young Captain Mullaney’s admirable, literate autobiography, that of a veteran of combat in Afghanistan, adds much to knowledge of the modern army and makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate over what a “warrior” is these days. Mullaney wryly recounts his years at West Point and as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, then writes eloquently of infantry combat and the persistent burden of guilt for not bringing all his men home even as he makes his account a tribute to his fellow warriors. He concludes with sidelights on his teaching post at the U.S. Naval Academy and the moving story of his younger brother’s graduation from West Point and subsequent passage into the ranks of the warriors himself. Almost impossible to put down for anyone interested in the modern U.S. Army or in modern warfare in general. --Roland Green Advance Praise for The Unforgiving Minute Keenly intelligent war memoir whose central question is, What is a man? A philosophically ambitious account of coming to adulthood. Kirkus Reviews Craig Mullaney has lived every kind of American life he has been a working- man s son, a prize scholar, a soldier and what s come out of it is a classic memoir about what it means to be American. By marching so many terrains, he has covered the subjects central to every life: courage, pain, loyalty, honor, friendship, love and the tests any good life faces, year by year, minute by minute. He has also produced a page-turner, a brutally honest account of West Point life, the innocence-abandoned experiences of an American abroad at Oxford, and ultimately an indelible story of life and death on the battlefield. In words his squadmates might recognize, I recommend The Unforgiving Minute without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. David Lipsky, contributing editor to Rolling Stone Magazine and author of the New York Times bestseller Absolutely American The Unforgiving Minute is the ultimate's soldier's book universal in its raw emotion and its understanding of the larger issues of life and death. Mullaney, a master storyteller, plunges the depths of self-doubt, endurance, and courage. The result: a riveting, suspenseful human story, beautifully told. This is a book written under fire a lyrical, spellbinding tale of war, love, and courage. The Unforgiving Minute is the Three Cups of Tea of soldiering. Ahmed Rashid, author of the New York Times bestseller Taliban and Descent into Chaos Mullaney writes a great story a true privilege to read. Entertaining, balanced, and graceful, The Unforgiving Minute is a powerful narrative of purpose, responsibility, courage, and personal growth. Every young man and woman in America should read this book, and aspire to his standard of public service. General Wesley Clark, USA (Ret.) The Unforgiving Minute is one of the most compelling memoirs yet to emerge from America s 9/11 era. Craig Mullaney has given us an unusually honest, funny, accessible, and vivid account of a soldier s coming of age. This is more than a soldier s story; it is a work of literature. Steve Coll, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Ghost Wars and The Bin Ladens The Unforgiving Minute is the poignant true story of a young man s unusual education from the classrooms of West Point and Oxford to his development as a leader, son, brother, husband and friend. In this powerful book, we share in the remarkable experiences of a Rhodes Scholar, and the heartache and pride of a soldier. I admire Craig Mullaney s courage, and thank him for his service. Senator Richard Lugar, former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Craig Mullaney is an exemplar of the next great generation of Americans, those who are serving and sacrificing on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is a compelling, can t-put-down book, a well-written, memorable description of preparing for war and leading in combat. Joe Klein, Time Magazine political columnist and author of New York Times bestseller Primary Colors No matter how many books you have read about the rigors of basic training and the terrors of war, you should read this one. Mullaney's keen eye for detail, lively narrative style, and capacity for self-reflection unusual in many soldiers make an old story new and gripping. Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University Craig Mullaney adds his name to the very few among of us who have the intelligence, sensitivity and skill to share the unforgiving sadness and the unparalleled joy of leading men and women in combat. The Unforgiving Minute should be required reading for all who serve in the White House and Congress and for those who aspire to