In tracing the fortunes of America's commander in China during World War II, the author attempts to explore the U.S.'s involvement with the Chinese.

Foundations of an officer -- Visitor to Revolution: china, 1911 -- The Great War: St. Mihiel and Shantung -- Assignment to Peking: years of the warlords, 1920-23 -- The "can do" regiment and the rise of Chiang Kai-shek, 1926-29 -- "Vinegar Joe," 1929-35 -- Military Attaché: China's last chance, 1935-37 -- Military Attaché: Sino-Japanese War, 1937-39 -- The rush to prepare 1939-41 -- "I'll go where I'm sent", December 1941-February 1942 -- "A hell of a beating", March-May 1942 -- The client, June -- October 1942 -- "Peanut and I on a raft", August 1942 -- January 1943 -- The President's policy, January-May 1943 -- Stillwell must go, June-October 1943 -- China's hour at Cairo, November-December 1943 -- The road back, December 1943-July 1944 -- "The future of all Asia is at stake", June-September 1944 -- The limits of "can do", September-November 1944 -- "We ought to get out- now", 1945-46 -- Appendix: Road-building, 1921: Haphazard conversations by Major Joseph W. Stilwell.