Lt. Gen. James Mattis (USMC) is known as one of the most accomplished commanders in recent history and as one of the finest Marines to walk this planet. He also is a dedicated reader, and credits some of his success in the middle east to studying the works of those who had gone before him. This list is assembled from this list of required reading for CENTCOM USMC officers (published by Small Wars Journal http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/ltge... ) and also from a personal email he sent (published by Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.com/viral-... ). I can't find some of the books referenced in the latter source.