Review by R. Alan Clanton
Thursday Review Editor
Jean Edward Smith, author of numerous political and military biographies (FDR; Lucius D. Clay: An American Life; John Marshall: Definer of a Nation), approaches the life of Dwight Eisenhower with his usual skill and aplomb, moving the reader quickly through the early life of Ike and directly along the prodigy’s path to greatness—the calm, cautious military genius, protégé to Douglas McArthur, and the general who would eventually serve as the Allied Commander in World War II, as well as the revered figure who would return the Republican Party to the White House in 1952. Smith provides a new look at Ike’s achievements as President in a time when Cold War pressures were at their height, and he shows us a methodical, strategic thinker with the quiet skill to navigate the United States through those dangerous waters. Often described as magisterial, this epic work is a joy to read, and moves quickly despite its nearly 900 pages. The book includes exhaustive notes and extensive bibliographic materials. (Random House, New York)
