Eisenhower - by Paul Johnson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Acclaimed historian Paul Johnson's lively, succinct profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower explores his life and enduring legacy

In the rousing style he's famous for, Paul Johnson offers a fascinating biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower, with particular focus on his years as a five-star general and his two terms as president of the United States. Johnson chronicles Ike's modest childhood in Kansas, his West Point education, and his swift rise through the military ranks, culminating in his appointment as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces during World War II. Johnson then paints a rich portrait of Eisenhower's presidency, many elements of which speak to American politics today: his ability to balance the budget, his mastery in managing an oppositional Congress, and his prescient warnings about the military-industrial complex. This brief yet satisfying portrait will appeal to biography lovers as well as enthusiasts of presidential and military history alike.

Review Quotes

"A concise biography of the five-star general and two-term president."

-- USA Today, a "New and Noteworthy" pick

"Johnson deftly sketches Eisenhower's political profile . . . Inviting."
-- The Boston Globe

"[E]ssential rather than exhaustive. Johnson gives the basic facts, but always with the aim of illustrating a salient point about Ike's character. . . . [Eisenhower] looks better than ever."
-- The Denver Post

"An ideal primer for novices or those looking to brush up on America's thirty-fourth president . . . a satisfying snapshot of a life dedicated to public service."
-- Booklist

"Accomplished historian and biographer Johnson . . . covers all the major facets of Eisenhower's career, beginning with his boyhood in rural Kansas and ending with his tenure as president of the United States . . . with an emphasis on his personality and character, including his flair for public relations. Johnson's contribution will serve as a great introduction to 'Ike' the man."
--Publishers Weekly

"[An] admiring, opinionated account by veteran British journalist and historian Johnson. Johnson astutely points out that Eisenhower enjoyed being president since, unlike generals Washington, Jackson and Grant, his best qualities were not those of a warrior but a staff officer: efficiency, administration, economy and flexibility."
--Kirkus

"[T]he life of Dwight David Eisenhower was one of steady, uninterrupted success -- five-star general, supreme commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II, 34th president of the United States, elected twice, both times by landslides, and still popular when he left office. . . . His critics, Johnson writes, got things exactly wrong . . . [A] genuine leader, Eisenhower did not insinuate. He issued commands. He led from above."
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

About the Author

PAUL JOHNSON is the author of the bestselling books Napoleon and Churchill, among others. He lives in London.