Eisenhower: Soldier-Statesman of the American Century

by Douglas Kinnard, Brassey's, Inc. Washington D.C., 2002, 98 pp., $19.95.

Douglas Kinnard has done a masterful job of covering the entire life of one of the greatest 20th-century Americans in only 98 pages. Part of a series of military profiles, including those of Farragut, Santa Anna, Drake, and Semmes, edited by Dennis Showalter, Eisenhower: Soldier-Statesman of the American Century is an excellent source for anyone. Kinnard has managed to condense Eisenhower's life into a very readable, concise, accurate, and brief book that provides the reader with everything most people will ever want or need to know about Dwight David Eisenhower. Not necessarily a book for the serious student of history or the military professional, but an outstanding overview of an intriguing career of a great American that are useful to most people, including youngsters.

Eisenhower's early days in Abilene and his attendance at the U.S. Military Academy are covered in sufficient detail to paint a picture of the last U.S. President born during the 19th century and capture the reader's attention. From Eisenhower's lack of opportunity for combat service during World War I and the death of his first child, to his education and mentoring by Generals Fox Conner, MacArthur, and Marshall, lead to his commanding U.S. forces in Europe in World War II--arguably the highest point in his career. His post-war service as Chief of Staff of the Army, president of Columbia University, and SACEUR are covered, but only as a lead-in to his presidency or as waypoints along the road to the White House.

The last third of the book covers the Eisenhower presidency, or waging of peace. Sewing as the first Republican president in 20 years, "Ike" was a strong, active, and effective president during what was one of the most dangerous decades of the Cold War. In January 1961, Eisenhower, the oldest person to have served as president, was succeeded by John F. Kennedy, the youngest ever elected to that office. He then retired to his farm at Gettysburg, wrote four books, advised presidents, and died on the 28th of March 1969. Kinnard points out that when Mamie was asked what she would like people to remember of Ike, she answered, "His honesty ... integrity, and admiration for mankind."

DAVID L. FUNK

BG, USA (Ret.)

Montgomery, AL

COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Army Armor Center
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group