Ike: His Life and Times

by Piers Brendon

Examines the contradictory interpretations of Dwight David Eisenhower's effectiveness as a leader and analyzes his paradoxical personality--one possessed of strong passions but a weak character, noble instincts but irresolute will, and generous impluses but selfish motives

Genres: History, Biography

478 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Piers Brendon was educated at Shrewsbury School and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he read History. From 1965–1978, he was Lecturer in History, then Principal Lecturer and Head of Department, at what is now the Anglia Polytechnic University. From 1979 onwards he has worked as a free-lance writer of books, journalism and for television. From 1995 he has been a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge and was Keeper of the Churchill Archives Centre from 1995 to 2001

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good biography of Eisenhower--detailed, thorough, and objective.

[Joe Stack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a superb, engaging, thorough single volume biography of Eisenhower. Parts of the first half dealing with Ike’s early life and his command of the European theatre in WWII sometimes flowed like a good novel. The author does not gloss over Eisenhower’s faults & weaknesses, giving these characteristics equal billing to Ike’s strengths. I found it interesting how his faults or weaknesses sometimes worked as strengths, especially while he was in command of the European theater, and then not so much as President. I also think it’s intriguing how after meeting with a group of people, he would come across to some as a dullard, superficial, and others would see him as thoughtful, smart, getting right to the core of an issue. The author’s account of Ike’s relationship with Field Marshall Montgomery is noteworthy for showing how Ike was able to work with Montgomery. This revealed much about Eisenhower and his style of leadership, a style that worked for Ike in wartime commanding a coalition, but questionable (in my view) for conditions he encountered as President.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brendon is upfront about any bias he may hold regarding the subject matter which is refreshing. Overall, it is an informative, fair, and balanced biography.