What do you think?
Rate this book
Eisenhower #1
Eisenhower, Volume #1: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, 1890-1952
Dwight Eisenhower was not exactly born into poverty, but the family's circumstances were at least austere. He was one of seven children; his father, a railway worker. But the family was strong and unified, the youngsters energetic and ambitious.
Ike made it to West Point, where he excelled in sports. He was a natural leader. But it was at Leavenworth years later, as a student at the war college, that his intellectual talent showed itself. He graduated first in his class.
The author draws in a wealth of previously unpublished information to give us this beautiful portrait. As a result Eisenhower emerges as complex, one who as the author states, ". . .was a good and great man."
637 pages, Leather Bound
First published January 1, 1983
101 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Stephen E. Ambrose
136 books2,403 followersStephen Edward Ambrose was an American historian and biographer of U.S. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Richard M. Nixon. He received his Ph.D. in 1960 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his final years he faced charges of plagiarism for his books, with subsequent concerns about his research emerging after his death.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 8, 2014
Admiring and, on the whole, balanced biography of Dwight Eisenhower from birth up to his election as President in 1952. Ambrose is a good writer and is able to weave together an easy-to-read narrative. But with him, one always wonders just how much of the work was his own, due to the mostly substantiated accusations of plagiarism leveled against him by many historians. His source list is quite thin - relying way too much on Eisenhower's letters. Is that a good source? Yes, for sure. But I get the feeling that Ambrose really didn't do a lot of extra work that one would normally expect of a historian, such as confirming and matching his sources by really digging into where his information came from. Instead of making sure that a particular quote or remembrance is accurate, I feel like he just went with it since that is what Ike said, or Patton, etc... The notes section is bare-bones, with none of the additional anecdotes and story behind the story that you find from someone like Robert Caro or Edmund Morris.
Ambrose seems strongest on Ike's WWII years, and also his growing frustration leading up to those years. Ike missed serving in combat in WWI, and did not seem destined for a generalship or fame until George Marshall gave him a chance. Prior to that, Ike had built for himself an excellent reputation as a top-notch Army officer who was quick-thinking, loyal, intelligent, and compassionate.
I think that Ambrose could have delved much deeper into Eisenhower's (most likely) affair with Kay Summersby in WWII. He comments that Ike never wrote a letter to Marshall saying that he wanted to divorce his wife, Mamie, and marry Kay. He blames Harry Truman for perpetuating this supposed fiction and says Truman talked about it many years later when he was "approaching senility." Truman never approached senility. And, while the quote is from "Plan Speaking", which was not published until after Truman's death, the interviews that Merle Miller conducted with Truman, including about this supposed letter, were done in the early 60s. Also, speaking of Truman, in the picture section, Ambrose comments underneath a picture of Eisenhower and Truman that their relationship was "intimate" in 1951. Yet, that is not backed up in the book when Ambrose talks about their relationship during that period. Also, there is a picture of Ike talking to Dean Acheson. Yet, Acheson doesn't appear in the storyline at all! I found that odd.
Ambrose does show that Ike was much more crafty than he let on re: wanting to become President. I think that he knew that the position was his if he wanted it, and he deliberately played hard to get. Ambrose rightly critiques Eisenhower's handling of Joseph McCarthy (especially concerning McCarthy's unfair, vicious, and false attacks on Marshall) and Richard Nixon. He also comments on how Ike tried to paper over differences with the British General Bernard Montgomery. Overall, it is a good book, and I do want to read Volume II, but I think Ambrose could have done so much more if he had put more effort into it.
Ambrose seems strongest on Ike's WWII years, and also his growing frustration leading up to those years. Ike missed serving in combat in WWI, and did not seem destined for a generalship or fame until George Marshall gave him a chance. Prior to that, Ike had built for himself an excellent reputation as a top-notch Army officer who was quick-thinking, loyal, intelligent, and compassionate.
I think that Ambrose could have delved much deeper into Eisenhower's (most likely) affair with Kay Summersby in WWII. He comments that Ike never wrote a letter to Marshall saying that he wanted to divorce his wife, Mamie, and marry Kay. He blames Harry Truman for perpetuating this supposed fiction and says Truman talked about it many years later when he was "approaching senility." Truman never approached senility. And, while the quote is from "Plan Speaking", which was not published until after Truman's death, the interviews that Merle Miller conducted with Truman, including about this supposed letter, were done in the early 60s. Also, speaking of Truman, in the picture section, Ambrose comments underneath a picture of Eisenhower and Truman that their relationship was "intimate" in 1951. Yet, that is not backed up in the book when Ambrose talks about their relationship during that period. Also, there is a picture of Ike talking to Dean Acheson. Yet, Acheson doesn't appear in the storyline at all! I found that odd.
Ambrose does show that Ike was much more crafty than he let on re: wanting to become President. I think that he knew that the position was his if he wanted it, and he deliberately played hard to get. Ambrose rightly critiques Eisenhower's handling of Joseph McCarthy (especially concerning McCarthy's unfair, vicious, and false attacks on Marshall) and Richard Nixon. He also comments on how Ike tried to paper over differences with the British General Bernard Montgomery. Overall, it is a good book, and I do want to read Volume II, but I think Ambrose could have done so much more if he had put more effort into it.
July 18, 2013
Exhaustive and exhausting biography of Eisenhower to to his election in 1952. Well developed and documented. Perhaps more than we needed to know.
I read this as an ebook, which cost it a star. Apparently it was converted to digital by scanning a hard copy, then running it through an OCR program. The catch was: apparently no one proof read it. There are one to three typos EVERY page. Mostly mis-capitalizations and odd spacing like: the se, ill ay (for in May?), Anny for Army, hi s, fiat for flat, non e, Arm y, State s, Js for Is, pres sure, an y, cri sis, hImself and wh'en. Really disrupted the reading.
Disappointing for such a significant book.
I read this as an ebook, which cost it a star. Apparently it was converted to digital by scanning a hard copy, then running it through an OCR program. The catch was: apparently no one proof read it. There are one to three typos EVERY page. Mostly mis-capitalizations and odd spacing like: the se, ill ay (for in May?), Anny for Army, hi s, fiat for flat, non e, Arm y, State s, Js for Is, pres sure, an y, cri sis, hImself and wh'en. Really disrupted the reading.
Disappointing for such a significant book.
February 20, 2017
https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2017...
Published in 1983, "Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, 1890-1952" is the first of two volumes in Stephen Ambrose's famed series on the thirty-fourth president. Ambrose was a historian and the author of more than two-dozen books; he is one of the best-known biographers of Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. But numerous, and often convincing, allegations of plagiarism and exaggeration have tarnished his reputation over the past fifteen years. Ambrose died in 2002 at the age of sixty-six.
With 572 pages of text, this first volume in Ambrose's series has long been considered the most thorough (and, often, the "standard") account of Eisenhower's pre-presidency. Proceeding from Eisenhower's ancestry to his election as president in 1952, it moves steadily - if sometimes slowly - in a strictly chronological fashion.
The first one-third of the book carries the reader up through Eisenhower's first commanding roles in World War II. The next one-third covers his two years as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe; the remainder covers his service as U.S. Army Chief of Staff, tenure as president of Columbia University and leadership of NATO. The book ends with Eisenhower as president-elect.
Ambrose is a well-known fan of Eisenhower but outside the "Foreward" there is little evidence of his strong admiration. As a result the book reads far more like an objective assessment of his pre-presidency than the first installment of a hagiography. Readers new to Eisenhower will not only learn a great deal about the man himself but also, notwithstanding the author's protestations to the contrary, much about "his times" as well.
But in contrast to Ambrose's well-known and incredibly popular "Undaunted Courage" and "Band of Brothers" this book's style is rarely captivating or colorful. Instead it is characterized by a straightforward, workmanlike and occasionally tedious quality. But if the book lacks a lively and brisk narrative, it is full of interesting observations and seems to be the product of thorough (if poorly footnoted) research.
Ambrose is usually at his best when discussing military strategy and tactics rather than day-to-day affairs. His explanation of Operation Torch, in particular, is excellent. But his personal portraits of Patton and Douglas MacArthur are also unusually compelling. In addition, he provides the best discussion of Eisenhower's time as Chief of Staff that I've ever read and the most interesting discussion of the 1948 movement to draft Eisenhower as a presidential nominee I've encountered.
Surprisingly, though, the author's overall treatment of D-Day is disappointing. This section of the book proves prove far less vivid and engrossing than I expected and often read like a sterile diary of military affairs. And given the book's reputation for thoroughness, the book's narrative is occasionally surprisingly light on details or nuance.
Eisenhower and his wife, for example, meet and find themselves married in just over a page; other biographers provide more insight on their early relationship. Ambrose is hardly more revealing when it comes to Eisenhower's alleged affair with Kay Summersby. But even some military matters are short-changed, including Eisenhower's cross-country Army convoy, his time in Europe with General Pershing and the court-martial inquiry which nearly derailed his early career.
Overall, Stephen Ambrose's "Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, 1890-1952" is a useful but often bland introduction to Dwight D. Eisenhower. If this volume is not quite "best in class" in any particular area, though, it is at least good in most. But while it was once the standard introduction to Eisenhower, it has clearly been surpassed by more recent, vivid and compelling accounts of Eisenhower's life.
Overall rating: 3½ stars
Published in 1983, "Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, 1890-1952" is the first of two volumes in Stephen Ambrose's famed series on the thirty-fourth president. Ambrose was a historian and the author of more than two-dozen books; he is one of the best-known biographers of Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. But numerous, and often convincing, allegations of plagiarism and exaggeration have tarnished his reputation over the past fifteen years. Ambrose died in 2002 at the age of sixty-six.
With 572 pages of text, this first volume in Ambrose's series has long been considered the most thorough (and, often, the "standard") account of Eisenhower's pre-presidency. Proceeding from Eisenhower's ancestry to his election as president in 1952, it moves steadily - if sometimes slowly - in a strictly chronological fashion.
The first one-third of the book carries the reader up through Eisenhower's first commanding roles in World War II. The next one-third covers his two years as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe; the remainder covers his service as U.S. Army Chief of Staff, tenure as president of Columbia University and leadership of NATO. The book ends with Eisenhower as president-elect.
Ambrose is a well-known fan of Eisenhower but outside the "Foreward" there is little evidence of his strong admiration. As a result the book reads far more like an objective assessment of his pre-presidency than the first installment of a hagiography. Readers new to Eisenhower will not only learn a great deal about the man himself but also, notwithstanding the author's protestations to the contrary, much about "his times" as well.
But in contrast to Ambrose's well-known and incredibly popular "Undaunted Courage" and "Band of Brothers" this book's style is rarely captivating or colorful. Instead it is characterized by a straightforward, workmanlike and occasionally tedious quality. But if the book lacks a lively and brisk narrative, it is full of interesting observations and seems to be the product of thorough (if poorly footnoted) research.
Ambrose is usually at his best when discussing military strategy and tactics rather than day-to-day affairs. His explanation of Operation Torch, in particular, is excellent. But his personal portraits of Patton and Douglas MacArthur are also unusually compelling. In addition, he provides the best discussion of Eisenhower's time as Chief of Staff that I've ever read and the most interesting discussion of the 1948 movement to draft Eisenhower as a presidential nominee I've encountered.
Surprisingly, though, the author's overall treatment of D-Day is disappointing. This section of the book proves prove far less vivid and engrossing than I expected and often read like a sterile diary of military affairs. And given the book's reputation for thoroughness, the book's narrative is occasionally surprisingly light on details or nuance.
Eisenhower and his wife, for example, meet and find themselves married in just over a page; other biographers provide more insight on their early relationship. Ambrose is hardly more revealing when it comes to Eisenhower's alleged affair with Kay Summersby. But even some military matters are short-changed, including Eisenhower's cross-country Army convoy, his time in Europe with General Pershing and the court-martial inquiry which nearly derailed his early career.
Overall, Stephen Ambrose's "Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, 1890-1952" is a useful but often bland introduction to Dwight D. Eisenhower. If this volume is not quite "best in class" in any particular area, though, it is at least good in most. But while it was once the standard introduction to Eisenhower, it has clearly been surpassed by more recent, vivid and compelling accounts of Eisenhower's life.
Overall rating: 3½ stars
May 8, 2021
If you like the writing of Stephen Ambrose you will like this rendering of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ambrose wrote a two-volume biography of Eisenhower that was published in 1983 and 1984. While he also later put together an abridged one-volume work on the same subject, this review is for the first volume of the two volume set which covers Eisenhower from birth to being President-Elect.
This was an engrossing tale from start to finish. I suspect that readers from around that era - let's say baby-boomers - will enjoy it the most because many of the look-backs to that time will feel somewhat familiar instead of reading like ancient history. Born in 1890 Eisenhower certainly lived through a tumultuous period in American history, especially American military history. He lived through/participated in two world wars, helped achieve an armistice in the Korean War, and was President when America funded the French in Vietnam. The in-between-the-war periods are also very interesting for Eisenhower. As to becoming President-Elect ... he always maintained that he did not want it but would not refuse an acclamation from the citizens - it would be his duty.
I think what I liked best about Ambrose's take was that he did not fall into the trap of hagiography. He takes Eisenhower to task for many periods where Eisenhower either made the wrong decision or wasn't decisive enough. This objective interpretation makes the work a fair portrait of a complex man in a complex time. The first volume was so engaging that the second volume will soon be on my list. Highly recommended.
This was an engrossing tale from start to finish. I suspect that readers from around that era - let's say baby-boomers - will enjoy it the most because many of the look-backs to that time will feel somewhat familiar instead of reading like ancient history. Born in 1890 Eisenhower certainly lived through a tumultuous period in American history, especially American military history. He lived through/participated in two world wars, helped achieve an armistice in the Korean War, and was President when America funded the French in Vietnam. The in-between-the-war periods are also very interesting for Eisenhower. As to becoming President-Elect ... he always maintained that he did not want it but would not refuse an acclamation from the citizens - it would be his duty.
I think what I liked best about Ambrose's take was that he did not fall into the trap of hagiography. He takes Eisenhower to task for many periods where Eisenhower either made the wrong decision or wasn't decisive enough. This objective interpretation makes the work a fair portrait of a complex man in a complex time. The first volume was so engaging that the second volume will soon be on my list. Highly recommended.
May 30, 2013
This will be one of the great nonfiction reads of the year for me. There
are very few writers out there who can capture biography and history in the
way that Ambrose does, bringing mere years and days to vivid life with his
excellent prose.
Eisenhower was the only American in the 20th century to claim his nation's
top civilian and military honors, and only two other men before him in the
nation's history had done that-Grant and Washington. In this first of a
two-volume series, you zoom in on Eisenhower's years growing up in Kansas
and his adult life up to the night on which he was elected president. The
second volume focuses on his presidential years and those beyond until his
death in 1969.
You get a fascinating look at the entire Eisenhower clan. All of the
brothers went on to be highly successful men. Their father was a harsh
disciplinarian-perhaps even abusive-but all of the boys, on reflection,
insisted that whatever beatings they received at their father's hand, they
probably deserved.
Read this to get a look at Eisenhower's years at West Point. He was,
surprisingly, not at the top of his class while there, but he was highly
esteemed by his classmates and much loved generally for a big grin and a
knee-slapping heart-felt laugh.
While every page of this book will leave you with a lot to think
about, clearly the high point for me was the World War II years. Ambrose is
not an apologist here. He shows you some of Eisenhower's weaknesses and
leadership alongside his strength, thereby giving you a more complete and
more vivid picture of the man.
So did he or did he not have an affair with his fashion-model British
driver, Kay Summersby Morgan? She emphatically says yes, but Ambrose
questions her veracity. She apparently wrote a book in the
final years of her life, and Ambrose dismisses it as the ramblings of an old
woman. On the other hand, he dutifully reports using sources of all kinds
that the two were extremely close, and he postulates that on the rare
occasions when they were alone, the two may have attempted to consummate the
relationship-something Eisenhower's sharp moral upbringing seems too refused
to allow him to do. According to Ambrose, Eisenhower was unable to sexually
perform. Others who were aware of the relationship between the two
dismissed it by saying, "Kay's helping him win this war; let them alone."
His letters to his wife during the period in which he was the supreme allied
commander reflected unwavering love and concern for her welfare. She, too,
clearly worried about Kay Summersby, since pictures sent home for
publication in American newspapers showed the two together a good deal. But
Ike was adamant that she need not worry.
You will be fascinated by the banging and clanging of strong personalities
in this book. Eisenhower's disputes with his British counterpart is
examined here, and his disputes with General George Patton are scrutinized
as well.
You'll see Eisenhower, the completely apolitical military guy, declaring no
allegiance to either party, despite repeated pleas from both that he should
be their presidential candidate. You will read with fascination about his
reluctant ascension to the position of president-elect.
You'll read here, too, about his close association with his son, John.
There is a poignant section here wherein Eisenhower admitted to grieving
years after the war for those men who never came back to have children. He
never lost his sense of responsibility for those American lives, and while
he was a remarkable commander, he truly hated war and all it stood for with
all its destruction and carnage. He was apparently a dog lover, too.
During the war, he had as his companion a Scottish Terrier who was valuable
to him because he could speak to it of things other than war. He once said
that all the conversations he had with people always came back to some
aspect of the war. Not so with the little dog.
While it will be a while before I visit volume 2 of this series, I'm already looking forward to it. I didn't
read anything in here that would be offensive to those of us with political
leanings in any direction. This is just a well-written biography that moves
along nicely and is written in a competent, authoritative style.
are very few writers out there who can capture biography and history in the
way that Ambrose does, bringing mere years and days to vivid life with his
excellent prose.
Eisenhower was the only American in the 20th century to claim his nation's
top civilian and military honors, and only two other men before him in the
nation's history had done that-Grant and Washington. In this first of a
two-volume series, you zoom in on Eisenhower's years growing up in Kansas
and his adult life up to the night on which he was elected president. The
second volume focuses on his presidential years and those beyond until his
death in 1969.
You get a fascinating look at the entire Eisenhower clan. All of the
brothers went on to be highly successful men. Their father was a harsh
disciplinarian-perhaps even abusive-but all of the boys, on reflection,
insisted that whatever beatings they received at their father's hand, they
probably deserved.
Read this to get a look at Eisenhower's years at West Point. He was,
surprisingly, not at the top of his class while there, but he was highly
esteemed by his classmates and much loved generally for a big grin and a
knee-slapping heart-felt laugh.
While every page of this book will leave you with a lot to think
about, clearly the high point for me was the World War II years. Ambrose is
not an apologist here. He shows you some of Eisenhower's weaknesses and
leadership alongside his strength, thereby giving you a more complete and
more vivid picture of the man.
So did he or did he not have an affair with his fashion-model British
driver, Kay Summersby Morgan? She emphatically says yes, but Ambrose
questions her veracity. She apparently wrote a book in the
final years of her life, and Ambrose dismisses it as the ramblings of an old
woman. On the other hand, he dutifully reports using sources of all kinds
that the two were extremely close, and he postulates that on the rare
occasions when they were alone, the two may have attempted to consummate the
relationship-something Eisenhower's sharp moral upbringing seems too refused
to allow him to do. According to Ambrose, Eisenhower was unable to sexually
perform. Others who were aware of the relationship between the two
dismissed it by saying, "Kay's helping him win this war; let them alone."
His letters to his wife during the period in which he was the supreme allied
commander reflected unwavering love and concern for her welfare. She, too,
clearly worried about Kay Summersby, since pictures sent home for
publication in American newspapers showed the two together a good deal. But
Ike was adamant that she need not worry.
You will be fascinated by the banging and clanging of strong personalities
in this book. Eisenhower's disputes with his British counterpart is
examined here, and his disputes with General George Patton are scrutinized
as well.
You'll see Eisenhower, the completely apolitical military guy, declaring no
allegiance to either party, despite repeated pleas from both that he should
be their presidential candidate. You will read with fascination about his
reluctant ascension to the position of president-elect.
You'll read here, too, about his close association with his son, John.
There is a poignant section here wherein Eisenhower admitted to grieving
years after the war for those men who never came back to have children. He
never lost his sense of responsibility for those American lives, and while
he was a remarkable commander, he truly hated war and all it stood for with
all its destruction and carnage. He was apparently a dog lover, too.
During the war, he had as his companion a Scottish Terrier who was valuable
to him because he could speak to it of things other than war. He once said
that all the conversations he had with people always came back to some
aspect of the war. Not so with the little dog.
While it will be a while before I visit volume 2 of this series, I'm already looking forward to it. I didn't
read anything in here that would be offensive to those of us with political
leanings in any direction. This is just a well-written biography that moves
along nicely and is written in a competent, authoritative style.
August 29, 2016
Eisenhower, Volume #1 by Stephen Ambrose is a big book, 572 pages of text and then 50 or so pages of notes and index. The test is dense there are a lot of words on each page. A well done work by an author that I have read before. This work was done in 1983. Ambrose died in 2002.
Volume 1 goes from Eisenhower's birth in 1890 to his election as President in 1952. Most of the bulk of the book covers his military career.
I found one objectionable comment in the book. In the section regarding the 1952 election campaign Richard Nixon presented some problems for Eisenhower. The two men didn't really like each other. Ambrose stated that Nixon was a problematic running mate but not a crook. Nixon was a crook. Perhaps Ambrose should have read The Arrogance of Power by Anthony Summers. Ones reviewer of Summers book said "Anthony Summers' biography of Richard Nixon reveals a troubled figure whose criminal behavior did not begin with Watergate. "
Other than that I enjoyed the book. I won't take on Volume 2 for awhile. It was a big job to read.
Volume 1 goes from Eisenhower's birth in 1890 to his election as President in 1952. Most of the bulk of the book covers his military career.
I found one objectionable comment in the book. In the section regarding the 1952 election campaign Richard Nixon presented some problems for Eisenhower. The two men didn't really like each other. Ambrose stated that Nixon was a problematic running mate but not a crook. Nixon was a crook. Perhaps Ambrose should have read The Arrogance of Power by Anthony Summers. Ones reviewer of Summers book said "Anthony Summers' biography of Richard Nixon reveals a troubled figure whose criminal behavior did not begin with Watergate. "
Other than that I enjoyed the book. I won't take on Volume 2 for awhile. It was a big job to read.
April 5, 2015
I listened to this as an audiobook. The reader read as if in a hurry and it took great attention to follow it.
I knew little about Eisenhower other than that he lead the Allies on D-Day and served as a two term well loved president. Reading this gave me a much fuller appreciation for a great patriot and exceptional man. I greatly admire Ambrose and this book may have been stronger than I rated it.
I knew little about Eisenhower other than that he lead the Allies on D-Day and served as a two term well loved president. Reading this gave me a much fuller appreciation for a great patriot and exceptional man. I greatly admire Ambrose and this book may have been stronger than I rated it.
October 11, 2019
The first president I can remember was Dwight Eisenhower and my family staunch Democrats that
they were still liked Ike. He occupied a unique role in the pantheon of America's military heroes and
was uniquely prepared for the presidency in the post World War 2 era when being our president meant
you led a good portion of the world.
He was the last president we had born in the 19th century in 1890 and his parents were Mennonites.
Ike was the middle son of 5 brothers and was raised in Abilene Kansas. He got an appointment to
West Point and took it because it meant a free college education. It became his life, but sadly unless
you got into war, promotions come very slow. Ike was here during WW1 and it ended before he was
to be shipped overseas.
Ambrose along with other authors considers that a lucky break in other ways besides the obvious. He
did not have to unlearn anything from the trench warfare of WW1. He and a few others felt the
tank would revolutionize warfare in the next conflict and the Germans proved him right.
Eisenhower came to the attention of both George Marshall and Douglas MacArthur and both influenced his development. When war did come Marshall picked him for rapid advancement and
it paid off.
His critics say that Eisenhower was a good coordinator and that was his chief asset in building the
coalition against Nazi Germany. Ike was a good strategist given the factors he operated under. He
learned from mistakes when commanding in North Africa, the Mediterranean theater and finally
in France and Germany. He had a lot of egos to soothe like Patton's among the Americans and
Montgomery for the British. He did not want Monty for D-Day, but he was a popular British hero
and Ike put up with a lot of guff from him.
His finest hour was D-Day, June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in history. Across the
English Channel to Normandy beach in France. It's an achievement unlike any other.
After the war Ike succeeded Marshall as Chief of Staff and then took a leave from the military to
be President of Columbia University. Then he was named the first commander of the combined
NATO nations military force.
Both Democrats and Republicans sought him for the presidency. He turned it down flat in 1948
but in 1952 he ran as a Republican and beat Senator Robert Taft for the nomination. Ike rolled
up a good size popular vote and electoral vote margin against his Democratic opponent Adlai
Stevenson.
Ambrose's book ends here, his second volume deals with his presidential and retirement years.
Ambrose admires his subject greatly but not uncritically. You'll want to read the second volume
if you read the first.
they were still liked Ike. He occupied a unique role in the pantheon of America's military heroes and
was uniquely prepared for the presidency in the post World War 2 era when being our president meant
you led a good portion of the world.
He was the last president we had born in the 19th century in 1890 and his parents were Mennonites.
Ike was the middle son of 5 brothers and was raised in Abilene Kansas. He got an appointment to
West Point and took it because it meant a free college education. It became his life, but sadly unless
you got into war, promotions come very slow. Ike was here during WW1 and it ended before he was
to be shipped overseas.
Ambrose along with other authors considers that a lucky break in other ways besides the obvious. He
did not have to unlearn anything from the trench warfare of WW1. He and a few others felt the
tank would revolutionize warfare in the next conflict and the Germans proved him right.
Eisenhower came to the attention of both George Marshall and Douglas MacArthur and both influenced his development. When war did come Marshall picked him for rapid advancement and
it paid off.
His critics say that Eisenhower was a good coordinator and that was his chief asset in building the
coalition against Nazi Germany. Ike was a good strategist given the factors he operated under. He
learned from mistakes when commanding in North Africa, the Mediterranean theater and finally
in France and Germany. He had a lot of egos to soothe like Patton's among the Americans and
Montgomery for the British. He did not want Monty for D-Day, but he was a popular British hero
and Ike put up with a lot of guff from him.
His finest hour was D-Day, June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in history. Across the
English Channel to Normandy beach in France. It's an achievement unlike any other.
After the war Ike succeeded Marshall as Chief of Staff and then took a leave from the military to
be President of Columbia University. Then he was named the first commander of the combined
NATO nations military force.
Both Democrats and Republicans sought him for the presidency. He turned it down flat in 1948
but in 1952 he ran as a Republican and beat Senator Robert Taft for the nomination. Ike rolled
up a good size popular vote and electoral vote margin against his Democratic opponent Adlai
Stevenson.
Ambrose's book ends here, his second volume deals with his presidential and retirement years.
Ambrose admires his subject greatly but not uncritically. You'll want to read the second volume
if you read the first.
August 10, 2018
I'm working my way through presidential whole-life biographies. Sometimes I find it difficult to pick the best book to read. The great and popular presidents have been the subject of many good biographies, making for a difficult choice. With the unpopular presidents the choice is easy because there's really no choice at all. For me, it was easy to pick the Ambrose books. I've read a fair number of Ambrose's books on World War II and have enjoyed his work.
Given Ambrose's affinity for Eisenhower, I was half expecting this work to border on hagiography. I'm happy to find that the book comes across as even-handed. Of course, I've finished only the first of the two books, but I'm thinking this even-handedness will continue through the second.
This volume covers the time up to election day of 1952, with Eisenhower becoming president-elect. It starts with a bit of family history. In between, we get his entire military career including his relationships with mentors such as Fox Conner, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall. Much of the book necessarily covers World War II (both endplates are WWII maps). After the war, we learn about his stints as Chief of Staff, president of Columbia, and his time with NATO. Finally, there's the campaign.
I look forward to reading the second volume. Now that I've gotten into presidents who served in times I'm much more familiar with I think I can read the history with a more critical eye. I already intend to read Ambrose's Nixon books, and one or two little gems in this first Eisenhower volume already have me on my toes. When Ambrose tells me flat-out that Nixon was not a crook I know I'll have to keep my guard up. This first volume covered territory I was already fairly familiar with, and I found it, as I said, balanced.
This first volume didn't cover much politics or policy. Eisenhower's political strategy was to remain fundamentally apolitical. Today's conservatives look back fondly on Eisenhower, but I suspect that's primarily because today the 50's are seen as a time of American prosperity and power; the calm before the civil upheavals of the 60's. Ask people what Eisenhower did as president and I'm not sure that they'd be able to answer with any specifics, other than building the Interstate highway system.
Given Ambrose's affinity for Eisenhower, I was half expecting this work to border on hagiography. I'm happy to find that the book comes across as even-handed. Of course, I've finished only the first of the two books, but I'm thinking this even-handedness will continue through the second.
This volume covers the time up to election day of 1952, with Eisenhower becoming president-elect. It starts with a bit of family history. In between, we get his entire military career including his relationships with mentors such as Fox Conner, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall. Much of the book necessarily covers World War II (both endplates are WWII maps). After the war, we learn about his stints as Chief of Staff, president of Columbia, and his time with NATO. Finally, there's the campaign.
I look forward to reading the second volume. Now that I've gotten into presidents who served in times I'm much more familiar with I think I can read the history with a more critical eye. I already intend to read Ambrose's Nixon books, and one or two little gems in this first Eisenhower volume already have me on my toes. When Ambrose tells me flat-out that Nixon was not a crook I know I'll have to keep my guard up. This first volume covered territory I was already fairly familiar with, and I found it, as I said, balanced.
This first volume didn't cover much politics or policy. Eisenhower's political strategy was to remain fundamentally apolitical. Today's conservatives look back fondly on Eisenhower, but I suspect that's primarily because today the 50's are seen as a time of American prosperity and power; the calm before the civil upheavals of the 60's. Ask people what Eisenhower did as president and I'm not sure that they'd be able to answer with any specifics, other than building the Interstate highway system.
November 15, 2021
Losing my sight several years ago, I’ve had the luxury of listening to 37 audio books about are Presidents. Most have been biographical with a few novels.
Author Ambrose covers the Eisenhower Mennonite family’s arrival to America in the 18th century, his childhood, cadet, General, Supreme Commander of all allied forces in WWII, and the Presidency of Dwight David Eisenhower, magnificently!
Most historians write factual events and write with a slightly hidden bend on the perceived reality of the person.
Ambrose, over almost 20 years, captured the man, events, and the times, as well as any historical author! He easily captured the facts with an undisclosed slant of admiration for DDE. The research and time spent alone, shows dedication.
There is no doubt when the author lives during the character’s life helps in describing the person, events, and the times in an extraordinary
way.
Ambrose wrote a 2 volume set - 57 hrs of reading time. The 1st volume lead up to a short time after WWII and the 2nd picked up, and told of his presidency and death.
DDE Is the most under-rated President ever! He saved the world from Hitler and was 1 of 3 Presidents; Washington and Grant being the other 2; which saved America!! Their accomplishments, character, and leadership were extremely similar. All were humble, sneaky in battle, brilliant leaders respected by all, and always clearly seeing the
big picture.
However, President Eisenhower dealt with a fundamentally changed military, a fundamentally, larger, new American society that had no boundaries , and new forces within our government. He managed superbly, even being the top advisor to President Johnson during the Vietnam War. Not much recognition today is given him for these and other accomplishments.
No doubt DDE is one of our top 5 Presidents!!
It is on my Favorite Book Shelf! Thank you Steven Ambrose for painting an American Hero, including his faults and his inability to accomplish all of his “big pictures”.
I have terminal brain cancer and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for saving these books and the man for probably my last long read.
Ps: This comment is posted in both Losing my sight several years ago, I’ve had the luxury of listening to 37 audio books about are Presidents. Most have been biographical with a few novels.
Author Ambrose covers the Eisenhower Mennonite family’s arrival to America in the 18th century, his childhood, cadet, General, Supreme Commander of all allied forces in WWII, and the Presidency of Dwight David Eisenhower, magnificently!
Most historians write factual events and write with a slightly hidden bend on the perceived reality of the person.
Ambrose, over almost 20 years, captured the man, events, and the times, as well as any historical author! He easily captured the facts with an undisguised slant of admiration for DDE. The research and time spent alone, shows dedication.
There is no doubt when the author lives during the character’s life helps in describing the person, events, and the times in an extraordinary
way.
Ambrose wrote a 2 volume set - 57 hrs of reading time. The 1st volume lead up to a short time after WWII and the 2nd picked up, and told of his presidency and death.
DDE Is the most under-rated President ever! He saved the world from Hitler and was 1 of 3 Presidents; Washington and Grant being the other 2; which saved America!! Their accomplishments, character, and leadership were extremely similar. All were humble, sneaky in battle, brilliant leaders respected by all, and always clearly seeing the
big picture.
However, President Eisenhower dealt with a fundamentally changed military, a fundamentally, larger, new American society that had no boundaries , and new forces within our government. He managed superbly, even being the top advisor to President Johnson during the Vietnam War. Not much recognition today is given him for these and other accomplishments.
No doubt DDE is one of our top 5 Presidents!!
It is on my Favorite Book Shelf! Thank you Steven Ambrose for painting an American Hero, including his faults and his inability to accomplish all of his “big pictures”.
I have terminal brain cancer and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for saving these books and the man for probably my last long read.
Ps: This comment is posted in both volumes..
Author Ambrose covers the Eisenhower Mennonite family’s arrival to America in the 18th century, his childhood, cadet, General, Supreme Commander of all allied forces in WWII, and the Presidency of Dwight David Eisenhower, magnificently!
Most historians write factual events and write with a slightly hidden bend on the perceived reality of the person.
Ambrose, over almost 20 years, captured the man, events, and the times, as well as any historical author! He easily captured the facts with an undisclosed slant of admiration for DDE. The research and time spent alone, shows dedication.
There is no doubt when the author lives during the character’s life helps in describing the person, events, and the times in an extraordinary
way.
Ambrose wrote a 2 volume set - 57 hrs of reading time. The 1st volume lead up to a short time after WWII and the 2nd picked up, and told of his presidency and death.
DDE Is the most under-rated President ever! He saved the world from Hitler and was 1 of 3 Presidents; Washington and Grant being the other 2; which saved America!! Their accomplishments, character, and leadership were extremely similar. All were humble, sneaky in battle, brilliant leaders respected by all, and always clearly seeing the
big picture.
However, President Eisenhower dealt with a fundamentally changed military, a fundamentally, larger, new American society that had no boundaries , and new forces within our government. He managed superbly, even being the top advisor to President Johnson during the Vietnam War. Not much recognition today is given him for these and other accomplishments.
No doubt DDE is one of our top 5 Presidents!!
It is on my Favorite Book Shelf! Thank you Steven Ambrose for painting an American Hero, including his faults and his inability to accomplish all of his “big pictures”.
I have terminal brain cancer and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for saving these books and the man for probably my last long read.
Ps: This comment is posted in both Losing my sight several years ago, I’ve had the luxury of listening to 37 audio books about are Presidents. Most have been biographical with a few novels.
Author Ambrose covers the Eisenhower Mennonite family’s arrival to America in the 18th century, his childhood, cadet, General, Supreme Commander of all allied forces in WWII, and the Presidency of Dwight David Eisenhower, magnificently!
Most historians write factual events and write with a slightly hidden bend on the perceived reality of the person.
Ambrose, over almost 20 years, captured the man, events, and the times, as well as any historical author! He easily captured the facts with an undisguised slant of admiration for DDE. The research and time spent alone, shows dedication.
There is no doubt when the author lives during the character’s life helps in describing the person, events, and the times in an extraordinary
way.
Ambrose wrote a 2 volume set - 57 hrs of reading time. The 1st volume lead up to a short time after WWII and the 2nd picked up, and told of his presidency and death.
DDE Is the most under-rated President ever! He saved the world from Hitler and was 1 of 3 Presidents; Washington and Grant being the other 2; which saved America!! Their accomplishments, character, and leadership were extremely similar. All were humble, sneaky in battle, brilliant leaders respected by all, and always clearly seeing the
big picture.
However, President Eisenhower dealt with a fundamentally changed military, a fundamentally, larger, new American society that had no boundaries , and new forces within our government. He managed superbly, even being the top advisor to President Johnson during the Vietnam War. Not much recognition today is given him for these and other accomplishments.
No doubt DDE is one of our top 5 Presidents!!
It is on my Favorite Book Shelf! Thank you Steven Ambrose for painting an American Hero, including his faults and his inability to accomplish all of his “big pictures”.
I have terminal brain cancer and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for saving these books and the man for probably my last long read.
Ps: This comment is posted in both volumes..
December 4, 2022
Learned many things about Eisenhower that I didn't know. From his upbringing in Abilene Kansas in a family whose ancestors were Pennsylvanian Dutch Mennonites and pacifists. He was a great football player and coach. He hunted, fished and was an accomplished horseman. He loved playing poker and bridge. He was only Colonel when he was given the job of Supreme Commander in WWII and he had not lead an army in battle before that. He did not aggressively seek the office of President of the United States until he was sure it was his duty to do so.
It is a long book ( 600 pages) that covers his life from 1890 to 1952 when he wins the election and becomes the President Elect.
It is a long book ( 600 pages) that covers his life from 1890 to 1952 when he wins the election and becomes the President Elect.
December 29, 2025
A truly great biography. I picked this up on a lark last year, but only got around to starting it in late September of this year. Ambrose does what I think every biography should do, present the facts as they are. He rightly points out hypocrisies but largely lets the reader analyse the facts for themselves. Additionally, Eisenhower is such an interesting character that there are portions of the book that I just couldn't put it down. The only criticism I would make is that it can be hard to keep track of some of the people in Eisenhowers life or follow military movements, but I dont think it draws away from the book. Very excited to read volume two.
May 22, 2019
One doesn't read a biography looking for edge of the seat suspense. By definition a biographer subordinates his writing self to his subject. The standards for judgment are thoroughness, accuracy and balance. By those standards this bio is excellent.
Ike Eisenhower was as pivotal figure as existed in the 20th century. His WWII service makes him a first rank American hero. His presidency was something else. Not bad, just mediocre.
Ike Eisenhower was as pivotal figure as existed in the 20th century. His WWII service makes him a first rank American hero. His presidency was something else. Not bad, just mediocre.
November 24, 2025
I found this to be an enjoyable account of Eisenhower’s life leading up to him being elected president. This was at times slow and overly detailed, but I can appreciate the thoroughness and Eisenhower is certainly worthy of a multi-volume biography. The author is admiring of his subject matter but also adds a bit of fair criticism when warranted, which makes the reading overall a bit more lively.
February 1, 2020
Interesting and fun - some takeaways. He was a people pleaser, but stubborn and could balance vary different and disagreeable personalities. Had a nasty temper but kept it under control, for the most part.
June 20, 2022
Overall a great drill down into the first 2/3 of his life, although it seems to be missing a lot of detail about Eisenhower's early life.
July 28, 2023
Somewhat hagiographic, but well tells the story of a leader the like of which we seem to no longer have.
August 28, 2024
A Must Read
Want to know DDE in depth, read Ambrose stellar account of Eisenhower's life up to his Presidential election. A must read for history buffs.
Want to know DDE in depth, read Ambrose stellar account of Eisenhower's life up to his Presidential election. A must read for history buffs.
January 29, 2014
I've read Crusade in Europe (by Eisenhower about his time there) and both of Omar Bradley's autobiographies. Read a couple books on Patton and MacArthur and a minor host of them on Churchill and Roosevelt. So I have some background on the person and events covered in this biography.
I most enjoyed reading about his early years in the Army before WWII. WWII was exhausting and exhilarating for Eisenhower and sometimes just exhausting for the reader.
It really is about who you know sometimes. We see this illustrated for Eisenhower getting opportunities to serve. But, make no mistake, opportunities may have come from knowing people but Eisenhower never would have been anybody if he wasn't ready to work very hard to do and be his best.
I had not read about Ike's political campaign or how he approached the possibility of becoming president and enjoyed reading about that.
I'd like to think this is one of the better biographies on Eisenhower. However, I know in the past few years several have been published and it seems a new appreciation for Eisenhower has arisen.
I most enjoyed reading about his early years in the Army before WWII. WWII was exhausting and exhilarating for Eisenhower and sometimes just exhausting for the reader.
It really is about who you know sometimes. We see this illustrated for Eisenhower getting opportunities to serve. But, make no mistake, opportunities may have come from knowing people but Eisenhower never would have been anybody if he wasn't ready to work very hard to do and be his best.
I had not read about Ike's political campaign or how he approached the possibility of becoming president and enjoyed reading about that.
I'd like to think this is one of the better biographies on Eisenhower. However, I know in the past few years several have been published and it seems a new appreciation for Eisenhower has arisen.
December 5, 2016
In the book Eisenhower Soldier General of the Army president Elect , you get the measure of the man.
Stephen E. Ambrose takes 572 pages to explore Ike’s “early year’s” before his White House years begin.
You can see the relationships that Ike had with MacArthur, Marshall, Montgomery, Patton, Roosevelt, Nixon and Truman. I did not get the feel for D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge, except from the conference room view. Eisenhower and Mamie did not own a home until after he retired (for the first time) from the military. When he returned home from the European theater, he went out and bought a new Buick- then he was broke- it took all of his savings. Ambrose shows how Ike was adopted by a clique- he called “The Gang”, a bunch of 1950”s one percenters who became his inner circle. You learn here just how poor Ike’s relationship was with Richard Nixon, from the start.
Stephen E. Ambrose takes 572 pages to explore Ike’s “early year’s” before his White House years begin.
You can see the relationships that Ike had with MacArthur, Marshall, Montgomery, Patton, Roosevelt, Nixon and Truman. I did not get the feel for D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge, except from the conference room view. Eisenhower and Mamie did not own a home until after he retired (for the first time) from the military. When he returned home from the European theater, he went out and bought a new Buick- then he was broke- it took all of his savings. Ambrose shows how Ike was adopted by a clique- he called “The Gang”, a bunch of 1950”s one percenters who became his inner circle. You learn here just how poor Ike’s relationship was with Richard Nixon, from the start.
September 23, 2014
Stephen Ambrose wrote many excellent books. Alas, this is not one of them. Counting this Book, he wrote a total of 7 books on, or significantly about Eisenhower. He obviously was fascinated by the man, but for the rest of us, this was just too much. Way too much. There is a book sized front 1/3 of this detailing Ike's growing up and 30 years in the army. Ike thought about resigning his commission on the cusp of WWII, but decided against it. Even Ambrose states that if he did, Ike wouldn't even be a footnote in history, yet this period is covered in excruciating detail in over 300 pages. Too much. By the time you get to his role as supreme commander you are tuckered out. But, like Ike, I preserved through the remain in 600 pages. I would highly recommend a much shorter version.
June 8, 2011
I have mixed feelings about Stephen Ambrose. He plagiarised often and grossly overstated his contact with Eisenhower (Ambrose claimed they met almost daily for hundreds and hundreds of hours, while records show that they met for five hours over three days). I was riveted by his "Undaunted Courage" and bored by "Nothing Like It In The World" which I found repetitive, non-sequential, and undocumented. So why 5 stars for this book? In the style of Ambrose's best pop-history, it flows with smooth rhythm with occasional anecdotal information to enliven some future cocktail party conversation (even if the citation is contrived). I look forward to part II, "Eisenhower: The President".
July 29, 2013
One of my favorite authors. Excellent study of a man and historical events. I felt I really got to understand Eisenhower and the European theater of WWII. Depth and easily understandable military action. Great interaction of personalities of the time. ENJOYABLE! This was my second ebook and I was less than satisfied with structure. Large spacing between words, spaces breaking up words
(i.e. "the", th e), great many misspelled words. This made for the natural flow of reading difficult, not impossible.
(i.e. "the", th e), great many misspelled words. This made for the natural flow of reading difficult, not impossible.
October 27, 2013
I love the WWII era history. I love works by Stephen Ambrose. My mother served on Eisenhower's staff in Paris (although her favorite general was Omar Bradley, who comes off very well in this book). I loved the first 500 pages of this--it was hard to not neglect everything else in my life and just hide out reading this. Then the war ended and he finally started seeking the presidency after being head of NATO. Really, really, really disliked that part. Which tells you a lot about me: I love history; I hate politics.
May 21, 2014
If you enjoy history as I do then yes I would recommend this book. I like to read biographies from several historians point of view. It is interesting to see where they agree and disagree. Eisenhower had a high stress life and career. No time more so that during WW ll. The thought of maintaining a working partnership with all those political and military divas sounds awful. Hey, that sounds familiar!
August 4, 2013
I am truly enjoying this book. Learning so much I did not know about Eisenhower. I have actually stop reading in some parts to do more research on what is being presented. Right now it waiting for me to finish another book which should be today. I can't wait ti get back into learning about a small notch in our history.
March 5, 2015
This is the first volume of Stephen E. Ambrose's outstanding biography of Dwight Eisenhower. It takes the reader from his beginnings through his war years as General and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces of WWII until his election as 34th President of the United States. Well worth the read!
Read
July 23, 2008Eisenhower,biography,American history,Ambrose
May 6, 2009
Having trouble finishing this one. Childhood through WWII were very interesting. Presidential section not so much.
Read
March 16, 2009973.92 Amb
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews