Eisenhower in War and Peace

Eisenhower in War and Peace chronicles the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower from his Kansas childhood through his military career and presidency. Smith draws on primary sources and archival materials to construct this comprehensive biography of the man who commanded Allied forces in World War II before serving two terms as U.S. president. The book covers Eisenhower's rise through the military ranks and his relationships with other major figures of the era, including George Marshall, George Patton, and Winston Churchill. His development as a leader and strategist emerges through accounts of key military campaigns and political decisions. Smith details Eisenhower's transition from military commander to political leader, examining his presidential campaigns and eight years in the White House. The biography pays close attention to both domestic policy and Cold War diplomacy during the 1950s. The narrative reveals the complexities of power and leadership in both military and civilian spheres, while exploring how Eisenhower's Midwestern pragmatism and ability to build consensus shaped his approach to command and governance.

Readers find this biography balanced and thorough in covering both Eisenhower's military and political careers. Many note the detailed research and Smith's clear writing style. Readers appreciated: - Equal attention to war years and presidency - Analysis of Eisenhower's leadership style - Coverage of lesser-known aspects like his role in developing the interstate highway system - Discussion of his marriage and personal relationships Common criticisms: - Too favorable treatment of Eisenhower's handling of civil rights - Limited coverage of his early life - Some military details get technical - Length (766 pages) feels excessive to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (900+ ratings) Representative review: "Smith gives us both the general and the president in full - his strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. The writing is clear and engaging without getting bogged down in minutiae." - Amazon reviewer

American Caesar by William Manchester This biography of Douglas MacArthur traces his military career from West Point through World War II and Korea, offering a parallel narrative to Eisenhower's path through the American military establishment.

Truman by David McCullough The life story of Harry Truman connects to Eisenhower's presidency through their shared experiences in World War II, the transition of power, and the challenges of leading America in the early Cold War period.

Omar Bradley: General at War by Jim DeFelice This account of Omar Bradley's military career intersects with Eisenhower's story through their collaboration in World War II and provides additional context for the military decisions of the European theater.

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester Churchill's wartime leadership and relationship with Eisenhower emerge through this examination of the British Prime Minister's life during World War II and its aftermath.

Partners in Command by Mark Perry The military partnership between George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower unfolds through their correspondence and collaboration during World War II and the early Cold War years.

🌟 Author Jean Edward Smith taught at the University of Toronto for 35 years before joining Marshall University, where he was named the John Marshall Professor of Political Science. 🎖️ The book won the 2013 William E. Colby Award, which recognizes significant contributions to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations, or international affairs. ⭐ The biography reveals that Eisenhower secretly gave the French tactical nuclear weapons in the 1950s, a fact that remained classified until years after his presidency. 🎯 Despite covering Eisenhower's entire life, Smith spent nearly a decade focusing specifically on Ike's presidency (1953-1961), arguing it was vastly underrated by previous historians. 🌍 The book details how Eisenhower's mother was a pacifist who opposed war and military service, making his eventual role as Supreme Allied Commander during WWII particularly ironic.