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Eisenhower

Becoming the Leader of the Free World

Louis Galambos

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"Highly accessible and sprightly written."—Library Journal

Winner of the Kansas Notable Book Award by the Kansas State Libarary

In this engaging, fast-paced biography, Louis Galambos follows the career of Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, offering new insight into this singular man who guided America toward consensus at home and a peaceful victory in the Cold War.

The longtime editor of the Eisenhower papers, Galambos may know more about this president than anyone alive. In this compelling book, he explores the shifts in Eisenhower's identity and reputation over his lifetime and explains how he...

"Highly accessible and sprightly written."—Library Journal

Winner of the Kansas Notable Book Award by the Kansas State Libarary

In this engaging, fast-paced biography, Louis Galambos follows the career of Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, offering new insight into this singular man who guided America toward consensus at home and a peaceful victory in the Cold War.

The longtime editor of the Eisenhower papers, Galambos may know more about this president than anyone alive. In this compelling book, he explores the shifts in Eisenhower's identity and reputation over his lifetime and explains how he developed his distinctive leadership skills. As a career military officer, Eisenhower's progress was uneven. Galambos shows how Ike, with the help of Brigadier General Fox Conner, his mentor and patron, learned how to profit from his mistakes, pivot quickly, and grow as a military and civilian leader. On D-Day, Eisenhower guided the largest amphibious force in history to a successful invasion of France and a decisive victory. After the defeat of Nazi Germany, he turned to politics and was elected president in 1952.

While today's fiercely partisan political climate makes it difficult to imagine a president forging consensus in Washington, that's exactly what Eisenhower did. As America's leader in an era of profound postwar changes at home and abroad, President Eisenhower sought a middle way with compromise and coalition building. He provided his country with firm-handed leadership, bringing prosperity and peace to the American people in the dangerous years of the Cold War—an accomplishment that made him one of the most influential men of the twentieth century.

Destined to be the best short biography of the thirty-fourth president of the United States, Eisenhower conclusively demonstrates how and why this master of the middle way became the successful leader of the free world.

Reviews

Reviews

Highly accessible and sprightly written.

Dwight Eisenhower was a mystery to many of those who favored and most of those who opposed him. Louis Galambos, a professor of history at Johns Hopkins and editor of the Eisenhower papers, resolves some of that mystery in his succinct, insightful portrait.

Offers many insights into the politics and history of [Eisenhower's] times.

For readers looking for an overview of Eisenhower's life and career, the Galambos book is a fine choice.

Johns Hopkins historian Galambos, editor of the Eisenhower papers, examines the development of the leadership style of President Eisenhower from his boyhood in Abilene, Kansas, through his presidency... Galambos's succinct style and penetrating analysis make for a rewarding study. Highly recommended.

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About

Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
296
ISBN
9781421439266
Illustration Description
14 halftones, 1 map
Table of Contents

Preface
Chapter 1. Trouble
Chapter 2. Abilene
Chapter 3. Locked In
Chapter 4. Epiphany
Chapter 5. Tested
Chapter 6. Combat
Chapter 7. The Decision
Chapter 8. Tested Again
Chapter 9. Duty, Honor, Party
Chapter

Preface
Chapter 1. Trouble
Chapter 2. Abilene
Chapter 3. Locked In
Chapter 4. Epiphany
Chapter 5. Tested
Chapter 6. Combat
Chapter 7. The Decision
Chapter 8. Tested Again
Chapter 9. Duty, Honor, Party
Chapter 10. Pursuint Prosperity, 1953-1961
Chapter 11. Pursuing Peace, 1953-1961
Chapter 12. The Wise Man
Notes
Index

Author Bio
Louis Galambos
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Louis Galambos

Louis Galambos is a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and co-director of the Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and the Study of Business Enterprise.
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