Dwight D. Eisenhower seems at this distant remove a not terribly colorful American president. His term of office was an extraordinarily peaceful one and prosperity largely enveloped the country. So it is perhaps not surprising that many do not think of him as a particularly exciting leader. But this fine biography makes clear that this calm and methodical man was one of the most gifted leaders the country has ever known, and, between his remarkably wise guidance as commander of U.S. forces in World War II Europe and his nuanced juggling of the dangers of the Cold War as president, he is revealed as a most dramatic and remarkable figure on the world stage. A staunch Republican, Eisenhower nonetheless rejected reactionary ideas and was the first to state clearly the dangers of business becoming too entrenched in government and the defense of the nation. Not a gifted battlefield commander, his flair was in management and political subtleties during his military career, and these same gifts served him remarkably as president. A man who left the presidency even more popular than when he began, Eisenhower's career and personality are rewarding studies, and Jean Edward Smith has done a splendid job illuminating them. His prose is imminently readable and compelling, his research apparently precise and assiduous. This book is highly recommended for anyone who cares to have a clear impression of the conduct of the war in the European theater or of the dynamics of the Cold War and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. It is as vital, forthright, and finely organized as was the man who is its subject. ( )

Exhaustively researched, thoroughly documented, and very interesting, but not engaging enough to be a pageturner. Can't believe it took me nearly 2 months to read. Having heard about WWII all my life and having grown up during DDE's presidency, I could relate to many of the stories and incidents in the book, making them relevant. And I enjoyed learning "inside scoop" information. ( )

Excellent! A great read about a great man. Well written and cited. ( )

Eisenhower, as General and President, was never the archetypal Napoleanistic figure charging helter-skelter and mercilessly marauding the foe. This image which he carefully cultivated is his sole legacy for posterity

But as Smith proves, while Eisenhower was a saint among cutthroats-his saintliness witnessed his meteoric ascension in both the world of military and political leadership. What really made Eisenhower the Eisenhower we know today? Smith answers this question quite proficiently in this biographical tome.

What however is galling is Smith's internal references from contemporary sources which often 'overkills' the narrative. Otherwise, this is a grand read though at times monotonous. ( )

Highly-Readable Biography of a Revered Leader

This is the only Eisenhower biography that I’ve ever read, and it may be the only one I need to read. Jean Edward Smith provides the general reader with a rather succinct yet comprehensive view Eisenhower’s life. Dr. Smith is frank and unflinching in his telling of the story of Ike’s life, giving credit where it is due and pointing out deficiencies where appropriate. He rightly criticizes DDE’s military errors both in the North African campaign and as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Dr. Smith’s description of Eisenhower’s performance as president is laudatory while maintaining the forthrightness, he used to describe his generalship.
Smith portrays Eisenhower as a man who succeeded by applying his intellectual acumen, industriousness, and personal charisma and abundance of good fortune. Unlike McArthur, Ike was not a standout at West Point. By the time World War II began in 1941, he had twenty years in-grade as a major. His rise to four-star general in the next two years was an unheard-of accomplishment. His successful leadership of the allied forces in Europe, though somewhat flawed, would be enough reserve his place of honor in American history. However, his thoughtful and measured leadership as President of the United States elevates his place as one of the top five presidents. Ike brought a negotiated end to the Korean War and shepherded the country through the Berlin Crisis, the Suez Crisis and eight years without a single US combat death.
This account of Dwight David Eisenhower is an amazing read. Dr Smith’s account will have you grieving again for his loss.

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