Eisenhower in War and Peace

By: Jean Edward Smith

Narrated by: Paul Hecht

Length: 28 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Author of the best-seller FDR, Jean Edward Smith is a master of the presidential biography. Setting his sights on Dwight D. Eisenhower, Smith delivers a rich account of Eisenhower’s life using previously untapped primary sources. From the military service in WWII that launched his career to the shrewd political decisions that kept America out of wars with the Soviet Union and China, Smith reveals a man who never faltered in his dedication to serving America, whether in times of war or peace.

©2012 Jean Edward Smith (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Always engrossing . . . Smith describes a man who commanded the largest coalition army in history without grandiloquent posturing . . . leaving office more popular than any successor. . . . Smith portrays a genuinely admirable Eisenhower: smart, congenial, unpretentious, and no ideologue. Despite competing biographies from Ambrose, Perret, and D’Este, this is the best.” ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Dwight Eisenhower, who was more cunning than he allowed his adversaries to know, understood the advantage of being underestimated. Jean Edward Smith refutes this durable misunderstanding. Smith, America’s greatest living biographer, demonstrates why, now more than ever, Americans should like Ike.” (George F. Will)

“Jean Smith, indubitably America’s most distinguished biographer, has now produced the classic life of Dwight Eisenhower…Here he comes alive on every page—the beneficiary of the exhausting fresh research this handsomely written book is based upon. When the General died, Mamie, his lifelong wife, allowed that she never fully knew her famous husband. No reader of Smith’s work will render the same complaint.” (Henry F. Graff, Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University)

Enjoyed very much.

I learned a lot from this biography. I didn’t know nearly anything about Eisenhower before this and I’m thankful for learning more. I would’ve liked to have heard much more about his family life and his life after the presidency.

Excellent biography of Ike!

Jean Edward Smith is a master biographer. His compilation of Eisenhower's complete life, from Ike's early childhood and military-school background, to his presidency and beyond, is both engaging and educational! Highly recommend!

enjoyed its nonpartisan coverage

the war chapters are sparce on tactical details but the presidential review casts questions on poor choices and spares no expense in praise. a good balance. great character study rather then a PhD treatment

A complete and reveal a history of a great president

This book does an excellent job of capturing the spirit and heart of President Eisenhower. While the author clearly admires the president, the areas that the president failed are also included. The president was a man had a significant amount to be proud, but would also admit his failure. This spirit is very well adhered within this book

As nearly complete as an Ike biography can be

Nearly 30 hours but entertaining all the way through. The author seems to be one of the most honest in his approach.

It all makes so much sense

Good man good story. Now I understand why I slept well as a child in the 1950s and not so much now. He was one of a kind. Honest

If you lived during Eisenhower's time ....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. If you lived during Eisenhower's time, you've probably forgotten most of the story the book tells -- and it is a story well worth remembering. This book permanently puts to rest the old tale that "Eisenhower proved you don't need a President!!!!" Hearing all the things he accomplished (both in WW II and in his later presidency), you see what a marvelous man he was and how much he really accomplished. You appreciate not only the things he did, but also the things he didn't do!! In my opinion,this book is a must read (or listen to).

very enlightening and interesting.

seemed like a balanced view, the writing and reading were both good. I like Ike

Well rounded and enjoyable bio of Ike

I appreciated the balanced view of Ike’s strengths and weaknesses, his successes and missteps. Well performed and informative.

Great Eisenhower Biography.

I love it, the best book about about Eisenhower I have read. It was well written and covered his entire life.