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)

very good

I feel like it was a great bio, but to me it seemed more aimed at his upbringing and military services than his Presidency.

great story about a great American, written well

A great story about a great American, well written and well narrated. Ike was the iconic American of my parents generation and of my childhood. I feel like I now know him so much better.

I LIKE IKE

I was 11 yrs old when Eisenhower was elected President. I was serving in the Navy when he left office. The pre/post periods covered in this book filled in many gaps for me like bookends holding not one book but several volumes. It was prophetic, insightful, and detailed, with a conversational style. We definitely need more honest and responsible leaders today. I recommend the audio/print combination. I LIKE IKE even more after 29 hours of listening to his life story.

Insightful, revealing Biography of President

What made the experience of listening to Eisenhower in War and Peace the most enjoyable?

I was about 10 when Eisenhower was elected president so I had heard about him but I didn't understand what he had actually done. From the biography I have learned that he did some incredibly good things both during war II and as President. I also learned some of his shortcomings and some things I wish he hadn't done (like supporting a coup to oust a democratically elected leader and replace him with the Shah of Iran.) The story is detailed enough to give a good understanding of all the events in his life, but moves quickly so I couldn't stop reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eisenhower in War and Peace?

Learning about Eisenhower's role in advancing Civil Rights as well as being an person who tried to slow down anti communistic fanatic McCarthy even before Eisenhower was President.

What about Paul Hecht’s performance did you like?

I was not crazy about his reading. He often seems to put an H in front of words so Ike came out soundling like "Hike"

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but of course it was too long to do this. But I could hardly wait to get back to it.

Very Good

A good biography makes you think about a person in a new way. This book accomplished that. Highly recommended.

A great book about a great man

I would give anything for us to have leaders like this today. Eisenhower embodies all that is desired in a political leader and spoke some of the greatest truths our country needs to hear today. This book is excellently written and I enjoyed every second of it.

Great American

I thought from the beginning that it was going to have a British slant but I feel it was the most truthful book on President Eisenhower. Great listen

Great reader performance

An easy to follow and understand text. At times the writer seems to downplay Ike’s intelligence and is unduly critical of his decision especially in the united front versus quick movements before
Before Bastine.
In all. He also barely mentions Clarks debacle at Anzio and his failed turning movement in Korea.. He goes as far to say “Eisenhower was
not an intellectual” and he does not criticize Lodge’s mistakes over and over again. Ie, the Russians building of the dam and the U2 incident.
. Does it take a Ph.D. to be called an intellectual? Especially when so much knowledge and skill go into the success of a country and world with Ike as president. The books quality is in its story presentation and its unique use of vocabulary.

What a tangible connection to General Eisenhower this book creates!

Really enjoyed the comprehensive story of general Eisenhower’s life and experiences. Author did a wonderful job showing both his strength and brilliance while not leaving out the flawed vulnerability of any human.

Eisenhower was a great leader, needed today

Great listen, and very informative. Can you imagine having this guy vs Joe Biden. Eisenhower is an example of how great our country once was before liberals and woke made us broken.