Ike: An American Hero
by Michael Korda
Book Summary Information
Author: Michael KordaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-01
ISBN: 0060756667
Number of pages: 800
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780060756666
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Book Reviews of Ike: An American Hero
Book Review: I Like Ike
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a superb biography in every way. It is well researched, extremely well written, and the conclusions of the author are fascinating and thought-provoking. There is certainly much to like about Ike. Though ambitious and intelligent, he wasn't one to blow his own horn, as so many of his contemporaries--U.S. and foreign--did. I like his humility. I also like his ability to reach out to the common soldier, another trait that most other military and political leaders of his time lacked. I also like the fact that he led by patient example. Indeed, it's hard not to like Ike after reading this mostly laudatory biography.
I also very much enjoyed Michael Korda's insights, especially on some of Ike's subordinates. Korda calls General George Patton "unstable" and General Bernard Montgomery "arrogant." Indeed, Korda says that courage in battle did not come easily to Patton, for he was one of "those who have to screw themselves up to act courageously by a supreme effort of will." Patton was "terrified of showing fear or acting like a coward." It is this fear that caused Patton to single out and abuse as cowards two soldiers suffering from combat fatigue. This is not the image that most students of WWII have of George "Blood and Guts" Patton. But it makes sense. Behind the bluster and vanity, Patton was afraid of being perceived as weak.
My only criticism of this book is that it tends to gloss over somewhat Ike's two terms as president. They certainly don't get the focus that his years as Supreme Allied Commander are given. And Ike was a very good president. But the subtitle of the book is "An American Hero," so I guess it makes sense that his military career takes precedent.
In any case, this is an outstanding biography of a great American.
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