General Ike: A Personal Reminiscence

by John S.D. Eisenhower

Book Overview

John S.D. Eisenhower modestly explains General Ike as "a son's view of a great military leader--highly intelligent, strong, forceful, kind, yet as human as the rest of us." It is that, and more: a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743244745
• ISBN13: 9780743244749
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Short Book but a Major Contribution

This book is especially important to anyone interested in the history of World War II or just history in general. John Eisenhower doesn't just paraphrase the works of other historians who were born years after the war - he writes first hand descriptions of the great military and political laeders of the war - all of them he met personally during war. Of course, his sections on his own father (possibly the greatest of them all) is an essential read.

General Ike: A Personal Reminiscence

First rate! Could not put the book down, lots of new and fresh insights into DeGaulle, Churchill, Patton, and Montgomery (what a piece of work...) I read a great deal of WWII history, and it is a joy to read new information for a change! In addition the reader will gain knowledge of the great and rather-more-complicated man than we might think, President Eisenhower. Written in a clear and understandable way for the non-military, John Eisenhower is a gifted historian. In summary, I am making it a priority to purchase his other books, as this is the first of his works I have had the pleasure to read.

General Ike: A great book

This book is written by DDE's son, John. The book covers many people that Ike dealt with during his army career and as President. It is well written, well researched, and very enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone interested in history, WW2, world politics. One of the best biographical books I have read.

A great great military leader..."as human as the rest of us"

I found this to be one of the most enjoyable as well as informative books about Dwight D. Eisenhower that I have as yet read. Its title and subtitle correctly indicate what it is...and isn't: John Eisenhower's focus is on his father's military career (especially during the 1940s) during which he was affectionately viewed as "Ike" by almost everyone with whom he was associated; the material consists of a respectful and loving son's own reminiscences. However, John Eisenhower makes no claim for himself as a biographer or military historian. He limits himself to his own personal experiences with his father when not citing his (i.e. his father's) documented statements and others' eyewitness accounts. The net result is a unique and revealing examination of one of the most important leaders in the 20th century, offered from the perspective of a son who observed General Eisenhower while engaged in his most memorable relationships with other leaders during World War Two, notably with Churchill, Marshall, Patton, Montgomery, and De Gaulle. We also learn much of interest about Ike's relationships with Conner, Pershing, and MacArthur which -- to varying degrees -- also significantly influenced his military career as well as personal development."By no stretch of the imagination is this book a comprehensive biography of Ike, nor is it even a history of the battles he fought. Instead, my essays deal almost exclusively with Ike's relations with his associates, for the simple reason that the facets of his personality appear differently depending on the individual he was dealing with at a given time." John Eisenhower goes on to explain that he offers "a son's view of a great military leader -- highly intelligent, forceful, kind, yet as human as the rest of us." What I especially appreciate in this personal account is the fact that the son subordinates himself while recalling the situations while accompanying his father; also, that his views of Ike throughout the book seem balanced as he comments on his father's less attractive qualities (e.g. a sometimes volcanic temper) as well as his most admirable strengths (e.g. forging consensus and cooperation among egocentrics such as Montgomery and De Gaulle). Almost everyone liked Ike. Over time, he also earned the respect which Marshall clearly had for Ike when promoting him over dozens of senior officers to serve as commander of Overlord Operation, arguably the most extensive and complicated military invasion ever undertaken, before or since. Later, Marshall told Ike: "You have commanded with outstanding success the most powerful military force that has ever been assembled. You have made history, great history for the good of all mankind and you have stood for all we hope for and admire in an officer of the United States Army." Such praise was well-deserved and widely shared. In this exceptionally thoughtful and eloquent account, John Eisenhower also reveals this great military leader to be "as human as the rest of us

Taut and very well written

John Eisenhower's book on the Mexican War persuaded to me to purchase this book and I am glad I did. Eisenhower writes extremely well and always in an entertaining, informative style. This ability to convey details in a personal way enhances this splendid look at Ike in the pivotal period 1940-1945. Though John didn't see too much of his father during this turbulent times, he obviously knows much behind the scenes information which he now imparts to the reader. This isn't a full-scale biography of Ike (consult Ambrose for that), but rather contains different chapters on famous military personalities in Ike's orbit. These include the pompous MacArthur, who said of Eisenhower in the Philippines, "He was the best clerk I ever had," Patton, Bradley, Churchill and Monty. General Montgomery was, of course, an insufferable prig and egomaniac, and John details the delicate path Ike had to traverse in keeping the Brit in check. He also reveals many of Ike's thoughts and movements prior to June 6, 1944, D-Day for the Allies.I highly recommend this book to all who admire Eisenhower, to any WWII buff or anyone who admires taut, well-written historical prose. A great read.