Louis Johnson and the Arming of America: The Roosevelt and Truman Years

by Keith D. McFarland and David L. Roll

Book Overview

"Without question this is an important new addition to World War II and Cold War historiography. . . . Highly recommended." --Douglas Brinkley, author of Dean Acheson: The Cold War Years and The Unfinished Presidency: Jimmy Carter's Journey beyond the White House

"A remarkably objective, yet sympathetic, study of Louis Johnson's life and career. Now only half-remembered, . . . Johnson was a major national figure. Colorful, aggressive, independent-minded,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253346266
• ISBN13: 9780253346261
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Another superb selection by CSAF

This is another title that reminds me why truly excellent books are named by the Chief of Staff Air Force to his annual reading list. Anyone interested in 20th century American defense and the emergence of the military/industrial complex should include this in their reading.

Politics and war

History buffs will love this book. Roll and McFarland have done an exception job in explaining a very interesting and important part of our history--the lead-up to WWII, the election of Truman, and the preparation for the Korean War--through Louis Johnson, assistant secretary of war and secretary of defense. The style of the book reminds me a lot of No Ordinary Time, an exception book by Doris Kearns Goodwin. A great read.

Required reading for West Virginians, Washingtonians, and historians

It was fascinating to read about a fellow West Virginian's trials and tribulations in Washington. The book improved my understanding of the politics surrounding the US entry into World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Moreover, the story of Louis Johnson serves as a great cautionary tale of how naked ambition can derail otherwise promising careers in government and politics.

Absorbing narrative of a player in "Interesting times"

This history can be fairly grouped with McCullough's "Truman" and Acheson's "Present at the Creation" for any study of postwar (WWII) national and international politics. I found it a quick and easy read, informative and well written.