In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century [Hardcover]

Caspar W. Weinberger (Author), Gretchen Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2001

Weinberger has had a front row seat to history in the 20th century. His book offers a unique view of our country and some of her leaders of the past 100 years. 12 photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former Reagan defense secretary Caspar Weinberger joins forces with Gretchen Roberts to present In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century, a straightforward and detailed account that follows Weinberger from childhood to college, from Harvard Law School to WWII, and from the California State Assembly to the cabinets of three presidents. Having been on the front lines for many of the last half-century's major events, Weinberger provides close, thoughtful and conservative reports; his autobiography offers new insight into American politics and, of course, the man himself.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Weinberger's service to former presidents Nixon and Reagan spanned years that dramatically changed America and the world, so one would think that his autobiography might offer fresh and valuable insights into the events of those years. Alas, this is not the case. Even more regrettable, Weinberger reveals very little of himself. While one learns a great deal about the facts of his life (some of them very trivial, like the type of house he lived in while in Washington), one doesn't come to understand what motivated him in politics. It is particularly disappointing not to find some clues to the paradox of "Cap the Knife," as he was known, the dreaded budget cutter in the Nixon administration's Office of Management and Budget who then staunchly championed every spending request of the Department of Defense. Weinberger does carefully chronicle his life and dutifully notes his accomplishments; however, he is largely uncritical of those for whom he worked especially Reagan, a man he clearly worships and of his own activities. Recommended with caution for public libraries. Thomas J. Baldino, Wilkes Univ., Wilkes-Barre, PA

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 478 pages
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing, Inc.; 1St Edition edition (November 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895261669
• ISBN-13: 978-0895261663
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,676,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, November 7, 2001

By 

"lindylou99" (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century (Hardcover)

I copyedited this book and found it really fascinating and amazingly time-relevant [I was working on it 9/11/01] as "Cap" discussed the demise of the country's defense during the Clinton years. I enjoyed Cap's personal insights into the workings of politics and the anecdotes about Reagan and Rumsfeld and other people who are now back in government. It's easy to read and I really felt like he was telling me his story, personally.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, Intimate View of History...& a History Maker, January 6, 2002

By 

Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century (Hardcover)

Caspar Weinberger is the epitome of a dedicated, effective public servant. He's a professional in this work, rather than a political hack who appears when it's convenient for him. We've heard Weinberger's name for decades, as he served in cabinet positions for three United States presidents. Most notable was his seven years as Ronald Reagan's Secretary of Defense. There is no question that he's had a significant impact on history.

This is the sort of autobiography that might be interesting, I thought, as I opened the cover and began reading. My first reaction was "uh oh. We're going 'way back into his childhood. That concern was quickly dissolved as I was absorbed in the feeling that Weinberger and I were settled down into a couple of comfortable easy chairs discussing his experiences as a consummate public servant. I learned about his education (Harvard), his military service (infantry, World War II, including time on MacArthur's intelligence staff), and service as a California legislator. This book easily held my attention, page after page. Most of the twentieth century came alive before my eyes.

As he moves through history, Weinberger tells about his pivotal roles with fascinating detail. The reader gains an inside perspective of what was behind historical events that are very familiar to us, and some that are not so familiar. Using the autobiographer's license, Weinberger shares his opinions about people and events. A number of times, I had a sense that I was right there in the room with him as history was being made. He gives just enough detail to paint illuminating pictures of facts, emotions, decisions, and the flow of history; yet the book never drags with a sense that he's using space unproductively.

I enjoyed reading about his views on the Cold War, Saddam Hussein, Iran-Contra, the day Reagan was shot, Watergate, MacArthur, Colin Powell, Bill Clinton's legacy, and Nixon's resignation. As I finished the book, I had a feeling of satisfaction, respect, and appreciation for Caspar Weinberger and his life. A warm feeling, a good feeling. I like getting that from a good book. You will, too.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Start on Page 269, January 12, 2002

By 

Steve Iaco (northern new jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century (Hardcover)

I preface my comments about "In The Arena" by stating my belief that most people interested in this memoir are attracted by Weinberger's tenure at the helm of the DOD. That being the case, one could simply skim through the first three-fifths of the book. This comprises a mildly interesting, at times desultory, review of Cap's education at Harvard, service in World War II, early California legislative career, private legal practice, work at Bechtel Corp, and service in both Governor Reagan's and President Nixon's administrations. The accounts of Cap's modestly successful efforts to rein in Federal spending as Nixon's OMB Director and to reform health care while heading HEW don't exactly lend themselves to riveting prose.

However, the action and the interest really pick up when Weinberger turns his attention the Reagan administration and his essential role in resuscitating the U.S. military. Particuarly valuable are Weinberger's explanation of the hows and whys behind his metamorphosis from "Cap The Knife" to "Cap The Builder;" his observations on the reasons for the Soviet Union's demise, and his skepticism about Gorbachev's role in that historic event.

This is definitely not a memoir in the "kiss-and-tell" genre. Weinberger offers only cursory insights into policy formulation and the battles with Congress over funding. He expresses veneration for most of his former colleagues, including Colin Powell, Don Rumsfeld, Rich Armitage, Frank Carlucci, Will Taft and Jim Webb. He evinces no animus toward George Shultz, saying they often disagreed, especially on the deployment of armed forces, and is only mildly critical of the imperious demeanor of Al Haig. Weinberger reserves his opprobrium for three people: Bud MacFarlane for his ill-considered counsel to Reagan in the arms-for-hostages scheme; Lawrence Walsh for his baseless, heavy-handed witch-hunt during the Iran-Contra investigation; and former President Clinton for his pursuit of a feckless, irresolute foreign policy and excessive de-funding of the armed services.

Weinberger's account of his "nightmare" year (1992) makes a cogent argument against the ill-conceived Special Prosecutor statute, an argument that the Congressional Democrats bought into only after the glare of its prosecutorial powers was shone on one of its own.

All in all, a fast, engaging read, but one that breaks little new ground.