Counsel to the President: A Memoir [Hardcover]

Clark Clifford (Author), Richard Holbrooke (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 1991

The memoirs of a legendary White House advisor chronicle the five decades he spent as an influential figure in Oval Office decision-making, from the recognition of Israel to the Vietnam War. Reprint. Major ad/promo. K. NYT.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Presidential adviser Clifford had a hand in the launching of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the birth of the present national security system and other seminal events in the post-WW II era. He served as President Kennedy's personal lawyer, was Lyndon Johnson's closest adviser during the Vietnam war and succeeded Robert McNamara as secretary of Defense. Though he has much of interest to say about the presidencies of Johnson and Carter in particular, Clifford's re-creation of the Truman years (about a fourth of the book) is most memorable and deeply felt. His admiration for Harry Truman as a chief executive and as a man is profound. Written with former assistant secretary of State Holbrooke, Clifford's memoir is a treasure of historical information, vivid anecdotes and sharp insights into Washington politics and policy over the past four and a half decades. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This long and fascinating memoir is a fitting reminder of Clifford's remarkable political career. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s he seemed to be on the spot, ready to advise presidents and offer his wisdom on the issues of the day. Yet Clifford's impact on American politics began much earlier, with the presidency of Harry Truman who named him Special Counsel. Clifford retained this title under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson and was a key figure in many of the pivotal policy decisions of the Sixties (especially the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam escalation). This memoir is both a political history of the postwar years, as well as an intimate inside look at the workings of power. Clifford's portraits of major political figures are fresh and illuminating, and the book is filled with useful anecdotes both from his public and private life. He concludes with some ruminations on the Reagan-Bush years and broader reflections on history and politics. An essential book for most libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/91.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 736 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (May 21, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394569954
• ISBN-13: 978-0394569956
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #950,184 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

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterly commentary on Clifford's public life, May 16, 2011

By 

friend of new orleans - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Counsel to the President: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Very highly recommended book by a consummate lawyer and presidential advisor from the Truman years to Jimmy Carter. Full of enlightening anecdotes and penetrating insights It's hard to pick out any in particular but the passages on LBJ and the Vietnam war are just devastating. For instance, The North chose the timing of the Tet offensive in 1968 to coincide with the beginning of the US political cycle ( the New Hampshire Primary) for maximun political affect on the American public. As hard as it is to believe, Clark makes a strong case that LBJ deliberately sabotaged Humphrey's campaign in 1968 out of a twisted need to be right on Viet Nam, thus helping Nixon to be elected. Quite a story indeed!! Read it and try to come to a balanced appreciation of LBJ who did so much good domestically but who remained a twisted ego driven man so obsessed with his legacy that he helped to defeat his own party and running mate. Amazing stuff!! Clark has been gone since 1998 but his book lives on.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Easy Read--Interesting, February 6, 2011

By 

Whetstone Guy (Montgomery Village, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counsel to the President (Paperback)

I am almost finished with this book. Mr. Clifford had all of the skills to succeed. He was from an upper middle class background with two parents whose marriage presumably worked. His father was an executive at a railroad. His mother taught at Chatauqua and was on radio. He was hardworking and bright and became a lawyer at an early age. Most important he had a lot of emotional intelligence and common sense. The beauty of the book is that it gives details of the inner workings of government from Harry Truman to Jimmy Carter. It is an easy book to read. Except for the Vietnam War, an appropriate amount of space is devoted to each topic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best books I have ever read --, August 17, 2010

By 

Pepper - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counsel to the President (Paperback)

should be required reading for all registered voters regardless of party--insightful, entertaining & thought provoking