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.
| |||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
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.
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.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Pepper
Format:Paperback
should be required reading for all registered voters regardless of party--insightful, entertaining & thought provoking
By Dave W.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The best history covering the time span from WW ll to Ronald Reagan, from the people who where "in the room" making the choices. History right from the horses mouth, not some history professor's interpretation.
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A very easy read. Interesting anecdotes makes large book manageable. Clifford has a tendency to cite flattering assesments of his input to history. Still very worth while reading for amateur historians.
2 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book was written by Clark Clifford.
It his his recollections of a lifetime of service to his country from WWII on. He worked for Truman and most all the other Presidents in one capacity or another up till the time of Reagan.
He got to Washington by accident, wanting to be a St. Louis lawyer as a career. He helped set up the Truman doctrine, the Marshall plan, and get Truman elected in 1948.
He was one of the "wise men" under LBJ, becoming the Sect of Defense when McNamara resigned.
He had input to Richard Nixon's efforts, and has few good things to say about him.
He tried to help Jimmy Carter, to no avail, and watched from the sidelines as the Dukasis election campaign unraveled.
It his his recollections of a lifetime of service to his country from WWII on. He worked for Truman and most all the other Presidents in one capacity or another up till the time of Reagan.
He got to Washington by accident, wanting to be a St. Louis lawyer as a career. He helped set up the Truman doctrine, the Marshall plan, and get Truman elected in 1948.
He was one of the "wise men" under LBJ, becoming the Sect of Defense when McNamara resigned.
He had input to Richard Nixon's efforts, and has few good things to say about him.
He tried to help Jimmy Carter, to no avail, and watched from the sidelines as the Dukasis election campaign unraveled.
His book details many events that were just headlines, and shows the decision making that went on in some of the nations biggest decisions on war and peace.
He is one of our countries heros.
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
|
|
