Douglas Kinnard (1921–2013)

“Eisenhower: Soldier-Statesman of the American Century” is a solid mini-biography from the Brassey publishing house and the pen of Douglas Kinnard. Mr. Kinnard presents a solid well written elongated essay on the trials and tribulations of president-general Eisenhower, who helped conquer the Nazi’s and run The Union for two terms. However, it is rather interesting how Eisenhower is presented here as opposed to how he was presented in “Montgomery” by Nigel Hamilton, also from Brassey. In “Montgomery” Mr. Hamilton’s Eisenhower radiates as a bit of a bungler more politician than general, a man not willing to lead from the front and who was more comfortable in the boardroom than on the frontline. Whereas Mr. Kinnard’s Eisenhower is anathema to Hamilton’s portrayal and Montgomery is presented as more showman than general, while Ike is from “the heart of America.” I’ll need to read up more on these issues but this type of brinksmanship is refreshing from such short but obviously powerful volumes.… (más)