Books Like...
'Eisenhower in War and Peace' by Jean Edward Smith is a detailed biography that explores the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, focusing on his military career during World War II and his presidency. The book delves into Eisenhower's leadership skills, political acumen, and personal charisma, shedding light on his successes and failures as a general and a president. Written in an engaging and informative style, the biography provides readers with a comprehensive view of Eisenhower's life, from his childhood struggles to his rise to power and his lasting impact on American history. Through interviews, letters, and diaries, the author paints a vivid portrait of a complex and revered leader, offering insights into Eisenhower's military strategies, political decisions, and personal relationships.
If you liked Eisenhower in War and Peace, here are the top 40 books to read next:
'American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House' by Jon Meacham is a focused look at Jackson's time as President, shedding light on his personal and political life. Meacham's narrative style humanizes Jackson, delving into his heroic and monstrous deeds, social intrigue, and political drama of the 1820s-30s. highlights Jackson's pivotal role in transforming the American presidency and the country, touching on key events like the Eaton scandal, Indian removals, and battles over the national bank.
CHRISTMAS 1828 SHOULD have been the happiest of seasons at the Hermitage, Jackson’s plantation twelve miles outside Nashville. It was a week before the holiday, and Jackson had won the presidency of t...'Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America' by Walter R. Borneman is a biography of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk. The book delves into Polk's accomplishments, such as the acquisition of territory in the west, his role in the Mexican-American War, and his efforts to expand the country's borders. The writing style is described as informative, well-researched, and engaging, providing a detailed account of Polk's life and presidency.
In the fall of 1812, Sam Polk determined to send his almost-seventeen-year-old son to Philadelphia to receive the care of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, later known as “the father of American surgery.” Rest...- #3
Save:'FDR' by Jean Edward Smith is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, exploring his entire political career and personal life. The author expertly portrays FDR's flaws and strengths, from his early days before polio to his presidency, highlighting his leadership skills, political decisions, and the impact of his physical challenges. Readers are taken on a journey through FDR's life, from his unique marriage situation to the programs he initiated to help the country during the Great Depression and World War II. The writing style of the author keeps readers engaged by providing new historical insights, fascinating tidbits, and detailed analysis of FDR's actions.
THREE PRESIDENTS DOMINATE American history: George Washington, who founded the country; Abraham Lincoln, who preserved it; and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who rescued it from economic collapse and then... - #4
Save:'Grant' by Jean Edward Smith is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, exploring his roles as a general during the Civil War and as a President of the United States. The book portrays Grant as a resilient and principled leader, highlighting his efforts to support oppressed groups such as Native Americans and African Americans. Smith's writing style is praised for its depth of research, vivid descriptions of historical events, and the ability to provide a complete picture of Grant's life, from his humble beginnings to his significant contributions to American history.
'American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson' by Joseph J. Ellis is a unique biography that delves into key points of Thomas Jefferson's life, exploring his contradictions, complexities, and enigmatic character. Ellis focuses on significant periods in Jefferson's life, such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence, his presidency, efforts to establish the University of Virginia, and retirement. provides insights into Jefferson's political views, personal life, and the controversies surrounding him, offering a thought-provoking analysis of one of the Founding Fathers of America.
IT WAS A PROVINCIAL version of the grand entrance. On June 20, 1775, Thomas Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia in an ornate carriage, called a phaeton, along with four horses and three slaves. The roug...'Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times' by Kenneth Whyte delves into the life of Herbert Hoover, portraying him as a brilliant man with a complex personality. It explores Hoover's journey from being an orphan to a self-made millionaire in geology and mining engineering, highlighting his philanthropic deeds during World War I and his role as a food czar during wartime. The narrative showcases Hoover's accomplishments outside of his presidency, shedding light on his humanitarian efforts and engineering innovations. also delves into Hoover's shortcomings as a politician, particularly during the Great Depression, and the author's defense of his actions amidst historical criticisms.
West Branch lay in the barely settled reaches of eastern Iowa at the intersection of two dirt roads. Downey Street, running north and south, was a crooked, rutted cart path that served as the main app..."An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963" by Robert Dallek is a comprehensive biography of JFK that delves into his personal life, political career, and presidency. Dallek's writing style is praised for its depth and detail, providing insight into Kennedy's medical history, character, and the challenges he faced. covers significant events in JFK's life, such as the Cuban missile crisis, his health struggles, and his relationships, offering a balanced portrayal of the complex figure that Kennedy was.
IN AUGUST 1947, John F. Kennedy traveled to Ireland. The trip was notable for several reasons. Kennedy was first and foremost a “good New Englander,” an American—so said the Irish ambassador to the Un...- #8
Save:'A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety' by Jimmy Carter is a beautifully crafted memoir that takes readers on a reflective journey through the extraordinary life of the former President. Carter's storytelling is eloquent and authentic, offering intimate insights into the experiences that shaped his legacy. The narrative is rich with anecdotes, lessons learned, and moments both personal and historical, providing a comprehensive and engrossing account of his life from childhood in rural Georgia to his presidency and beyond.
Carter's memoir transcends partisan divides, offering universal truths about the human experience. The book resonates with warmth, wisdom, and a profound sense of purpose, enriching the soul and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It is a literary masterpiece that reflects Carter's humility, integrity, and unwavering principles, serving as a beacon of hope and a guiding light for those who aspire to make a positive impact on the world.
My life has been shaped inevitably by the experiences and decisions of my forefathers, and I have learned a lot about my family history. My mother was Bessie Lillian Gordy, and I knew all her intimate... - #9
Save:'Lincoln' by David Herbert Donald provides a comprehensive look into the life of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his journey from early life to becoming the 16th President of the United States. Donald's writing style is praised for exploring the human and flawed sides of Lincoln, while also providing context to his lesser-known early life. The biography is described as a thorough account of Lincoln's life, highlighting his skills, achievements, and the myths surrounding him.
Abraham Lincoln was not interested in his ancestry. In his mind he was a self-made man, who had no need to care about his family tree. In 1859, when friends asked him for autobiographical information ... - #10
Save:'Coolidge' by Amity Shlaes is a detailed biography of the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. The book delves into Coolidge's reserved personality, his determination to maintain fiscal responsibility, and his efforts to restore trust in government after the Teapot Dome affair. It explores his presidency, his principles of individual responsibility and character, and his strong belief in the importance of assimilation for immigrants.
To no one had this ever seemed clearer than to a sixty-one-year-old farmer named Oliver Coolidge who languished in Woodstock Common Jail in Windsor County, Vermont, in the spring of 1849. Coolidge was...
