Easton Press: 5 STAR GENERAL DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER: DIARIES: 1935-1967: EUROPE

Description: Easton Press leather edition of "The Eisenhower Diaries," Edited by Robert H. Ferrell, one of the LIBRARY OF THE PRESIDENTS series, published in 1989. Bound in camel tan leather, the book has decorative paper end leaves, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, a satin book marker, hubbed spine, gold gilding on three edges---in near FINE condition---except for two-inch long scratch on bottom gilt. COLLECTOR'S NOTES is included. Born in Texas but reared in Abilene, Kansas, Dwight Eisenhower lived from 1890-1969. The "Kansas farm boy," as he described himself, also possessed a razor-sharp mind and extraordinary organizational skills. Eisenhower was appointed to WEST POINT in 1911. At six feet tall, weighing 170 pounds, with strong, broad shoulders, and rock-hard muscles, he was the embodiment of a manly athlete. Ike married MAMIE DOUD in 1916. Interestingly, Eisenhower only mentions his personal driver and often-mentioned lover, KAY SUMMERSBY, once in his "Memoirs." Although the two had been inseparable during the war years, when Ike returned to the U.S., he "cut off" all communication with his former aide who had charmed President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Generals Patton and Mark Clark. With his first entries, written shortly after he arrived in Manila with DOUGLAS MacARTHUR to help build a Philippine defense force, Eisenhower admits bitter disappointment with what he perceived as a dead-end assignment and a dislike for his superior. By 1939, Ike had requested a transfer back to the States. When Pearl Harbor set the American war machine in motion, Eisenhower got the opportunity he had been waiting for. His diaries provide a good sense of the constant tug of war that existed between the army and navy in the early '40s and, once again, Ike's frustration with those in power. He finds Admiral King, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, particularly unsuitable, "an arbitrary and stubborn type, with not too much brains. . . " Spanning from 1935-1967 "The Eisenhower Diaries" provide an intimate look at the general-president as he made his way from a military career to the White House, and finally to retirement in Gettysburg. Eisenhower occupies an exceptional place in both American and World history. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War II, Ike's records tactical details of various Allied campaigns along with candid observations regarding his highest ranking officers. On George Patton he writes, "He talks too much and too quickly and sometimes creates a very bad impression. . . I fear he is not always a good example for his subordinates, who may be guided by his surface actions only without understanding the deep sense of duty, courage and sacrifice that make up his real personality." As for his post-war service as Army Chief of Staff, Eisenhower is frankly less than enthusiastic: "The job is as bad as I thought it would be." After his term as chief of staff, Ike accepted the presidency of COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. Many claimed he hoped to secure the American presidency by establishing himself as man above mere politics. During his Presidency, he commented on WINSTON CHURCHILL, "that he is quite definitely showing the effects of the passing years." He wrote that JOHN F. KENNEDY's "attitude was that of a serious, earnest seeker of information." Of George Bush, Ike reported that "the oilman was going to see that Senator's Bush's son was deprived of a large volume of business, but in what business the senator's son is, I do not know." The President's diaries show him as an amazingly adept conciliator and team player. With a big smile, warm manner, sincerity, and integrity, Eisenhower had irresistible charisma, charming everyone who met him, from ordinary soldiers to world leaders. Stephen Ambrose, professor of history at the University of New Orleans, wrote: "Dwight Eisenhower was a great and good man," and even "Ike's" harshest critics agreed. "I Like Ike," Eisenhower's Presidential campaign slogan, could have served as a three-word resume of his fascinating life. He was a heroic figure, immensely popular and admired throughout the world. Ambrose wrote: "Only a handful of men---Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Churchill, Wilson, and Franklin Roosevelt---had a greater role in shaping the world of the mid-twentieth century. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the U.S., 1953-1961. 445 pages, including an Index. I offer Combined shipping.

Price: 39.95 USD

Location: Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

End Time: 2024-12-18T15:12:02.000Z

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