I purchased this book at the Friends of the Library used book store at the Public Library in Laguna Beach, California.

It is a formidable-looking book. I bought it mainly on the strength of one of its authors, Walter Isaacson. I have read some of his other biographies and found them very engagingly written.

There is an inscription on the front flyleaf of my copy that reads, "To George & Julie Merry Xmas 1986 Hope this brings knowledge to your whole family Love Francie". The book had all the appearance of never having been read, so I suspect George, Julie, and their family were never enlightened as Francie hoped. It is unlikely that Francie, whoever she is, will ever read this review, but, Francie, if you do, rest assured that at least one person gained much from reading your gift.

I was born when Franklin D. Roosevelt was President, just a week shy of one year before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. I don't remember anything about FDR and very little about his successor, Harry Truman. I do remember Eisenhower being elected in 1952 and I've been interested in our country's government ever since. I lived through most of the time period during which the subjects of this book were active in government. Before reading this book I had only heard of 2 of the 6, Averell Harriman and Dean Acheson.

So The Wise Men was for me kind of a trip down memory lane. It was fascinating to me to learn some of the insider information on the decisions that lead to such historic events as dropping the atomic bomb on Japan, the Marshall Plan, the Korean War, the Cuban missile crises, and the Vietnam War among lesser events. Walter Isaacson and his co-author, Evan Thomas, did an excellent job of portraying these events in an interesting and readable manner.

The book not only provided historical details but also gave insights into the personalities and relationships of the key figures. It made me realize how complex and far-reaching the decisions made by these "wise men" were.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history and the inner workings of government during a crucial period. It is a captivating read that offers a wealth of knowledge and food for thought.

It is indeed the case that this book contains, particularly in the conclusion, a substantial amount of nostalgic hagiography. Even forty years after its publication, the disillusionment it expresses regarding the 1980s seems little different from our current disillusionment with the present decade. It is also true that the subjects of this hagiography were involved in and complicit in acts that caused harm to many others. (Although they were not directly responsible for the worst excesses, which mainly occurred under the Eisenhower CIA and the Nixon White House.)

Having recognized that, I cannot refrain from praising the grip that this narrative and the cumulative work done by these bureaucrats has on my imagination. There is, of course, a significant degree of dangerous, albeit longing, ego - the temptation of empire. In hindsight, I have many specific disagreements with all of them, often on moral grounds. And yet, it gives me great pleasure to know that so many years after this epitaph for the foreign policy establishment and the Western alliance was written, our flawed empire of liberalism is still persevering, and its rivals have not toppled it. Now, our dangers are largely internal - but internal to nearly every democracy, as we must strive to continue to bind the world together.

It is especially difficult not to be impressed by Harriman in the long term and awed by how Kennan seemed to possess an intuitive crystal ball regarding everything outside the United States, even if that made him a sort of Keatsian Cassandra.

This is an extremely powerful book!

The writing style employed is truly superb, and the content is not only engaging but also highly enlightening.

Isaacson and Thomas painstakingly trace the profound influence exerted by six remarkable friends - Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen - on US foreign policy. Their impact spanned from immediately after World War II through the 1960s and 1970s. It influenced crucial aspects such as the Cold War, the strategy of Communist containment, the Truman Doctrine, and the Marshall Plan.

The book is a fascinating blend of biography and history. I vividly remember Harriman and Acheson from my teenage years in the 1960s. While I was well aware of the Cold War, I had no inkling of how all the pieces fit together.

In the turmoil and chaos of 2020, one can't help but wonder and ask the question: where are the good advisers when you truly need them?

This book is most definitely well worth the time and effort to read. It offers valuable insights and a deeper understanding of a significant period in US history and the role of these influential individuals.

The author's assessment of the Wise Men was overly hagiographic.

He failed to take into account their tragic failings and the actions of others.

Specifically, he criticized the Reagan administration's hawkishness and the Wise Men's disregard for its approach, without considering that the Reagan administration's policies played a significant role in bringing about the end of the Cold War.

It is important to view historical events and figures from a more comprehensive and objective perspective.

By only highlighting the negative aspects of the Reagan administration and ignoring its contributions, the author presents a one-sided and inaccurate portrayal.

A more balanced analysis would consider both the successes and failures of all parties involved and how their actions interacted to shape the course of history.

This would provide a more accurate understanding of the complex events that led to the end of the Cold War and the role that the Wise Men and the Reagan administration played in that process.

A very interesting perspective of history is presented in this book. I truly enjoyed most of it. It offers a unique way of learning about world history, specifically from the end of World War II through the LBJ Presidency. Instead of looking at it solely through the lens of the Presidency, it delves into the viewpoints of those who were giving advice to the President and were actively involved in international affairs. This alternative approach provides a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the events and their significance. It allows the reader to see the behind-the-scenes actions and decisions that shaped the course of history during that period. Overall, it is a fascinating read that offers valuable insights into a crucial era of world history.

An exceptionally good book delves into the lives and times of a group of men who held positions of great power and influence from the close of World War II up until the Nixon years. It predominantly centers around Dean Achenson, George Kennan, John McCloy, Averell Harriman, and Charles Bolhlen. These individuals were all instrumental in reshaping not only U.S. policy but also the future of Europe after the war. Their significance endured throughout both the Korean and Vietnam wars, as they remained over-sized figures on the international stage. The authors have done a remarkable job of covering a vast amount of ground, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of this crucial period in history.

A good book offers a fascinating combination of biographical and historical accounts, focusing on the key figures and actions that significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy during the mid-20th century. The authors, Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson, who are American journalists and historians, present an in-depth exploration of the lives of six highly influential American statesmen. These include Dean Acheson, Averell Harriman, George Kennan, John McCloy, Robert Lovett, and Charles Bohlen. In addition, they also cover many other prominent decision makers in American diplomatic, military, and financial policies from the 1930s to the 1960s.

The authors' engaging prose and meticulous research vividly showcase the collective impact of an elusive "establishment" on major policies like the Marshall Plan and the strategy of containment during the Cold War. The diverse focus enriches the narrative, providing readers with detailed individual portraits as well as a comprehensive understanding of the global politics of that era.

This book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the history of America's transitions before, during, and after World War II. It offers valuable insights into the complex web of personalities and policies that shaped the nation's role in the international舞台.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best, easiest to read yet incredibly deep and detailed history books I've ever read.

It is not just a history book, but also a book about diplomacy and how it is conducted, about the relationships between friends, foes, rivals, and more.

It delves into how Washington functions, or at least how it used to work, and what it means for those who engage in the political game.

The book undoubtedly admires the six men involved, namely Dean Acheson, Charles E. Bohlen, Averell Harriman, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, and John J. McCloy.

However, it does not shy away from their limitations, especially later in their careers once their prime had passed.

The author presents a strong argument, perhaps even too strong, that they were all wrong about Vietnam for various reasons.

But by that time, their place in history as great men was already firmly established.

Their roles in the end of World War 2, the reconstruction of Europe, and the building of alliances and the mollification of rivalries that endured until the end of the Cold War were truly unparalleled.

Beyond that, I think it shows why the separation of powers works so effectively.

Each man had limitations, which were severe in some aspects.

Yet they managed to balance each other out, even serving in different capacities in different places and times.

Kennan's pessimism could have easily led to disaster, but for Harriman's relative optimism.

Acheson's haughtiness could have caused greater problems if not for the presence of others to offer different perspectives and apply different skill sets to the problem.

Anyhow, I doubt I can really add much to what has already been said about this book.

It lives up to its reputation and will probably be worth a reread.

I'm sure I'll flip through it from time to time.

It is a tome that contains more wisdom than ten similar books combined.

A Fascinating Depiction of a Bygone Era

A captivating portrayal of a world that straddles the ancient and the modern, presenting a stark contrast to our present circumstances. Firstly, it's evident that this work was penned by the elite, focusing on the elite. The authors, both Harvard alumni, and most of the subjects having attended Yale, served in government, driven partly by personal satisfaction and partly by a sense of noblesse oblige. While the authors do insert mild criticisms, it almost reads like a hagiography of six statesmen from the Cold War. Nevertheless, it's clear that the book is the result of years of intense scholarship, offering a detailed account of the development of American foreign policy over several decades. The shared aristocratic and educational background of the authors and subjects allows the writers to enter the mindset of Acheson et al, and the fine writing enables readers to accompany them.

Secondly, my own reflections while reading were greatly expanded as I was simultaneously reading Thucydides’ The Peloponnisian Wars. Once again, I found myself coincidentally engaged with parallel books.

Wise Men: After long battles against a deadly mutual foe in WWI, Russia and the United States attempt to expand the number and loyalty of their subject states. These are countries with fundamentally different mentalities and governments. The US has nuclear weapons, and the USSR desires them. The US assesses the strength and paranoia of its recent ally and decides to get tough. Various statesmen offer diverse opinions on how to deal with the Soviets, ranging from treaties and talks to arms buildups. Great speeches and influential articles emerge. Negotiation attempts sometimes succeed but mostly fail. There are bluffs, backdowns, alliances, and a proxy war that nears disaster but ends in stalemate. A hero general takes matters into his own hands with disastrous consequences. McCarthy poisons American politics with lies, hysteria, and fear mongering. The US is lured into Vietnam, partly due to the fear of appearing soft on Communism, and meets disaster in a faraway land. The six patricians watch as protestors and presidents they can't abide change their world.

Greece: Athens and Sparta unite to defeat the Persians and then negotiate a peace treaty that lasts a few decades. Sparta, eyeing Athens' growing empire and vast naval advantage, decides it can't allow this to continue. It rallies its allies and initiates twenty-six years of war. Great speeches are abundant. Statesmen advocate opposing policies and strategies. Allies and potential subject states are courted, intimidated, and defended. Allies switch sides at the slightest provocation. Sparta builds up its naval capacity, partly through its allies. The Athenian Alcibiades is a repeated traitor, switching sides, making side deals with the enemy, and engaging in actions of dubious morality. Athens is lured into a war of its allies in far-away Sicily, depleting its treasury and nearly destroying its entire military force. Back in its own seas, fighting for its life, it agrees to give up its democracy for an oligarchy and contemplates an alliance with the Persians.

Returning to the Wise Men, Isaacson and Thomas are highly skilled at following the threads of six lives, keeping their men's personalities and actions distinct yet related. These men were loyal friends, all with some experience in dealing with the Soviets early in their careers. Most served the State Department in some capacity before World War II, giving them varying but well-founded opinions on what the Soviet leadership might do in the subsequent decades.

Kennan is perhaps the most intriguing, as his early caution gave way to an earnest desire for peaceful co-existence later. Acheson is a key player throughout, although he was sidelined in the fifties after clashing with McCarthy. Harriman is portrayed as the eager little boy always with his hand in the air, eager to be called upon to answer questions, serve as ambassador, negotiate with the Russians, or be Secretary of State. He is depicted as a skillful negotiator but never got his chance as Secretary. Bohlen, Lovett, and McCloy were relatively unknown to me, but I discovered that they played essential roles in building air power, shaping and running the Marshall Plan, and generally advising presidents on a wide range of issues.

The patrician aspect of the authorial enterprise becomes problematic as we enter the sixties. There is no leniency shown towards LBJ. He is portrayed as a bellicose, low-class grotesque who single-mindedly rejects the growing sentiment not just among the students in the streets but even among these creators of the Cold War that it is time to withdraw. While there is undoubtedly a great deal of truth to this, no credit is given for Johnson's other accomplishments or his complex character.

Overall, this is a small problem in an engaging, well-written, and highly educational book.

On January 17th, 2009, I find myself in a rather interesting situation.

I haven't yet completed anything that would truly justify my starting another (enormous!) book. However, I am currently engaged in reading this particular one.

It is a celebration of the fact that smart individuals are once again involved in government.

This gives me a sense of hope and anticipation.

But at the same time, it also serves as a reminder.

Even smart and well-meaning people in government cannot always guarantee the outcome that we would all like to see.

There are so many factors at play, and despite their best efforts, things may not always turn out as planned.

Nonetheless, the presence of intelligent minds in government is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing how they will navigate the complex challenges that lie ahead.

Who Are the Wise of Our Day?

Every now and then, one has the opportunity to read a book or watch a movie that has long been on the to-do list but never seemed to get around to. Some thirty-plus years after its initial publication in 1986, I finally got around to reading "The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made" by Walter Isaacson and Evan Thomas. It is just as engaging and thought-provoking today as it was on the day it first hit the shelves. This book offers valuable insights into the similarities and differences between their era and ours.

Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, Robert Lovett, George Kennan, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen played crucial roles during a pivotal time in modern history. Most of them were born into the privilege of the Ivy League, while others came from more modest backgrounds. Dean Acheson's memoir, titled "Present at the Creation," is an apt description for each of these giants who guided America through World War II and, in various ways and not always in agreement, shaped the post-war period. Harriman was the ultimate diplomat, Kennan had a prescient understanding of the Soviet psyche, and McCloy was the "fixer" among them. One managed the Berlin airlift, and another oversaw the Marshall Plan that helped Europe recover. They were bankers, lawyers, industrialists, and more, who believed that their privilege and position carried a responsibility to serve.

When one reflects on the depth of these men and the times and challenges they faced, it is both inspiring and humbling. It is inspiring because of their unwavering commitment to the nation and the world, and humbling when compared to today's political figures. This is not to say that they were perfect or without ambition. One was known for his condescending arrogance, another for his insecurity. They were rivals at times, had quarrels, and could be petty. But when the call came, they always answered. Together, they formed a team of statesmen, operators, policy experts, and technocrats who were exactly what the nation needed at that time. They had access to presidents, prime ministers, and even Joseph Stalin, based solely on their character, integrity, and wisdom. They helped the West navigate through the war and its aftermath, ensuring the opportunity for the unprecedented growth of freedom in a time filled with geopolitical tensions and uncertainties, even as the forces opposed to freedom grew more menacing each day. Did they get it right every time? No. But the world is a better place because of their dedication to their passion and calling.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Typical of most of Walter Isaacson's projects, it is not a short book, which is understandable given the complexity of the subjects and their significance. It is filled with rich details about the geopolitical context in which they lived, which the reader will come to realize is not so different from our own, and the relationships that were so important. They were not homogeneous in personality or politics, but they did share a love of country and a willingness to put its needs before their own. They also had the advantage of not living in an era of 24-hour news cycles and social media, which allowed them to focus on understanding the most complex and critical issues of their day and engage in diplomacy in a quiet, deliberate, and respectful manner. Imagine that.

For more, check out my blog at https://kburkhalter.com/blog/

3.5 stars.

Mr. Isaacson is truly one of the best in his field. This book is written with exquisite detail and precision. After reading it, I have a much deeper understanding of the subject matter compared to before. The author has done an excellent job of presenting the information without showing a clear bias towards any particular direction.

Surprisingly, some of the men that Mr. Isaacson would have me admire are not necessarily my favorite people from that era. I understand the irony that comes with their similar backgrounds. As someone from the eastern part of the US, I have faced the type of bias against my region that was brought about by men like these. However, the historical lessons in this book are more than worth setting aside my personal prejudices.

This publication has been extremely beneficial in enhancing my understanding of the post-WWII era. I cannot emphasize enough how well-written it is, although it is quite long. So, if you're ready for a nice, long, and educational read, this book is definitely worth picking up.