This review is presented from the vantage point of a reader who has just embarked on the journey of exploring the world of books and feels an intense urge to express the views thus gathered.

The story weaves effortlessly between the perspectives of different characters.

The author has vividly described the events as they transpired and endeavored to create the sensation of 'learning along with the characters'. I find this aspect truly exciting. However, the only shortcoming is that it becomes rather challenging to connect specific events to our existing knowledge of history. For example, the specific start of the Cold War is not mentioned. I understand that there are ongoing debates regarding this, but a rough time period provided as a footnote, along with other events like the Korean conflict, would have been highly beneficial.

The narrative revolves very precisely around the lives of these individuals. For those who lack an understanding of the events, they are not explored in-depth, and one would have to refer to other sources for a comprehensive understanding. (Although it is not essential to grasp the essence.)

This book focuses on people who had an impact on policy (specifically foreign policy) yet were not major public figures. By this, I mean they were not household names or not 'famous' for want of a more appropriate term. If you do not have an interest in such individuals, then this book may not be for you. However, if you do, you will not find this book wanting.

This was a very informative book. It contained a wealth of knowledge and details that were quite interesting.

However, ultimately I was disappointed in it. At times, it seemed disjointed, as if different parts were written by different people without a clear overall vision. It almost felt as if it were written by committee, rather than primarily by a single author.

Despite this, I would still recommend this book. But I would also temper expectations. It is important to approach it with a realistic mindset and not expect it to be on the same level as some of Isaacson's other outstanding works.

I found it to be not nearly as good as his other books. Nevertheless, I'm still glad he wrote it, as it does offer some valuable insights and perspectives.

Overall, while it has its flaws, this book can still be a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject matter.

A Spotlight on Public Service


In the realm of governance, there are not only politicians but also diplomats, advisors, experts, and numerous others who play crucial roles in advising on and implementing policies and decisions. Their contributions are of great significance and history should indeed record their service. This not only provides a goal or measurement for the future but also helps us understand the complex workings of our society.


These individuals served over a remarkable forty-year period that witnessed momentous events such as World War, the advent of the atomic bomb, the establishment of the State of Israel, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. They had the responsibility of serving under different presidents including Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.


This particular book is of great importance. It is well-written, presenting a comprehensive account of the service and contributions of these individuals. Every American citizen should strive for a better understanding of how our government functions. This highly readable book serves as an excellent starting point, offering valuable insights and knowledge that can enhance our understanding of the political and social fabric of our nation.

An insight-filled look at the rise and beginning wane of "The American Century" reveals a complex and fascinating story.

The role these six men played in forming the world we occupy today is truly impressive. Their actions, decisions, and influence had a profound impact on various aspects such as politics, economy, and culture.

However, it is also a bit unnerving to consider the extent of their power and the consequences that followed.

As we analyze their contributions, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the 20th century and continue to shape our world today.

Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership, vision, and responsibility in shaping the future.

By examining the rise and wane of "The American Century," we can learn valuable lessons and make more informed decisions as we move forward.

This is an exceedingly good book to read if you wish to understand how the post-war American led order was established and the key figures who played a role in it.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the complex historical events and the individuals who shaped the new world order.

The author meticulously researches and presents the details, making it easy for readers to follow and grasp the significance of each development.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a student of international relations, this book offers valuable insights into a crucial period in modern history.

By reading it, you will gain a better understanding of the forces at play and the decisions that led to the establishment of the post-war American led order.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of the current global political and economic landscape.

The Wise Men, while an enlightening history of US foreign policy, is a frustrating read.

It details the creation, heyday, and dissolution of the US foreign policy establishment in the Reagan years, told through the biographies of six friends at its core.

Each of them was remarkable. Dean Acheson and Averell Harriman are perhaps the most famous.

However, the book's biggest flaw is the lack of context for major events. We are privy to the innermost conversations of US presidents and their advisors.

The high point is the debate among war planners about the advancing Soviet armies in WWII. But there is no research on the other side's thoughts.

Published in 1986, the book could use updating as we know more about the Soviet Union now.

American policy makers were confused about the Communists' intentions. The Soviet Union's actions, like the Katyn Forest massacre, gave them reason to be cautious.

The Western Allies' actions also contributed to Stalin's paranoia.

The authors don't discuss what the Russians were thinking about Korea, Laos, or Ho Chi Minh. They also only briefly mention CIA plots.

The book blames the isolationists for America's stance and obscures the background of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The American electorate followed blindly into wars, and the authors don't question the Executive Branch's actions.

The fall of the Soviet Union began a new era, but the question remains: what about Putin?

This was a DNF at about page 300.

Despite my overall interest in the generation of leaders who played crucial roles in helping to win World War 2 and then made rather poor decisions during the Cold War, which ultimately led to the disaster of Vietnam, I simply could not persevere with this book.

Frankly speaking, it really bored me.

Perhaps I was not in the most suitable frame of mind for it at that time, but the fact remains that I was not engaged at all.

Reading it felt very much like a tiresome chore.

I found myself constantly struggling to stay focused and interested in the content.

Even though the subject matter had the potential to be fascinating, the way it was presented in this book failed to capture my attention and hold it.

As a result, I had to admit defeat and put the book aside.

Maybe in the future, when my mindset is different, I might give it another try, but for now, it will remain a DNF.

The Wise Men by Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson offers a masterful exploration of the old boys club that had a profound impact on shaping foreign policy during the Cold War.

It focuses on key figures such as Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, John McCloy, George Kennan, Charles Bohlen, and Robert Lovett. These men, many of whom graduated from the elite private boarding schools of New England and then attended Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, formed a brain trust.

They influenced the State Department under Harry Truman and played a crucial role in the ExCom Committee during the Cuban Missile Crisis under JFK. While some were in the State Department, others shaped defense policy. Harriman, in particular, was a significant player in special ministerial posts worldwide for decades.

They became the leading experts on the Soviet Union and, under Kennan, advocated the concept of Containment. Additionally, the book provides unique insights into Dulles, Dean Rusk, and many others who followed in their footsteps in handling the Soviet Union.

The shift in the Defense Department from bombers and carriers to missiles, as well as the initial need for a monopoly on the bomb, was also influenced by this group. The book showcases the partnership between industry, the private sector, the government, and the press that was prevalent in the 1950s.

Expertly written and researched, The Wise Men is a timeless classic in Cold War Diplomacy, offering valuable perspectives on a crucial period in history.

I read this book a long time ago.

It is truly interesting to observe how my perspective on these men and their impact on foreign policy, especially, has evolved.

In my opinion, this is still a well-researched and well-written book. Although it is not perfectly balanced, Isaacson presents a fairly balanced view of the men whom he clearly admired greatly.

The author does an extremely detailed job in explaining the intricate webs that connect these men to each other and to other powerful individuals. It also shows how those webs enabled them to influence policy, the government, and move freely between the government and the private sector.

These kinds of ties and movements are now regarded with suspicion - and in more extreme cases, there are concerns about conflict of interest and questions about their legality. However, during the rough and tumble years of and after World War II, these ties were considered natural and convenient.

This book remains a great choice for anyone interested in the development of pre- and post-World War II foreign policy in the US.

A study of the men who provided advice to Harry Truman regarding the reconstruction of Europe and the containment of communism in the years following World War II is of great significance.

“Washington was abuzz with excitement on that sunny Monday. Dwight Eisenhower, the triumphant returning hero, was welcomed by the largest crowds in the city's history as he paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue. Amidst the flurry of lunches, dinners, and other ceremonies in honor of Eisenhower, Truman had a meeting on Japanese strategy squeezed into his afternoon schedule.

This meeting was crucial as it dealt with the important issue of formulating a strategy for Japan in the post-war era. The men involved in this discussion had to carefully consider various factors such as Japan's economic situation, political stability, and its role in the emerging global order. Their decisions would have far-reaching consequences not only for Japan but also for the entire region and the world at large.

Understanding the thoughts and deliberations of these advisors can provide valuable insights into the complex geopolitical landscape of the time and how decisions were made to shape the post-war world.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of American foreign policy.

These astute individuals who became part of the establishment have dedicated themselves to public service. They have played crucial roles in guiding United States foreign policies through significant historical events such as World War II, the containment of the Soviet Union during the Cold War years, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Vietnam War.

After perusing this book, one can gain a greater appreciation for the efforts exerted by public service personnel to turn any policy into a "fait accompli". A country's political dogma must be adaptable to the changing times. However, it should not be completely dismissed with each change in the administration.

Although I found the account of the various events that led to the policies at that time interesting, the reading experience was a bit arduous. I became somewhat overwhelmed as there were numerous elements to consider, given that it is a biography of six people. If Goodreads permitted it, I would rate this book 3.5 stars.

An interesting history of professional diplomats that had a significant impact on both the high and low points of US foreign policy for over 40 years is truly captivating. These diplomats, with their unique skills and strategies, played a crucial role in shaping the nation's international relations. Their actions and decisions had far-reaching consequences that are still felt today.

Unfortunately, diplomats today seem to pale in comparison to these predecessors. The modern diplomatic corps may lack the same level of experience, expertise, and perhaps even the passion that their forebears possessed. This is a cause for concern, as the world continues to become more complex and interconnected.

For anyone remotely involved in government, this history should be required reading. It provides valuable insights into the art of diplomacy and the importance of having a skilled and dedicated diplomatic corps. By studying the past, we can learn from the successes and failures of our predecessors and strive to improve our own diplomatic efforts in the future.