Walter Isaacson, renowned for his esteemed biographies of Benjamin Franklin, The Wise Men, and Einstein, now turns his attention to the complex character of Henry Kissinger, a figure who wears many hats as an academic, diplomat, and consultant. As Isaacson astutely observes, Kissinger is a difficult character to define precisely. He was a man of many contradictions: devious yet self-deprecating, intelligent and ambitious, and ultimately successful.

To gather information for this comprehensive 767-page volume, the author interviewed over 150 people, including Kissinger himself. At the outset, Isaacson states that three decades after leaving office, Kissinger continues to hold a fascinating grip on the public imagination and wields intellectual influence over the nation's foreign policy discussions. He was a proponent of "Realpolitik," emphasizing the need to do what was necessary to advance the national interest, balancing power with power, and being more concerned with achieving results than getting mired in ideology and morality. This realist approach, as opposed to an idealist one, is a recurring theme throughout the book.

The book commences with a brief early biography of Kissinger, detailing the hardships he endured after the Nazis came to power and his family's departure from Germany when they realized the inhospitable climate for Jews. It also mentions the tragic loss of many of his relatives during World War II as part of the Holocaust.随后, the narrative follows his adolescence, military service, graduate studies, and promising academic career.

However, the bulk of the book focuses on his roles as National Security Advisor and then Secretary of State under Richard Nixon's presidency and as Secretary of State under Gerald Ford. There are several chapters that briefly discuss his life after the Nixon-Ford era, as a consultant, commentator, and intellectual without a specific portfolio.

After working with Nelson Rockefeller as an advisor, it is somewhat unexpected that he ended up serving one of Rockefeller's antagonists, Richard Nixon. The book traces the strange relationship between Nixon and Kissinger, which was sometimes tense and combative, yet at other times oddly supportive. The secretive duo accomplished much in foreign policy, but their penchant for secrecy also led to its own set of problems. Kissinger could be seen as devious for telling different people different things to make them believe he was on their side, yet he also earned the trust of many leaders through his innovative "shuttle diplomacy." While leaders might be exasperated by his style and deviousness, he was effective in several crucial instances, such as the negotiations with North Vietnam to extricate the United States from the quagmire it had created, the effort to end the Yom Kippur War in a way that would stabilize the Middle East, the opening to China, and détente with the Soviet Union.

This biography is well worth the investment of time and energy. It presents Kissinger in all his complexity, warts and all, providing insights into this multifaceted individual. On some pages, readers may feel inclined to rail against him, while on others, they may find themselves admiring his strengths and accomplishments.

Walter Isaacson has penned numerous highly acclaimed biographies of the world's most influential individuals.

His works include those on Leonardo Da Vinci (rated 3/5 stars), Benjamin Franklin (3/5 stars), Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs (a perfect 5/5 stars), and most recently, Elon Musk (3/5 stars).

This particular biography of Henry Kissinger allegedly drew the ire of its subject, as it was neither approved nor authorized.

The majority of the book focuses on Dr. Kissinger's career as National Security Advisor and later as Secretary of State, and his impact on various regions such as Southeast Asia (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam), the People's Republic of China, the Middle East, and the Cold War.

A significant portion is also dedicated to描绘 President Richard Nixon as King Lear and highlighting the similarities he shared with Dr. Kissinger in being Machiavellian, paranoid, and thin-skinned.

In my opinion, what Mr. Isaacson does best is offer sufficient background and personality insights to explain Dr. Kissinger as a pragmatic realist, even if it means sacrificing higher ideals and principles.

Perhaps this is understandable, considering that growing up in the Weimar Republic and escaping Nazi Germany at a formative age gave Dr. Kissinger a painful understanding of the worst of human traits and the potential damage and suffering they could cause.

Accordingly, an overarching theme of his foreign policy was this: when faced with a choice between justice + disorder and injustice + order, Dr. Kissinger would consistently opt for the latter, even if it was unpopular (as he was all too familiar with the dangers of populism).

The ancillary tales of his life as a playboy and proverbial rockstar were also extremely interesting.

I didn't even finish it.

I thought I would learn more about American foreign policy.

However, this is an unnecessarily long way to do it.

So, I decided to DNF (Did Not Finish).

Moreover, the writing is really boring and unengaging.

It fails to capture my attention and make me interested in the subject matter.

I was hoping for a more concise and interesting exploration of American foreign policy.

But instead, I was met with a tedious and drawn-out piece that made it difficult for me to stay focused.

Perhaps there are better resources available that can provide a more engaging and informative look at this important topic.

I will have to continue my search elsewhere.

I finally finished this, dragging myself across the line.

I didn't really care that much about why I committed to it. But throughout the process, two things kept popping up in my mind.

Firstly, you could be from some far-off corner of the world, and an American state department official could have completely changed the course of your country, your family, and your life, yet you might not even get a single mention in their bio. It's quite astonishing how much influence they can have without much recognition for the impact on others.

Secondly, it seems that the US has given up so, so much ground to Israel. Maybe it would have been better to just end the whole diplomacy thing and be done with it. But then again, it's not that simple, is it? There are so many complex factors and interests at play.

I guess this experience has made me think a lot about the power dynamics and the often-hidden consequences of international relations.

Henry Kissinger passed away almost a year ago.

He was a controversial figure and hated by many, but his contribution to the history of world diplomacy is undeniable.

Walter Isaacson, in his book, presents both the strengths and weaknesses of Kissinger. He points out his mistakes and argues with his views, but at the same time emphasizes the genius of some of his moves.

Very often, such extensive publications tire even the most accomplished readers, while in this case, one would even like more.

This is a must-read for all those engaged in or at least interested in international relations.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at Kissinger's life and work, shedding light on the complex and often controversial decisions he made.

Whether you agree or disagree with his actions, there is no denying the impact he had on the world stage.

Isaacson's book is a valuable addition to the literature on international relations and a must-read for anyone looking to understand the history and evolution of modern diplomacy.

I read this biography after Kissinger’s passing. In part, it was to understand how the once most admired man in America received the most negative eulogizing of any modern American politician.

The book largely answers this question. It is deeply researched and informative without being overburdened. This is a reasonably early effort by Isaacson. He writes it as a straightforward biography, without trying to shoehorn his subject into some framework, as became his later habit.

I thought he was fair. He highlighted Kissinger’s accomplishments while being critical of his methods, especially the manner in which he treated people in his political life. The biography ends in the early 1990s. And there is probably another book needed to understand why Kissinger became such a disliked figure by the time he died in 2023.

Perhaps future research will shed more light on this complex and controversial figure. Maybe it will explore the events and circumstances that led to the change in public perception. Or perhaps it will analyze Kissinger’s actions and decisions in the context of the times.

Regardless, this biography provides a valuable starting point for understanding Kissinger’s life and legacy. It offers insights into his achievements, his flaws, and the impact he had on American politics and foreign policy.

As we continue to study and debate Kissinger’s place in history, it is important to approach the subject with an open mind and a willingness to consider all perspectives. Only then can we hope to gain a more complete understanding of this remarkable and polarizing figure.

When Henry Kissinger passes away, it is highly likely that we will be inundated with a plethora of positive accounts regarding his contributions to American foreign policy and his numerous diplomatic achievements.

Undoubtedly, some of the less savory aspects of his time in government service will be conveniently overlooked. In a similar vein to how Richard Nixon managed to reinvent himself after leaving office, Kissinger, a consummate public relations maestro, will have done the same regarding his tenure as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

This is precisely why it is of utmost importance that writers like Walter Isaacson capture the true essence of Kissinger while the events of that era are still vivid in the memories of those who were part of it.

The advantage of an unauthorized biography is that the author is not beholden to the subject. He has the freedom to present both the good and the bad.

Isaacson has done an exemplary job of showcasing both sides of Henry Kissinger, much to Kissinger's chagrin. Indeed, he is a brilliant individual, and Isaacson is meticulous in giving Kissinger due credit for his many accomplishments.

However, there is also a very dark side to Kissinger, a side that is often glossed over in stories about him.

This dark side is repeatedly illuminated by Isaacson in various ways. For instance, Isaacson portrays Kissinger as extremely secretive, paranoid, and frequently untruthful. He notes that the furor Kissinger caused when the Pentagon Papers were leaked directly led to Nixon creating the "Plumbers" unit, which ultimately broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate. Of course, Watergate eventually brought down Nixon, but Kissinger has managed to evade any blame to this day. Few people remember Kissinger's role in wiretapping many of his own staffers in an attempt to identify the leakers.

Beyond all this, Kissinger's role in prolonging the Vietnam War is perhaps the most egregious example of duplicity as illustrated by Isaacson. Years before the last American soldier perished in Vietnam, Kissinger was aware that the war could not be won. As Isaacson points out, Kissinger repeatedly harped on the "credibility" issue as the main reason for continuing the costly conflict. Kissinger's misguided efforts to uphold America's "honor" led to unnecessary deaths. He was the one who pushed for secret bombings in Cambodia, which only widened the war and destabilized the region. Today, the United States is a trading partner with communist Vietnam, a country whose fall Kissinger believed would be the first domino in losing all of Southeast Asia.

Despite all his intelligence, Kissinger was wrong, and countless Americans paid with their lives due to his flawed judgment.

Thank you, Mr. Isaacson, for ensuring that this aspect of our history is never forgotten.

9. Welcome to Vietnam - Secret Options, Secret Bombings
In Vietnam, there were secret options and bombings that had a significant impact. The situation was complex and filled with hidden agendas.

10. Kissinger's Empire - The Boss's Power and How He Operated
Henry Kissinger held great power and had a particular way of operating. His influence extended far and wide, shaping policies and events.

11. The Wiretaps - Office Bugs, Dead Keys, and Other Devices
Wiretaps and various surveillance devices were used, including office bugs and dead keys. This added another layer of secrecy and intrigue to the political landscape.

12. No Exit - Vietnam Swallows Another Administration
Vietnam seemed to consume one administration after another, with no easy way out. The war dragged on, causing great turmoil and division.

13. The Invasion of Cambodia - An Expanded War, Resignations, and Rage
The invasion of Cambodia expanded the war and led to resignations and widespread rage. It was a controversial move that had far-reaching consequences.

14. Two Weeks in September - An Hour-by-Hour Look at the Art of Crisis Juggling
In September, for two weeks, there was a detailed examination of how to handle crises hour by hour. The art of crisis juggling was crucial in those动荡 times.

15. SALT - Arms Control in the Back Channel
SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) was about arms control through back channel negotiations. It was an important effort to reduce the threat of nuclear war.

16. China - Creating a Triangle
China played a significant role in creating a triangle of power. Its relationship with the United States and the Soviet Union had a major impact on global politics.

17. Celebrity - The Secret Life of the World's Least Likely Sex Symbol
Kissinger became a celebrity, and there was a look at the secret life of this unlikely sex symbol. His public persona was complex and multifaceted.

18. Winter of the Long Knives - After a Mishandled War, Kissinger Hits a Low Point
After a war that was mishandled, Kissinger reached a low point. It was a difficult time for him both personally and politically.

19. The Triangle - Summit Spring in Moscow and Beijing
The triangle of power was further explored with summit meetings in Moscow and Beijing. These meetings had the potential to reshape the global order.

20. Peace at Hand - The Paris Talks Produce an Elusive Accord
The Paris Talks aimed to achieve peace, but the resulting accord was elusive. The path to peace was filled with challenges and setbacks.

21. The Christmas Bombing - Hanoi Is Hit in Order to Convince Saigon to Sign
The Christmas Bombing of Hanoi was a controversial move, intended to convince Saigon to sign the peace accord. It raised many ethical and moral questions.

22. Secretary of State - A Rise That Was Helped Because of Everyone
Kissinger's rise to become Secretary of State was influenced by many factors and the actions of others. It was a complex journey.

23. The Yom Kippur War - A Mideast Initiation, a Resupply Dispute, and a Nuclear Alert
The Yom Kippur War in the Middle East brought about an initiation, a resupply dispute, and even a nuclear alert. It was a tense and dangerous situation.

24. The Shuttle - Step by Step Through Israel, Egypt, and Syria
The shuttle diplomacy involved traveling step by step through Israel, Egypt, and Syria. It was an attempt to broker peace in the Middle East.

25. The Press - How to be Captivating on a Background Basis
The role of the press was important, and there was a discussion on how to be captivating while operating on a background basis.

26. Transitions - The Final Days, and a New Beginning
Transitions marked the final days of one era and the beginning of a new one. It was a time of change and uncertainty.

27. The Death of Detente - An Odd Coalition Takes a Hard Line
The death of detente occurred as an odd coalition took a hard line. This had a significant impact on international relations.

28. The Magic is Gone - Setbacks in the Sinai and Southeast Asia
Setbacks in the Sinai and Southeast Asia led to the perception that the magic was gone. The optimism of earlier times had faded.

29. Morality in Foreign Policy - Kissinger's Realpolitik and How It Was Challenged
The issue of morality in foreign policy was explored, particularly in relation to Kissinger's realpolitik and how it was challenged.

30. Africa - Covert Involvement Formed by Shuttle Diplomacy
Africa saw covert involvement as a result of shuttle diplomacy. This had implications for the continent and its future.

31. Exit - Not with a Bang but a Whimper
The exit was not as dramatic as expected, but rather a whimper. It was a somewhat anticlimactic end to a long and eventful era.

32. Citizen Kissinger - The Jet-Set Life of a Minister Without Portfolio
As Citizen Kissinger, he led a jet-set life as a minister without portfolio. His influence continued, but in a different context.

33. Kissinger Associates - How the World's Most Famous Consultant Struck It Rich
Kissinger Associates became a successful consulting firm, and there was an examination of how the world's most famous consultant achieved financial success.

34. Legacy - Policy and Personality
Kissinger's legacy was a combination of his policies and his personality. His actions and ideas had a lasting impact on the world.

\\"But many other factors strengthen America's influence in the world: the perception that it stands for certain moral values; the impressive nature of its economic prosperity; the model of individual freedom that it represents; the respect it shows for the sovereignty and nationalist yearnings of other nations; and the common sense it displays in pursuing its global goals and keeping threats in perspective.\\" - 648

\\"Power rather than righteousness, he believed, determined the world order. Nations that acted based on national interests were less dangerous than those that crusaded on the basis of ideology or their own perception of moral justice.\\" - 761

Realism in Conclusion

This audio-book lasts over 34 hours at a 1.00 listening speed. Even when played at 1.85 speed, it is still extremely long.

Walter Isaacson appears to have no liking, respect, or admiration for Henry Kissinger.

Only in the last couple of pages does the author grudgingly acknowledge Henry Kissinger's accomplishments.

The book concludes in the 1990s. Since Henry Kissinger is still alive, a significant portion of his life is not covered.

During this time, there was so much happening outside the United States. There were issues such as the Vietnam War, the India-Pakistan conflict, Middle East problems, Nixon's visit to China, and Russian missile negotiations.

Surely, there must be better books available to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this era.

Perhaps other authors have delved deeper into these events and provided a more detailed and objective account.

It would be beneficial to explore those alternative sources to get a more accurate picture of the complex and dynamic times in which Henry Kissinger played a significant role.

It has taken reading three of his books to confirm in my mind that Isaacson is simply not that good of a biographer.

He seems to lack the in-depth understanding and the ability to truly capture the essence of the subjects he writes about.

Instead, he comes across more as a pop psychologist or editorial journalist.

His writing often focuses on surface-level details and trends, rather than delving deep into the complex personalities and lives of the individuals.

While his books may be popular and accessible, they fail to provide the kind of profound insights and analysis that one would expect from a great biographer.

It's disappointing to see that someone with such a reputation and platform doesn't seem to be able to rise above the limitations of his chosen style.

Perhaps he should consider reevaluating his approach and strive to bring more authenticity and depth to his biographies in the future.

Aside from a particularly complex and detailed chapter on US-Soviet nuclear reduction programs, this book is essential reading for almost anyone who has an interest in international diplomacy and power dynamics. It offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of these crucial aspects. The chapter on nuclear reduction programs delves into the intricate negotiations, agreements, and challenges that arose during that era. It provides valuable insights into the strategies and motives of both the US and the Soviet Union. For those passionate about understanding how countries interact on the global stage, the power plays, and the diplomatic maneuvers that shape international relations, this book is a must-have. It equips readers with the knowledge and understanding needed to analyze and make sense of the ever-evolving world of international diplomacy and power dynamics.

This was one truly massive chonker of an audiobook, clocking in at a whopping 34 hours.

I must confess that I was the first to admit that my attention tended to wander at times.

I probably managed to glean only about 60% of the information from it.

This is partly my fault for not making a greater effort to pay attention, but also due to the sheer incredible amount of detail in the book, which can make it quite challenging to follow at times.

That said, this isn't necessarily a complaint. Detail is indeed good when it comes to a biography.

However, perhaps I would have been better off starting with a more general overview of Kissinger's life rather than plunging right into the excruciating detail.

Overall, it was extremely interesting and provided a fascinating peek into the behind-the-scenes of American politics and many crucial years and events.

Nevertheless, I felt that the author clearly does not like Kissinger, and this bias is very evident.

I would have preferred to see a more balanced account.