Kissinger: A Biography

There's so much that can be said about Kissinger, and Isaacson does a masterful job of delineating his subject's fascinating combination of strengths and weaknesses. On finishing the book I was left in awe of the role Kissinger played in America's and the world's politics. I can't attempt to satisfactorily encompass the depth and complexity of Kissinger's mind and heart, as delineated by Isaacson --- so I will mention only one example. Rather early in K's career he was asked what he thought about the young nation of Israel. Keeping in mind that K escaped from the Nazi horror, but much of his family died in concentration camps, he said (paraphrased -- haven't got the book in front of me -- loaned it out to a friend): "I think Israel locating itself where it has will make America's job in the mid-East more difficult, and will complicate our relationship with the Arabs." Rather prescient wouldn't you say? And fair-minded and objective about the role of Jews in the modern world.Bill

I have read several of Isaacson's books and am a huge admirer. With Kissinger, it is a really fantastic story. Well written and well researched, it was an enjoyable read. What I didn't like was that it seemed a bit critical of Kissinger as a person, statesman, and all around. Kissinger was able to navigate some of the great foreign policy achievements of the 20th century, and largely in the shadow of Nixon's domestic issues with Watergate. I really enjoyed the book, I just felt like there were some editorial shots against Kissinger that weren't warranted and didn't add to the book.

Just began reading this and am loving each page. I had met wit Dr. Kissinger in Washington, D C during Vietnam War when my husband was a POW (7.5 years). He met with a group of wives monthly so he knew our names and tried to give us hope when there didn't seem to be any. He finally got our men home so he's special to me. He has come to the reunions and the men appreciate him too. Anyway, I'm enjoying learning about his life.

The author makes clear at the outset the difficulties faced by a biographer of such a polarising character. This biography is comprehensive, balanced and decidedly readable.Kissinger's staggering intellect and powerful charm/ability to manipulate - (take your pick) - are made very clear. His great triumphs - especially the Middle East - and dire misjudgments - especially Vietnam - are laid out objectively, with the author's opinions clearly separated from the facts.Equally clear are Kissinger's character flaws - ego, volcanic temper and obsession with grabbing both turf and credit.My only complaint is that the narrative is much less interesting when the author gets into the micro-detail of how x was excluded from a flight on a plane, y was given a less prestigious hotel room location and z was kept out of the loop on a certain topic etc. That Kissinger was just as keen to use his manipulative abilities to advance his personal turf wars as to serve (in his own opinion) the credibility (a word which crops up frequently in the book) of the USA is spelt out clearly. The minutiae of how he did this slows down the narrative.

excellent reference material and learning

The book was interesting, but wouldnt have been so burdensome if it was 20% shorter. I had to force myself to finish. I have an above average vocabulary, and was put off by the author using unusual words to convey what simple words could. Having to look up the definition disrupted the story - and now that I know the words, I will never use them! ( Its about efficient communication.)The author did a good job with his research. I liked the book and think Kissinger was treated fairly, but he didnt do the same for President Nixon.Nixon was not a helpless buffoon. He was an accomplished man who rose to heights the average man can only aspire - the most powerful man on earth.

A totally one sided dump on HK, one Jew to another, which has always been the problem with Jews. You think for once there would have been a “God bless America” call out for giving the opportunity to a brilliant young man raised in Nazi Germany to rise to Secretary of State. On this one you could tell he was CEO of CNN. Just the National Enquirer in lipstick. Not worth the time. Just more Nixon and Republican bashing without the rocks to say it directly.

I had a previous interest in Kissinger, but this is really not a very enjoyable read overall. I couldn't even make it half way through yet, and I breazed through biographies of Churchill and Warren Buffett, both nearly 1000 pages.Once it gets to the Nixon years, it starts focusing on fairly boring minutiae of Kissinger's machinations and insecure OCD personality. While it's evident that HK and Nixon were relatively disagreeable people overall, Isaacson's dislike for these two shows through too clearly and overshadows their role in history. He could have been more even-handed with his treatment, and tried to see the forest for the trees. Also, his florid use of adjectives bothered me, I prefer a drier style of writing.

A supremely excellent book, gives a unique insight into the great man's life and times.

This is great.I was interested in this book primarily because Kissinger is seen in the Indian Subcontinent as a villain who was indirectly responsible for the genocide in Bangladesh. Kissinger tried his best to prevent the victory of India in 1971 war with Pakistan and his vile diplomacy will go down as a terrible chapter in modern American history.Kissinger tried to prevent the disintegration of Pakistan, which was already a failed state by 1970.He wanted to become a modern Machiavelli but he ended up as a cohort of Mao tse tung. Kissinger will go down in history with the ignominy of defeat and an insulting end , with dollops of glamour and media glare.Kissinger primarily suffered from the memories of his childhood and never recovered from the insecurity he faced in German occupation.He never helped the state of Israel even though he is a Jew.He remains one of the most controversial diplomats of the twentieth century who ultimately failed to do justice to the trust reposed upon him by America.

Vielleicht liegt es an den Übersetzer, aber ich finde es etwas zäh. Sehr konzentriertes Lesen ist notwendig im Gegensatz zu seinem Werk über Steven Jobs.Ich lese zur Zeit Einstein nebenbei im Original und finde es trotz AE leichter zu lesen.Fazit: Buch wahrscheinlich i.O., Übersetzung eher misslungen, hier wurde eine bessere Übersetzung vielleicht dem Werke gut tun.

Very good read indeed, especially perhaps for someone who was a young adult like me when Dr. Kissinger and his shuttle diplomacy was on every news show on the planet.Interesting and credible character descriptions of the characters involved: Kissinger of course, but also Nixon, Ford, Haldeman, and all the other players involved in Watergate, Vietnam, Cold War, and the thawing of relations with China as a counter balance to Soviet antagonism.US-Iraeli relations are also discussed at length in the broader setting of perceived US interest in the Middle East.Funny to get the hindsight of good policy decisions for the wrong reasons.How brilliant minds get influenced by twisted personality and personal ambition and paranoia.

Detailed objective beautifully writtenIt’s long but every sentence countsWhat’s not to like