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H**N
An excellent biography and audiobook narration
Although whatever Walter Isaacson writes is great, I had some reluctance in getting this book because it came out in 1992…surely more information has come out in the 32 years since. There may be something to this point, but in 1992 many of the characters in the book were still alive and available, which is the counter-point.Kissinger lived another 30 years after the book was written. There may be a concern here too, but looking through the Wikipedia entry on Kissinger, I didn’t see much. Isaacson lays out Kissinger’s post-power life so well, that reading the Wikipedia entry post-1992 seems very, very familiar.The most important new thing I learned about Kissinger from this book was his childhood as a very religious German Jew in Nazi Germany, and how the adversity he faced affected him the rest of his life. His family left Germany in 1938 when Kissinger was 15 years old. One way or another this theme shows up sprinkled throughout the book.Isaacson did a great job portraying the importance Kissinger placed on meeting important and powerful people throughout his life, bringing them into his life, from Harvard to the end of his life as a consultant. Probably the most fun part of the book was hearing about Kissinger the Hollywood sex symbol and playboy.I had a hard time understanding Kissinger’s “brilliance” as a statesman, despite everyone saying so. Kissinger was clearly more than competent, but Isaacson makes a good argument that it was his ability not only to understand the issues in great depth, but to gain the trust and friendship of whoever he negotiated with, or both parties that he tried to bring together.I had no idea that Kissinger thought Nixon was a total idiot. Many momentous international affairs events occurred during Nixon’s presidency, many to benefit the United States decades later, so learning about the tension between Nixon and Kissinger about shaping outcomes and taking credit was interesting. On the other hand, Isaacson lays out the argument for the Kissinger the conniver, the deceiver, the double-talker, and dragging Cambodia into the Vietnam War and all the people killed in pursuit of the United States’ foreign policy.I give the narrator six stars for impersonating Nixon and Kissinger whenever they are quoted. Perfect. He also impersonated other people when they were quoted, but not as strongly.This was an excellent book and audiobook all around. Very complete and thoughtful attempt to fully understand what made Kissinger tick, with an excellent chapter on Kissinger’s legacy. Much more than just a portrayal. Very well written, reads easily.
C**S
Good Book
The main issue is, a lot of important info has not yet been released. But it was important to know this man since his affect on world affairs during my lifetime is so important. This is a very detailed and sequential book and is recommended if you have also read the bio's of Nixon and Ford, even Carter.
C**S
One of the book's highlights is its balanced portrayal of Kissinger
Walter Isaacson has done it again with this enlightening and comprehensive exploration of one of the most influential figures in American foreign policy. Isaacson, renowned for his brilliant biographies, skillfully delves into the life of Henry Kissinger, meticulously chronicling his experiences, ideas, and actions throughout his illustrious career.Isaacson's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this biography a page-turner. He begins by tracing Kissinger's journey from his childhood in Germany to his eventual ascent as a prominent political thinker and strategist. The book not only examines Kissinger's significant role in shaping American diplomatic policies but also provides deep insight into his intellect, strategic thinking, and complex personality.One of the book's highlights is its balanced portrayal of Kissinger. Isaacson neither glorifies nor vilifies him, but rather paints a nuanced picture of a man driven by a genuine desire to shape world affairs, albeit with questionable moral choices. The author explores Kissinger's successes, such as the opening of relations with China, while also critically analyzing his controversial decisions, such as the bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War.Isaacson also highlights the tensions that shaped Kissinger's personality and politics. The book delves into his struggle with his Jewish identity, the traumas of his early life, and his affinity for realpolitik, which often put him at odds with other officials. These personal struggles add depth to our understanding of the man behind the public persona.Moreover, Isaacson’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book. He draws from a wealth of primary sources, including interviews and newly released documents, providing readers with a comprehensive and insightful account of Kissinger's life and career. The scholarship is top-notch, which adds credibility and authority to Isaacson's narrative.In conclusion, Kissinger: A Biography is a masterful work that provides an in-depth exploration of the life and career of Henry Kissinger. Walter Isaacson expertly captures the complexities and contradictions that defined this influential figure in American history. Whether one admires or disagrees with Kissinger's policies, this biography offers an illuminating analysis of one of the most consequential statesmen of the 20th century.
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