Reading Recommendations
Cradle to Grave Biographies
Eisenhower: Soldier and President by Stephen Ambrose
This book’s section of Ike’s military career is especially strong. Modern Eisenhower biographers are critical of Ambrose’s characterization of Ike’s civil rights policy.
Ike: An American Hero by Michael Korda
Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith
World War II
Crusade in Europe by Dwight Eisenhower
This is Ike’s memoir of WWII.
Foreign Policy
Ike’s Bluff: President Eisenhower’s Secret Battle to Save the World by Evan Thomas
This book focuses on the New Look and Ike’s nuclear strategy.
Eisenhower 1956: The President’s Year of Crisis by David Nichols
This book focuses on Ike’s handling of the Suez Crisis.
Economics
Eisenhower’s Sputnik Moment: The Race for Space and World Prestige
by Yanek Mieczkowski
This book focuses on Ike’s response the Sputnik, but has the best analysis of his economic views that I have read.
Civil Rights Movement
A Matter of Justice: Eisenhower and the Beginning of the Civil Rights Revolution
by David Nichols
Ike’s Final Battle: The Road to Little Rock and the Challenge of Equality by Kasey Pipes
Relationship with Mamie
Mrs. Ike: Memoirs and Reflections on the Life of Mamie Eisenhower by Susan Eisenhower
Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of Ike and Mamie, wrote this book.
Ike’s Retirement
Going Home to Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969
by David Eisenhower
David Eisenhower, grandson of Ike and Mamie, wrote this book.
Relationship with Richard Nixon
The President and the Apprentice: Eisenhower and Nixon, 1952-1961 by Irwin Gellman
Relationship with Joe McCarthy
Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower’s Secret Campaign against Joseph McCarthy
Ike’s Farewell Address
Three Days in January: Dwight Eisenhower’s Final Mission