Product Description

The memoirs of a legendary White House advisor chronicle the five decades he spent as an influential figure in Oval Office decision-making, from the recognition of Israel to the Vietnam War. Reprint. Major ad/promo. K. NYT.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #190374 in Books
• Published on: 1991-05-21
• Released on: 1991-05-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 709 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Presidential adviser Clifford had a hand in the launching of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the birth of the present national security system and other seminal events in the post-WW II era. He served as President Kennedy's personal lawyer, was Lyndon Johnson's closest adviser during the Vietnam war and succeeded Robert McNamara as secretary of Defense. Though he has much of interest to say about the presidencies of Johnson and Carter in particular, Clifford's re-creation of the Truman years (about a fourth of the book) is most memorable and deeply felt. His admiration for Harry Truman as a chief executive and as a man is profound. Written with former assistant secretary of State Holbrooke, Clifford's memoir is a treasure of historical information, vivid anecdotes and sharp insights into Washington politics and policy over the past four and a half decades. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
This long and fascinating memoir is a fitting reminder of Clifford's remarkable political career. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s he seemed to be on the spot, ready to advise presidents and offer his wisdom on the issues of the day. Yet Clifford's impact on American politics began much earlier, with the presidency of Harry Truman who named him Special Counsel. Clifford retained this title under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson and was a key figure in many of the pivotal policy decisions of the Sixties (especially the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam escalation). This memoir is both a political history of the postwar years, as well as an intimate inside look at the workings of power. Clifford's portraits of major political figures are fresh and illuminating, and the book is filled with useful anecdotes both from his public and private life. He concludes with some ruminations on the Reagan-Bush years and broader reflections on history and politics. An essential book for most libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/91.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

CLARK CLIFFORD: COUNSEL AND SELF-FLATTERER
A very easy read. Interesting anecdotes makes large book manageable. Clifford has a tendency to cite flattering assesments of his input to history. Still very worth while reading for amateur historians.

Clark Clifford's view
This book was written by Clark Clifford.
It his his recollections of a lifetime of service to his country from WWII on. He worked for Truman and most all the other Presidents in one capacity or another up till the time of Reagan.
He got to Washington by accident, wanting to be a St. Louis lawyer as a career. He helped set up the Truman doctrine, the Marshall plan, and get Truman elected in 1948.
He was one of the "wise men" under LBJ, becoming the Sect of Defense when McNamara resigned.
He had input to Richard Nixon's efforts, and has few good things to say about him.
He tried to help Jimmy Carter, to no avail, and watched from the sidelines as the Dukasis election campaign unraveled.

His book details many events that were just headlines, and shows the decision making that went on in some of the nations biggest decisions on war and peace.
He is one of our countries heros.