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Kissinger: A Biography

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Kissinger: A Biography is a non-fiction book authored by Walter Isaacson. Published by Simon & Schuster, the biographical analysis of Henry Kissinger has received positive reviews from publications such as The New York Times.[1]

Background and contents

Isaacson started out writing the book with considerable personal access not only to Kissinger himself but to multiple associates of the public figure. The author additionally used a wide variety of political documents from Kissinger's many years of public service. Despite this close association, Isaacson insisted on maintaining his independence over the final work.[1]

In broad terms, the author states that Kissinger's promotion of particular foreign policies, including aggressive regime change efforts in different nations, contributed to a general victory for the Western bloc during the Cold War. However, Isaacson finds that Kissinger significantly moved away from previously held ethical ideals and severely comprised America's world standing as well, with said foreign efforts undermining the cause of democratic government and human rights. The author views Kissinger as having achieved the American dream and amassed considerable power at the expense of not just intellectual honesty but general personal character.[1]

Reception

Journalist Barth Healey of The New York Times remarked that for Kissinger "aficionados" the book "makes [for] compulsive reading" and that "for students of his years of influence on United States foreign policy" the book becomes "compulsory".[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Draper, Theodore (September 6, 1992). "Little Heinz And Big Henry". New York Times.