My new book, How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower’s Biggest Decisions will be published on August 11th by Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press. It is now available for preorder in print, ebook, and audiobook format.
The book is a retrospective of Eisenhower’s wartime and presidential leadership, which includes biographical details, observations, and anecdotes about his character. I was fortunate to have known Ike well, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to share what observers, scholars and family members had to say about the leadership style of a man who will be memorialized on the Washington mall in September.
As I worked on the book I was surprised by the contemporary resonance of many issues that emerged: from Eisenhower’s full acceptance of responsibility for the potential failure of the D-Day landings to his commitment to building a political Middle Way in the United States to assure national unity and a foreign policy consensus. Some of his quotations read like they were written today.
I hope from time to time over the next year to be adding more stories here on this site. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the book.
Praise for How Ike Led
“A well-written reflection on one of the most significant American presidents. The compelling substance of How Ike Led is enhanced by the author’s sensitive style. It brings one of America’s most remarkable public figures into lasting focus.”
—Henry A. Kissinger, U.S. Secretary of State 1973–1977
“Susan Eisenhower’s How Ike Led is not only a moving account of her grandfather’s major decisions, but an astute and timely reminder that his virtues—good judgment, taking full responsibility, self-control, courage and devotion to the truth, however uncomfortable—remain the lodestar of leadership in peace and in war, and of his own long, remarkable career of public service as a general and president. I had a wonderful time reading it—and there could not be a better time to read this book.”
—Michael Korda, author of Ike and Hero
“This riveting account of Dwight David Eisenhower’s brilliant World War II leadership and his visionary Presidential accomplishments sets a new benchmark for excellence in the study of strategic leadership. Once again Susan Eisenhower brings her extraordinary storytelling skills to bear in this compelling history of one of America’s most gifted leaders of character and courage; the result is an authoritative and revealing perspective on “Ike’s” unparalleled role in shaping his era and our own.”
—Lieutenant General David Huntoon, US Army (Retired), former Superintendent of the US Military Academy at West Point
“Susan Eisenhower’s How Ike Led distills from her grandfather’s life the enduring qualities of successful leadership. Those qualities—dedication to duty, sincerity, fairness, optimism, humility, patience and restraint, moderation and accountability—are illuminated through anecdotes both moving and entertaining from Dwight Eisenhower’s decades of unparalleled service to America. It is an inspirational book with lessons highly relevant and desperately needed for current and aspiring leaders, especially those in public life.”
—Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense 2006–2011
“An eloquent, compelling tribute to our 34th president, lovingly—but not uncritically—penned by the author’s granddaughter. This eminently readable book is laced with personal anecdotes and insights from his friends and closest advisors. Although Eisenhower’s life and presidency have been the subject of abundant scholarly study, the family details and flowing style of How Ike Led make a special contribution to our understanding of him as a person and as a leader.”
—Dr. Susan Hockfield, President Emerita, MIT
“How Ike Led takes us inside the mind of one of the towering figures of the 20th-century, indeed one of our nation’s most accomplished and yet still misunderstood presidents. Our host on this journey, Susan Eisenhower, one of the revered general’s granddaughters, uses personal stories and memorable anecdotes to provide a deeply-moving insight into one of the master-strategists of our time. As her book makes clear, Eisenhower’s leadership and his sublimation of ego stand in stark contrast to the qualities of far too many elected officials today. Read it with pride and be reminded of the virtues that defeated Nazism and contributed mightily to the nation that we Americans too often take for granted.”
—Robert Edsel, author of Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
“Susan Eisenhower has given us an insightful and inspiring profile of Ike’s brand of leadership; his authority was grounded in his unshakable integrity and deep commitment to the service of others. Drawing on extensive research and her own personal experience, Eisenhower paints a 20th century portrait that is even more relevant in the 21st century. This book calls us to remember how essential true leadership is for American democracy to thrive.”
—Frederick M. Lawrence, Secretary and CEO, The Phi Beta Kappa Society and Distinguished Lecturer, Georgetown University Law Center
“This remarkable book is a priceless gift to people young and old, seeking the secret of America’s past success: wise and selfless leadership; written by an expert on the life, times, and personal values of a man called Ike.”
—Ambassador Richard T. McCormack, Former Executive Vice Chairman, Bank of America and former undersecretary of state
“Susan Eisenhower’s unique insights into the values, vision, and courage of our 34th president and unmatched command of the history of his era deepen and at times transform our understanding of the events that shaped the modern world, from D-Day to Little Rock, from Suez to Sputnik…Ike’s humanity as well as his wisdom shine through as he steered the Nation to peace and prosperity…A must read for anyone who cares about America’s past, or its future.”
—Daniel B. Poneman, CEO of Centrus Energy Corporation and former Deputy Secretary of Energy