Richard M. Nixon: A Life in Full
by Conrad Black
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Book Summary Information
Author: Conrad BlackEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-11-11
ISBN: 1586486748
Number of pages: 1168
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Book Reviews of Richard M. Nixon: A Life in Full
Book Review: A compelling figure made even more compelling
Summary: 5 Stars
My first involvement in political affairs was, at the age of 5, urging my mother to vote for Nixon, as I made my way off to school. Since then, Nixon has loomed large in the landscape of Orange County. We all knew he lived in San Clemente, but he was a specter: he made few appearances and was overshadowed by Reagan's influence. Reagan, of course, defines California Republicanism, but Nixon shaped the California Republican party before Reagan appeared on the scene. Nixon represented the scrappy, lower-middle class strivers, seeking recognition on a public stage. Nixon was their spokesman, the underdog who could pound his finger on Kruschev's chest, while they busily built their businesses in Whittier and Downey, while others worked for the aerospace companies in El Segundo and Long Beach. Thus, it was with great enjoyment that I read the first 500 pages, which spoke about a California, which I knew little about: the immediate post-War era. And, it is surprising that a Lord from the English parliament, like Conrad Black, would be so passionate about re-creating this era in Nixon's life. In short, what would seem the least compelling about Nixon's life, his move from local congressman, to Senator, to 8 years in the VP role, is the most compelling part of the Nixon story, and gives a greater appreciation of his intellect and humanity.
It has been commented upon that this is a "rehabilitative biography," and that Conrad Black tries very hard to "clean up" Nixon's sinister image. While Black does comment on a few mistakes, which Nixon made, in foreign policy and domestic issues, he does not admit to Nixon having any ethical lapses, at least until Watergate. In fact, if one is to believe Black, Nixon is nearly the cleanest politician of the era, especially in comparison to Kennedy and Johnson. I am unable to judge this. It goes against so much of what I've been taught. But, I am willing to give Nixon the benefit of the doubt after reading Black's thorough defense of the man.
Summary of Richard M. Nixon: A Life in Full
From the late 1940s to the mid-1970s, Nixon was a polarizing figure in American politics, admired for his intelligence, savvy, and strategic skill, and reviled for his shady manner and cutthroat tactics. In deft, masterful prose, Black separates the good in Nixon-his foreign initiatives, some of his domestic policies, and his firm political hand-from the sinister, with his questionable methods and the collection of excesses and offenses associated with the Watergate scandal. Black argues that the hounding of Nixon from office was partly political retribution from a lifetime of enemies and Nixons misplaced loyalty to unworthy subordinates, and not clearly the consequence of crimes in which he participated.United States Books
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