The bitter feud between President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chief Justice Earl Warren framed the tumultuous future of the modern civil rights movement. Eisenhower was a gradualist who wanted to coax white Americans in the South into eventually accepting integration, while Warren, author of the Supreme Court’s historic unanimous opinion in Brown v. Board of Education, demanded immediate action to dismantle the segregation of the public school system. In Eisenhower vs. Warren, two-time New York Times Notable Book author James F. Simon examines the years of strife between them that led Eisenhower to say that his biggest mistake as president was appointing that “dumb son of a bitch Earl Warren.” This momentous, poisonous relationship is presented here at last in one volume. Compellingly written, Eisenhower vs. Warren brings to vivid life the clash that continues to reverberate in political and constitutional debates today.

Out April 10, 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved it so much, I sat and read it from cover to cover in two days (and nights).

This is a very important book to read. Everyone, should read it.  The battle of wits between Eisenhower and Warren are remarkably written well. The pace of the book was intrinsic to the tension building and I was unable to put it down.   The author’s detail to research is obvious and appreciated.  Pivotal moments in US history are detailed  expertly as are the ramifications of certain decisions.

What I loved about the author’s writing is that he never “assumed” or gave his opinion as to why either man acted as they had.  He stayed strictly to documented evidence and kept his own personal opinions out of the mix.  Some may say that his explanations fall flat in their content but the author wanted to remain impartial and I feel he succeeded. He wants the readers to develop their own opinions based on facts.

 

I think if anything, Simon could have provided more evidence as to why decisions were made the way they were. Character profiles, even though detailed, are sometimes just not enough to determine the reasoning behind decisions. There are many other factors that sway thoughts and desires.

This is still an excellent book that highlights the horrid aspects of segregation with behind the scenes look into related decisions made by each man.

I found it truly enjoyable and fascinating a read.  If you like political non fiction, then this book would be worthy of a purchase!

I gave this book: