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The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War Audiobook
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(4.04) - 172 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Only two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War; ironically, they were the chief advocates for the opposing strategies for winning—and surviving—that harrowing conflict. Both men came to power during World War II, reached their professional peaks during the Cold War's most frightening moments, and fought epic political battles that spanned decades. Yet despite their very different views, Paul Nitze and George Kennan dined together, attended the weddings of each other's children, and remained good friends all their lives.
In this masterly double biography, Nicholas Thompson brings Nitze and Kennan to vivid life. Nitze—the hawk—was a consummate insider who believed that the best way to avoid a nuclear clash was to prepare to win one. More than any other American, he was responsible for the arms race. Kennan—the dove—was a diplomat turned academic whose famous "X article" persuasively argued that we should contain the Soviet Union while waiting for it to collapse from within. For forty years, he exercised more influence on foreign affairs than any other private citizen.
As he weaves a fascinating narrative that follows these two rivals and friends from the beginning of the Cold War to its end, Thompson accomplishes something remarkable: he tells the story of our nation during the most dangerous half century in history.
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"I really liked the book. There are wonderful anecdotes and it the focus on the perspectives of the two men is illuminating. Although both men are legend in international relations, neither was ever really satisfied in their career, feeling they had been shut out of where they should be. There is sad moment where Nitze thinks he will get a plum spot in the Carter administration only to find himself without any job at all. a great read. Watch out, though, for the occasional lapse into conspiracy theory. Thompson mentions a number of mysterious deaths that surround the making of foreign policy. It is by no means the focus of the book, or even of a given chapter, but it pops up in odd places."
— rafaela (5 out of 5 stars)
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A gently critical assessment of two influential shapers of U.S. foreign policy.... Fascinating.
— Kirkus -
“Thoroughly engrossing.”
— New York Times -
“[A] nuanced account of two men whose common goal of serving America’s interests transcended perspectives.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Prichard…lifts the prose from the page to reality with his ability to enrich it with nuance and fluidity.”
— AudioFile -
“The book provides a more nuanced interpretation of the sometimes volatile Nitze, which serves as an important counterpoint to the better-known Kennan.”
— Library Journal -
“A gently critical assessment of two influential shapers of U.S. foreign policy…Fascinating.”
— Kirkus Reviews
The Hawk and the Dove Listener Reviews
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" I've read a fair amount about the Cold War and about the personalities who led the fight. Nick Thompson (the grandson of Paul Nitze) has written a fascinating, balanced and revealing account of the intertwined lives of two of the greatest men (and minds) who fought the fight. A really well written, extremely well researched read. I highly recommend it. "
— Frank, 2/18/2014 -
" I liked it. It's always interesting to get some insight into historical events. "
— T, 1/18/2014 -
" This dual political biography is an enjoyable, engaging and fascinating look at the Cold War through the parallel lives of two of its central actors. A must read for anyone interested in the Cold War, American foreign policy and 20th century American history. "
— Jason, 12/13/2013 -
" Clearly written history of the cold war from two not all that different perspectives after all "
— K, 11/27/2013 -
" A fantastic look at the Cold War from beginning to end told through the lives of the two most influential architects and executors of Cold War policy. A must read for all who are interested in this subject "
— Bill, 10/24/2013 -
" Two of my favorite dead white men, written by one of their grandsons. What's not to love? "
— Jan, 3/23/2012 -
" An interesting look a the excallation of the cold war. "
— Benjamin, 3/2/2012 -
" Fascinating history of the Cold War, written by a grandson of Paul Nitze. They were extraordinary individuals. "
— Bruce, 2/17/2012 -
" An informative read. I learned a lot about Nitze and Kennan and their lives and views. I also learned a good deal about the Cold War and the roles they played in it. "
— Natasha, 1/31/2012 -
" Wonderful book about the two men who were instrumental in the development of cold war policy. Interesting. "
— Lynn, 9/1/2011 -
" Any foreign policy practitioner (or armchair historian) would find this book enriching and entertaining. Plus Thompson can really write. "
— Casey, 5/13/2011 -
" Not a complete history of the Cold War -- and it didn't try to be. Instead, this book takes the unique approaches of (1) following two of the period's most thoughtful and influential contributors and (2) portraying the Cold War in shades of grey rather than black and white. "
— Michelle, 4/10/2011 -
" A fascinating look at two of the most important men involved in cold-war decision and opinion making. Though Thompson is Nitze's grandson, he is very even-handed in his presentation of the two friends and rivals. "
— Lauren, 9/25/2010
About Nicholas Thompson
Nicholas Thompson is senior editor at Wired magazine, where he covers the Internet and politics, business trends, open sourcing, technology and science, and legal issues. Prior to joining Wired, he was a senior editor at Legal Affairs magazine and Washington Monthly. Thompson has also written freelance pieces about technology for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Slate, Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications. A frequent commentator on issues that concern law and technology, Thompson has also appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly, the Today show, The O’Reilly Factor, and many other TV and radio shows. He is a regular guest on Fox News Live and is the voice of Wired for its weekly CBS news radio broadcasts.
About Michael Prichard
Michael Prichard is a Los Angeles-based actor who has played several thousand characters during his career, over one hundred of them in theater and film. He is primarily heard as an audiobook narrator, having recorded well over five hundred full-length books. His numerous awards and accolades include an Audie Award for Tears in the Darkness by Michael Norman and Elizabeth M. Norman and six AudioFile Earphones Awards. He was named a Top Ten Golden Voice by SmartMoney magazine. He holds an MFA in theater from the University of Southern California.