John Lewis Gaddis

The full scope of George Kennan's long life and vast influence is revealed by one of today's most important Cold War scholars. Yale historian Gaddis began this magisterial history almost 30 years ago; the result is a remarkably revealing view of how this greatest of Cold War strategists came to doubt his strategy and always doubted himself.

An American Life

George F. Kennan

Donald

Without meaning to, this year I am reading biographies of great American Presbyterians. First James Laughlin, now George F. Kennan.

It is difficult to imagine today that such a genius and reactionary occupied a major place in American political and academic life well into the 1990s. And make no mistake, he was a real reactionary: Kennan hated automobiles and televisions. He detested Reagan largely for his involvement in the entertainment industry... and his being from California. He was an elitist and a racialist. His worldview and way of life were deeply at odds with his time. I doubt there is a single person in any branch of government today with half his erudition or education.

The best surprise: Kennan composed wonderful light verse, which Gaddis quotes from often.

I'm afraid that now I'll have to find time to read most of Kennan's works. After reading this magnificent biography, how could one not do so?

George F. Kennan An American Life

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