In Retrospect Book Summary
In 'In Retrospect', Robert S. McNamara, the controversial former U.S. Secretary of Defense, reflects on his pivotal role in the Vietnam War and the decisions that shaped a nation. With honesty and introspection, he examines the failures and misjudgments that led to decades of conflict, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures of leadership during tumultuous times. As he recounts the events from the Cold War to the rise of nuclear threats, McNamara challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the cost of war. This compelling memoir is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on government, power, and accountability. Will McNamara's insights help us understand the past to enlighten our future?
By Robert S. McNamara
Published: 1996
"We must not only look back to understand the mistakes of the past, but we must also learn to face the truths that propel us toward a better future."
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Book Review of In Retrospect
#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER. The definitive insider's account of American policy making in Vietnam. "Can anyone remember a public official with the courage to confess error and explain where he and his country went wrong? This is what Robert McNamara does in this brave, honest, honorable, and altogether compelling book."—Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Written twenty years after the end of the Vietnam War, former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's controversial memoir answers the lingering questions that surround this disastrous episode in American history. With unprecedented candor and drawing on a wealth of newly declassified documents, McNamara reveals the fatal misassumptions behind our involvement in Vietnam. Keenly observed and dramatically written, In Retrospect possesses the urgency and poignancy that mark the very best histories—and the unsparing candor that is the trademark of the greatest personal memoirs. Includes a preface written by McNamara for the paperback edition.
Book Overview of In Retrospect
About the Book Author
Robert S. McNamara
Robert S. McNamara was an influential American author and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, known for his profound insights into military strategy, leadership, and international relations. His notable works include "In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam" and "The Essence of Security: Reflections in Office," where he reflects on the complexities of war and the ethics of decision-making. McNamara's writing style combines analytical rigor with personal reflection, making complicated historical and political subjects accessible to a broader audience. His contributions have sparked discussions on the moral implications of government actions and the importance of strategic foresight.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Robert S. McNamara
- Published
- March 1996
- Publisher
- Vintage
- ISBN
- 0679767495
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 578
- Genres
- BiographyPolitical BiographiesPolitical HistoryPolitics and Current Affairs
Purchase Options
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“We must not only look back to understand the mistakes of the past, but we must also learn to face the truths that propel us toward a better future.”
In Retrospect
By Robert S. McNamara
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