Known and Unknown
A Memoir
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3.7 • 136 Ratings
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
A powerful memoir from the late former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
With the same directness that defined his career in public service, Rumsfeld's memoir is filled with previously undisclosed details and insights about the Bush administration, 9/11, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also features Rumsfeld's unique and often surprising observations on eight decades of history.
Rumsfeld addresses the challenges and controversies of his illustrious career, from the unseating of the entrenched House Republican leader in 1965, to helping the Ford administration steer the country away from Watergate and Vietnam, to the war in Iraq, to confronting abuse at Abu Ghraib. Along the way, he offers his plainspoken, first-hand views and often humorous and surprising anecdotes about some of the world's best-known figures, ranging from Elvis Presley to George W. Bush.
Both a fascinating narrative and an unprecedented glimpse into history,Known and Unknown captures the legacy of one of the most influential men in public service.
Customer Reviews
Some wonderful insights ultimately disappointing
There are some wonderful moments in Donald Rumsfeld's memoir. His candid insights into considerations post 9/11 are fascinating. Learning more about his early career and what drives him is enlightening. However, his pettiness in assessing responsibility for department and administration failures on others is tiresome and ultimately what makes this a disappointing effort. Throughout the book Rumsfeld claims that he welcomes criticism. If that is true, he will learn and resonate with the widespread disappointment in his book. I found Bush's account of his administration much more sincere and thoughtful without having to dissect an agenda largely driven by absolving him from responsibility from mistakes. To be sure, Rumsfeld accomplished much as Sec Defense - and is one of the leading figures of his generation. At the same time, his failure to acknowledge mistakes and consistently criticize Bush, Sr, Powell and Rice is disappointing from someone with such immense talent and responsibility.
Outstanding
Well written and documented. Most enjoyable to learn facts.
True hero, great American
Incredible archivist. Made great decisions in spite of tough choices. I can forgive his sensitivity to other folks choices; he earned the right. Makes one really miss competence in leadership. Also learned to really check the media's facts. Newsweek: according to this book and Google search, disgraceful blood on the medias' hands. DR & GWB made the world safer. Unlike the way things are today. Let's find another "A" team and "A" team leaders. Refreshing to know they are out there. Let's get them in office before they write their books!