The Titans of the Twentieth Century

Reviews / Votes

In this welcome and impressive work of synthesis, one of our leading scholars of international relations draws on an extensive scholarship to offer telling examinations of eight leaders of the twentieth century. In an era when the great democratic leaders, receive criticism for their faults, Mandelbaum reminds us of their accomplishments. While aware of distinctions among the dictators, Mandelbaum's makes a powerful case that Lenin and Mao, no less than Hitler, deserve the term 'monster.' Recognizing the greatness of Ghandi's legacy of non-violent protest, and Ben Gurion's accomplishment of state building and self-defense rightly brings these two democratic leaders into the pantheon of great leaders of that tumultuous century. At a time when liberal democracy faces challenges around the world, this book offers a fine scholar's recollection of what its leaders accomplished against great odds. * Jeffrey Herf, University of Maryland, College Park * The Titans of the Twentieth Century brilliantly reveals much that's new about men and nations. Tragically, its vital insights pertain equally well to our own seething Twenty-First Century. * Derek Leebaert, Truman Book Award winner, and author of Unlikely Heroes: Franklin Roosevelt, His Four Lieutenants, and the World They Made * Michael Mandelbaum, a wise and prolific student of international affairs, takes issue with the idea that history is made exclusively by implacable forces and mass movements. Some may cringe at the Great Man theory of history; he shows in this fascinating book that there is a lot to be said for it. * Eliot A. Cohen, Arleigh Burke Chair in Strategy, CSIS * In studying the past, Mandelbaum provides much to ponder about the present. * Jacob Heilbrunn, Jerusalem Strategic Tribune * Mandelbaum (emer., Johns Hopkins Univ.) has written brilliant profiles of eight men who, for better or worse, shaped 20th-century political history. Mandelbaum's book should be required for courses on 20th-century history. * J. Fischel, CHOICE *