Herken, Gregg (Alsop, Joseph; Alsop, Stewart; Graham, Katherine; Graham, Philip et al.)

The Georgetown Set: Friends and Rivals in Cold War Washington

New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. First Edition. Hardcover. Gregg Herken, one of the foremost scholars on the development of atomic energy and the Cold War, presents here in this tome an in depth and intimate look into the lives of influential reporters and CIA lawyers, spies, diplomats, and scholars at a time where they worked closely with politicians and influenced foreign policy. “The Georgetown Set: Friends and Rivals in Cold War Washington” is a portrait of America's response to the Soviet Union from Truman to Reagan. A microscopic look into the lives of an eclectic group of individuals from across the political spectrum as they shaped the Marshall Plan, McCarthyism, Watergate, the Vietnam War and a multitude of other events that have, and still continue to shape the geopolitics and foreign policy of America today. Herken illustrates a vivid miasma of triumphs and failures, while also expertly painting the drama-filled lives of these dedicated, talented, and often flawed individuals. Herken’s book centers primarily on: Phil and Kay Graham, married publishers of “the Washington Post”; Joe and Stewart Alsop, political pundit juggernauts of the time; Frank Wisner, Lawyer and chief architect of the CIA’s clandestine covert operations; and a number of other characters who helped sculpt the political landscape of the time. This expansive and deeply illuminating narrative is impressively intimate and surprisingly concise while juggling a complex web of politics and personal dramas. Herken is a scholar’s scholar and grants a wondrous view of a truly tumultuous and unsure time, through the eyes of those who had not insignificant roles in the events that shaped the latter half of the 20th century. [ISBN: 978-0-307-27118-1]. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket, first edition as stated on copyright page. From the collection of George V. Buehler (1933-2020), who was a prominent real estate developer & collector in Massachusetts & Arizona. We found & have retained, between blank rear endpaper & back plate, printed-out documentation relating to Buehler's purchase of this item during 2014, two pages folded & in extremely fine condition. An excellent & collectible historical work win its rarest original form, with distinguished provenance. Book in very fine condition with the slightest wear at fine edges; dust-jacket in nearly pristine condition with a few bumps and wear at edges on both front and back covers, otherwise substantially mint inside and out. An extra handling fee will be adding for shipping due to the weight of this item. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5449]

Price: $35.00