Behind the bland smile and apparent simplemindedness, Eisenhower was a brilliant, intellectual tactician, and a master of calculated duplicity. Facing the Soviet Union, China, and his own generals, some of whom believed a first strike was the only means of survival, Eisenhower would make his boldest and riskiest bet yet, one of such enormity that there could be but two outcomes: the survival of the world, or its end.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 637-655).

Introduction: Tell no one. Duty: 1953-1956. Confidence ; The card player ; Positive loyalty ; Cross of iron ; Gentleman's agreement ; Deception ; Learning to love the bomb ; The chamber pot ; Strange genius ; "Don't worry, I'll confuse them" ; Meeting Mr. Khrushchev ; The devil's grip ; Bows and arrows ; Rising storm ; Subtle and brutal Honor: 1957-1961. Dark star ; The great equation ; The strong say nothing ; Guns of August ; Missile gap ; Looking for a partner ; Sweet words ; A regular pixie ; "The pilot's alive" ; "I'm just fed up!" ; The underestimated man

Epilogue: Peace.