A reference book, balance between narrative and analysis

The highly documented a policy unusual personality portrait, albeit decried (understandably) but whose scabrous aspects should not totally overshadow the achievements, especially the rapprochement with China. Nixon is not a kind of manipulative con artist; his character is complex, paradoxical, tormented; his exciting journey from a modest family until the vice presidency and the presidency of the United States. Then known episode of Watergate; less is known about the work of further reflection by Nixon after his resignation (writing his autobiography, geopolitical tests, etc.). This book chronicles the most significant episodes that reveal a remarkable ability to reflect, listen his instinct, to impose his game - at least to greatly influence the course of events. This requires qualities seldom ready to Nixon. Everything seems to attest that he had yet, and it was definitely not a puppet of species manipulated by his brilliant entourage (Kissinger, etc.).

Nixon The course also raises the question of concessions to accept (or not) to reach the supreme power; it also illustrates the "realpolitik". For example, the action of the president at the time of the confrontation with the USSR is subject largely to the higher interests which are those of the nuclear threat. False excuse? To be discussed in our context of undeclared war against fundamentalism.

I particularly liked the fluidity of the text, and especially the application of the author to put in perspective the action of a man and the context in which it operates. Whether the Cold War, Vietnam, social or racial issues, etc., Antoine Coppolani does not just produce a chronology: it conducts educational work and provides analytical work to be searched are very accessible the reader. This approach is unfortunately absent from many historical works. For example, we realize that rhetoric of the American right (defending the "common man" facing the "elites" of the cultural world, the press and intellectuals) do not start yesterday; now it is essential, in my looks -he to better understand American politics (and French?) today.
Finally, the author procrastinates and balance by anecdotes; I did not know such as Nixon and John F. Kennedy had been camaraderie relations before 1960.

At wholeheartedly recommend.