What to Read By and About Henry Kissinger (1923-2023)

Written in 1992, this comprehensive biography is a highly readable narrative of the controversial statesman's life, despite its density of detail over 893 pages. Isaacson approaches his subject not guided by a pro- or anti- bias, but with a desire to get the facts about his character, political theory and actions as a government leader. Despite giving Isaacson access, Kissinger supposedly said that the only thing he liked about the book was its title.

Former diplomat and Middle East policy expert Martin Indyk tells an insider's story about Kissinger's role in the arc of America's role in the Middle East Peace Process, based on archival research, extensive interviews with Kissinger, and his own interactions with some of the main players.

Moving from a sweeping overview of history to blow-by-blow accounts of his negotiations with world leaders, Henry Kissinger describes how the art of diplomacy has created the world in which we live, and how America’s approach to foreign affairs has always differed vastly from that of other nations.

Grandin examines Kissinger’s own writings, as well as a trove of historical archives, to reveal how the controversial diplomat constructed a version of American exceptionalism centered on an imperial presidency - with disastrous effects.

Gewen tells a fascinating story of Kissinger’s development as both a strategist and an intellectual by examining his unique role in government through his ideas. You won't find personal details about the diplomat's life or effect on culture, as this is more of an intellectual analysis of his impact on policy and history.

Kissinger synthesizes a study of leadership traits by drawing on a cast of leaders from the late 20th century and sketching out a biography of each that profiles which traits and strategies they used to overcome big challenges.

While many praise the book for Kissinger's incisive analysis of China policy (and credit him for stewarding one of America’s great Cold War achievements), many critics feel that he evades key questions about US policy decisions to engage with China.

Drawing on previously unheard White House tapes, declassified documents, and extensive interviews, this book reveals Kissinger's hidden role in a bloody tragedy that is a lesser known chapter of the Cold War. The book has been hailed as an astonishing inside view of how the White House really works in a crisis.

The late contrarian writer Christopher Hitchens (known first as a leftist firebrand, then later as post-9/11 hawk) outlined the atrocities committed by Kissinger in his role as a diplomat, employing firsthand testimony, previously unpublished documents, and new information uncovered by the Freedom of Information Act.

The first half of Kissinger’s life is usually skimmed over as a quintessential tale of American ascent: the Jewish refugee from Hitler’s Germany who made it to the White House. But Ferguson details Kissinger's early life as a formation for what he would go on to achieve later in life.