How presidents spark and sustain support for wars remains an enduring and significant problem. Korea was the first limited war the U.S. experienced in the contemporary period - the first recent war fought for something less than total victory. In Selling the Korean War ; Steven Casey explores how President Truman and then Eisenhower tried to sell it to the American public.Based on a massive array of primary sources; Casey subtly explores the government's selling activities from all angles. He looks at the halting and sometimes chaotic efforts of Harry Truman and Dean Acheson; Dwight Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles. He examines the relationships that they and their subordinates developed with a host of other institutions; from Congress and the press to Hollywood and labor. And he assesses the complex and fraught interactions between the military and war correspondents in the battlefield theater itself.From high politics to bitter media spats; Casey guides the reader through the domestic debates of this messy; costly war. He highlights the actions and calculations of colorful figures; including Senators Robert Taft and JHoseph McCarthy; and General Douglas MacArthur. He details how the culture and work routines of Congress and the media influenced political tactics and daily news stories. And he explores how different phases of the war threw up different problems - from the initial disasters in the summer of 1950 to the giddy prospects of victory in October 1950; from the massive defeats in the wake of China's massive intervention to the lengthy period of stalemate fighting in 1952 and 1953.
#26543 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 2013-04-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.40 x .70 x 6.70l; .37 #File Name: 0199663831184 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Short and sweetBy FrKurt MessickPart of a series by Oxford University Press; this book; 'Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction'; follows the same format as other texts in the Very Short Introduction series -- it has fewer than 150 pages; is well indexed; has a useful glossary; accessible and enjoyable narrative; and captures the essence in a very short space the major points of its topic. There are probably nearing 100 volumes in this Very Short Introduction series (making it; ironically; not a Very Short series); but among those that I have read; this text stands out as being one of the best.Damien Keown; of the University of London and the Royal Asiatic Society; addresses Buddhism past and present; East and West. Beginning with narrative tales the help to exhibit the principles; Keown examines in turn the major questions. First; with regard to Buddhism; is this -- is Buddhism really a religion? Often categorised as such; it is often the exception proving the rule. Many take strong spiritual and philosophical ideas from Buddhism (sometimes without knowing it) but do not subscribe the larger system of practices -- but perhaps most telling; Buddhism is a non-theistic way of being. Keown looks at seven dimensions of religion; and concludes that Buddhism does fit a broader definition of religion.Keown proceeds from there to look at the origins of Buddhism; the life of the Buddha; ideas of karma and reincarnation; and the central ideas of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. From these beginnings; Buddhism branches out; the largest grouping being the Mahayana (who get their own chapter); and other spreading first across Asia and then to the rest of the world.Like other books in this Very Short series; there are useful maps; a nice snapshot timeline; and suggestions for further reading; should the Very Short introduction not prove sufficient (and for many; this sample will leave the reader wanting more). I cannot speak too highly of this series; and of this volume on Buddhism by Keown in particular.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Danyael WTimely delivery and good price1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Found this little volume to be exactly what I hoped ...By Arnold SealoveFound this little volume to be exactly what I hoped it would be. The author presented the information in an interesting; informative and objective manner. specifically comparing the various forms of Buddhism to one another as well as similarities and differences between Buddhism; and other Judeo-Christian religions. If one is looking for a brief introduction; this seems to be right on lline.
