The Diary of James C. Hagerty: Eisenhower in Mid-Course, 1954-1955

James Hagerty was both Eisenhower's press secretary and the President's closest day-to-day adviser, a man assigned responsibilities going well beyond relations with the press. On the one hand, it is remarkable that Hagerty had time to keep any diary; on the other hand, it is too bad that he did so only during 1954 and part of 1955. The diary will enhance Eisenhower's reputation for realistic leadership. The entries on the consequences of using nuclear weapons are particularly interesting-and relevant.