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Rating: 
Summary: Required reading on the "Machiavellian Republican"
Review: Five years after his death, François Mitterrand has few defenders in France. The corruption scandals and personal revelations overshadowing his final years still tarnish his 14-year presidency. Amhearst College professor Ronald Tiersky has stepped into this void with an excellent biography that takes a fuller view of the paradoxical man known as "the Sphinx." His book François Mitterrand: The Last French President presents a fascinating account of the opportunistic twists and inspired turns of his long political career. Much of this manoeuvering was Machiavellian, but he had several long-term goals that were positive for France. Mitterrand's success in sidelining the Communist Party, reconciling the Left with market economics and promoting European integration -- all clearly explained in Tiersky's highly readable account -- were major achievements. François Mitterrand: The Last French President is required reading for anyone wanting to understand Mitterrand and contemporary France. It is very usefully split into three sections dealing with Mitterrand's pre-1981 career, his record as president and (the longest section, and rightfully so) his complex "Machiavellian republican" personality and its legacy. The personal insights the author brings thanks to his many interviews with Mitterrand over the years contribute to the authority and depth of this lively book. That unique access can also be a weakness. Understanding him so well, Tiersky tends to excuse Mitterrand's duplicity more than a democratic leader deserves. But this is a small point compared to the book's overwhelming strengths. Even French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine admits, in his back-cover endorsement, that Tiersky's book has "some new insights, even for the French."
Rating:
Summary: Required reading on the "Machiavellian Republican"
Review: Five years after his death, François Mitterrand has few defenders in France. The corruption scandals and personal revelations overshadowing his final years still tarnish his 14-year presidency. Amhearst College professor Ronald Tiersky has stepped into this void with an excellent biography that takes a fuller view of the paradoxical man known as "the Sphinx." His book François Mitterrand: The Last French President presents a fascinating account of the opportunistic twists and inspired turns of his long political career. Much of this manoeuvering was Machiavellian, but he had several long-term goals that were positive for France. Mitterrand's success in sidelining the Communist Party, reconciling the Left with market economics and promoting European integration -- all clearly explained in Tiersky's highly readable account -- were major achievements. François Mitterrand: The Last French President is required reading for anyone wanting to understand Mitterrand and contemporary France. It is very usefully split into three sections dealing with Mitterrand's pre-1981 career, his record as president and (the longest section, and rightfully so) his complex "Machiavellian republican" personality and its legacy. The personal insights the author brings thanks to his many interviews with Mitterrand over the years contribute to the authority and depth of this lively book. That unique access can also be a weakness. Understanding him so well, Tiersky tends to excuse Mitterrand's duplicity more than a democratic leader deserves. But this is a small point compared to the book's overwhelming strengths. Even French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine admits, in his back-cover endorsement, that Tiersky's book has "some new insights, even for the French."
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: This is a fascinating account of a fascinating life. Tiersky's own interactions with Mitterand over his decades-long career provide insight and color without exaggerating the author's importance or insider status. Tiersky examines all the key chapters of Mitterand's career: his Vichy past, his Resistance involvement, the Observatory Affair, Mitterand's triumph over the Far Left, his anti-Soviet geopolitical maneuverings, and his curious extramarital affairs. Mitterand's contradictions andh humanity make for great material, and Tiersky delivers a gripping read. This biography is nearly flawless with only minimal repetition near the end.
Rating:
Summary: The best on Mitterand in english
Review: This is the best and most comprehensive biography of Mitterand written in english. Neither condenatory or adulatory, is a most for the study of modern political leadership.
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