Includes bibliographical references (p. [319]-376) and index.

Now is the time to live -- Charming, witty, and urbane -- A strange intensity, a strange beauty -- Deceit, corruption, penetration, subversion -- Avoid trivia -- Architect of the Cold War -- What we are about -- Confined to Korea -- The full meridian of my glory -- A fully conventional life -- Deadly serious either way -- About 60/40 -- The other side of the barricades -- This delegation is a disaster -- You constantly betray yourself -- I am worried about everything -- We tried, we tried.

Only two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War; ironically, they were the chief advocates for the opposing strategies in that harrowing conflict. Both came to power during World War II, reached their professional peaks during the Cold War's most frightening moments, and fought epic political battles that spanned decades. Yet despite their very different views, Paul Nitze and George Kennan remained good friends all their lives. Nitze--the hawk--believed that the best way to avoid a nuclear clash was to prepare to win one. More than any other American, he was responsible for the arms race. Kennan--the dove--persuasively argued that we should contain the Soviet Union while waiting for it to collapse from within. In following these two rivals and friends from the beginning of the Cold War to its end, Nicholas Thompson tells the story of our nation during the most dangerous half century in history.--From publisher description.