I was on a Cheney kick for a couple of weeks and this is the only book that really stood out to me. Really helps to understand the different personalities that merged to form President W Bush's private 'think tank'. Also the most realistic portrait of Cheney i've read. A little dry, so not perfect but a definite recommendation. ( )

This is an invaluble book for understanding how we got into Iraq.Follow Cheney and Rumsfeld whose agenda prevailed. They stayed at the juncture of government and private industry, crossing from administration to legislature and in and out of the Nixon,Ford,Reagan, Bush I administrations. Are there similar sleepers in the Obama administration ( )

Book Review

Title: Rise of The Vulcans

Author: James Mann

Who are the Vulcans? They are an inner circle of advisers to G. W. Bush who, over decades in some cases, have a long shared experience in government dating back to Nixon, Ford, Reagan and the first Bush administration.

Because they have been working together in a variety of governmental positions, both high and low, for so long a time, they adopted the name of “Vulcans“, after the Roman god of fire, the forge and metalwork. Donald Rumsfeld’s careers started as a congressional representatives from his home state of Illinois. He brought in a protégé, Richard Cheney. Colin Powell’s start was in the ROTC in college and he rose through the Army’s ranked quickly. Richard Armitage also started with the military at Annapolis and distinguished himself during three tours of duty in Vietnam. Paul Wolfowitz and Condoleeza Rice were academics whose interests and expertise brought them to the attention of governmental and political leaders.

The book “Rise Of The Vulcans” gives a very good account of the backgrounds of these people. Their interest in government, their egos, and their abilities are demonstrated. This book is well documented with footnotes and attributions.

From Cold War detente under Kissinger in the ‘70s to the present posture of “preemptive war” under Bush is a fascinating saga. The current administration’s adventure is problematic. The unilateralist reliance on superpower military might is a departure from previous administrations. The book describes how these attitudinal change came about. I felt that a glaring omission was the large part played by Carl Rove, as the political adviser, and Bush’s heavy reliance on Karen Hughes, in his decision-making.

For a controversially elected President, with no strong mandate, a promise of “compassionate conservatism”, and “NO nation building“, Bush has taken the country into dangerous and expensive territory. How the current tumultuous situation plays out is yet to be seen.

A decent, if not great, account of the rise of Bush's administration. ( )