The Strong Man: John Mitchell and the Secrets of Watergate

James Rosen has tackled an interesting subject. John Mitchell's role in the Nixon administration ordinarily is glossed over. He's characterized (or caricatured) as a hard-line conservative, law and order guy. Rosen brings him to life. His descriptions of Mitchell's softer side and of his relationship with his second wife, Martha, are illuminating.

Rosen could have used a tougher editor, however. He repeatedly de-emphasizes Mitchell's role in the abuses of the Nixon administration. He lets Mitchell off the hook for his own abuses of power, giving Mitchell the benefit of every doubt and highlighting any exculpatory evidence. It's a slanted portrayal, and obviously so.

The editor also might have helped eliminate some of the self-congratulation that Rosen engages in, citing repeatedly his use of unpublished notes from HR Haldeman and other recently declassified or released sources. While those sources are important, Rosen reminds the reader ad nauseum that only he is looking at these events with those sources at hand. At best, it's distracting; at worst, it's further evidence of his interest in redeeming John Mitchell in the face of strong evidence that he did commit crimes -- or at the very least looked away while others committed crimes.

It's a solid read for anyone interested in Watergate and the Nixon administration, but it has flaws, too.

I am still reading the book and I find it fascinating. I like the way James Rosen writes.

'The Strong Man: John Mitchell & The Secrets of Watergate'

With, `The Strong Man', James Rosen makes a remarkable contribution to Watergate literature. This one and only in depth look at John Mitchell, perhaps the most important figure of the Watergate-era, succeeds not only in it's deep historical insights, but demystification of long held assumptions of this turbulent time in America.

This book organizes, with great skill, the several scandals surrounding the Nixon presidency, including Vesco, ITT, The Chennault Affair and obviously Watergate. By segregating these stories and breaking down the context of each with great care, the roles individual actors played and the aggregate scandalizing effect is elucidated as never before in the denouement of Watergate prosecution. Mr. Rosen's research of these events is absolutely superb, his descriptions easy to follow, illuminating in it's `warts and all coverage' and an overall romp of a fun read.

`The Strong Man' should be read by anyone even remotely interested in the `60's and `70's, especially the Nixon presidency. The insightful conclusions the author arrives at are magnificently well thought out and will be an eye opener to even the most ardent fan of the Watergate era. The prose is smart and incisive; the story gripping and funny; the contribution immense. In addition to the skillful writing, `The Strong Man' was clearly well edited and to be enjoyed by any fan of contemporary American history.

- JC

This is a heavily detailed book on John Mitchell and Watergate. Not a page turner, but interesting particularly if you lived through that era. It will give you a different perspective on many of the principal characters.

James Rosen has written the defining biography of the Watergate era. This incredibly detailed and painstakingly researched book is worthy of a Pulitzer. Rosen's writing is eloquent, informative, and impossible to put down. His observations are spot on. Reading this reminds me very much of the late David Halberstam who was one of America's greatest authors. This book is a must have for any political junkie. Mitchell was a truly fascinating character who was without question one of the most brilliant political minds of the twentieth century. Anyone who could take Richard Nixon who had self imploded politically, and get him elected twice to the White House is worthy of serious study. Rosen has written a brilliant book about an fascinating character.