Why people recommend it
De Gaulle by Julian Jackson is an exhaustive and critically acclaimed biographical study of Charles de Gaulle, chronicling the life of the iconic French military leader, wartime resistance hero, and statesman. On the August 11, 2026 episode of The Ezra Klein Show titled Ross Douthat: The Exit Interview, guest Ross Douthat offered the biography as part of his closing reading recommendations. Douthat mentioned Jackson's work on general principles during a discussion reflecting on history, politics, and leadership. The recommendation underscored the enduring significance of de Gaulle's complex political legacy and his profound impact on the modern French republic. Jackson's book is widely praised by historians for its meticulous archival research and balanced portrayal of a figure who frequently defied both allies and enemies to secure France's sovereignty. Listeners interested in twentieth-century European history, statecraft, and the mechanics of political power often look to this biography for a definitive account of one of the era's most formidable leaders. Douthat's brief endorsement highlighted the book's stature as an essential text for anyone wanting to comprehend the turbulent geopolitical shifts of the mid-twentieth century through the lens of a singular historical personality.
Who recommended it
- Ross Douthat Recommended
Ross Douthat — 1 mention
“Uh I will recommend uh Julian Jackson's biography of Charles de Gaulle [snorts] on general principles.”