Moshe Dayan: Story of My Life: An Autobiography

by Moshe Dayan

Book Overview

This is the revealing autobiography of a soldier who never forgot his roots as a farmer, a loner who rose to the highest echelons of government.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688030769
• ISBN13: 9780688030766
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
• Length: 640 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Hats off

I ordered and read Moshe Dayan's autobiography after the recent activities of the IDF. I was curious to get an idea of alternative solutions that could have been implemented by the man himself. It was fascinating to extrapolate Dayan's preferred methods of military engagement to the recent engagement. He wrote how he and David Ben-Gurion got along well and supported and respected each other; except Dayan did not prefer to "steamroller" his troops directly at the enemy front, but to risk a dash around to the rear of the enemy, cutting them off from their reinforcements and second line of defense; thus splitting the enemy's communication lines and disrupting any coordinated plan they had. I think he was successful with this tactic many times since 1948. The book is a captivating read, chronicling the same lame political dithering and bickering as seen today - but with unimaginably violent, gut-wrenching accounts of battle which would more than compare to Omaha Beach in the movie "Saving Private Ryan." I think that Moshe Dayan experienced "Omaha Beaches" with personal integrity, valour and a caring heart, first hand, many times, for 25 years! Little did we know.

A warrior's story

This is the story of Moshe Dayan one of the great military leaders of modern Israel. He tells in a clear and strong way the story of a good part of his long career from growing up in Degania to his great triumphs in the 1956 Sinai Campaign and the 1967 Six- Day War. Dayan in telling the story of his life tells much about the whole process of Israel's development and its struggle against all odds to survive and become a modern Jewish state. Dayan is a controversial figure today in Israel despised by some for the haste in which he abandoned the Jewish claim to the Temple Mount. But there is no questioning the enormous contribution he made to develop the Israeli Armed Forces, and the enormous dedication and courage he showed in a lifetime work of serving his country and his people. This work is highly recommended for all those who would know the story of Israel from one who helped make it happen.

What a Life Indeed!

Moshe Dayan was one of the greatest military minds the world has ever produced, and yet, he was a man devoted to peace. He rose to incredible heights, but his heart belonged to the soil and to Israel's ancient past. His story is the story of a people and a nation. It is the story great joy and great sadness. Dayan takes us on a journey not only into the ancient past, his present, but also offers insights into the future of the region and peace might be finally achieved. It is the book for anyone interested in not only Israel or military history, but wants to gain an understanding of events that effect us to this very day.

What a life!

This is the best book I have ever read about Israel and the Middle East. Dayan's clarity of vision, his professionalism, his magnetism and quality of leadership have been brought to bear in creating a vivid account of a crucial period of Middle East history.The book recounts the history and anecdotes of the re-creation of the state of Israel from its new roots in 1915 through to the war of idependence 1948-1952, in which Dayan played a key role. Other sections cover his role as Chief of Staff(1953-1957), his particpation as government minister and then his return to private life (1958-1967), The Six Day War (1967), the reconstruction and bridge building efforts (1967-1973), The Yom Kippur War (1973) and finally the aftermath (1973-1975).Moshe Dayan was a great general who served his country with honor, dignity and courage in the hours of their most dire need. As a soldier he was brilliant and as a caring human being he was exceptional. This unsentimental book written in a refreshing and informative style, says as much about the man as about his history - brilliant!...

History of Israel from 1948 to 1973

From cover to cover you'll find this book hard to put down. It is fascinating reading from one who rose from the ranks of an ordinary individual to one one who became a great military leader. Dyan gives a personal perspective of the growth of Israel from 1948, first independence, to the battle skirmishes in the 50's, to the "Six Day War," to the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and what Israel will be in the future. Included are insights on Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Gen Ariel Sharon, (one of the hero's of the Six Day War) and etc. Great insight, personal perspective, historical docudrama of the real life exploits of a tiny nation fighting for it's life against incredible odds and winning everytime. Truely this is one book hard to put down.