AMERICA THE VINCIBLE

Although the author, a Time and Life editor and ghost writer for Eisenhower, is more than aptly qualified by experience to write a critique of American foreign policy, what he presents here is an interminable, soul-searching epic written in an abominable literary style. In many respects Mr. Hughes sounds like an Old Testament prophet haranguing the State Department in a sort of bludgeoning free verse. He advocates some radical departures for our diplomacy-- namely, direct, secret negotiations with the Soviet Union; realistic concessions that will allow Russia to withdraw troops from Eastern Europe; conversion of NATO into something less provocative to our enemies. This book would have been much more valuable had it been written with less hysteria and more lucidity. As it is, the author has decided to aim for immortality and by so doing has largely destroyed the practical value of his book.