Brilliant history of the political elite during the Cold War, centered on the Georgetown Set. I knew a few of these people in their later years. They put the current political class to shame. ( )

This book is a reminder that there once was a Washington DC smaller in style and intellectually vibrant with a mix of social grace and an understanding of the difference between debate, differing views and professional grace. The author Gregg Herken delves into the lifestyle of a Georgetown filled with political achievers, reporters and a cadre of political professionals. The energy of a time when dinner and drinks made-up a platform for lively discussion and the exchange of ideas. Based largely on the social circle and professional interchange of two brothers -- Joe and Stewart Alsop accomplished writers, columnists and political pundits -- this clique of individuals steered the country in a direction of policy decisions. As stated in the inside cover of this interesting book "this was a smaller, cozier Washington … where president's made foreign policy in consultation with reporters and professors over martinis and hors d'oeuvres". Reporters favored politicians with support for policy with the exchange of favored insider information. But with all periods of change, change would not leave this "world" alone either. There are markers on the timeline; events that change direction and attitudes. This was a time of the Kennedy assassinations, civil rights, changing moralities, Vietnam and Watergate. Through it all, however, one thing stands-out in this book -- perhaps something that has been lost just like the social Georgetown dinner party -- an ability to disagree and yet, still have a nice dinner. ( )