Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly Dayan (1915-1981), "the man with the eyepatch," was Israel's most visible symbol and a key figure during the first three decades of that country's existence. Shaper and leader of its formidable army, he directed three of its wars. He was chief of staff during the 1956 Sinai Campaign and minister of defense during the '67 Six-Day War, both great victories for Israel. Dayan's performance during the third conflict, the '73 Yom Kippur War, was less impressive: caught off guard by the Egyptian-Syrian attack, he reacted in a confused and shaken manner, shocking his colleagues with his defeatist attitude. Slater describes how Dayan salvaged his tarnished reputation as Israel's foreign minister during the Camp David "peace process" in the late 1970s which resulted in Israel's first treaty with an Arab state, namely Egypt. Particularly interesting is Slater's analysis of Dayan's creative diplomacy after the Six-Day War, a victory that gave him political authority to set Israel on a course of long-term occupation--a fulcrum of controversy in the region to this day. Based on interviews with Dayan's family, friends and political/military associates, this anecdote-rich biography captures the vital essence of this feisty, complex heroic figure. Slater is a Time correspondent in Jerusalem. Photos. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal YA-- A biography of one of Israel's most prominent leaders. Commander of an impressive army, he directed three wars during the country's first 30 years of existence. One strength of the book is Slater's analysis of Dayan's political maneuvering after the Six Day War, a victory that gave him the control to set Israel on a path of long-term occupation. This work is based on interviews with Dayan's family, friends, and political and military associates. This fine portrait captures the dynamics of this feisty, involved man. --Mike Printz, Topeka West High School, KS Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.