Walter Isaacson's biography of Henry Kissinger, exploring his life and career. The excerpts focus primarily on Kissinger's early life in Germany, his experiences as a refugee, and his early years in America, where he transitioned from a solitary figure to a highly driven and ambitious individual. The excerpts also highlight his rise to prominence at Harvard and within the Council on Foreign Relations, where he established himself as a leading thinker on nuclear strategy and international relations. The text culminates with his entry into the world of politics, serving as a key advisor to both Nelson Rockefeller and Richard Nixon. The excerpts provide a fascinating glimpse into Kissinger's personal and professional development, setting the stage for his later role as a key architect of American foreign policy.