The Kissinger Tapes: Inside His Secretly Recorded Phone Conversations
Inside Secretly: The Kissinger Tapes is a collection of edited and annotated transcripts of Henry Kissinger’s recorded phone conversations during the Nixon administration. The chronological selection covers foreign-policy crises and political controversies, including Vietnam, the opening to China, Watergate and Kissinger’s relationship with President Nixon.
At a glance
- Chronologically arranged transcripts selected, edited and annotated by Tom Wells.
- Topics include Vietnam, India-Pakistan, the opening to China, the Middle East, Watergate and illegal wiretapping.
- The publisher description says the conversations illuminate Kissinger’s views, his relationship with Nixon and conflicts with other administration officials.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The transcripts offer direct access to recorded conversations alongside editorial context and annotations.
- Coverage spans foreign policy and domestic political controversies, making the collection relevant to readers studying several aspects of the Nixon era.
Cons
- At 640 pages, this is a substantial read rather than a short introduction to Kissinger or the Nixon administration.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | OUP USA |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 Jun. 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 640 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0190933348 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0190933340 |
| Weight listed | 1.03 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.61 x 4.09 x 23.83 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of US foreign-policy history and the Nixon administration.
- Researchers or history enthusiasts interested in transcripts, political decision-making and the Watergate era.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a brief overview rather than a long, document-led collection.
- Readers looking primarily for a broad biography of Kissinger rather than selected phone conversations and commentary.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Kissinger Tapes about?
It presents selected, edited and annotated transcripts of Henry Kissinger’s recorded phone conversations during the Nixon administration, with coverage of major foreign-policy issues and political controversies.
Which subjects are covered?
The publisher description names Vietnam, the India-Pakistan conflict, the opening to China, the Middle East, the Greek coup in Cyprus, illegal wiretapping and Watergate.
Is this a short introduction to the period?
No. The listed print length is 640 pages, and the book is described as a detailed collection of transcripts and commentary.
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