'œContending with Kennan is an examination of George Kennan's manifold ideas, ranging from his conception of power to his critique of modern civilization. For those who have not read, or are only casually acquainted with, Kennan's writings and the controversy they have given rise to, the book is very valuable. Barton Gellman succinctly summarizes the diplomat's writings at various stages of his career and deals with many subsequent interpretations and misinterpretations of them. Particularly laudatory is the author's valiant attempt to find coherence and structure in Kennan's seemingly contradictory statements which have confounded commentators. This book speaks to the concerns of the contemporary world.'' Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.