Biography of Robert McNamara Wins $50,000 Book Prize

Philip and William Taubman's 'McNamara at War' awarded the Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize in American History.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A deep and wide-ranging biography of former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, 'McNamara at War' by Philip and William Taubman, has won the $50,000 Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize in American History. The book traces McNamara's life from his ascent as a business leader after World War II to his downfall as a chief proponent of the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

Why it matters

McNamara was a pivotal figure in American history, serving as Defense Secretary during the Vietnam War era, a period of great turmoil and division in the country. This biography provides a comprehensive look at his life and legacy, offering insights into the complex decisions and controversies that defined his time in government.

The details

The Taubmans' book follows McNamara's career, from his success as a business leader after World War II to his role as a chief proponent of the Vietnam War, which he later came to regret. McNamara left the Pentagon in 1968, three months after President Lyndon Johnson announced his resignation to become president of the World Bank.

  • McNamara served as Defense Secretary for seven years over two Democratic administrations.
  • McNamara left the Pentagon in February 1968, three months after President Lyndon Johnson announced his resignation.
  • The Taubman brothers will receive the award and the title of American Historian Laureate at a ceremony in April.

The players

Robert McNamara

Former U.S. Defense Secretary who served during the Vietnam War era and later expressed regrets about the conflict.

Philip and William Taubman

Authors of the biography 'McNamara at War', which won the $50,000 Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize in American History.

Lyndon Johnson

U.S. President during the Vietnam War, who announced McNamara's resignation from the Pentagon in 1968.

Agnes Hsu-Tang

Board chair of The New York Historical, which awarded the Zalaznick Book Prize.

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What they’re saying

“Philip and William Taubman's 'McNamara at War' is a modern American epic chronicling Robert McNamara's life in the mode of the classical Greek tragic cycle — arete (excellence), hubris (arrogance), ate (reckless folly), and nemesis (punishment of the prideful) — in the context of another tumultuous and divisive time in our nation's history.”

— Agnes Hsu-Tang, Board chair of The New York Historical (The New York Historical)

What’s next

The Taubman brothers will receive the award and the title of American Historian Laureate at a ceremony in April.

The takeaway

This biography of Robert McNamara provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal figure in American history, offering insights into the complex decisions and controversies that defined his time in government during the Vietnam War era.