Tom Segev is a leading Israeli historian and this is a meticulously researched, thorough and cogent, if perhaps controversial, biography of David Ben-Gurion. Segev is associated with the revisionist, or “new” historians who often challenge Israel’s founding narratives. Whether this has coloured his account I am in no position to judge but as an accessible and well-written work the book has much to recommend it. Certainly Segev is often critical of Ben–Gurion as he re-examines the life and legacy of the man, whose life-long mission was to establish a Jewish state in Palestine, who was ruthless and almost fanatical in wanting “a state at any cost”. And that cost was, of course, immeasurable and continues to this day. Ben-Gurion emerges as a man of vision, single-minded and determined, but difficult and self-obsessed. Not at all likeable, in my opinion, or sympathetic. Segev argues that Ben-Gurion was an indispensable leader, the right man at the right time, but obviously has no time for him as a person. A complex man, a complex life and a complex history. It’s a long book but well worth the effort and concentration needed. Whether the facts are open to interpretation, whether there are falsities and exaggerations, I don’t know, but I certainly found myself immersed in the story and gained a lot from it.

Very interesting read. It’s not usually my type of genre. But it’s a topic I’m interested in. The book was well written and flowed very well. Learned a lot. Lots of interesting information in here

I'm no expert on the history of Israel or the life story of its founder (self-declared and, in truth, actual) founder, David Ben-Gurion, but I found "A State at Any Cost: The Life of David Ben-Gurion" to be comprehensive, sophisticated, and in line with the facts I knew. Using scads of archival material presumably never before available, Tom Segev, a leading, and at times controversial, historian/journalist, takes the enigma of Ben-Gurion and adds plenty of flesh to it. Ben-Gurion could be wild and woolly, almost insane, or he could be the most conscientious diplomat. His personality veered all over the spectrum. I was fascinated to discover that core elements endured through his life: his passion for politics and its power bases; the concept of a Jewish state, come what may, whatever was required; a love of reading; tempestuous relationships; and a deep hankering for his place in the panoply of history. Segev retains superb control over his material, and writes vigorously and methodically. Although this is the only bio of the icon I have fully read, any competitor for historical authority must surely be quite remarkable. I commend "A State at Any Cost" to both the keen modern history buff and the explorer of Israel's genesis.