The Coldest Peace

An immersive, surprising history of Dwight D. Eisenhower's role in ending the Korean War and the urgent lessons this forgotten moment offers for today, including the simmering tension between the U.S. and China, from a former Congressman and current head of defense at Palantir.

In The Coldest Peace, Mike Gallagher takes readers inside one of the most overlooked acts of statesmanship and technological prowess in American history: how Dwight D. Eisenhower leveraged a clear-eyed strategy and the emerging tech of his era to end America’s first forever war, avoid a nuclear showdown with global communism, and restore American power without firing another shot.

At a time when many Americans feel betrayed by endless wars, as artificial intelligence transforms human society, and as China builds a vast arsenal for a second showdown with the United States, this book offers something rare: a hardnosed blueprint for peace—however cold.

Through vivid storytelling—from Eisenhower’s clandestine visit to Korea’s frontlines as president-elect, to his high-stakes nuclear brinksmanship with Red China, to his engagement with the GOP’s isolationist wing—Gallagher unearths the lessons that today’s national security leaders have forgotten, but which America’s crises demand.

For Americans who believe in strength without folly, honor without holocaust, and wars that end—or better still, never begin—The Coldest Peace is not just a story from the past, it’s a playbook for peace in the twenty-first century.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs