Donald Rumsfeld published 2 novels and 1 non-fiction book, beginning with There Are Unknown Unknowns (2002). The best-known is Known and Unknown: A Memoir (2011).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Donald Rumsfeld
Start here
Known and Unknown: A Memoir
Donald Rumsfeld's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
There Are Unknown Unknowns (Feb 2002)
Rumsfelds Rules (2013)
Non-fiction in order
Known and Unknown: A Memoir (2011)
About Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Henry Rumsfeld was an American politician, businessman, naval officer, and diplomat who served as the 13th United States secretary of defense from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford, and again as the 21st secretary of defense from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. He was both the youngest and the oldest secretary of defense. Additionally, Rumsfeld was a four-term U.S. Congressman from Illinois (1963–1969), director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (1969–1970), counselor to the president (1969–1973), the U.S. Representative to NATO (1973–1974), and the White House chief of staff (1974–1975). Between his terms as secretary of defense, he was the CEO and chairman of several companies.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Donald Rumsfeld FAQ
- How many books has Donald Rumsfeld written?
- Donald Rumsfeld published 2 novels and 1 non-fiction book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Donald Rumsfeld's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Known and Unknown: A Memoir.
- What is Donald Rumsfeld's last book?
- Rumsfelds Rules (2013).
- What is Donald Rumsfeld's most famous book?
- Known and Unknown: A Memoir (2011) is Donald Rumsfeld's most widely read book.
Authors like Donald Rumsfeld
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.