Truman

ByDavid McCullough

Release Date: 2003-08-20
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 631 Ratings

Description

The Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of Harry S. Truman, whose presidency included momentous events from the atomic bombing of Japan to the outbreak of the Cold War and the Korean War, told by America’s beloved and distinguished historian.

The life of Harry S. Truman is one of the greatest of American stories, filled with vivid characters—Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Wallace Truman, George Marshall, Joe McCarthy, and Dean Acheson—and dramatic events. In this riveting biography, acclaimed historian David McCullough not only captures the man—a more complex, informed, and determined man than ever before imagined—but also the turbulent times in which he rose, boldly, to meet unprecedented challenges. The last president to serve as a living link between the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, Truman’s story spans the raw world of the Missouri frontier, World War I, the powerful Pendergast machine of Kansas City, the legendary Whistle-Stop Campaign of 1948, and the decisions to drop the atomic bomb, confront Stalin at Potsdam, send troops to Korea, and fire General MacArthur. Drawing on newly discovered archival material and extensive interviews with Truman’s own family, friends, and Washington colleagues, McCullough tells the deeply moving story of the seemingly ordinary “man from Missouri” who was perhaps the most courageous president in our history.

Reviews

OMITTED RED INFLUENCE
2
By Prophet Amos
It is sad to say, this portrayal of Truman’s policy on the home front is almost entirely fiction. That he was a visceral anti-Communist is not in doubt. However, he seemed to know little about the way the Soviets and their U.S. agents functioned, or their presence in the government he headed, and didn’t show much interest in learning. This ennui persisted despite the myriad FBI reports supplied to the White House and Truman cabinet about the vast extent and serious nature of the penetration. Accordingly, not only was the security problem not cleaned up by 1950, some of the most flagrant suspects imaginable were flourishing in the federal workforce under Truman’s watch.
Truman
5
By hkeithmurray
Excellent read.
Good News. Harry Truman.
5
By 3rollin8
On the eve of my 87th birthday, I have finished David McCullough's biography of The Man from Independence, Mo. I was 22 when Dewey Defeats Truman was in the Chicago Tribune. At my college, out of my voting state, I watched a talented college young man offer 100 to 1 odds that Dewey would win. To be brief, he could not pay off his debts, & was mortified.
Mr. McCullough's bio of Truman is a great read for anyone with the desire to know American history. David M. It seems to me, has similar characteristics as those of his subject. Rate patience, and honesty, rare in this day and age. I recommend this masterpiece to anyone who feels unbiased about politics. I was raised in a staunch Republican home, became disenchanted as I grew older. I am now a registered Independent.
Thank you Mr. McCullough
Bill Gleason
Oceanside, Ca.
TRUMAN
5
By Gary Lineberry
A lengthy but compelling account of the life of Harry S Truman. One of those "Hate to put it down" experiences that draws you deeper and deeper into the fascinating life and times of this remarkable president.

Well worth your time and effort to add TRUMAN to your list of favorite books. It is in keeping with all of David McCullough's quality works.

Gary Lineberry
Valencia, CA
Harry Truman
5
By WalkingonSand
If you read one book on Truman, make it this one. One of the best presidential biographies to date.
Truman
5
By Jed140
This is a must read for every American that has ever had a dream.
Extraordinary biography!
5
By swannee22
Ever since I read "John Adams" I have been captivated by Mr. McCullough's powerful ability to capture & write about the very essence of his subjects. "Truman" is no exception -- expertly researched & beautifully written. For any student of history, indeed for anyone who enjoys superb narrative, this is a must read.
What a man...what a writer
5
By Robert On the Road
This extraordinary bio is almost overwhelming in it's completeness. It is loaded with insights and research. I came away with the sense that this ordinary man was quite extraordinary ion a time when this was a requisite for the survival of the nation. Beautifully written. The 1,100 pages just fly by.