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 … 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.
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I thought Mr. McCullough did an excellant job writing this biography/memoir. It seemed that it was well researched and the fact that Mr. Truman had a lot on his plate. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about american history and Mr. Truman specifically. Well done Mr. McCullough.
I enjoy the authors’ writing. I find him honest, even-handed and well researched. In this book I learned more about a President that for so long was underrated and it was good to get some of the back story. Definitely worthwhile if you like biographies.
This is a biographical analysis of Harry Truman, the man and the president. I read Truman’s own memoirs long ago when I was still in high school and was totally taken in by this man’s love of American and his fearlessness in dealing with challenges presented after the long Roosevelt year. I recommend this without reservation.
David McCullough’s biography Truman is a magnificent piece of literature about a special man. I savored each page, and I didn’t want Harry Truman’s extraordinary story of courage and perseverance to end. Beyond his stature as president, Truman was a remarkable human being, striving always to do what was right.
From the time he was a boy growing …
It was fascinating to learn about President Truman’s life and the challenges he met with courage and dignity. He was a kind and honest man and a true patriot who was admired by leaders of other countries and citizens in America and around the world.
It’s a big book and been out for quite a while, but just tackled it. What a great read! A book that brings history to life for you, and reminds you of events, and people who helped guide the country through some enormous challenges. Well worth the time to read it.
Very long and worth it…
Great author! Makes history feel alive. Makes you feel like you were there.
If you are going to read one book about Harry Truman (which is the most the average person would read anyway), you might as well read the best book on the man. An 1,100-page biography is, by definition, expansive, but McCullough takes the time needed to tell the story of a man who forever lived in FDR’s shadow. It may not be a quick read, but it …
McCullough biographies read like novels. Insightful and interesting.
Ignore McCullough’s Pioneers and read this great biography that reveals the genius of Truman in some interesting times–including his work to gear up the U.S. for World War II–we could have used him on the COVID vaccine rollout. Great read
What did I know about Truman beyond his being President? This vibrant story of his life made him come alive in my imagination. He did not have a chance to go to college, but he read every book in his town library. And his personal courage and strong ethical character determined his decisions.
Brilliant writing.
A wonderful insight into the inner workings of high politics.
Love David McCullough’s books. This is one of his best.
This was quite possibly one of the best books that I’ve read in this challenge. While there have been other books by other authors throughout this challenge that I have greatly enjoyed (not a lot, but some), David McCullough has really emerged as one of my new favorite authors. Though there were a lot of military and political descriptions that …
Very in-depth into Truman the man and President
Excellent biography of Harry S. Truman.
Insightful view of Truman the man, and the societal/political currents he faced
and the challenges overcome.
I never fully appreciated Harry Truman and his role in history until I read this book. He was overshadowed by falling between the presidencies FDR and Eisenhower.
I’d always heard about his humble roots and his no nonsense approach but this book added many dimensions to Truman. I had no idea of his role in integrating the military. He had to make …
Outstanding!