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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Harry Truman must be rated as one of our great presidents. He wasn’t perfect, but he served his country so well and then went back to his private life. This book captured his life and contributions perfectly. We could use a man like Harry Truman today.
David McCullogh book are always informative and interesting. I feels like he really knows is subject.
Extremely well researched biography of the unlikely but likable president who presided over the most difficult and world-changing decision any leader has ever had to make.
McCullough is probably the greatest historian ever
One of the best biographies of a former President. Truman’s unique qualities and ability shine through. This book finally shows how lucky the nation was to haveTruman rise to the occasion in the post war world.
A very human and excellent president, it seems.
One of the greatest presidential biographies ever! Highly recommended as well as any book by same author
a very readable historical biography.
Great book of a great man.
David McCullough turned around my view of Harry Truman. I grew up conditioned to despise him. But having lived through his presidency on the edges of China and Japan, I was grateful to learn from McCullough how much grit, courage, and Missouri stubbornness he drew on to steer us through the end and aftermath of WWII, facing down massive upheavals …
Mr. McCullough is the best historical writer of our time.
This is such a great way to learn about (sh…..) history. The author brings Pres. Truman’s personality and actions to life. This is NOT boring history, this is getting to know the character as well as the surrounding conditions of his legacy.
Absolutely the best biography I have ever read! How did a spunky former haberdasher become one of our greatest presidents? Joyfully presented and an inspirational to read!
Excellent
A David McCullough gem.
Great read .
the longest book ever-but good. worth the read
David McCullough is a wonderful writer. In this biography of Harry S. Truman, he provides the humanizing details and insight into Truman’s personality. I found that my admiration for Truman was enhanced by an increased understanding of his life and the immense role he played as President of the United States.
Such a great history read. So well written with a far better account of Harry Truman told seeminglh very fairly.
Well written. Of course, that is David McCullough’s trademark.