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Summary: Engrossing
Review: If Truman is not the best biography I've ever read, it is certainly one of them. From start to finish, the book is beautifully written, affectionally rendered, and impressively researched. Although Truman is over a thousand pages, you sometimes feel like you could read a thousand more. Even now, after having read the whole book once, I return to different chapters, reading them once again for the insight they provide. Anyone who cares about American history or enjoys reading biographies will love this book. It's a gem!
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Summary: American History From Horseback To Hiroshima
Review: David McCullough presents an exceptionally well researched and written insight of the development of America from the Civil War to the birth of the Atomic Age through the prism of Harry S. Truman's life. A must read for anyone who wants to understand America today through the insights of its development as embodied in the life of one who helped shape its destiny. Together with The Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant and American Caesar, the biography of Douglas MacArthur, a book for the Millenial Time Capsule.
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Summary: An Honest, Moral President? You're Damn Right!!!!!
Review: Harry S. Truman was a President who did what was right rather than what was popular. This book shows a man make big decisions in a way which asks not what will make the country he leads happy, but what will make it strong. This book is a must read to understand a time of considerable change in the United States. It is an excellent book!
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Summary: This book outlines the life of America's best President EVER
Review: The book is amazingly detailed and accurate. The reader can feel the pressure of the monumental decisions that faced HST. The section on the termination of General MacArthur is in itself worth the price of the book. The book reveals the value of presidential character and makes an American long for a repeat performance. If the average American wants to know what our forefathers wanted in a leader, this book is required reading.
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Summary: I was obsessed with this book
Review: My husband gave me this book as a present. He may have regretted it because I could not put it down! Being from Missouri, I have had an interest in Truman but never realized what a sensitive, moral man he was. His impact on our nation is still evident and I am amazed at his determination and stamina. To pursue issues that may have led to his political demise just because it was the "right thing" to do should be embarced by our present day politicians.
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Summary: Long...but you won't be able to put it down!
Review: This presidential biography should be used as a model by other historians. Compelling and truly interesting from the moment you first pick it up, at the end of this long read you will feel like you know Harry S. Truman.If you are considering reading a presidential biography, make this your first. If you're an avid reader, add this to the list. You will not be disappointed.
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Summary: The only biography that made me cry.
Review: I had no idea that biographies could be this compelling. It left my heart aching, wondering if we will ever see a person of such integrity and sincerity in politics again. Truman was not perfect but, one of great Character (a capital C).
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Summary: One of the best I have ever read.
Review: McCullough does a superb job of telling Truman's story, a compelling one simply because of the events that unfolded. He is aided by Truman's own words, through his many letters, including several in which he held nothing back. The book is peppered with great quotes. Truman's flaws come through, but so does his tremendous character and his unflinching fidelity to friends, family and principles. The picture is that of a thorough, determined, decision maker. Truman's candor, and often irascible attitude keep the book entertaining. His loyalty to friends like Dean Acheson make it refreshing. I was impressed by McCullough's ability to hold my interest throughout. I seldom drifted, despite thorough treatment of Truman's roots, his role in WWI, his Pendergast ties as a County Judge and Senator, and FDR's last minute choice to name him VP during his final term. The narration breathes life into a presidency which saw the end of WWII, the Berlin airlift, the Marshal Plan, the creation of the UN, McCarthyism, and the advent of the atomic age with Truman's decision to bomb Hiroshima. Often, it felt like all of this occurred just yesterday. Simply a great book.
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Summary: Interesting - yet too wordy and a bit one sided.
Review: This book could have benefited from the hand of an editor determined to cut out some of the slower moving passages. I skipped paragraphs and sometimes pages without finding I'd missed anything of consequence when I went back to see if I was being too harsh. Over all it is a good read but probably should have been a 750 page book instead of a thousand. It also tends to defend most of Truman's actions while criticizing those of opposite viewpoints. Truman's devotion to the political machine in his home state begs for more in depth analysis than the author gives it. All in all I reccommend this book but also suggest that other authors be read before forming a definitive conclusion on this complex and interesting person.
Rating:
Summary: It was an excellent book supported by substantial facts.
Review: I want to thank Mr. McCullough for writing this highly objective and informational book. It kept me completely interested; I never wanted to put the book down. When I had finally gotten to the end of the book, I loved and respected Truman, despite his faults and unwise decisions. Thank you. Crystal D. White
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