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A very well written book about an everyday man who would become the President of the United States and would become respected for his service to his country.
Resisted this book for quite awhile even though I am a DM fan. My apprehensions were unfounded, an excellent read in a time period that I had avoided for some reason, Truman, the man, surprised me,
Yet another superb job by David McCullough. the Brooklyn Bridge or the Panama Canal), or personal (i.e. He does such an incredible job making his subject matter spring to life, and leaving you wanting more. Talk about bringing a character to life and covering all the aspects of his subject: the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is the ability McCullough has, and Truman is no exception. From Trumans humble beginnings, through his presidency, and his death, McCullough brings you inside the mind of Truman, and many of the people most important in his life. He has emerged as the absolute BEST historical writer of our generation, hands-down. Truman, John Adams, Teddy Roosevelt).
This is a long book, but it reads so easily that you don't even realize it. I am just amazed at the job McCullough does with his subject matter, whether it be technical (i.e. How many authors write history books that are genuine page-turners and read like a fiction novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, whether it be of WWII, the Atom Bomb, or Truman himself.
It really is the definitive Truman bio, a man whom, ever since I read this, has been an important influence on me. A truly great president, endlessly fascinating and champion of the phrase "the buck stops here." - well, the buck stops with this bio, too. Great.
However, for those of you decide to jump in may find yourself transformed at how you look at politics and America as a whole. From there a few incredible breaks have him in the US Senate as a relative anonymous Senator. This is unfortunate, because in my opinion, Truman is a much more relevant and important that John Adams in today's society. Up next.1-The Postdam conference with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin2-The dropping of the A-bombs in Japan3-The drafting of all the railroad workers into the Army4-Berlin airlift5-Korean war6-Firing of MacArthurTo name a few of the more significant events that this farmer had to face during his presidency. McCullough clearly deserved the attention (and the Pulitzer to boot), but it seems that "John Adams" has caused his work on Harry S. Truman to be overlooked. It takes a bit of courage to start on a 1000 page biography of a lesser known president (relative to Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt(s)). An unlikely turn-of-events has him Vice President of the United States to a dying President.
McCullough shows that what Truman lacked in polish he made up for in grit and determination.Final Verdict - McCullough's best work - probably one of the best biographies ever written. World War II allows him to use his military expertise to form the "Truman Committee" and the oversight of government military spending. In addition, we are given an amazing history of the United States from 1910-1955. It really is an unbelievable that a man who worked on his farm until age 34 decided to enlist in the Army during WWI. David McCullough has been given much (very well deserved) praise for his biography on John Adams. McCullough paints a very vivid a lively man who never forgot the office that he represented, the people he served, or how he was raised.
In "Truman" McCullough paints a masterful (and I mean MASTERFUL) portrait of a small town farmer who found himself not only President of the United States but as one of the most important figures of World History. His fame as an artillery Captain allowed him to enter the world of local politics. Truman is a model of a politician doing what they think is right and allowing the opinions to fall where they might. 5 Stars - Must read for anyone who has the courage to tackle such a lengthy book.
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