Amazon.com
This warm biography of Harry Truman is both an historical evaluation of his presidency and a paean to the man's rock-solid American values. Truman was a compromise candidate for vice president, almost an accidental president after Roosevelt's death 12 weeks into his fourth term. Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness were appreciated by ordinary Americans, perhaps, as McCullough notes, because he was one himself. His presidency was dominated by enormously controversial issues: he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, established anti-Communism as the bedrock of American foreign policy, and sent U.S. troops into the Korean War. In this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, McCullough argues that history has validated most of Truman's war-time and Cold War decisions.
Book Description
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.
Download Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Give 'em hell Harry.......2007-10-03
In the middle of WW2, when Harry Truman became
president, people wondered how such an ordinary
man could ever become president: "If Harry Truman can be president,
so could my next door neighbor. ".
But as David McCulloughs wonderful Truman biography
explains - there is absolutely nothing wrong about
a "common man" becoming president. Quoting
Senator Adlai Stevenson: "The 'lesson' of Trumans life,
was a lesson about ourselves. An object lesson in
the vitality of popular government; an example of
the society to yield up, from the unremarkable origins,
the most remarkable man".
From sunday school and own reading of the Bible
Harry Truman knew many passages by heart:
"Ye are the salt of the Earth.. Let your light so shine
before men, that they may seee your good works."
and prayers like:
"Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, creator of heaven,
Earth and Universe:
Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right,
make me truthful, honest and honerable in all things;
make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and
honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me
the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with
my fellowmen - help me to understand their motives and
their shortcomings - even as Thou understandest
mine! Amen."
What is more - for what we can gather from McCulloughs
biography - Harry Truman actually believed and lived by these words.
Combined with his midwestern belief in the values
of the farmer - Following Thomas Jefferson belief
in a nation of farmers - In Harry Trumans words: "
.. as long as a country
is one of that kind, people are independent
and make better citizens. When it is made up of
factories and large cities, it soon becomes depressed
and makes classes among people. ".
- he was placed in a world that was anything
but simple. But a world that was in absolute need
of his values and judgement.
Trouble never far away. His wife Bess' father kills
himself age 43, by putting a gun to his head, leaving behind
4 children. No reason given, except a drinking problem.
Harry Trumans father not that good with money -
more or less resulting in no college for bright Harry,
but 10 years of hard work on the farm instead.
Only escape - even with very poor eyesight - to
WW1 France and war horrors. Home again he marries
sweetheart Bess. And opens a business that fails
in 1922. Leaving him broke and strapped for money for 20 years,
Eventually he enters politics - settles as a local Missouri judge,
when fortune offers him to run as a US senator - a race which he surprisingly wins 2 times. And in 1944 Chicago Convention democratic bosses selects Truman as Vp candidate. Ambassadorships and postermaster
jobs etc. promised around to make the deal go through.
However corrupt some of this might seem - somehow
it doesn't cling to the man who is then elected VP -
but escapes intact.
So much so as when asked about his feelings about the
current president Roosevelt - Harry Truman answers
(obviously not in public) that he has only
one objection - that he lies.
When Roosevelt dies an old man age 63. Truman
takes over - a young man of 60. With the remark
to reporters : "Boys if you pray, pray for me now.".
With WW2 still on he offers the 48 presidency to Eisenhower.
But still he is the one to make the decisions.
And he does nuke Japan - making historians
remember that he did use the "n-word" and was
not respectful towards chinese back home in Missouri.
Still, in Trumans mind that was the only way to stop
the war in east without another million dead american soldiers.
And he was happy about the decision.
With the Berlin crisis, Korean war there was no lack of problems.
And yet reporters remark that everyday "is a mothers
day in White House under Truman" with a president who never
fails to call back to see how things are back home on the farm.
Against all odds he is re-elected president in 48.
With the backing of fellow democrats Lauren Bacall,
Humphrey Bogart and Ronald Reagan (later to become a republican).
standing for a government for the people and
against special interest.
When MacArthur threathens to go for all out war with the chinese
in Korea he is fired by Truman, telling the world
that civilian leadership is above military leadership.
He is always well composed - when assassins from Puerto Rico
tries to kill him and all leading newspapers
are certain that he will loose. Except when a music
critic says his singing daughter is no good. Then he explodes.
Making the picture perfect of Harry the man, who became
president.
A real person.
Personally I was amazed when I visited his home in
Independence, Missouri in 2002 - that it was actually the home
of Harry Truman the president. It somehow seemed to humble.
After reading the McCullough book I see it was not.
How amazing. And how amazing the thing called democracy is.
"Give 'em hell, Harry" a spectator said in the 48 campaign for presidency,
and you see why!
-Simon
Outstanding.......2007-09-23
A great read about the man and times. Truman made some of the toughest calls to date about WW II, Korea, MacArthur, etc. This is a good jump off point to learn more about the times and other great figures of the day like Churchill and Marshall.
Fantastic.......2007-09-21
Harry Truman the man, the myth - this book has it all. This is a wonderfully written biography that gets at every aspect of Truman. From his boyhood in Missouri to his rise through the political ranks David McCullough does not dissapoint with his book on the former president.
A must read as a companion to any serious study on World War I, II and Korea - Truman's life touches all these conflicts as a soldier and leader. This is a great biography and I highly recommend it. JVD
Triumph of tireless sleuthing and attention.......2007-09-12
After spending pretty much the course of the summer reading David McCullough's immense biography of Harry S. Truman, I must say that was time well spent. For the first time, I have a largely intact understanding of not only Truman's life and times, but of the forces and events that shaped him and the United States as well. Though Truman's term as president ended the year I was born, the decisions and actions taken by our 33rd president and his staff have reverberated throughout my own life.
One need not pile on with any more plaudits or adjectives for the author or his biography for at this point I think everything has been stated. But what is most striking to me is just how much the world has changed since Truman's presidency and how our current crop of politicians are even more vile and odious than the worst of the lot in Truman's day. Reading about a man who strove to achieve the greater good rather than let his decisions be tempered by political motivations proved both startling and refreshing.
McCullough may have burnished Truman's character with a bit more shine and polish than fitting the man himself, but he does not neglect Truman's flaws or humanity, which, in turn, makes this book more compelling. The vivid, memorable characters who play key roles in the story of Truman infuse this historical account with energy and realism and also elevate Truman's character and person. The details contained in this book, both their quantity and quality, require close attention and rereading, a testament to Mr. McCullough's tireless sleuthing and attention.
Let's hope for everyone's sake that a similarly powerful, elegant biography of an American president will someday appear to take its place on the shelf beside this one.
Exceptionally Poor Quality For Papareback Binding .......2007-08-23
The book was great, and the author was most worthy of the Pulitzer Prize award for his work. However, the binding was exceptionally poor. Given the 1,100+ pages of the book, this paperback needs to be bound in a different fashion. The book completely fell apart during my reading of it, as large sections of pages fell out of it. I did not subject the book to any harsh treatment or unusual wear, and it simply fell apart under normal reading conditions.
Book Description
Would you like to add columns of numbers as quickly as you can read them, or do multiplication without carrying numbers? How about doing complex subtraction or long division problems in mere seconds? Well, now anyone can become a math whiz with this amazing mathematical system that can have you solving problems in addition, subtraction, division and multiplication as fast as any calculator and with an even greater degree of precision. It's based on the same idea used in the Asian abacus, but it requires no more equipment than a pencil and paper. Now shoppers will always know if they're really getting the best deal on groceries, salespeople can compute and track their commissions with ease, and students can complete homework faster and more accurately than ever before. This system has already been proven successful for thousands the world over, and now you can put it to work for you too.
Customer Reviews:
Get Furious or Get Smarter -- Your Choice.......2005-11-07
An earlier reviewer wrote, "You get nothing for nothing." And that's exactly right, if you put in NO effort, you get NO improvement.
But putting in a little effort with this will show BIG results. I'm in the middle of retraining my brain right now to do math using these methods -- after 42 years I'm kind of entrenched in the "normal" way but see the possibilities so I'm willing to make the effort to change.
Since we're now homeschooling our children they can get this way of doing math from the very beginning -- by the time they're adults and this is "just the way they do it" they will have a huge advantage over the average person.
Folks who say this doesn't work, or that memory improvement "tricks" don't work must be looking for something that requires no work. With reasonable effort you can realize tremendous results.
Outstanding.......2005-10-18
The people who didn't like this book either didn't read it, or they didn't learn it.
The book is not a book of "tricks" but a different way to look at the subject. It is written by the master of training the mind to have a better memory. Anything written by Mr. Lorayne deserves your attention....
....including his books on magic, if it is magic you're looking for!!
This math does work, but the books are terrible in representing it........2005-08-26
All of these books that keep popping up saying you can do the math in your mind in seconds, are correct in one way. Yes, you can do it...in fact you can do pretty massive equations using #'s in the millions or below, (or higher). The thing that is terrible about all of these books is they sound like a modern day memory book or such. They are ALL based upon what is called Vedic math. It was the math form used thousands of years ago...generally dating around the Summerian culture.
Vedic math really does work...in fact it's quite mind-blowing to put out answers to a large group of #'s just as someone finishes reading the problem! : ) Check out websites based upon Vedic math, or buy books directly relating to Vedic math...there's more to it than just putting it in print.
Furious.......2005-03-06
Enough of this popular fallacious belief that there does be any such thing as memory tricks. I will no longer undergo the punishment buying and reading any self-improvement books. They make no affect on anybody but to teach one thing; You get nothing for nothing. I am sorry, but these aren't any overlooked treasures.
0-9 Brain Calculator.......2004-12-21
How does a digital calculator perform calculation? How does an abacus perform calculation? Now, how does our brain perform calculation? It's a combination of the analogies Abacus and digital calculator. The author creatively embarks on this very principle to trigger our minds calculating power. It requires concentration and dedication to follow the examples in this book. As in any achievable skill, it requires practice and more practice.
Amazon.com
In this lively biography, Edmund Morris returns to the gifted, energetic, and thoroughly controversial man whom the novelist Henry James called "King Theodore." In his two terms as president of the United States, Roosevelt forged an American empire, and he behaved as if it was his destiny. In this sequel to his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, Morris charts Roosevelt's accomplishments: the acquisition of the Panama Canal and the Philippines, the creation of national parks and monuments, and more. "Collaring Capital and Labor in either hand," Morris writes, Roosevelt made few friends, but he usually got what he wanted--and earned an enduring place in history.
Morris combines a fine command of the era's big issues with an appreciation for the daily minutiae involved in governing a nation. Less controversially inventive, but no less readable, than the Ronald Reagan biography Dutch, Theodore Rex gives readers new reason both to admire and fault an American phenomenon. --Gregory McNamee
Book Description
The most eagerly awaited presidential biography in years,
Theodore Rex is a sequel to Edmund Morris’s classic bestseller
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. It begins by following the new President (still the youngest in American history) as he comes down from Mount Marcy, New York, to take his emergency oath of office in Buffalo, one hundred years ago.
A detailed prologue describes TR’s assumption of power and journey to Washington, with the assassinated President McKinley riding behind him like a ghost of the nineteenth century. (Trains rumble throughout this irresistibly moving narrative, as TR crosses and recrosses the nation.) Traveling south through a succession of haunting landscapes, TR encounters harbingers of all the major issues of the new century-Imperialism, Industrialism, Conservation, Immigration, Labor, Race-plus the overall challenge that intimidated McKinley: how to harness America’s new power as the world’s richest nation.
Theodore Rex (the title is taken from a quip by Henry James) tells the story of the following seven and a half years-years in which TR entertains, infuriates, amuses, strong-arms, and seduces the body politic into a state of almost total subservience to his will. It is not always a pretty story: one of the revelations here is that TR was hated and feared by a substantial minority of his fellow citizens. Wall Street, the white South, Western lumber barons, even his own Republican leadership in Congress strive to harness his steadily increasing power.
Within weeks of arrival in Washington, TR causes a nationwide sensation by becoming the first President to invite a black man to dinner in the White House. Next, he launches his famous prosecution of the Northern Securities Company, and follows up with landmark antitrust legislation. He liberates Cuba, determines the route of the Panama Canal, mediates the great Anthracite Strike, and resolves the Venezuela Crisis of 1902-1903 with such masterful secrecy that the world at large is unaware how near the United States and Germany have come to war.
During an epic national tour in the spring of 1903, TR’s conservation philosophy (his single greatest gift to posterity) comes into full flower. He also bestows on countless Americans the richness of a personality without parallel-evangelical and passionate, yet lusty and funny; adroitly political, winningly natural, intellectually overwhelming. The most famous father of his time, he is adored by his six children (although beautiful, willful “Princess” Alice rebelled against him) and accepted as an honorary member of the White House Gang of seditious small boys.
Theodore Rex, full of cinematic detail, moves with the exhilarating pace of a novel, yet it rides on a granite base of scholarship. TR’s own voice is constantly heard, as the President was a gifted letter writer and raconteur. Also heard are the many witticisms, sometimes mocking, yet always affectionate, of such Roosevelt intimates as Henry Adams, John Hay, and Elihu Root. (“Theodore is never sober,” said Adams, “only he is drunk with himself and not with rum.”)
TR’s speed of thought and action, and his total command of all aspects of presidential leadership, from bureaucratic subterfuge to manipulation of the press, make him all but invincible in 1904, when he wins a second term by a historic landslide. Surprisingly, this victory transforms him from a patrician conservative to a progressive, responsible between 1905 and 1908 for a raft of enlightened legislation, including the Pure Food and Employer Liability acts. Even more surprising, to critics who have caricatured TR as a swinger of the Big Stick, is his emergence as a diplomat. He wins the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing about an end to the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.
Interspersed with many stories of Rooseveltian triumphs are some bitter episodes-notably a devastating lynching-that remind us of America’s deep prejudices and fears.
Theodore Rex does not attempt to justify TR’s notorious action following the Brownsville Incident of 1906-his worst mistake as President-but neither does this resolutely honest biography indulge in the easy wisdom of hindsight. It is written throughout in real time, reflecting the world as TR saw it. By the final chapter, as the great “Teddy” prepares to quit the White House in 1909, it will be a hard-hearted reader who does not share the sentiment of Henry Adams: “The old house will seem dull and sad when my Theodore has gone.”
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
It started with Leadership: past, Present & Future by Carlos M. Rivera.......2007-09-17
After reading the book Leadership: Past, Present & Future by Carlos M. Rivera he talks about Theodore Roosevelt as one of the best Past Leaders, and at the back he has a list of recommended great books one of them is The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt By Edmund Morris and this one. When you read Leadership: Past, Present & Future is like the best of Theodore Roosevelt and you want to learn more about him and about others leaders in the book. After reading the 3 books I have learn to admire him more and more.
Theodore Rex.......2007-03-17
Good book, TR accomplished an amazing amount of projects while President of the United States. This book offers a lot of insight to the interworkings of politics of the day, in many ways similar to the issues of modern times.
Good, but not better.......2007-03-13
A very good and entertaining book.
But, if you are only going to read this one or Morris' earlier "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" read the first one. That one gave me a good sense of the man and how his childhood and early adulthood turned him into the person and president he became.
"Theodore Rex", to me, lacked the cohesiveness of "The Rise." It had too much of a chronological structure ("and then this happened") for me to enjoy it as much as I had anticipated.
WELL WRITTEN AND INFORMATIVE........2007-03-10
This is a sound, well researched and well written account of Theodore Roosevelt's White House Years, his administration, the world situation in general and the man, Teddy, in particular. This is the second volume of a three volume work, the first being "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. I, like another reviewer here, was stuck by the parallels of that day and time to our present world situation. Changes were coming hot and heavy, the world was changing almost on a monthly bases, much as it is now. Technology was changing the way we live and changing our world. Such is the situation of today. Their reaction to those changing times, versus our reaction is quite interesting. Be that as it may, this work is well done. I appreciated the many background notes the author provided, something that seems to be lacking in many current biographies. The author perhaps got bogged down somewhat in his explanation of legislative matters, but that is a matter of personal taste on my part, being more interested in the man, than in the inner workings of our government at the time. Again though, this is a matter of taste and many will find this quite informative. The only part of the book that annoyed my somewhat, and again, it is just me, is the author's constant use of French phrases. I don't speak French, never have and never will. While they perhaps make the author appear quite sophisticated, which I am sure he is, these phrases left be rather cold. That was a minor glitch for me though and really nothing to complain too much about. I feel the book, simply through explaining the situations Roosevelt found himself in, show that while this president may not go down in history as our greatest leader, he was indeed, probably the right man in the right spot at the right time. Overall, recommend this one highly.
Teddy from a Panamanian Point of View.......2007-01-04
Teddy is a figure in history that we all know not just from history lessons but also from our "Teddy" bears. This gave me, as a USA resident of Panama for more than 50 years, a better idea of what he did and how he did it to get the canal built...and in Panama. Mr. Morris gives a wonderful portrait of a man who really was "for the people" and today we could use a few politicians like him
Average customer rating:
- Very readable and well researched biography
- Minor President only by comparison to his predecessors
- a better than average presidential biography
- Excellent Review of Monroe's Career
- A Solid Biography of a Hard Working Man
|
James Monroe: The Quest for National Identity (Signature Series)
Harry Ammon
Manufacturer: American Political Biography Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Presidents & Heads of State
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0945707215 |
Customer Reviews:
Very readable and well researched biography.......2007-08-17
I am presently reading a biography of every U.S. President in order. From browsing the reviews of Monroe biographies, Ammon became the obvious choice. I can gladly say that I was not disappointed. Ammon's biography of Monroe is comprehsive, well written, and superbly researched. Ammon's writing style is refreshingly easy to read and the information is very well organized. Monroe emerges as a very important President and, while not as brilliant intellectually as his two predecessors, certainly well suited to be chief executive and arguably the most important influence on American foreign policy until Theodore Roosevelt.
My criticism of Mr. Ammon's volume is that, despite adeptly describing the political life of Monroe and its importance to American history, the biography never succeeds at leading the reader to understand Monroe on a personal level. Perhaps this task is not possible given the research available, but this is the first presidential biography that I have finished feeling that I did not have an adequate understanding of the personality traits behind the subject's actions.
Minor President only by comparison to his predecessors.......2006-11-01
This highly readable book focuses on the foreign policy elements of Monroe's career almost to the point that it is more of a book on diplomacy than a general biography. The portions that detail his partnership with his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, especially the genesis of the Monroe Doctrine, are where it is at it's best. Unfortunately it gives short shrift to his relationship and feelings to his own slaves, even while giving a very good account of his activities around the Missouri Compromise.
a better than average presidential biography.......2006-05-21
James Monroe by Ammon
Over the last several years, I've read biographies of the first 40 presidents. I've usually used Amazon readers to guide my selections. At the end of this review is a rating of these biographies.
James Monroe was the last of the founding fathers to be president and he is one of most underrated statesmen and presidents. During the Revolutionary War he served with George Washington. Later he was minister to France and Secretary of State. Aside from Washington he is the only president to run for a second term without opposition. He was an excellent diplomat. His cabinet included John Quincy Adams and John C. Calhoun , and it can be argued this was the most effective cabinet and administration of the 19th century. Monroe is closely linked with fellow Virginians, Madison and Jefferson, and while he does not rank as a genius or philosopher with this pair, he was probably a better leader than either. Monroe's political style was to solve problems, be diplomatic, and develop consensus. Ammon's accounts of 12 hour cabinet meetings demonstrate this style of governance. Monroe also believed in a limited presidency . He consistently chose to respect the separation of powers, and at times limited his effectiveness out of respect for the Constitution.
Ammon's biography is better than serviceable. It shines during Monroe's early years and his presidency. The book often drags during the middle third. My sense is this is because Monroe was more of a peripheral figure during these years, and this biography tends towards a tangential sense of history during this section.
Bonus - You can see my reviews (SMR) for many of the following books, but here's a capsule summary
The BEST
Franklin Roosevelt - Conrad Black - captures so many facets of a great leader weaving his way through constant challenges, completely engaging writing; SEE MY REVIEW
Teddy Roosevelt - Edmund Morris - the best writing hands down of a presidential biography - Teddy himself was so much fun that its hard to miss with this subject
John Kennedy - Robert Dallek - detailed, balanced biography of a complex man, SMR
Lyndon Johnson - Robert Dallek - volume one is as good as Morris' Teddy Roosevelt in terms of story- telling and describing the complexity of an absolutely driven man. Volume 2 deals with LBJ's presidential years and the morass of Viet Nam - its well written but like the war itself, it goes on and on from one disappointment to the next. SMR
John Adams - David McCullough - great writing, perhaps a bit too favorable to Adams, but this is the book that got many readers to take a first or second look at our founding fathers
Warren Harding - Francis Russell - absolutely the best biography of a unqualified president - captures Harding's sexual scandals as well as the smoked filled rooms and corruption of the times and Harding's administration, SMR
Chester Arthur - Thomas Reeves - a great biography of an very corrupt politician and an incredible job of detailing the spoils system and New York politics, SMR
The SECOND TIER
Harry Truman - David McCullough - McCullough is always engaging, but it seems to me that he places Truman a little too high on the pedestal
Abraham Lincoln - David Donald - the authoritative biography of Lincoln, I felt like crying at the end
Jimmy Carter - Peter |Bourne - a good history of the time and an unflinching, thorough analysis of Carter Written by a Carter insider, but not afraid to criticize. SMR
Franklin Pierce - Roy Nichols - a well written description of a man who was simply in over his head, SMR
Martin Van Buren - John Niven - paints a pretty likeable picture of a man who many despised and distrusted, sifts through a great deal of detail about New York politics, and the Jackson and Van Buren administrations - subtly introduces the idea that most of Jackson's successful policies came from Van Buren
Grover Cleveland - Alyn Brodsky - a better than average biography, very well organized and readable, soft pedals Cleveland's personal indiscretions SMR
James Buchanan - Philip Klein - Buchanan schemed to become president for 30 years - Klein's biography gives a great overview of years of US politics and of Buchanan's scheming sort of politics, SMR
James Monroe by Harry Ammon
Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation - Merrill Peterson - a very thorough description of Jefferson and his times - much more emphasis on his politics and other works than his personal life, SMR
Andrew Jackson - Robert Remini - this is perhaps unfairly low - I read the one volume abridgement, and would have preferred the detail of three volumes
Gerald Ford - James Reeves - brisk writing and the best retelling of Watergate. A thorough description of Ford's developmental years and career prior to becoming president, but his presidential years are given less than 30 pages. SMR
John Quincy Adams - Paul Nagel - uncovers Adams' personality and depression in a very sympathetic way but covers Adams' failed presidency with only a single chapter.
Andrew Johnson by Hans Trefousse - a very good biography of a very complicated guy during the US`s darkest years - at times I had trouble keeping the many Reconstruction era politicians straight
Rutherford Hayes - Ari Hoogenboom - a good biography including Hayes' war years, rise to the presidency, and his years in office. Although the election crisis of 1876 is presented in detail, Hoogenboom tries a bit too hard to give Hayes a free pass. SMR
Ike Eisenhower - Geoffrey Perret - a workmanlike complete biography
Ulysses S. Grant - Feeley - a great biography of Grant as a general, but it really falls down (as did Grant) during the presidential years
Millard Fillmore - Robert Rayback - a good biography of a forgotten president who actually had some success in forestalling the Civil War
Ronald Reagan - Edmund Morris - the weirdest "major" presidential biography - the fictional and real narrative are confusing. Although Morris captures Reagan, so much time is taken up with childhood, adolescence, and acting that important parts of the presidency are glossed over. SMR
George Washington - Douglas Southall Freeman - I read the one volume abridgement of his seven volume monster. Freeman tells a great story, but he probably admires Washington too much.
NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH
Ulysses Grant - McFeely - This is a great biography of Grant's early life and Civil Wars years, but Feely seems about as disconnected from the eight years of Grant's presidency as Grant was.
James Garfield - Allan Peskin - Garfield could be a caricature of a post Civil War president - log cabins, Civil War general (not much of one), Ohio, Republican, and weak - Peskin writes too much about Ohio politics and not enough about the corruption of the times
Herbert Hoover - David Burner - A pretty boring read about a fascinating character during a fascinating time
Woodrow Wilson - August Heckscher - Wilson was a very complex guy. This book captures Wilson and his times but it is a pretty dry read
James Madison - Ralph Ketchum - just too dry - SMR
Calvin Coolidge - Robert Sobel - this never really grabbed me but it is written in an engaging style
William Henry Harrison - Freeman Cleeves - This biography is more than 50 years old. The narrative is engaging and Harrison had an interesting life; BUT, Harrison gets pretty much a free pass for his relationship with the many tribes who he evicted from the Northwest Territories. See the recent biography of William Clark for an more revealing telling of this aspect of Harrison's life.
VYING FOR THE WORST
Zachary Taylor - Jack Bauer - Taylor was an egotistical, quarrelsome, and paranoid guy who became president after winning several important battles during the Mexican War. Bauer does a workmanlike job detailing Taylor's life but he avoids a lot of the controversy by not making some pretty basic judgments into Taylor's character.
Richard Nixon - Tom Wicker - An odd book. Wicker writes with great insight into Nixon, but he seems to get tired of writing the book. Watergate is almost completely left out as is much of the last years of Nixon's presidency. SMR
James Polk Eugene McCormac - This two volume set was one of the most disappointing biographies I read, but there is little available as far as a complete biography of Polk. A political biography, that completely ignores Polk's personal life (slave-owner, ambitious wife, father). SMR
John Tyler - Oliver Chitwood - A poorly organized and overly apologetic biography of one of the leading candidates for worst president. Written in the thirties, this book is stylistically dated. SMR.
William Taft - Judith Icke Anderson The author is a disciple of the Fawn Brodie - psychoanalytic school of biography. Taft is actually a pretty easy guy to figure out, and he was quite open and honest about his feelings about his life and career. He didn't need this sort of biography.
Benjamin Harrison - Harry Sievers - This is dreck! Three volumes of hero worship. Harrison had an interesting life and was an ineffective president, but this set does little to engage the reader. SMR
William McKinley - Kevin Phillips - This is more of a long essay than a biography. Way too many aspects of his life are brushed over. I was left with far too many questions about McKinley, and definitely feel a need to find another McKinley biography. SMR
Excellent Review of Monroe's Career.......2005-09-26
This book provides an excellent review of the career of our Fifth president. James Monroe had a long and distinguished career of Public Service, so providing a complete and thorough examination of his career is a very daunting task. The author does a good job of detailing his career. The only slight critisicm I had was that at times it got to detailed.
A Solid Biography of a Hard Working Man.......2005-04-03
This book is an excellent biography of James Monroe. Having read biographies of several other founding fathers recently, I decided to pick this one up as well.
It is a very thorough review of our fifth president's entire life. I found that it did well to not focus on the Monroe Doctrine, showing him for who he was, not as history remembers him to be, as simply the author of the Doctrine.
This book portrays James Monroe as a hard working member of the Republican Party, who gradually rose through the ranks to become the evident choice as the successor to his friend and fellow Virginian, James Madison. Not because he was charismatic or a genius, but simply because he was a good man who served his party well, and would not cause infighting amongst other members of the party.
If you're looking to learn more about our early presidents, by all means, pick up this book. But if you're looking for a book about a charismatic hero of the revolutionary era, it certainly isn't going to be about James Monroe.
Book Description
Harry S. Truman is remembered today as an icon--the plain-speaking president, "Give 'em Hell Harry," the chief executive who put "The Buck Stops Here" on his desk. But Alonzo L. Hamby shows that there was more to Truman than the pugnacious fighter so prominent in popular memory. Insecure, ambitious, a man of honor, a partisan loyalist, an agrarian Jeffersonian Democrat who became a champion of big government, Truman was a complex figure who fought long and hard to triumph over his own weaknesses. In Man of the People, Hamby offers a gripping account of this distinctively American life, tracing Truman's remarkable rise from marginal farmer in rural Missouri to shaper of the postwar world. Truman comes alive in these pages as he has nowhere else, making his way from the farmhouse, to the front lines in France during World War I, to the difficult small-business world of Kansas City--all the time struggling with his deep feelings of inadequacy and immense ambition. Hamby provides an honest, incisive look at the rising politician's relationship with Kansas City political boss Tom Pendergast, who sponsored his career from the county court to the U.S. Senate. We see how Truman, a ferocious and skilled fighter in factional party battles, tried to balance his sense of honor with his political loyalties. Free of corruption himself, he nevertheless refused to repudiate Pendergast even when the boss was sinking under the weight of his ties to organized crime. Hamby also offers the best account yet of Truman's critical years in the Senate, covering not only his World War II probe of the defense program but also his neglected and revealing populist investigations of the railroads during the 1930s. He demonstrates that Truman was one of the most popular and respected members of the upper house. Hamby is particularly acute in his portrait of Truman's volatile presidency. He criticizes some aspects of the decision to drop the atomic bombs against Japan but concludes that, considered in context, the act was understandable and justified. Providing new insight into the Cold War, he identifies the Turkish and Iranian crisis of 1946 as crucial turning points in Truman's attitudes toward the Soviet Union. Thoroughly covering Truman's struggle for "liberalism in a conservative age," Hamby also sheds great light on the president's Fair Deal domestic program. Harry Truman, Hamby writes, was a flawed man--insecure, often petty and vindictive--yet one of the great presidents of the twentieth century. But Americans cherish him less for what he did than for who he was: an ordinary person who worked his way up the political ladder to the summit of power. In Man of the People, Alonzo L. Hamby provides a richly perceptive biography, giving us the best look yet at who Truman was, how he changed, and why he triumphed.
Customer Reviews:
Truman the man as president.......2002-03-15
This is one of the better biographies of a US President I have ever read. Hamby avoids the hero worship which plagues other authors and, instead, takes a frank look at the man and how he discharged his duties, public and private, throughout his life. I found this book invaluable resource for understanding the cold war and American politics in the middle of the 20th century.
Difficult reading........2000-11-22
I had a hard time getting through this book. The first half was pretty dull, and throughout the book the writing is workman-like, but not inspiring. As for the author's integrity, I would say the book is written fair-mindedly and with adequate research having been done.
An Excellent Biography of a Great President!.......2000-02-23
David Mccullough's book on Truman is great. It is well written, full of great information, and though many people think too pro-Truman it does show why he was a Great Man. Unfortuantely many professors and especially those with Revisionist Tendancies don't feel Mccullough's book is scholary. They see it as Pop History. I think this is academic snobbery, and also stubborness upon the part of the revionists to admit Truman was a great President. However, a good way to silence the revisonists and to read another great book on Truman is to read Hamby's Man of the People. Though a little more critical than Mccollough, Hamby again paints a great portrait of a great man. For whatever reasons, Hamby is considered more scholary and his book more scholary. Whatever makes our Professors happy. But regardless, this is a great book. Though long like Mccollough, it tells a great story. Hamby is a fine historian who was also on c-spans look at Truman for its President's series. So in short, a more "academic" but just as great book on Truman.
Superb bio without the mythology that has obscured Truman.......1999-01-22
Hamby uses the tools of a professional historian -- excellent documentation and sources, superb prose, and healthy skepticism -- to brilliantly move beyond the standard adoring view of Truman as a plain-talking, quick-deciding everyman. While he is shown to have been those things, he is also revealed to have shared much of the pettiness, anger, and impulsiveness that have marked many of his predecessors and successors. He is (surprize, surprize) a human being rather than an icon. Especially good is Hamby's narrative of the downhill trajectory of Truman's second term and the post-Potsdam evolution of his anti-communism. Historical biography at its absolute best. And by rendering Truman human, he ultimately produces a more admiring portrait than other books that set out to be adoring.
Average customer rating:
- Splendid Reading
- Leuchtenburg is a top-notch historian
|
The White House Looks South: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson (Walter Lynwood Fleming Lectures in Southern History)
William E. Leuchtenburg
Manufacturer: Louisiana State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Presidents & Heads of State
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Truman, Harry
| ( T )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
| ( R )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Johnson, Lyndon
| ( J )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Leaders & Leadership
| Political Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln
-
Away Down South: A History of Southern Identity
-
LBJ: Architect of American Ambition
-
A Godly Hero : The Life of William Jennings Bryan
-
The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation (Vintage)
ASIN: 0807130796 |
Book Description
Perhaps not southerners in the usual sense, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Lyndon B. Johnson each demonstrated a political style and philosophy that helped them influence the South and unite the country in ways that few other presidents have. Combining vivid biography and political insight, William E. Leuchtenburg offers an engaging account of relations between these three presidents and the South while also tracing how the region came to embrace a national perspective without losing its distinctive sense of place.
According to Leuchtenburg, each man "had one foot below the Mason-Dixon Line, one foot above." Roosevelt, a New Yorker, spent much of the last twenty-five years of his life in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he built a "Little White House." Truman, a Missourian, grew up in a pro-Confederate town but one that also looked West because of its history as the entrepôt for the Oregon Trail. Johnson, who hailed from the former Confederate state of Texas, was a westerner as much as a southerner.
Their intimate associations with the South gave these three presidents an empathy toward and acceptance in the region. In urging southerners to jettison outworn folkways, Roosevelt could speak as a neighbor and adopted son, Truman as a borderstater who had been taught to revere the Lost Cause, and Johnson as a native who had been scorned by Yankees. Leuchtenburg explores in fascinating detail how their unique attachment to "place" helped them to adopt shifting identities, which proved useful in healing rifts between North and South, in altering behavior in regard to race, and in fostering southern economic growth.
The White House Looks South is the monumental work of a master historian. At a time when race, class, and gender dominate historical writing, Leuchtenburg argues that place is no less significant. In a period when America is said to be homogenized, he shows that sectional distinctions persist. And in an era when political history is devalued, he demonstrates that government can profoundly affect people's lives and that presidents can be change-makers.
Customer Reviews:
Splendid Reading.......2006-03-07
William E. Leuchtenburg is the preeminent historian of America in the twentieth century. Based on research in 400 manuscript collections, together with 200 oral histories, his The White House Looks South is both highly original and beautifully written. It ranks with the very best of Leuchtenburg's previous works, yet is different from any of them.
Through incisive biographies, the book establishes the relationship of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Lyndon Johnson to the South of the early-to-mid-twentieth century. Leuchtenburg argues that politics, together with the influence of individual politicians, remains central to an understanding of the broader sweep of American history, and that place and section are central to an understanding of politics. Certain presidents take the helm of change, altering through governmental action the individual lives of millions. Judging from the remarkable popularity of presidential biography, most Americans seem to comprehend at least some of these points, but they have been unfashionable among professional historians for a long generation. The White House Looks South is, in effect, a timely invitation to the historical profession to return to once-established precepts. As if to nail down the point, the book takes as its central theme the three presidents' transformation of civil rights from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Like all of Leuchtenburg's books, The White House Looks South makes splendid reading. Its pages sparkle with anecdotes as well as pithy (and often astonishingly revealing) quotes. Both a master political analyst and a master storyteller, never has Leuchtenburg produced a work so richly combining both.
Leuchtenburg is a top-notch historian.......2006-02-24
Essentially, this book is a history of the political relationship between three presidents and the South (FDR, Truman, and LBJ). The book also focuses a great deal of attention on the attitude of each president on civil rights and the plight of black people in the South. Leuchtenburg does a good job of pointing out the ambivalence of each of these presidents towards civil rights juxtaposed against bold actions they took (mostly for political reasons) that ended up helping black people in Southern states and advancing the cause of civil rights. The book is full of fascinating aspects of each president's regional identity, including FDR's second "home" in Warm Springs and the struggle of both Truman and LBJ to truly identify with a particular section of the country (whether it be West, Midwest, or South). The book also serves as a fascinating history of the shift of strength within the Democratic Party away from the Solid South and towards liberals in the North. In all, this is fantastic historical research and writing that I would highly recommend.
Book Description
"Truman the 'man' may be found in these writings and that in itself makes the collection worth reading."-Choice
The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman is a compilation of autobiographical writings composed by Truman between 1934 and 1972. Taken directly from his own manuscript material, the volume presents the thoughts and feelings of the man himself. The book touches on details in Truman's life from his days as a boy until graduation from Independence High School in 1901 to the vice presidency of the United States and beyond. There is also a memorandum written by Truman about the Pendergast machine in Kansas City telling how it was possible to work with the machine and not be soiled by it. The Autobiography concludes with some of the retired president's thoughts about politics and the purposes of public life.
Customer Reviews:
Autobiography of HST.......2007-08-24
Very infomative. Too short, but about the right amount of depth. Showed some of his political shaping.
Give 'em hell, Harry.......2007-07-09
I never did give anybody hell. I just gave them the truth and they thought it was hell. That's my favorite quote of Harry S Truman and has nothing to do with this book, except one thing. As you read through this left-handed autobiography, the quote pretty much sums up this great man's efforts during his long tenure of a political career. There is an involvement throughout the book that says that he tried his best for the people, his people... and who can ask more from a representative of the people? This book is a compilation of letters, writings, scribblings and other noteworthy sources rather than a sit-down writing from the man to the public, which is well put together and gives the reader a strangely consistent look into the mind-set of a great man.
the autobiography of Harry Truman.......2005-09-10
This book is an excellent example of why Harry Truman is the all-time greatest underdog. He came from simple roots and through sheer will and determination, he made some of the most significant changes to the United Staes and the world. Well-written and entertaining.
Disappointing.......1999-01-13
I ordered this book because I am interested in the person of president Truman, and the years of his presidency. I expected to get more insight about the decision of dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, his dealings with Churchill and Stalin, and the korean war and his relationship with Douglas MacArthur. This book has tells nothing about those subjects, and is overall very sketchy.
Average customer rating:
- Shaping the Post World War II World
- Battle, Truce Worldwide and Personal in Neal's "Harry & Ike"
- Flawed premise, but brilliant history
- Finally, a satisfactory explaination
- Another buddies in history book. We have Napoleon &
|
Harry and Ike: The Partnership That Remade the Postwar World (Lisa Drew Books)
Steve Neal
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Artists, Architects & Photographers
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Political
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Presidents & Heads of State
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Truman, Harry
| ( T )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
| ( E )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
1945 - Present
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0684853558 |
Book Description
Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower worked more closely between 1945 and 1952 than any other two American presidents of the twentieth century. They were partners in changing America's role in the world and in responding to the challenge of a Soviet Europe, yet they are remembered more for the acrimony that ended their friendship. Both were men of character, intelligence, and principle, and as the nation learned in the 1950s, they could also hold a grudge.
Drawing on letters, diaries, and interviews with close associates, this is the first examination of the warm friendship, bitter rupture, and eventual reconciliation between two remarkable Americans. From the author of The Eisenhowers: Reluctant Dynasty and Dark Horse comes a unique volume focusing exclusively on the relationship between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.
Harry and "Ike" grew up 150 miles apart in the heart of America. They met during World War II, when Truman became commander-in-chief after FDR's death. Together they would oversee not only the great Allied victory but also the restructuring of the U.S. military and the reconstruction of Europe. Together they would forge history's most successful alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Their initial relationship was so respectful and warm that Truman offered to step aside in the 1948 presidential election if Ike would agree to run on the Democratic ticket. Preferring to remain out of politics, Eisenhower declined and instead became president of Columbia Uni-versity. Truman helped make Ike a wealthy man by granting him a special tax break for his memoirs. Eisenhower later prepared to remove himself from contention for the presidency in 1952 if Robert A. Taft supported Truman on NATO. But Ike's friendship with Truman would not survive the 1952 presidential campaign, and for nearly a decade the former allies were engaged in an epic feud. It was not until the funeral of John F. Kennedy that the two men put aside their differences and reestablished a semblance of their previous bond.
In exploring the complexity of character, intelligence, and principle, Neal provides a fresh perspective on two giants of the twentieth century, and on the American presidency.
Customer Reviews:
Shaping the Post World War II World.......2004-12-22
Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower is the partnership that shaped the post World War II world. Their impact is astounding. Steve Neal does a commendable job of charting the friendship that turned sour imcoperating the background material necessary to tell the complete story.
Truman and Eisenhower both started as military man, but it became a career for Eisenhower. Truman returned home after World War I to work in the government through a political machine eventually landing in the senate. From the senate he filled a void of urgency, FDR's vice president in his final term. It was somewhat expected that FDR would not finish the term so it would important for FDR to have a capable repalcement waiting. Truman would serve little more than two months as VP before leading the country through the completion and rebuilding of World War II.
Eisenhower would never reach the battle lines of World War I, but he commanded the allied forces of Europe. Eisenhower won great public approval for his victory over the Nazis at home and abroad. Even in 1948, there was popular sentiment that he should run for president. Eisenhower had no desire to run for political office, instead he supervised the rebuilding of Europe. He felt his work was of far to great importance to abandon at that time.
Eisenhower work so closely with Truman during this time, most people assumed he was a Democrat. However, Eisenhower never declared a party. It strained the friendship when Eisenhower ran on the Republican ticket in 1952. It strained their friendship even more when Eisenhower shared a political platform with Senator Joe McCarthy, head of the communist witch hunt. In addition to McCarthy's open criticism of Truman, Eisenhower's political maneuver caused Truman and Eisenhower not to speak for most of the Eisenhower's presidency. Partisan bickering continued throughout most of Eisenhower's term.
It was only through the tragic events on November 22, 1963 that their friendship was renewed. As both men survived through the end of the decade, their correspondence would continue. While the book starts slow and burried in fact, the middle and end of the book finish strong. Toward the end, I could not put the book down.
Battle, Truce Worldwide and Personal in Neal's "Harry & Ike".......2004-11-27
The title of Steve Neal's book is a bit misleading. The working relationship between America's 33rd and 34th presidents, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, wasn't quite a first-name buddy relationship or one between close comrades (although they collaborated on the Marshall Plan and key initiatives of the first Cold War years.) But assembling formal documents, letters, speeches, telegrams, and even early TV appearances, Neal accurately if dryly (few personal interviews) charts 15 years' key dialogue between two of America's revered post-war figures.
Neal successfully shows how key events of 1945-60 (culminating in JFK's election) serve to unite, than divide the men. Truman admires Eisenhower's early work helping rebuild Germany's economy, while Eisenhower supports formation of NATO and SHAPE, (buttress against post-war Communist aggression.) Both agree on early attempts to mitigate Soviet and Chinese threats, leading to histories of 1950-53's Korean war and Douglas MacArthur's controversial dismissal (with both men agreeing on their dim view of the revered military figure).
Neal also makes the case for Senators Joe McCarthy and William Jenner's divisive Senate tenures changing Truman and Eisenhower's relationship, in Neal's words, "from one of bitter words into one of mutual contempt." Eisenhower enters 1952's campaign election after years' reluctance as a stand against US isolationism, only finding himself supporting unpopular senators along party lines and not fully supporting Truman cabinet members (such as Gen. George Marshall) against McCarthy's attacks. But Neal also shows Truman's political expediency as he first dismisses the younger John Kennedy in 1960 before endorsing his candidacy more enthusiastically than Eisenhower did his vice president, Richard Nixon.
You sense the awe in which Neal holds both men, honoring their respective contributions to society. He spends Chapter 29's first paragraphs explaining how each administration's agendas (for national security, infrastructure, and economic growth) blended into each other, thus turning making their eventual quarrel more personal. (It was notable enough then to receive media coverage and even a quip from David Brinkley.) This chill slowly thaws after 1960 to warm greetings between both men and their wives in the aftershock of John Kennedy's 1963 funeral.
The book could have used more personal reflections; admittedly few may have been actively available for discussion, but only Eisenhower's son John is extensively quoted apart from written correspondence. Nonetheless, "Harry and Ike" is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in the key post-war years, allowing us another look at the seismic events of the early Cold War through the eyes of two of America's most beloved presidents. Recommended.
Flawed premise, but brilliant history.......2004-01-07
Steve Neal's historical biography "Harry and Ike" nearly fails right from the start by building on a premise that is non-existent: the `close' relationship between Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. It's well known that Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower were never close working partners, even prior to the epic, decade-long feud that began during the 1952 election. It's a stretch to building a book on the premise of such a partnership and Neal does very little support his theory. Harry and Ike were two men who initially had great respect for each other and occasionally worked together on issues of common interest, but otherwise had little to do with one another. The failure to make a case otherwise should have torpedoed this book. What saves it, however, is that, even with the flawed premise, it is a fascinating historical record.
While Neal is unable support his premise, he does an excellent job and revealing the histories and backgrounds of these titans among men. He tracks their lives and developments independently until their disparate paths crossed during the last, mad days of World War II. From there, Neal uses the framework of this supposed friendship to provide informative and interesting accounts of history as it happened during that era. He covers moments like Truman offering to step aside and run as Eisenhower's Vice President in 1948 if Ike were to run as a Democrat (possibly the foundation of Neal's assertion of a `close' relationship). He covers the major events like the hostile 1952 Presidential election, the beginning of the Korean War, and firing of General Douglas MacArthur. Neal uses these events to show the impact it had on each man and the reactions it prompted.
"Harry and Ike" serves as a good primer for studying the historical events of that time. It has the effect of making the reader want to probe deeper into those events. Reading this book led me to seek out and read the incredible Douglas MacArthur biography "American Caesar". Given that strong historical narrative of "Harry and Ike", Steve Neal should not be penalized too much for his flimsy premise. There's no doubting that it still serves as an effective historical record.
Finally, a satisfactory explaination.......2003-01-12
Harry was wild about Ike, until Ike gave him hell, sending Harry on a crusade in Illinois. I have read a dozen or so books by and about Harry and Ike, none of which adequately explained the root causes of their falling out or their eventual reconciliation. This book fills that gap. Ike was politically naive, as Harry feared. I agree with the author that Ike would have been a better President if he had followed the advice of more of his friends, including HST, and less advice from his political handlers. This is an excellent book.
Another buddies in history book. We have Napoleon &.......2002-04-03
Hitler, Hitler & Stalin, FDR & Stalin, FDR & Truman among others.
Some with no connection. Obviously Naploeon didn't know Hitler. I'm kinder that most reviewers. But this was cooperation, not a partnership. The author strains for similarities. They were both poor boys growing up at the same time in mid-America 200 miles apart.
Childish & paranoid come to mind in decribing their relationship after Ike decides to run in 1952. Truman's problem was he idolized generals such as Pershing, Marshall, MacArthur & Eisenhower. He would have stepped aside for MacArthur or Ike if either had wanted to run as a Democrat in 1948. Then he became paranoid that Ike might take him up on it. Ike said he wouldn't run & Truman thought that meant forever. When Ike did run as a Republican to deny Robert Taft the nomination Truman felt betrayed, even though Ike was doing him a favor. He attacked Ike & his character viciously. Of course Ike responded in kind. There were other issues mostly personal. Their foreign policy was seamless from one administration to the next. They basically ignored each other until Kennedy's funeral when they had to sit next to each other. Good history of two great Americans leaders 1945-52 & slightly tarnishing their image after that.
Customer Reviews:
The Hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-12
Oh man, if you are wild about Harry - or you would just like to get to know him a little better - this is your book. When we think in terms of "politically correct" old "give 'em hell Harry" didn't know the meaning of the term.
I first bought this book in paperback and read it. Then I got it in hard cover and read it again. I really liked this book. There is no doubt that Harry is a one of a kind but don't take my word for it. Get this book and see what you think for yourself.
I really can not believe the things that Harry Truman said. He called Billy Graham a phony; Eisenhower a coward;he threatened to throw Joe Kennedy out a window. He said Joe Kennedy bought the presidentcy for his little boy. He said Rockefeller was a trator.
When I read this book I just laugh and shake my head. It is hard to believe that a man in his position could say the things that he said. It is just unbelievable.
Take advantage of Miller's access and style- read this book!.......2007-05-10
If you can find this book, pick it up. You will be drawn in for several reasons.
First, Miller is able to gain incredible access to one of the 20th century's most important presidents. While reading through another Truman biography, the reader may have yearned for explanation or justification from Harry for some particular action or incident. The oral biography provides the reader with insight into Truman's thoughts that is simply unavailable with any other medium.
Second, Miller's style fits the bill perfectly. He allows Truman to speak for himself, without trying to inject too much editorial commentary into the work. Truman's natural friendliness flows freely and envelops the reader.
Lastly, quite unexpectedly, I found myself taken in by Miller's self-effacing personality, which makes itself evident throughout the work. Miller treats Truman with a great amount of respect which borders on outright fear of the man. And Truman is not above reprimanding Miller when the latter's questioning becomes too invasive. This book almost begins to tell a story within a story, as Miller recounts his own personal dealings with Truman at the time of interviewing, in addition to the narrative of H.S.T.'s life. The foibles and idiosyncrasies which come out over the course of these interviews make Harry even more lovable. Just sitting back and listening as Miller and Truman talk and interact is worth the price of admission.
One should probably pick up a copy of a full-length Truman biography before reading this book (try David McCullough's definitive work); not that Miller doesn't do an excellent job of putting his interviews with Truman into context. However, knowing a bit more of Truman's life and character adds infinitely to the enjoyment of Miller's book. The reader will appreciate Miller's questioning of Truman after knowing more about Harry's life.
Highly recommended. H.S.T. fans will rejoice.
GREAT READ!.......2007-03-18
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I had to read it as a summer reading book for my AP US History class and I didn't think I would like it because I don't usually like books assigned for summer reading. I read the whole book in 2 days it was so good. I recommend this book to anyone who is a Harry S. Truman fan, or who just wants to read about his life. It's quite interesting.
Highly Recommended.......2006-12-12
This book beautifully succeeds in accomplishing its primary goal: It gives us a meaningful look into the mind and character of President Harry S. Truman, the man who was given the thankless task of transitioning America from the Second World War to the Cold War. I'm not so sure if Truman is the great straight-from-the-solider sage that he has been cracked up to be, and so I wouldn't take the opinions therein expressed as being gospel (the biggest mistake of his administration was appointing Tom Clark to the Supreme Court? Come on!). Nevertheless, it really lets us in on the real Harry Truman, and that alone makes this book a worthwhile read.
An excellent biography and a great read.......2005-12-03
I can't believe no one else has reviewed this book! I was exposed to it as a boy, read it first as a teenager, and have found myself re-reading it every few years since. It's not perfect -- what book is? -- but I think it's excellent.
Harry Truman was the sort of man that was rare in his own day, and perhaps rarer these days -- a man of integrity and discipline, a man uninterested in lying about anything for any reason, a man determined to do what was right even if not a single person on Earth agreed with him. For various reasons, though, many of the biographies of him fall short.
Merle Miller, by his own account, was no particular fan of Truman when he first met him. But he conducted many hours of taped interviews, in the interests of producing a never-aired television show about the Truman years, and seems to have gradually learned to appreciate the man.
The result is a book of interviews, mostly with Truman but also with friends, relatives, and associates (Dean Acheson among them), painting a bright and warm picture of a much-misunderstood President.
Miller acknowledges Truman's gaffes and faux pas when they arise, and does his best to put them in context. (He acknowledges Truman's casual racism by today's standards, typical of the day, for example -- but he also points out that it was Truman who took the bold step of integrating the U.S. armed forces. Truman even had the guts to do it in an election year!)
In addition to all else, I found this book an easy read, suitable for cuddling up with a blanket and a fire in the fireplace. Highly recommended.
Books:
- Two Little Girls in Blue: A Novel
- Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority
- We Need to Talk About Kevin: A Novel (P.S.)
- We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live: Collected Nonfiction (Everyman's Library)
- When Friendship Hurts: How to Deal With Friends Who Betray, Abandon, or Wound You
- When I Fall in Love
- When She Was White: The True Story of a Family Divided by Race
- When the Light Goes: A Novel
- Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes And How To Correct Them: Lessons From The New Science Of Behavioral Economics
- Women without Class: Girls, Race, and Identity
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Managerial Communication: Strategies and Applications
- Grandfather's Tale: The Tale of a German Sniper
- A Trading Desk View of Market Quality
- Administracion de Sitios y Paginas Web Con Macromedia Dreamweaver MX
- China's Global Reach: Markets, Multinationals, and Globalization
- Dead Wrong: A Novel of Suspense
- Consumer Fraud: A Reference Handbook
- Knowledge Management Tools and Techniques: Practitioners and Experts Evaluate KM Solutions
- A World Ruled by Number: William Stanley Jevons and the Rise of Mathematical Economics
- Rage: An Alex Delaware Novel
John Adams
Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
1776
The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
![Gentleman Boss: The Life of Chester Alan Arthur ([Signature series book])](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0945707037.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
