The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman [Paperback]

Robert Ferrell (Editor, Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826214452 | ISBN-13: 978-0826214454 | Publication Date: September 3, 2002

 

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I have been reading a book about me. . . . This book is supposed to be an educational one for young people. It contains more misstatements and false quotations than it contains facts and true statements from people purported to have been interviewed. . . . To save too many knowing spreaders of misinformation from going to hell on the present biography I guess I'll have to state the few interesting facts of my life without the introspective trimmings with which most so-called writers and half-baked essayists clutter up the printed page."—Harry S. Truman

"These accounts give one a flavor of the personality of the former President but refer more to his earlier life than his years in the White House. Perhaps most revealing is Truman's recollection of Boss' Tom Pendergast who was convicted of tax fraud. Although Pendergast was sentenced to prison at Leavenworth, Harry Truman remained a friend and in his own words never deserted him.' Truman the man' may be found in these writings and that in itself makes the collection worth reading."—Choice

"Good reading for those who want to think their way through the period again."—American Historical Review

"Mr. Ferrell provides illuminating summaries of the historical background and identities of people mentioned in the text. . . . An authentic Trumanesque version of the way he saw himself and the people he accepted or rejected. It has the characteristic flavor of a self-taught man proud of his interest and reading in history and biography, who stoutly defends the path he took."—Review of Politics

From the Publisher

Edited with a New Introduction by Robert H. Ferrell

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: University of Missouri (September 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826214452
• ISBN-13: 978-0826214454
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( T ) > Truman, Harry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars A children's library book at best, August 3, 2011

By 

Charles M. - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman (Hardcover)

As you may or may not know, Harry Truman had many random notes and writings and compiled them all into this short book. I found the information to be rudimentary at best. Although it is written in his own words, he says nothing of the human history changing decision to drop the A-bomb on Japan during WWII. Nor does he discuss other important decisions that were put before him during his tenure as president. This book is something I would find in an elementary school library next to Green Eggs & Ham and other such "books." I bought this book to understand more about the man who changed so many lives with his decisions during one of the most important times in recent human history and was severely disappointed. I wanted an autobiography, since historians that write books about people are often misinformed and uncredible. Buy this book for your kids when they reach the third grade but otherwise stay clear!

4.0 out of 5 stars Autobiography of HST, August 24, 2007

By 

Beth Lorch "Gram Beth" (Terrebonne, Ore. USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman (Paperback)

Very infomative. Too short, but about the right amount of depth. Showed some of his political shaping.

4.0 out of 5 stars Give 'em hell, Harry, July 9, 2007

By 

Joel Kouyoumjian (The tug, Doris Hamlin) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman (Paperback)

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.