Harry S. Truman [Hardcover]

Margaret Truman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1972

The definitive biography of one of the most enduring political figures of the 20th century. Margaret Truman writes with unequaled insight and understanding about her father's extraordinary life and offers rare glimpses at the personalities and politics behind the world events of his time. A New York Times bestseller.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 602 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow and Co.; 1st edition (1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688000053
• ISBN-13: 978-0688000059
• ASIN: B0007174NI
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,711,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Meet My Dad!, March 29, 2005

By 

James Gallen (St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harry S Truman (Paperback)

Margaret Truman treats the reader to an intimate biography of her father. She tells the traditional stories of his courtship and life long love affair with Bess, his life on the farm, his service in World War I and his unsuccessful haberdashery venture. She continues on through his entry into politics and involvement with the Pendergast machine. The senate campaigns of 1934 and 1940 and the choice for Vice President set the stage for Harry Truman's role of a lifetime. His succession to the Presidency started a dizzying sequence of crises including the founding of the United Nations, the use of the atomic bomb and the surrender of Japan. He then lead the country through a rash of post war strikes and inflation leading to Democratic defeat in the 1946 Congressional elections. Rebounding, Truman fought off the Berlin Blockade and won a stunning upset victory in the 1948 elections. In his second term he restored the decaying White House, was harassed by Joseph McCarthy and had his presidency redefined by the Korean War. Deciding not to seek reelection, Truman began his unsuccessful effort to mold Adlai Stevenson into his successor. After leaving the White House, Truman found most of his satisfaction in his family and in teaching others about government.

I like this book for its intimate view of Harry Truman's life. Margaret provides a perspective lacking in all other biographers. Her view of family life and the quotes from Harry's diaries and letters make this book a unique delight.

In dealing with aspects of Truman's life this book lacks the depth found in some other biographies. In some respects, Margaret is a bit too strident in defense of her Father. I recommend other works for an initial Truman biography and this one to deepen the reader's understanding of Harry. Other books provide a better understanding of the historical Harry Truman. Margaret provides an excellent introduction to her Dad.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Amazing Adventures of Harry S. Truman, February 17, 2010

By 

Chris Z "Chris Z" (Belle Vernon, Pa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harry S. Truman (Paperback)

Absolutely loved the book - learned a lot of history that has been lost throughout the years. What I found most extraordinary is that good old Harry S. was fighting the same battles we are today.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truman book a hit, September 11, 2010

By 

Dennis C. Brown (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I bought this Truman biography for my 94-year old mother-in-law at her request. She was thrilled with it. Loved the fact that "there has been a president who loved his wife and daughter." Even more so that it was written by the daughter. Even as a life-long Republican, the facts above led her to conclude that "Truman was a wonderful man." The delivery was very timely and the edition received in good shape.