Harry S. Truman, President (Presidential Biography) [Library Binding]

Thomas J. Fleming (Author)

Book Description

Series: Presidential Biography

A lively biography of the president who led the U.S. into the post-World War II world. Excellent as a resource or as an American story of the son of a farmer who rose to make history. Bibliographical Essay. Index.

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

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-This straightforward biography focuses on Truman's life during his two terms as president. Little attention is given to his Missouri beginnings, stint in the army, or haberdashery days. Fleming's admiration for his subject is obvious as he describes Truman's political ascendancy and momentous decisions made in the White House. The former president emerges as a scrupulously honest, fair-minded, decisive- and above all-down-to-earth individual; his stubborn streak and occasional fits of temper appear more as virtues than weaknesses. Although the portrait is convincing, the author devotes too much space to background material, peppering the pages with more names and events than average young readers can assimilate. Considering Fleming's credentials (he collaborated with Margaret Truman on a biography of her father), one wishes he had offered more about the man and less on the turbulent times in which he served. Jim Hargrove's Harry S. Truman (Childrens, 1987) is better illustrated and Karin C. Farley's Harry Truman (Messner, 1989) is more readable. A typical series biography, but one that captures the essence of the man.
Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-12. There are advantages to being an "official biographer," and Fleming makes good use of his access to family photographs and documents. Although his book is chiefly concerned with Truman's role as the Chief Executive, the author inserts family anecdotes throughout the text that show Truman as a man of deep loyalty and commitment to his wife and daughter. Truman was a skillful politician who looked and sounded like a small-town businessman, a leader whom some mistook for a lackey, a steadfast man of strong convictions and integrity. He needed all of these qualities during the last months of World War II, the difficult years of establishing a peacetime economy, and the Korean War. The author never questions Truman's judgment, even on highly controversial matters. The strongest cavil he offers is: "All in all, the steel strike was not one of Truman's finest hours." Fleming's text is smooth and fast-paced as he provides an interesting but uncritical introduction to the thirty-third president of the U.S. Sheilamae O'Hara --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 136 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Co (Lib) (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802782698
• ISBN-13: 978-0802782694
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,144,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"How do you write a book?" 24 year old Thomas Fleming asked bestselling writer Fulton Oursler in 1951. "Write four pages a day," Oursler said. "Every day except Sunday. Whether you feel like it or not. Inspiration consists of putting the seat of your pants on the chair at your desk." Fleming has followed this advice to good effect. His latest effort, "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers," is his 50th published book. Twenty three of them have been novels. He is the only writer in the history of the Book of the Month Club to have main selections in fiction and in nonfiction. Many have won prizes. Recently he received the Burack Prize from Boston University for lifetime achievement. In nonfiction he has specialized in the American Revolution. He sees Intimate Lives as a perfect combination of his double talent as a novelist and historian. "Novelists focus on the imtimate side of life. This is the first time anyone has looked at the intimate side of the lives of these famous Americans, with an historian's eyes." Fleming was born in Jersey City, the son of a powerful local politician. He has had a lifetime interest in American politics. He also wrote a history of West Point which the New York Times called "the best...ever written." Military history is another strong interest. He lives in New York with his wife, Alice Fleming, who is a gifted writer of books for young readers.