The Wit & Wisdom of Harry S. Truman (Hardcover)

~ Ralph Keyes (Author) "In an era of spin doctors, media consultants, and government by poll, it's refreshing to read the words of a man who knew his mind..." (more)
Key Phrases: White House, United States, Harry Truman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The words of a politician who knew his own mind and wasn't afraid to speak it, this volume truly captures the sprit of "Give 'em Hell" Harry, with the excerpts of letters, speeches, diary entries, even anecdotes that reveal this special man and his time.

From the Publisher

Part of the popular Wit & Wisdom series, this neatly packaged and entertaining little book profiles "Give 'Em Hell" Harry Truman using his own words as well as hundreds of new anecdotes about him. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy (October 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517194597
• ISBN-13: 978-0517194591
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #702,913 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction to Truman, July 25, 2003

By	Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This is not a full-scale biography of Harry Truman, but it would serve as a fabulous introduction to him. This is a short book, but contains a wealth of personal anecdotes, quotes and compilations from Truman's private conversations and letters. It's so refreshing to reflect upon Truman, a politician who almost always said what he thought and did what he thought best. There was no posturing with him, no p.r. campaigns, no manipulating the media. Every morning he would take his 2 mile stroll (at a clip of 15 minutes per mile, not bad for a man over 60), and the press would be running after him, hoping for a quote for the morning paper.

Also included in the book is information on Truman's close relationship with this anchor, Bess, as well as their daughter, Margaret. The famous episode where Truman attacked a columnist for ridiculing Margaret's singing voice is included. If you're unfamiliar with this, it will definitely make you laugh! Truman was rough around the edges, yet a highly skilled and intelligent man; he was well-read, articulate in a plain sort of way and an astute judge of character. His opinions on Ike and MacArthur justify the purchase of this book. Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful for Truman fans, August 3, 2006

By	T. Duke (West Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read the book of Truman quotations in a couple of hours. The author was very selective, focusing on the Give'em hell, Harry one-liners and sound-bites. Truman had a charming sense of humor and a unique manner of expressing himself. If that's what you are looking for, this is a good book. I'm glad I bought it.
What I missed was the more thoughtful expressions of Truman about the beginnings of the Cold War, which began in Truman's mind when he met Stalin at Potsdam; the expression of the matured, post New Deal version of Liberalism, which hatched in his brain after the death of Roosevelt; his dislike of the the presidency; and his candid opinions of the powerful men with whom he intereacted.

"We had won the war. It was my hope now that the people of Germany and Japan could be rehabilitated.... The United States wanted no territory, no reparations. Peace and happiness for all countries were the goals toward which we would work and for which we had fought. No nation in the history of the world had taken such a position in complete victory. No nation with the military power of the United States of America had been so generous to its enemies and so helpful to its friends. Maybe the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount could be put into effect." -- from Truman's Memoirs

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Insights, April 19, 2002

By	TheHighlander (Richfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This book was an excellent insight into the President who never lost sight of the fact that he was nothing more than a common man. Refreshing attitudes that we do not seem to see in politicians today. In his own words, on many subjects, and shooting from the hip his words provide a greater understanding to what Harry Truman was made of. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about Harry Truman or anyone who has an interest in U.S. history.