I have long felt that reading someone's published letters, if the editors have done their job, is one of the best ways to really understand the character and outlook of the subject. This is certaintly true in the cases of Henry Adams and Justice Holmes, for example. I think one reason for this is that the authors are not writing for publication, so they are more informal and less inclined to posture. The real person tends to shine through more clearly.
This book contains the "personal correspondence" between former President Truman and Dean Acheson, his monumental Secretary of State, between 1953 and 1971, that is the period after Truman had left the White House. The book is very well designed by its editors, David Acheson (son of Dean) and Ray Geselbracht. First there is a brief Introduction by David McCullough, who has written extensively on Truman. The letters themselves are presented chronologically in eight chapters, identified by the prominent themes discussed. Each chapter has a superb picture and short introduction by the editors framing the larger context. Usually, each letter itself has a brief introduction explaining references, background, and context. There is a complete listing of all letters at the end of the book, as well as a quite detailed index which is very helpful.
The pictures really add to the contributions of the book. My favorite heads chapter 1, and shows Truman returning from his Wake Island Conference in 1950 with General MacArthur. Here is the essence of the Truman presidency, as HST stands surrounded by such luminary figures as Averell Harriman, George Marshall, Omar Bradley, and of course Acheson. Truman may be the shortest in physical stature, but he is the tallest in historical stature among these giant figures. These are the advisers who guided this largely self-educated, former machine politician during some of the most challenging periods of the 20th century. While Truman (by his own admission) spoke a lot, fortunately he also listened a lot, and he listened to no one more than Acheson and General Marshall.
Acheson (1893-1971) was a man of many talents and interests. He first came to Washington to clerk for Justice Brandeis (as recounted in his "Morning and Noon"), then joined a very early form of the law firm of Covington and Burling, served with FDR in the New Deal, resigned, then became after Truman's ascension an undersecretary at State and finally Secretary of State. His "Present at the Creation" recounts how Truman and he shaped postwar foreign policy in areas such as aid to Greece and Turkey, containment and, of course, the Korean War. Acheson was candid with Truman as Secretary, and he is so in these letters, on occasion offering some crisp rejoinder to a Truman speech or article. One comes to understand how these two worked while in office from reading these letters, which constitute a history of American politics during this period as both were deeply involved in Democratic party activities and elections.
These also are quite candid letters--people at whom tart comments are aimed are named and often well known. It is the candor of the exchange that adds so much insight into these two characters. Truman is often a very hard figure to get a grasp on--sometimes praised for strong leadership, other times seen as too emotional and simplistic in his thinking. After reading these letters, I think we come very close to understanding the true HST (not to mention Acheson). The book is beautifully produced, on fine paper, as is typical of Berryville Graphics in Virginia. A very fine effort all the way around.
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