Truman by David Willis McCullough (1992, Hardcover)

Simply put, this is the greatest biography I have ever read, and I've read many. When reading a good biography you are learning history because to understand the subject you need to understand context, the times in which he or she lived. When reading Truman, the reader not only understands why Harry Truman, an ordinary man, is considered almost universally by historians to have been a truly great President, ranking only behind Lincoln, FDR and a few others, but of the events that shaped and allowed him to successfully meet the enormous challenges of his presidency. And they were stunning, overwhelming challenges. He didn't get everything right. McCullough obviously admires Truman, but pulls no punches. This is an even-handed presentation. But Truman certainly nailed most of the big decisions: The Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe over the schill objections of isolationist Republicans in Congress. NATO and a multi-lateral approach to containing and ultimately ending Soviet influence - Some who do not understand history want to give Ronald Reagan credit for this, but the "Truman Doctine," which became a 40-year American bi-partisan, western multi-national policy, finally resulted in the Soviet's collapse when Reagan was President. De-segragating the military. Keeping Nuclear weapons under civilian control (and successfully avoiding WW III, a nuclear WW III, by keeping Douglas McArthur under control). His unexpected 1948 election victory. His discision to recognize Isreal, immediately, when to withhold this acknowledgment of legitimacy threatened that fledging country's existence. The Berlin Airlift that kept that city free and a beacon of freedom infor over 40 years in eastern Europe. His astute ability to judge character - E.G., his immediate distain for Senator Joseph McCarthy and his Red Scare tactics that needlessly destoyed thousands of lives. His advocay of universal health care that eventaully led to Medicare for senior citizens. His openness and honesty - in stark contrast to the current Bush administration, almost certainly the most sective, dishonest, and diasterous in out nation's history. Truman's faithful relationship with his wife, Bess, and her mother, who never believed he was good enough for her daughter.

As a boy and young man Harry Truman walked behind the mule that pulled a plow on his family farm. Fifty years later, as President he made decisions that led to some of our nation's finest moments.

I'd never read 1,100 pages in a weekend, before, but I could not put this book down. I can't think of a biography I would recommend more highly, or a biographer who is better than McCoullough. (I've read some of his books, E.G. 1776, and found them, only in contrast, disappointing - in fact his other books are excellent, better than what almost anyone else is writing, but IMO simply are not in a league with this masterpiece. Amd make no mistake, Truman is a masterpiece.

Great book, I'm interested in history and love the way David McCullough makes the reader want to continue reading and learn about our country. Thanks

This is an excellent book and should by read. The author is very detailed and sometimes a little wordy but it is interesting and fascinating.

I bought this book off eBay for its price and because it was the hardbound copy. I borrowed the book from the library first and decided I'd like to have my own copy. The price was very reasonable and it was complete and in good condition, even having the dust jacket on the book. I like that this older book was available on eBay, making it convenient to buy without going to a used bookstore to hunt for it. There is nothing I dislike about this book.