A review by yoteach87
Truman by David McCullough
3.0
After nearly four months of reading, I have finally completed the epic mega book that is "Truman" by David McCullough. Coming in at nearly 1,000 pages it is by far the longest book I've ever read and only the first book I've read dedicated to a single president. While I had hoped to use the newly-gained knowledge on a trip to Independence, MO to the Truman Library in early June, it ended up not working out and completing the book became simply a quest for knowledge. Needless to say, this book is incredibly extensive covering both pre and post-presidencies in at a quicker pace, while stretching Truman's near 8-year presidency over a large chunk of the middle.
Aside from the obvious upper-hand in all Truman-related trivia from here on out, the book provided me with a masterful glimpse into a man I knew hardly anything about. Sure, I knew Truman’s middle name stood simply for “S” and that he succeeded the dead President Roosevelt in 1945, but such historical chapters as the atomic bomb, the beginning of the cold war, and Korea were largely unknown. I came away with an understanding that Truman was an everyman. He wasn’t a “career” politician; he only entered politics when he was 50(!). Here was a guy that ended up in the nation’s highest office by complete misfortune (I absolutely do not think he could have become president any other way); and did a heck of a job in office. Though, at the end of his administration, he was meddling at best in popularity history has been kind to him. Especially given his handling of Korea; refusing to drop nuclear weapons, and preventing the spread of communism in Asia. Sure, he could have handled certain things better, and he lacked the gusto and prestige of a Roosevelt. But he rose to the occasion when called and delivered one of the better administrations of the 20th century.
Now onto the next one.
Aside from the obvious upper-hand in all Truman-related trivia from here on out, the book provided me with a masterful glimpse into a man I knew hardly anything about. Sure, I knew Truman’s middle name stood simply for “S” and that he succeeded the dead President Roosevelt in 1945, but such historical chapters as the atomic bomb, the beginning of the cold war, and Korea were largely unknown. I came away with an understanding that Truman was an everyman. He wasn’t a “career” politician; he only entered politics when he was 50(!). Here was a guy that ended up in the nation’s highest office by complete misfortune (I absolutely do not think he could have become president any other way); and did a heck of a job in office. Though, at the end of his administration, he was meddling at best in popularity history has been kind to him. Especially given his handling of Korea; refusing to drop nuclear weapons, and preventing the spread of communism in Asia. Sure, he could have handled certain things better, and he lacked the gusto and prestige of a Roosevelt. But he rose to the occasion when called and delivered one of the better administrations of the 20th century.
Now onto the next one.