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** spoiler alert ** Audible credit 54 hours 17 min. Narrated by Nelson Runger (A)

Review:
I was born in 1947, lived outside D.C, and my mother was an avid follower of the news (Chet Huntley and David Brinkly, Walter Cronkite) and the first president I remember is Dwight D. Eisenhower. As Republicans my parents probably voted for him. Before reading this biography, I had a vague negative opinion of Harry Truman perhaps because of his swearing. I still do not approve of cursing, but my opinion of Truman has improved 90 percent.
He wasn't a perfect man but who among us is? He is the prime example of how a common man without even a college degree could become the leader of the Free World and do a good job. Truman knew his greatest asset was his ability to make friends with men who had the experience he lacked. He was beloved by the the White House staff and his secret service agents "the little people." Friends from his childhood stood willingly behind him even during the darkest, most trying times, not because because was president but because he was Harry Truman, the friend. I loved the letters from Harry Truman to his mother, sister, cousin, daughter and especially his wife. These gave more real introspection of the man he was.

This is such a great biography! I only regret that it wasn't until last year that I discovered David McCullough. I have been working my way through his works starting with John Adams in 2021.

I love ice cream, and I admit I'm a snob. I'd rather have a pint of a quality product than a quart of lesser quality. As the end of Harry Truman's life was approaching, I felt like I was scraping the bottom of the container of my favorite mint chocolate chip. It was so delicious that I was sad to see it end!

For a truly remarkable review of this book read the one written by Stefania D from April, 2021. She's written a brilliant review!






Personal notes only I use a tablet for GR and don't have the luxury of saving a file.

My introduction to two great "wise men" Henry L. Stimson and Clark Clifford, each deserving of their own biographies.
George C. Marshall. David Lillianthal (TVA, civilin head of AEC) James Forrestal ( super carrier fire Vietnam Nam 1st Sec. Depart. of Defense), Dean Atcheson, Charlie Ross
Cincinatus the mythical hero championed by Geo. Washington also admired by HST.
HST knew that the alure of power was addictive like gambling and drinking.
Cutting the fat from the defense dept spending ultimately cut muscle and bone ultimately Truman's responsibility. HST ignored the advice of Forrestal at drastic drawdown after WW2.
Responsible for organizing the Berlin Airlift and the recognition of Israel as a country.
First president since Lincoln to back civil rights for blacks. Ordered integragration of the military and federal civil service jobs.
Douglas MacArthur prima dona Korea came as complete surprise Truman has no reservations about fighting in Korea but his greatest fear was of it becoming 3rd WW against Communists. He resisted using nuclear weapons.The war dragged on for years despite Ts best efforts to to arrive at an honorable peace. This peace did not come until the death of Stalin and that during Ike's first term.
Joe McCarthy's baseless hectoring and vile accusations of Communist agenda against the President, Dean Acheson ,and especially George Marshall.
The sudden loss of his boyhood friend Charles Ellis who had become his White House press secretary and advisor deeply affected him during his presidency as did the sudden death of his only close male friend Dean Acheson at the end of his life. HST took friendship seriously.
HT was never financially secure enough to even own his own home. When he and Bess were married, Truman moved into his mother-in-law's house where the couple continued to live throughout his career and until his death.When they first went to Washington, D.C. after his election as senator, they were forced to move five times trying to find a place they could afford. When he suddenly became president, they moved into the Blair house until Eleanor Roosevelt and Harry Hopkin's and others could vacate the White House. When they did move into the White House, it was in such poor condition, it was not only embarrassing it was dangerous. The floor was actually unsafe giving way underneath weight of the president's bathroom and his daughter's piano. They were forced to move back to the Blair House where they lived throughout most of the renovation but moved back into "the tax payers house", Truman felt deeply about maintaining original integriy and faithful restoration after the interior demolition. Three years four months later President and Mrs.Truman were able to move back into the most famous American house and HST pronounced it "lovely."
April 12, 1950 he wrote a letter refusing to run for presidency in 1952 and filed it away, and brought out to deliver two years later.
HST recognized leadership skills of D.D.E during WW2 and even offered to support him as Democrat for president. When DDE finally ran as a Republican, he snubbed HST even to to point of ignoring him in person. HST felt this personally because had held Ike in such high regard. After Ike was elected, HST offered to have Ike into his office to help bring Ike up-to-date and to help with a smooth transition of power, Ike refused his help. Ike even refused a dinner at the WH, and on the morning of inauguration even refused to come in for coffee though they were riding together. Ike was completely caught off guard to see his son who was stationed in Korea waiting at the inauguration. One of Truman's last acts as president had been to assure that Ike's son be released temporarily from his duties in Korea and flown to DC to see his father take the oath of office. Truman did what he thought was right and honorable without making it known to either man.
HST left for MO without a pension money he had saved from his salary as P invested in government bonds, no offers for a real job. He had to get a small loan from a DC bank to tide them over until he could "make do". He refused to peddle his position as President to be used in any way for financial gain.
Truman was devastated by the assassination of John F. Kennedy for whom he taken a great liking despite the fact that he hated John's father. He and Bess had even had dinner at the White House with President and Mrs. Kennedy. It brought back the unsuccessful attack on his own life years ago.
One his greatest joys was to become grandfather to four boys and he delighted in introducing them to his little WH in the FL Keys.
HST worked tirelessly to raise funds for his presidential library in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. His presence there and interaction with the visitors bought joy to the final years of his life. Great story of the painting of the mural.
Sorry to have to use Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ as a record of some of the highlights I have learned.