David McCullough’s Truman is a Pulitzer Prize winning biography published in 1992 by Simon & Schuster. The book follows the life and career of the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman. McCullough was able to paint an accurate and captivating portrait of the life and times of one of America’s most admired presidents. The book is highly praised by both scholars and laymen and has been hailed as one of McCullough’s greatest works.
The book begins with a brief overview of Truman’s parents, John Anderson and Martha Ellen Young Truman. McCullough portrays Truman’s mother as a fiercely independent, hard-working woman and his father as a loving, if somewhat neglectful, provider. The life of the young Harry Truman is explored with a deep attention to detail. From his struggles in school due to reading difficulties, to his passion for music, McCullough paints a clear picture of what Truman was like as a young man.
McCullough next focuses on Truman’s formative years as an adult, beginning with his decision to go into the military and serve in World War One. Truman was proud of his service and spoke openly about his experiences in France and Germany. The book also looks at Truman’s first political job, which was as a Jackson County and later as a U.S. Senator from Missouri. His eventual rise to the vice-presidency is documented, along with his sudden ascension to the presidency upon the death of Roosevelt in 1945.
McCullough devotes a significant amount of time to documenting Truman’s accomplishments as president. He builds a comprehensive picture of the choices and decisions made by Truman during his time in office. From his decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to his founding of the United Nations, and his work in helping to shape the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals, McCullough examines each moment in remarkable detail.
The book also looks at Truman’s domestic policies, particularly those that defined the post-war era. Truman is credited with having secured civil rights and housing reform, as well as creating a strong national defense system. With a deep understanding of the political context of the time, McCullough offers insight into the challenges and successes of Truman’s domestic work.
The book also takes a look at Truman’s private life. McCullough portrays Truman’s wife Bess as a loyal wife, friend and confidant to her husband. Truman’s daughter Margaret is featured as a source of support to Truman, and recounts many private stories of the family life. McCullough also paints an accurate and humorous portrait of Truman’s close friendships with his ‘Army Buddies’, as well as his famous meetings with figures such as Winston Churchill and James Byrnes.
Truman by David McCullough is an expansive, compelling look at the life and times of America's 33rdpresident. Clearly written and lavishly researched, this is a book for any lover of history, which will leave one armed with insight and admiration for Harry S. Truman.
