Truman

David McCullough, host and narrator of several PBS series and documentaries, does a wonderful job of tracing the life story of our thirty-third president, Harry S. Truman. This is a double treat; not only is Truman a meticulously researched and fascinating biography, but McCullough's narration is thoroughly engaging and entertaining. His even-paced, expres-sive presentation and the quiet power behind his words bring many emotions to the trials and triumphs of this great American. Hearing Truman's own voice from recordings of his speeches and his piano rendition of The Blackhawk Waltz enhance this audio experience far beyond that of just reading the book. A.A.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

June 15, 1992
Cracker-barrel plain in speech and looks, this seemingly ordinary man turned out to be one of our most dynamic presidents. It was Harry S. Truman who ordered the atomic bomb dropped, halted Communists in Turkey and Greece, initiated the Marshall Plan, NATO and the Berlin Airlift, ordered desegregation of the armed forces, established the CIA and the Defense Department, committed U.S. forces to Korea and upheld the principle of civilian control over the military by firing Gen. Douglas MacArthur. McCullough ( Mornings on Horseback ) has written a surefooted, highly satisfying biography of the 33rd president, one that not only conveys in rich detail Truman's accomplishments as a politician and statesman, but also reveals the character and personality of this constantly-surprising man--as schoolboy, farmer, soldier, merchant, county judge, senator, vice president and chief executive. The book relates how Truman (1884-1972) overcame the stigma of business failure and debt (as well as the accusation that he was ``bellboy'' to Kansas City's Pendergast machine) and acquired a reputation for honesty, reliability and common sense. McCullough pays considerable attention to Truman's family, especially his fervent and touching courtship of Bess Wallace, the idolized love of his life. Her mother never felt Truman was good enough for her daughter, even after he became president. The book's re-creation of the 1948 presidential campaign, during which Newsweek 's poll of 50 political writers predicted that the incumbent would lose the election to Thomas Dewey, is the most complete account of that surprise victory to date. The book is an impressive tribute to a man whose brisk cheerfulness and self-confidence were combined with a God-fearing humility; a great and good man who, in McCullough's opinion, was a great president. Photos not seen by PW. BOMC main selection; History Book Club and QPB alternatives; author tour.

The 33rd President of the United States saw his country through the end of WWII, the creation of the State of Israel, Civil Rights legislation, and numerous other momentous events. Nelson Runger presents McCullough's thorough biography of Truman, showing great proficiency for Truman's vocal characteristics. Runger's re-creation of Truman's voice captures all the flat, nasal Missouri straightforwardness heard on archival broadcasts. His portrayals of Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Thomas Dewey, and others echo their vocal characteristics, as well. In the longer narrative passages, Runger succumbs to a rhythmic, soporific pace. Fortunately, these paragraphs lead to dialogue before too long. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine