This book was an excellent insight into the President who never lost sight of the fact that he was nothing more than a common man. Refreshing attitudes that we do not seem to see in politicians today. In his own words, on many subjects, and shooting from the hip his words provide a greater understanding to what Harry Truman was made of. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about Harry Truman or anyone who has an interest in U.S. history.

This collection of quotes, letters, and anecdotes gives the reader a comphrehensive overview of Truman's life as well as insight into the kind of man he truly was. This book allows the reader to feel connected to Truman in a way a biography can not.

This is a wonderful collection of quotes, letters, and anecdotes which together give the reader a quick view of Truman's life as well as a mental picture of the man from many different instances and viewpoints. This book, because of its clear depiction of Truman's character, makes the reader feel connected to Truman in a way that a biography perhaps does not.

I grew up listening to my parents talk about Harry Truman and the 1948 election. No one thought Truman had a chance and everyone went to bed believing Tom Dewey would be the next President. Boy, was everyone wrong, from the reporters who covered the campaign, to H.V. Kaltenborn, the famous radio announcer of that era, to the new political pollsters. All were left with egg on their faces when Truman won over 300 electoral votes and swept to victory.

This book demonstrate the importance of the farm vote switching mightily to Truman as the campaign wore on, and how Dewey was impossibly arrogant and stopped active campaigning on mid-October, thinking he had the election sewn up! Most of all, this is a tribute to the plucky Harry Trumam, who never conceded, never doubted he would win, and throughout his famous whistle-stop tour, gave 'em hell. A stirring account of the agreat campaign.

Truman Defeats Dewey makes a persuasive case that the 1948 election was a watershed event in American political history and began the modern political era. An associate professor of history at Xavier University in New Orleans, Gary Donaldson presents a fresh and informative examination of how Harry Truman took the 1948 race and what Thomas Dewey did (and didn't) do that resulted in his losing the election. In summary, Truman did a better and more effective job of connecting with the American public whereas Dewey was fairly inept as both a public speaker and in understanding/presenting the issues that concerned constituent voters. Truman Defeats Dewey is a superbly written and presented treatise that will prove a welcome addition to 20th Century American political science and electorial history reading lists and reference collections.

This book's objectivity is suspect due to the fact that it was published by the conservative Heritage Foundation; however, Joseph Shattan does a good job in making his case for these six men who did so much to alter the course of late 20th century history. It is remarkable that his list includes two American presidents (one Democrat, one Republican), a German chancellor, England's greatest prime minister, a pope, and a Russian writer. Such a disparate group makes this more than an essay on politics, it is a rich analysis of fifty years of world history. You can disagree with Shattan (as other reviewers have done), but you cannot deny that he has offered good reasoning for his heroic choices. It is enlightening to read about the contributions of Solzhenitsyn, Adenaur, and John Paul II, which are not well known. It is extremely satisfying to read a concise analysis of what Truman, Churchill, and Reagan brought to the mix. I believe that conservatives give Reagan too much credit for "winning" the Cold War, however I also believe that history will bear them out to a very large degree. Churchill is a giant, truly the Man of the Century (despite what TIME magazine thinks), and get his credit here. Truman obviously had a strong grasp on "the big picture" even as he grew into his role. It is interesting to apply what Shattan teaches us to the study of governments, economies, and social progress in this same time period. Joseph Shattan has done us all a favor by publishing this book; maybe efforts like this will finally begin to reduce the luster from Mikhail Gorbachev. Buy this book and read it. Then donate it to your kids' school library.

This is an excellent book, especially for anyone who wants to get a quick understanding of the greatest conflict of the century from a single book, in an easily accessible and compelling format. I was amazed at how much I did not know about all of the characters involved, especially Churchill, Solzhenitsyn, Pope John Paul II, and Reagan. The only part of the book that did not flow quickly was that on Truman. I think the authors really struggled with writing a biography of him that lived up to the title of the book. I can understand why they wanted to include him, but he doesn't really fit the mold of "hero" as all of the others do. Still, compared with FDR and Eisenhower, he comes pretty close!

This book is a very impressive piece of work. Shattan is very fair when he writes about each and every person, no matter what their political stripe. From Churchill's prescient knowledge of what must be done to Truman's acknowledgement of the danger that Communism posed to Adenauer's firm and unwavering alignment with the West to Solzihentisyn(sp?) showing how the Cold War was really a moral struggle to Pope John Paul II's unwavering determination to free Poland to Ronald Reagan who ultimately caused the end of the Cold War; even though it came under Bush's administration; Shattan demonstrates a keen eye for details and an excellent sense of analysis. This is well worth reading for anyone interested in the Cold War.

Truman's 1948 "Give'em Hell, Harry" campaign is legendary and the stuff of legions of books. Most political science students and history buffs generally regard it as the best presidential campaign in our history for a variety of reasons:

> Truman's come-back from certain defeat was unprecedented.

> Never, either before or since 1948, has the science of political polling and the views of opinion makers been so far off the mark, nor so scrutinized as a consequence.

> The ideological positions were varied. In addition to the liberal positions of Truman and the conservative platform of Dewey you had the more extreme states-rights, anti civil rights, posturing of the Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond, and the left of left views of Progressive Henry A Wallace.

All these points are ably developed on in THE LAST CAMPAIGN and there are also sufficient biographical sketches of the four political players. The book offers a different spin though by casting these events as a "last campaign" in terms of it being a watershed political environment. "For the last time in this century, an entire spectrum of ideologies was represented in the presidential election." While this may be true in terms of there being four different ideological positions, the author contradicts this view somewhat by showing that not only did positions shift - with Truman moving further left - but also, the extreme views on offer were in fact more rhetoric than reality.

As to why this makes this the "last campaign", the explanation offered by the author is that television quickly intruded into, and then took over the operations of political campaigns, and has rendered all campaigns since as stage managed performances that are exquisitely boring.

The book is well written and it brings the men of the moment and the times alive. The argument offered is interesting and well developed. The only problem is that it's just not that big a premise to build a book on. TV can certainly be blamed for a lot that is wrong with our culture today, but nostalgia for a simpler America is an insufficient foundation on which to make a case for the importance of THE LAST CAMPAIGN. Enjoy the book for what it is: a riveting read about the intricacies of a political campaign the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again.

More than a mere summary of Truman's upset victory, this book wisely includes detailed accounts of all the presidential campaigns; Republican Thomas Dewey, Progressive Henry Wallace, and Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond. Consequently, we are given new insight as to how Truman pulled off his magnificent victory. Still, the main thrust of the book (how 1948 was the last year for so many things political), is infinitely fascinating and makes this a book impossible to put down. Truman's style of tough talk and fierce rhetoric (which the author believes opened the door for Republican-led attacks in Truman's second term) captured the nation that year, but would soon give way to the bland and inoffensive platitudes of Dewey. Because 1948 was the last presidential election not to have significant television coverage, candidates could focus more on the issues at hand without be as concerned with image and polite pronouncements. The year 1948 also witnessed the last relevant convention, when the candidate was decided after more than one ballot. As the author states, conventions are now "public spectacles for mass consumption" rather than smoke-filled halls of debate, negotiation, and last-minute surprises (could we even imagine a dark horse candidate today?) Finally, 1948 gave voters the last real choice from the ideological spectrum. While Truman and Dewey were similar in their centrist views, Wallace and Thurmond added much-desired views at the extremes. While the two fringe candidates never seriously challenged for the White House, they did receive substantial coverage and for a time, many thought Thurmond might force the election into the House. And, in something unimaginable in today's reactionary landscape, Truman actually veered Left in order to win! Author Zachary Karabell writes with a lively pen and even though this is a serious historical study, he never fails to add a dash of humor or even a pointed remark. From the campaign trains to the deluded pollsters; from Dewey's "relaxed" evenings at home (in a stiff suit and tie, no less) to Thurmond's shameless flirting at various beauty contests, this book is revealing, intelligent, and always a great read.

Karabell's "The Last Campaign" is a great book for political junkies and history buffs. The title refers to 1948 being the last presidential campaign waged before televison began to have a "shrinking effect" on campaigns. The book explodes some of the myths about the election and shows how Truman used "lowball" tactics against Dewey, who refused to respond. This was also the first campaign to be affected by the emerging Cold War, which helped torpedo the hopes of the Progressive candidate, Henry Wallace. It also saw the beginnings of the civil rights backlash in the South personified by candidate Strom Thurmond. Overall, this is a well-written history book that is very readable.

Very interesting book about what it was like to grow up with a historical figure in the family. The author talks about how having a famous grandfather influenced his life. The author also talks about his experiences in and around Washington and his perspective on them from "the inside".

This book reproduces many of the significant letters between Presidents Hoover and Truman. Their contact started in 1945 when Truman became President and continued with varying frequency until Hoover's death in 1964.

The prelude to the initial meeting between the two men is recorded here. Truman himself recounted years later his invitation to Hoover to meet together in the White House in 1945.

The two men definitely had conflicting opinions of each other. Hoover initially saw Truman as mediocre and unable to comprehend the issues. In 1947, Hoover would not stay at Blair House for fear it was wired. Years later, Hoover expressed much gratitude to Truman for treating him better than Truman's immediate predecessor had. Hoover viewed Truman as unpredictable. While Truman was cordial and kind in letters and in person to Hoover, Truman nonetheless referred negatively to Hoover in campaign speeches in 1948 and 1952. Hoover viewed these as personal attacks. Truman's claim in 1965 that he never held Hoover accountable for the Great Depression is indeed doubtful.

Hoover's important work to fight human starvation in Europe after WW II is recorded here. Hoover and Truman worked together to combat this tragedy. The work of the Hoover Commission to reorganize the executive branch of the federal government is also recorded.

Bess Truman's letter to Hoover in 1949 is shown here. She requested Hoover to donate a portrait of Mrs. Hoover to the White House for public display.

Hoover's letter of 1950 showing thankfulness for Truman's survival of an assassination attempt is reproduced.

The speeches each man gave at the opening of the others Presidential Library are recorded.

I found one comment of the editors to be doubtful. They claim the Hoover/Truman friendship is unprecedented in the history of the Presidency. In April, 2000, Jimmy Carter stated that he and Gerald Ford were "the closest personal friends" of any former Presidents "in the last 200 years".

I had hoped this would be an in-depth exploration of
the inner workings and motivations of Presidents Truman
and "Ike" -what I discovered was a poorly researched, boring
book. It's almost as if Mr. Neal assumed putting both
names on the book's cover would make it a seller. Buyer
beware. You can find more in-depth material on these
men and their times right here on the internet. Also,
it turns out, Mr. Neal received monies from a Truman
Foundation, which is a poor ethical choice on his part, in
presenting a history that the reader assumes is unbiased.
If you like to see pictures of "Harry & Ike" -many which
have been printed elsewhere, you may enjoy "Harry & Ike"
the book. Quite a letdown as to what I expected.

Hitler, Hitler & Stalin, FDR & Stalin, FDR & Truman among others.
Some with no connection. Obviously Naploeon didn't know Hitler. I'm kinder that most reviewers. But this was cooperation, not a partnership. The author strains for similarities. They were both poor boys growing up at the same time in mid-America 200 miles apart.
Childish & paranoid come to mind in decribing their relationship after Ike decides to run in 1952. Truman's problem was he idolized generals such as Pershing, Marshall, MacArthur & Eisenhower. He would have stepped aside for MacArthur or Ike if either had wanted to run as a Democrat in 1948. Then he became paranoid that Ike might take him up on it. Ike said he wouldn't run & Truman thought that meant forever. When Ike did run as a Republican to deny Robert Taft the nomination Truman felt betrayed, even though Ike was doing him a favor. He attacked Ike & his character viciously. Of course Ike responded in kind. There were other issues mostly personal. Their foreign policy was seamless from one administration to the next. They basically ignored each other until Kennedy's funeral when they had to sit next to each other. Good history of two great Americans leaders 1945-52 & slightly tarnishing their image after that.

Harry was wild about Ike, until Ike gave him hell, sending Harry on a crusade in Illinois. I have read a dozen or so books by and about Harry and Ike, none of which adequately explained the root causes of their falling out or their eventual reconciliation. This book fills that gap. Ike was politically naive, as Harry feared. I agree with the author that Ike would have been a better President if he had followed the advice of more of his friends, including HST, and less advice from his political handlers. This is an excellent book.

This book could be described in many ways but ultimately I think it is a book about that fundamental question, "What should we do with our life?" Set in the town of Owasso, Michigan during the months between the Republican convention and presidential election in 1948, the large cast of characters and relatively simple plot serve to highlight a range of both political and personal values that influence how people choose to live. Every character in the novel (including the elderly and middle aged characters) must make difficult decisions that will effect the rest of their own and other's lives. The somewhat comic and very understanding perspective that Mallon brings to these decisions and their consequences give the book a lightness that, I think, detracts from the seriousness of his subject. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to read and I look forward to seeking out other books by Thomas Mallon.

This was lovely novel...Mallon has recreated the 1948 down to the tiniest detail. I kept seeing the novel as a film from the time--it just has the right feel. The characters are affecting and their stories enthrall you. There were one or two changes in characters that I didn't quite buy (ie, they weren't developed enough), but still a delightful book.

Perhaps I was primed to love this book: I still think Thomas Mallon's essay from Owosso, published in 1991, is the best thing the American Spectator ever printed. His trip there obviously inspired this book. I'm also from Michigan, so the whole thing had a homey feel. But I don't think you need to have ever set foot in the Wolverine State to appreciate this book. The characters are wonderful--colorful, poignant, and very authentic. The writing is just great. If you're at all curious, give Thomas Mallon a try. This one probably won't be your last.

Harry did not want to be President and was not tied to corrupt political influences as President. This book misses the essence of Harry Truman badly. I suggest reading Harry's own books to understand Harry, at least this author knew Harry intimately.

Robert Ferrell has been the foremost Truman scholar for several decades. His culminating work is this fine, well-researched, analytically compelling biography. It was supposed to be the definitive work on Truman. But David McCullough published his magnum opus first. I wish that Professor Ferrell had received a fraction of the well-deserved acclamation heaped on McCullough. The two works are complementary. Ferrell does not match the rich narrative sweep of McCullough but makes up for it with critical analysis and placing Truman and his presidency in historical context, both in terms of change and continuity. If you liked "Truman" you will appreciate "Harry S. Truman: A Life" and may find it ultimately more satisfying.

"Harry S Truman" is an edifying biography of the Man from Independence, from his days as a boy until his retirement and death in Independence. Throughout this biography, Ferrell does an excellent job of covering the main events in Truman's life as well as undertaking in-depth analysis of various issues and decisions with which Truman was concerned. This biography serves, not only as an interesting character study, but also as a view into the other figures of history with whom Truman interacted as well as a view into the general history of his day. I recommend this book to all who have an interest in Truman or his era.

This reviewer has read many books about Franklin Roosevelt, but not many recently because they are too repetitious. What did I find out here that I didn't read before?- Roosevelt's last evening on earth seemed to be somewhat pleasant. Although he looked tired, after a drink he spoke with animation about his forthcoming trip to the San Francisco United Nations Conference. The following afternoon, April 12th, his next to last words were "I have a terrific pain in the back of my head." His last words as he was carried to his room were "Be careful." A statement on page 51 about the religions could be interpreted as biased or prejudiced. However, he appointed men of all major religions to high office. So in this case actions spoke louder than words.

The title of the new book from Michael Beschloss is completely accurate, once you understand the meaning of THE CONQUERORS: Roosevelt, Truman and the Destruction of Hitler's Germany, 1941-1945. The key word in that title is not "conquerors"; very little attention is given to Bradley, Patton and the military efforts to defeat the Axis Powers. The focus of the book is not on the disposition of forces, the overall grand strategies, or the use of air power. Beschloss concentrates not on the destruction of German military might but on the destruction of the idea of Hitler's Germany. The conflict in THE CONQUERORS is intellectual rather than physical. It is not about the battle for Germany but the battle for the hearts and minds of postwar Germans. The challenge, as the Allied leaders saw it, was how to prevent another war and how to ensure that Germany could not and would not trouble the peace of the world again.

THE CONQUERORS is primarily the story of the Morgenthau Plan, an ill-starred attempt by Roosevelt's Treasury Secretary, Henry Morgenthau, to impact American policy in postwar Germany. The plan involved the wholesale destruction of German manufacturing capacity and the immediate execution of Nazi leaders; opponents described it as "Carthaginian." Beschloss describes how Morgenthau, Roosevelt's closest Jewish friend, was influenced by early reports of the Holocaust and frustrated by his failure to convince FDR to take action to stop the grisly machinery of the concentration camps. Morgenthau is the primary character in the book; his private letters and papers are the main source of material for Beschloss. As a result, the focus of THE CONQUERORS is Morgenthau's experience, which primarily consists of bureaucratic infighting among the Treasury, State and War Departments, as well as the new Truman Administration.

The result is a masterful work, yet it is a little dry for the casual reader. Moreover, Beschloss provides little in the way of second-guessing, preferring instead to let the story of the Morgenthau Plan explain itself. This allows the reader to see the problems of postwar Germany the way that Roosevelt and Truman saw them --- complete with asides about Roosevelt's boyhood vacations in Bavaria and Truman's reflexive anti-Semitism. However, aside from a brief introduction and conclusion, Beschloss provides little analysis of the mistakes, if any, that were made by Roosevelt, Truman and Morgenthau. Furthermore, Beschloss provides little or no detail about the crucial issue of how and why the Morgenthau Plan was dropped in favor of the more lenient (and ultimately more successful) Marshall Plan.

THE CONQUERORS is a valuable book, if a little frustrating in spots. It sheds light on a period only dimly understood by most and it does a good service by putting Henry Morgenthau in the spotlight of history once more. While it may not be as meaty as a good rehash of the war in the European theater, it is still important and vital.

--- Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds

Michael Beschloss, in his new book The Conquerors, tells the tale of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and their roles in the defeat of Hitler's Germany during World War II.

The book focuses on the period 1941-1945, and Beschloss' writing style makes for easily understood reading. Although the book seems to spend a tremendous amount of time discussing Henry Morgenthau (Roosevelt's Secretary of the Treasury), this is easily understood as the plot unfolds.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone interested in the political history of the World War II era. I feel that the only drawback to the book is that there is an entire chapter devoted to post wartime activities in Germany. In my opinion, this chapter is unnecessary, since neither Roosevelt nor Truman was strongly involved in the daily operations in Germany after the war ended.