Harry S. Truman

School Library Journal

Gr 9-12-This well-researched, lucid biography sums up the 33rd President as a man ``...who made decisions and got things done.'' According to the author, decisiveness, independence, and pragmatism characterized Truman's political style, exemplified by his decisions to drop the atomic bomb on Japan and to fire General Douglas MacArthur. He is also depicted as a politician known for his integrity as well as for his temper. Although the bulk of the book treats the White House years, early chapters reflect on the subject's Midwestern beginnings. An insert of black-and-white photographs is included. Unlike Thomas Fleming's Harry S. Truman (Walker, 1993), this volume includes little on the origins and battles of World War II, but it does give more attention to postwar affairs. Jim Hargrove's Harry S. Truman (Childrens, 1987) offers more imaginative and better-reproduced photographs, though that title is geared to a slightly younger audience. Feinberg writes with an admiring tone, but remains nonjudgmental, concluding that ``Whether or not Harry Truman should be ranked among the greatest American presidents is still subject to debate.''-Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library

Mary Romano Marks

Using contemporary accounts, Truman's memoirs, and recent studies of the Truman administration, political scientist Feinberg concisely examines Truman's ascendancy as a national and international leader and the problems he faced in office. The author clearly details the events and issues of the president's two terms, perceptively analyzing Truman's subsequent impact on U.S. foreign and domestic policy. The portrait is filled with interesting facts, including insight into experiences in Truman's early life that shaped his values and commitment to public service. This balanced portrait of the decisive, plainspoken president will be a valuable addition to American history and biography collections. A glossary and a bibliography are appended.