Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt's Shadow and Remade the World

by David L. Roll

The fascinating story behind the most consequential presidential transition in US history, from Franklin Roosevelt to Harry Truman, and the legacy Truman struggled to overcome to lead America into a new, post-war world

In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt selected as his next running mate a hardworking, uncontroversial senator from Missouri named Harry Truman. On April 12, 1945, Roosevelt died, and Truman, after only 82 days as vice president, was thrust into the presidency, a turning point that generations of historians have inexplicably addressed as shocking. Yet Roosevelt’s failing health had been plain to staffers for at least a year. With the end of his life looming, FDR met alone only twice with his vice president, and failed to brief him on domestic issues or foreign affairs, most notably his intentions for ending World War II, including the existence of the atomic bomb program. It was, as author David L. Roll contends, one of the most irresponsible oversights in presidential history.

As president, Truman was woefully unprepared. He immediately faced the surrender of Germany, a continent in ruins, and the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan. Most significantly, the Soviet Union, an ally during the war, was growing increasingly hostile towards US power. Truman inherited FDR’s hope that peace could be maintained through cooperation with the Soviets, but he would soon learn that imitating his predecessor would lead only to missteps and controversy.

Spanning the years of transition, 1944 to 1948, Ascent to Power explores Roosevelt’s post-war illusions, and the very real challenges faced by Truman as a supposed “accidental president,” including the revival of Western Europe, the reform of Japan, and the hotly-debated birth of Israel. Detailing the long shadow cast by FDR, this remarkable book reveals Truman’s struggle to emerge as a president in his own right, and how the decisions made during these years of transition changed the world.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, War, Presidents

544 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2024

Reviews

[Brok3n · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry and Joe made the world I grew up in

I was born in 1955. By that time Harry Truman had been out of power for two years. Joseph Stalin died in 1953. But for the first thirty years of my life, the international and political world I lived in was the one they made in Truman's first term as President of the USA, from 1945-1948. Indeed, as I look at the headlines on 16-Apr-2024, with Israel and Palestinians once more at war, and Putin's Russia trying to reconquer Ukraine, it is obvious that, even though we have to some extent moved on, we still live in the world that Harry and Joe made.

Harry and Joe met for the first time in Potsdam on 17-Jul-1945. Harry was impressed by Joe: “I can deal with Stalin. He is honest— but smart as hell.” Joe thought Harry was a lightweight, “Truman’s neither educated nor clever.” Stalin was not exactly wrong. In July, 1945, Harry *WAS* a lightweight. He had been ignored by Roosevelt and given no access to the political machinations that were central to his presidency. But Joe missed something important: Harry was a quick learner.

And something else: Harry was surrounded by smart people, and he was smart enough to use them. Harry appointed George (Marshall) as his Secretary of State, and stood aside and let him take the credit for sending American treasure and people to Japan and Europe (Germany included), resulting in an economically strong alliance of democracies that kept Joe's Soviet Union in a box until it finally collapsed, many years later.

We should pause for a second to appreciate how unusual this was. The historical rule is "To the victor go the spoils". It was entirely precedented and accepted that when you won a war, you walked off with everything that wasn't nailed down. This, indeed, was Joe's approach to that portion of Germany left in his hands -- to loot it. Harry and George brought about economic miracles in Japan and Germany (seriously, look up the German word Wirtschaftswunder). They didn't do this because they were generous -- they did it because they were smart. Far too many people -- even powerful world leaders -- believe that one person can benefit only if others lose. Harry and George made a bet that a powerful Japan and Europe would be good for the USA.

Harry also did other things that shaped the next several decades. He dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. But he was known as a straightforward, honest, and fair man. And he seems to have deserved that reputation. Harry recognized the new state of Israel within minutes of its declaration. Harry also championed civil rights in the USA -- a weaker version than we would now support, but it was the first big step towards a more fair USA. Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond, who deserted Harry's Democratic Party over the civil rights issue, when asked why he would desert over Harry's actions when he had overlooked similar promises made by Roosevelt in 1944, answered that the difference was that “Truman really means it.”

David L. Roll's Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt's Shadow and Remade the World, is not a complete biography of Truman.

Unlike previous histories of the Roosevelt and Truman presidencies, this book focuses on the transition— the long shadow cast by the dead president, Truman’s struggle to emerge, and how decisions during the years of transition, 1944 through 1948, impacted the peoples who survived the sword.

Thus, compared to a full biography like David McCullough's Truman, Ascent to Power is relatively brief and focused. (I was taken aback by Roll's calling the entire four years of Truman's first term the "transition", but since he is straightforward about doing that, I have no real complaint.) It is not by any means a light read, and there was little here I didn't already know. I had not previously appreciated the extent to which these four years made the world I grew up in. That was an enlightenment.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for an advance reader copy of Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt's Shadow and Remade the World.

Blog review.

[Donald Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real pager turner for me. I loved the topics covered, but the writer has an amazing and lively voice which wouldn't let me put down the book. Many of the events covered were just before my birth and have profoundly affected my life. The detailed research and well woven telling of the personalities and events was a great read. I think you have to have an interest in American History and government to enjoy this book so much but if you do I would be extremely surprised if you do not love this book!

[Bill Powers · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I love history, honestly, I have never been a fan of either FDR or Truman. FDR created the bloated socialist big government that is drowning us today. In my opinion, Truman was personally a racist and antisemite who used blacks and Jews to further his political career.

Roosevelt, after having a progressive/socialist as his vice president in his third term, then chose Truman as his vice president for his fourth term and did nothing to prepare him for the top job. Roosevelt knew he was dying when he chose to run for a fourth term. To me, that is the height of narcissism and selfishness.

The book is well written, but nothing in it changes my mind about the two presidents.

[Ryan McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating history of an under-discussed period of time with tons of relevant parallels to today. Great history writing feels like a narrative and this was that. Reading about the plot to assassinate the big 3 was like watching a movie plot that seems beyond reality. My kind of book right here

[Gary Sosniecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he was president the first two years of my life, I didn’t focus on Harry Truman’s presidency until I arrived in Missouri a half-century ago to study journalism. Truman died in 1972, but he remains a hero in Missouri history and culture. I was eager to read “Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt’s Shadow and Remade the World” after seeing a positive review in the Wall Street Journal. I also was eager to finish it. I enjoyed reading much of the book, but not that it took two months to read. Among my favorite parts: --FDR’s reluctance in picking Truman as vice president for his fourth term. --FDR meeting with VP Truman only twice before his death, even though FDR knew he wouldn’t live to finish his term. --Truman’s courageous decision-making immediately after assuming the presidency — and the mistakes he made afterward. --Truman’s efforts on behalf of civil rights, despite some personal hesitancy, and his recognition of Israel, conferring legitimacy on the new state. I enjoyed reading about Truman’s upset of Republican Thomas Dewey in the 1948 race and how his own party, including the Roosevelt family, tried to draft Dwight Eisenhower to be the Democrat nominee instead. I was amused that Truman was not above exaggeration when campaigning in 1948. “Truman ‘got away with murder’ in blaming the Republican-controlled 80th Congress for inflation, the housing shortage, and ‘any charge that came into his head,” reporter Robert Donovan wrote. (Page 392) Unfortunately, reading “Ascent to Power” can be a slog at times, which explains why it took me so long to finish. That’s what happens when you write a comprehensive history of a period of time. Not everything is interesting, even if it’s important.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was time for a great history lesson. I am pretty familiar with the history of FDR, but not so much of Truman. So when I was offered an ARC of this book from NetGalley, I was happy. And I was not disappointed!
Roll offers up an inside look at the end of the FDR presidency, and the ascension of Harry Truman's. He does so in a manner that is easy to read and understand. I found myself surprised at a lot of things in the book. Truman's dislike of being President (or so he told people), his early history with some unsavory characters back in Missouri, and his determination to set his own agenda for his presidency.
His dealings with the major global players is covered well. Stalin, Churchill, and all the important political figures in DC. The author uses some of Truman's own notes and letters, as well as his aides, to give a behind the scenes look. He exposes Truman's positive points, as well as many of his flaws. I was surprised at his civil rights opinions, as well as his feelings on the formation of Israel. I guess everything in the Presidency eventually comes down to politics, and getting those votes.
All in all, it works well. I learned a lot.

[Neil Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Chapter 14, verse 7 of the Book of Job speaks of death, rebirth, and transition: “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.” Franklin Roosevelt was like a giant American redwood who radiated hope and optimism as if he would live forever. When he was cut down, Harry Truman, a mere sprout, struggled but eventually his branches, tender but only at first, canopied the most powerful nation in the world. The transition of power from FDR to Truman was a remarkable success.”

[Chris Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read. The handoff from FDR to Truman is an amazing master stroke of history. David Roll does an amazing job as master storyteller in placing us in the room(s) where it happened. Highly recommended.

[Kenneth Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details the transition to the presidency of Truman after the death of FDR. We learn the events that led to Truman being chosen to run for vice president in 1944. We discover how Truman was not included in policy and strategic decisions of the administration. Truman is faulted for not pushing harder to be included in these decisions, but FDR was known for not including his advisers in decisions.
We follow Truman as he grapples with the problems of the day: decision to drop the bomb, inflation, demobilization, relations with Stalin and a Republican Congress.
Truman slowly emerges from the shadow of FDR to become his own man and leader of the nation. We see Truman make mistakes and have successes that eventually lead him to become the leader that allows him to win the election of 1948.

[Marco G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner of a book about how the transition from fdr to Truman went.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating history! There was so much information in this book, and I know I didn't retain a lot of it, but I sure loved listening to it all. Highly recommend for any fans of Truman or that time period in general.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off as gangbusters. After the first 100 or so pages, I was sure this was at least a 4.5 to be rounded up, if not a 4.75. Alas, it fizzled later, as well as having one specifically off-putting issue. So, 4 stars it is.

The first three points below are what I saw as gangbusters among six good things about the book.

1. Best roundup in one spot of ALL the machinations around the 1944 Veep nomination. I don’t think I’d read the full deviousness of Byrnes on this issue, devious as FDR but for different reasons and goals, ultimately more selfish.

2. Ditto on a good basic roundup of all the info about FDR’s health his last year of life, including how daughter Anna got him to live that long, even, by getting him the Bethesda visit that led to Dr. Bruen, the congestive heart failure diagnosis, and his insistence to White House physician McIntire that the treatment included digitalis.

3. Good on noting the various reasons Truman wasn’t totally wanting the Veep while at the same time noting part of him did from the time his name first got bandied.

4. Good on the bare bones of noting Truman wasn’t uninformed about Manhattan pre-presidency. Decisions to use the bomb get basic discussion. Could have been more, but if you know the likes of "Downfall," let alone "Unconditional," both in the bibliography, you have plenty. Nonetheless, this isn't an unqualified good. Many people have read neither of those books; Roll should have written more.

5. Good on all of Truman’s waffings on Israel. Later, he’s good in a “from today” bit about Israeli responsibility for the Nakba. A kudo for mentioning that.

6. An interesting anecdote that I had never heard before about him ditching the campaign on Election Night 1948.

The not so good?

The Ed Pauley nomination deserved more than cursory treatment. Given Ickes as Interior Secretary and Pauley’s nomination to be assistant Navy secretary, this had every possibility of coming off as a new Teapot Dome. If not outright cronyism, it came close. And, given that Truman's cronyism got worse in his second term, this deserved discussion.

Second, exactly what was THE breaking point if any on Byrnes is not discussed. In fact, Byrnes' actual resignation isn’t mentioned.

Third, Truman’s attempt to snag Bill Douglas as his Veep in 1948 only gets cursory treatment. I mean, Truman himself knew about the “Dear Bob” letter FDR had given Hannigan in 1944, publicly released by him at the Democratic Convention, saying he was OK with either Truman or Douglas. Surely, knowing that Douglas might have a degree of resentment he wasn’t in the Oval Office himself, Truman should have investigated in advance what Douglas thought of the 1948 campaign and how, if he hitched to a losing wagon, that would damage his future.

Fourth, if the focus is indeed on 1944-48, the epilogue is out of place.

Within that, it's conniving with Truman's duplicity to accept at face value he only netted $37,500 of his $600K memoir advance. First, he's allowing Truman not only to deduct all the assistance he had, but also take his taxes out of the "netted." By that standard, every reader of this book nets about 1/3 less per year than in reality, on our jobs. Besides, Truman as a good Democrat theoretically favored higher marginal tax rates. The fact that not all of the $600K was paid at once helped him avoid the highest tax brackets, anyway. And, as far as Truman getting a straight advance with no royalty share, whose fault is that? See here for a decent overview of the advance payouts and, more importantly, Truman tax payments for most of the 1950. Reality? He really netted at least 75K off the book if not more, in other words, nearly 400K if not more, in today's money. Plus, presidential pensions were passed by Congress in 1958.

Finally, having not just one but multiple gratuitous references to Putin, who is not Stalin, and without the context of the coup or semi-coup at the Maidan, past US meddling in Russian elections and even Pope Francis saying that NATO had "barked at" Russia? Last straw.

Beyond these things, there’s a few errors. I’m sure that 10K, not 100K, turned out at Pittsburgh’s Armory in 1948, for example.

And, with my doing the work that Roll doesn't to tell the truth on what Truman really got off the book? We're probably at 3.75 stars,

[John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the time of his death, FDR had failed to outline any post-World War II recovery plans. Astonishingly, FDR successor Harry S Truman made the unprecedented decision to rebuild the economies of foes Germany and Japan rather than punish them for wartime atrocities. By 1960, these nations had become both industrial powerhouses and key allies.
Although obvious to everyone around FDR that he wouldn't survive a fourth term because of declining health, the president showed little interest in who his vice president should be. It's questionable whether Roosevelt could have won a fourth term in 1944 had the increasingly polarizing Henry Wallace remained on the ticket. Democratic Party bosses took note of Sen. Truman, who built a reputation for honesty by heading a committee that saved the government $15 billion rooting out fraudulent war contracts. Although Roosevelt barely knew Truman, he consented to the dictates of party bosses that he become his running mate. The pair saw each other only twice between the Democratic convention and the inauguration.
After the war, Truman reversed Roosevelt's conciliatory stance to the expansion-minded Soviet Union. Truman opted to use the atomic bomb against Japan rather than send 1.7 million troops to invade the mainland. Truman's most important decision was naming General George Marshall as secretary of state. The magnanimous Marshall Plan rescued European nations from economic destruction.
Truman integrated the armed forces, although his proposed civil rights legislation would have to wait nearly another generation.

[Anne Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily readable historical account of the transition of Truman's role as VP (for 85 days) to President after FDR's death (in his 4th term-April 1945). Truman was never briefed or included in any activities that would have avoided blunders in his first days. Chief issues -runaway inflation, labor strikes, civil rights. Although Truman is portrayed as a hohum ordinary man, he was very politicaly ambitious and savvy about maneurving in the world of politics. Almost every decision or situation that arose was looked at through the eyes of a political future (election of 1948). It was impressive to know the large number of advisers, speech writers, specialists, cabinet members and close associates that were part of the President's circle for every conceivable situation. Truman's wife Bess was adamantly opposed to Truman entering politics. His daughter Margaret became a help to her father and kept good historical notes.
Truman was a staunch advocate of the Marshal Plan that financially rebuilt Europe, Japan, Greece and Turkey. The Soviet Union would not join probably because they would have to unite with the European countries. Truman also pushed for Israel-basically taking land from the Arabs...
He was a backer of the UN appointing Eleanor Roosevelt, and creating security for us and our allies.
Trumans was the wild upsest win against Dewey in 1948.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written book about a topic that could be dull. It covers a time I knew little about, and a president I knew nothing about. The book gives background to Roosevelt's declining health, his decision to run for a 4th term, and his lack of including Truman in any briefings that might have prepared him when Roosevelt died in 1945--not unexpectedly. The end of war in Europe was very near, but the war against Japan had no foreseeable end, just man, many more deaths. Truman had to make the decision about using the atomic bomb. He had to meet with Stalin to plan for a liberated but absolutely demolished Europe, and he had to deal with Republican obstructions at home. The creation of Israel as an independent state, and the rise of Communist China, the Korean War along with rampant post-war inflation were also challenges he encountered. Yet he followed his conscience against public opinion in trying to advance civil rights for African Americans. In many ways, this history parallels current events. Biden decided to drop out of the race leaving a vice president to run on her own, Russia is again challenging democracy, and post-covid inflation leaves many Americans struggling and disgruntled. Very readable book about a man who can nbe considered one of our greatest presidents given the challenges and what he achieved.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensive research and excellent writing make "Ascent to Power" one of the best presidential history books I've read in a while. After a short recap of Franklin Roosevelt's first through third terms, and some information about Truman's rise to the Senate, David Roll focuses the remainder of the book on Roosevelt's selection of Truman as running mate for his fourth election to the presidency, followed shortly after winning that new term by FDR's long-expected death. Truman, thrust into the office of the president, was woefully unprepared for the transition, largely due to Roosevelt's secretive style of politics, often playing multiple players against each other to hide his long-term plans. But Harry Truman rose to the challenge, overcoming some early mistakes, to forge one of the most influential presidencies in the 20th century: the Marshall Plan recovery in Europe, with a similar revival of Japan; the first steps towards ensuring civil rights for all Americans, regardless of color or religion; facing down Stalin's blockade of West Berlin, causing the Soviet leader to back down after 10 months of trying to starve the Westerners into leaving Berlin, along with other accomplishments. This book is a must-read if you enjoy presidential histories.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read any number of bios of Truman - and histories of the Truman years - and even the best of them treat the Missourian like he fell from a tree in 1945 and proceeded to make earth-shattering decisions on the quick, never looking back. David Roll paints a much more nuanced picture, starting from the summer of 1944 when Truman was first "chosen" by FDR as his running mate. Roll details the domestic and foreign policy issues that provide context for Truman's decisions - both good and bad. The book focuses on 1944-1948, and includes the stories behind the Berlin airlift, Marshall Plan, creation of the State of Israel, and the election campaign of 1948. There are fascinating portraits of Truman's team (perhaps the first gathering of the Best and Brightest), including Clark Clifford, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Lucious Clay, George Marshall, and a host of minor, but very significant characters. A great book. I look forward to reading Roll's books on Harry Hopkins and George Marchall.

[Joe Keefhaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about Truman's selection as the vice presidential nominee and his assumption of power at the death of FDR. The extent of FDR's ill health as he entered his fourth term is examined, as well as his unwillingness to keep Truman informed on important matters. Despite what has previously been reported, Roll contends Truman had a general knowledge of the Manhattan Project. He faults Roosevelt for failing to share information with Truman, but also faults Truman for his failure to seek out information as it became more and more obvious Roosevelt would not serve out his term. The book also outlines the 1948 Presidential campaign, ending as Truman is elected in his own right and emerges from the shadow of FDR. Roll highlights Truman's strengths, as well as some of his weaknesses and missteps.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The first 150 pages or so were great. But I think that's only because they were about the end of the war.

After that, I was bored to tears.

David Roll has a knack for stripping all suspense from even the most exciting story. Take this for example:

"For Truman, Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, began at 5 a.m. with his usual morning stroll along the sidewalks of Independence. Across the nation the weather was generally fair. Nevertheless, voter turnout was expected to be low..."

Great. This is a good start. But then just a few sentences later:

"In hindsight, it seems obvious that the turnout and trend lines would not favor Dewey on Election Day."

And with that, you've given away the ending. Meanwhile I still have to trudge through seven more pages of excruciatingly boring details so I can know exactly how we got there.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always had a great passion in getting to know our Presidents and how they got there, along with what they accomplished. Ascent to Power is written by David L Roll and it's carefully researched and well written. Franklin Roosevelt selected his next running mate a hardworking, uncontroversial senator from Missouri named Harry Truman. On April 12, 1945, Roosevelt died, and Truman, after only 82 days as vice president, was thrust into the presidency.

Truman is not a president I have read about often. I really enjoyed getting to know him from his boyhood to the transfer of power. There was a lot that Truman had to sort through, and he was not prepared when he first took our nation's highest office.

Well written and well researched.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books of the year at the end of the year. The genius that comes from showing how Harry Truman emerged from FDR's shadow and became one of the greatest presidents in American history. The book shows his dynamic leadership style, his desire to be his own man and his desire to be open and honest as much as possible. The book shows how Truman surrounded himself with people who knew what they were doing and how he wasn't afraid to separate himself from people he had originally chosen if he thought they were out pursing their own agenda's.

Possibly the best book I read all year!

[Joe Kemp · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are plenty of good books on Harry Truman. This is a well-written book, but its review of the creation of the state of Israel is absurd. Roll writes about Israel's creation as if it, not the Arabs, rejected the UN Partition Plan and then attacked its neighbors rather than the opposite. The only war crimes are those committed by Israel and there are continuous references to Israel not living up to its responsibility to create a fair and inclusive democracy, as if the other nations formed after World War II have done a better job.

I am not an expert on other events in the 1940s, but if this event is described so poorly then why would I trust the rest of the book?

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franklin Roosevelt’s deteriorating health and lack of communication left Harry Truman unprepared for the monumental challenges he faced as the new president. As Truman’s efforts to maintain Roosevelt’s conciliatory approach with the Soviets faltered, he rapidly adapted and shaped the presidency in his own image. This gripping narrative shows his extraordinary transformation into a confident leader steering America through pivotal challenges. The book is engrossing, informative, and easy to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of books centered around Harry Truman including David McCullough's "Truman."
However, David Roll's research has uncovered facts that brings new light to FDR and his relationship. FDR did not communicate any details of his international conferences et al to Harry. As a result it's remarkable that he was able to successfully transition to the Presidency. Also Truman's unexpected win against Dewey has uncanny parallel with VP Harris's race for the Whitehouse against the other guy. (Hopefully she will prevail in today's election.)

[Richard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I especially enjoyed it because I learned a lot learn about the Presidency of Harry Truman. Before the only thing I really knew about Truman was the atomic bomb. But through this book I learned a lot more. It was amazing seeing how Truman dealt with Senate and House controlled by the GOP and the comeback he made to win the 1948 US Presidential election. The one thing I did not like about this book as much as say The Hopkins Touch was that at times the book did seem to drag. But overall that wasn't a huge issue and I really enjoyed this book.

[Nick Grainger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presents a compelling case for why Truman’s legacy, often overshadowed by FDR, deserves recognition. The book highlights several landmark decisions made during Truman’s administration that continue to shape our world today. While I thoroughly enjoyed the sections on geopolitics and civil rights, I found the discussions on domestic politics somewhat dry—though that’s purely a matter of personal preference.

[Kieran · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Roll is an accomplished author, and his books are always worth reading. While it may not come near the prestige of his book George Marshall, this is still an excellent read that delves into Harry Truman's Vice Presidential and very early Presidential terms. If you're looking for a biography on Truman, this may not be it, but this is certainly a great book that focuses specifically on Truman's life up to the beginning of his Presidency.

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the four-year period encompassing the last year of the Franklin Roosevelt presidential administration and the three years of the Truman administration leading up to the latter's election in 1948. Author both praises the two presidents for their accomplishments but also lays their shortcomings at their feet, such as Roosevelt's too conciliatory attitude toward the Soviet Union and Truman — at least early on — following in his predecessor's footsteps.

[John Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best history books I've read in some time. It's well written and reads like a novel. At times there was more detail than needed - what was served for lunch didn't add to the narrative, but it was great research and an excellent read.

[Mark Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

A succinct study of Truman and his growth from Vice-President to President in FDRs shadow to the 1948 election victory and HST as President in his own domain. Well written.