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Biographies of US Presidents - Hourly History #33

Harry S. Truman: A Life from Beginning to End

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Discover the remarkable life of Harry S. Truman...
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Seen by many as one of America’s greatest presidents, Harry S. Truman was, in many ways, an unexpected president. He came from a very undistinguished background and is, in fact, the only U.S. president in recent history with the honor of being a college dropout.

Despite what he may have lacked in formal education, Truman was a quick learner from the real-life experience he was given on the world stage. As president, he gets the credit for some major milestones in American policy, such as the creation of NATO, the desegregation of the armed services, and the successful undertaking of the Berlin Airlift, just to name a few. Here, in this in-depth and thought-provoking book, we cover the dynamic life and powerful legacy of President Harry S. Truman in full.

Discover a plethora of topics such asEarly Life and Service in World War IRise to Political ProminenceThe Accidental PresidentTruman Takes Nuclear WarfareThe Buck Stops HereTruman’s Last ActAnd much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on Harry S. Truman, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2022

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82 people want to read

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5 stars
144 (52%)
4 stars
87 (31%)
3 stars
41 (14%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for William O. Robertson.
266 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2024
I am giving this selection of the Hourly History series only two stars simply because the editors (or writer) did not know that the "S" in President Truman's name represented no middle name. I am surprise the author did not explain the reasoning why there is *not* a period after the "S" in Harry S Truman. When something as blatant as this oversight is seen, one also has to question the overall content of what is written. Such as, for example when the writer used-color adjectives "blue" and "red" to denote Democrats and Republicans during the years President Truman held office. This is another error. Colors were not used to describe political parties until the presidential election of 1976, and even then blue denoted Republicans and red, Democrats. These colors were later reversed starting with the presidential election of 1998. Other than these discrepancies, the book was accurate--I suppose.
404 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2026
This is a very shott account of Harry S. Truman's life starting with his early life and ending with his death in 1972. It explains his rise in Missouri politics, his association with "machine politics", his break with the power brokers and his rise to the Vice Presidency and then to the Presidency. The author briefly describes the relationship between Truman and Kennedy. A quick, informational read for someone that is unfamiliar with the politics of the time.
200 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2022
Reveals both the strength and weaknesses of the president.

Really enjoy the hourly history books. Brief to the point packed with facts. Enjoy this one because it showed both Truman's good side and bad side and many of the problems that he had. Enjoy the frankness of the writers by showing both sides of the president.
Profile Image for Carolina Casas.
Author 5 books28 followers
January 15, 2023
A goof way to start learning about Truman

This is by no way a masterpiece. Nor is it an in depth study of his character. The writer(s) missed some key things about some historical events (or rather left out). Nevertheless, this was a good summary of this US President who's often obscured by his larger than life predecessor and condemned by his actions that led to the end of WW II. High school students or educators looking to give a 101 on his presidency and background, can use this as a guide.
Profile Image for Vincent.
392 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2023
It was OK - a rehash in simple fashion of Truman's history - maybe he was just less exciting but it was a short history and OK - if every Hourly History was this I likely wouldn't read them but I still learned or was reminded of something - that he originally aggressively opposed JFK - but anyway it was OK
89 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2023
Harry S Truman

A veteran of WWI , he came home and began his political career. He first served in the Senate and then Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt. Upon Roosevelt's untimely death, Harry became President and ended WWII by dropping atomic bombs on Japan. He later was involved in the Korean war and left office before it was settled.
Profile Image for Thordur.
338 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2024
Short summary but I liked it anyways

This is the only president who has ever dared to use an atomic bomb against somebody. He didn't have easy tasks though. It was his to finish wwii, witness the beginning of the cold war and decide upon the Korean war having to fight the congress in between.
11 reviews
August 10, 2024
Fast read

Not the in depth version of David McCaugh's biography but short and to the point. Most of the important facts are there giving the reader the true knowledge the even though Truman had a very basic education, he was an honest, man dedicated to the betterment of the country.
361 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2022
I knew less about Harry Truman than some of the more dynamic and glamorous Presidents. I found the book very interesting because we get a glimpse into his character and also revisit the world events that were happening at that time.

The book is concise but informative.
Profile Image for LEOPOLDO GIMENEZ.
16 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
Libro muy interesante

Retrata históricamente el perfil de un gran presidente que se vio obligado a tomar terribles decisiones que lo pusieron en juicio de su posteridad. Además lo de la reconstrucción de Europa después de la II guerra mundial fue su gran obra
Profile Image for Carol.
39 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2023
Brief, to the point

Excellent summary of Truman's life. I wanted to fill in some gaps in my knowledge of his Presidency, and this book was exactly what I needed.
14 reviews
May 2, 2025
Very interesting book

I would like to have had more info about his early life, but what was written was good. Also, it didn’t mention the part he played in Israel becoming a nation
7 reviews
March 13, 2023
Harry S Truman Called

He was truly a man called of God to guide our beloved country in perilous times. He would not address defeat but fought the good fight till he won!!! Read the book and gain strength and insight from a great American President, proudly I salute you, Harry S Truman!
Profile Image for F.
1,198 reviews9 followers
Read
August 5, 2025
Learned quite a bit I did not know. Like most of us, Truman was an enigma. Good and bad mixed.
Profile Image for Lynn.
623 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2024
Very brief overview of Truman's life and his time as president. Much was left out. I particularly noted that Truman's decision to integrate the military and to fire Gen. Douglas MacArthur were not mentioned.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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