An Uncommon Man: The Triumph of Herbert Hoover

by Richard Norton Smith

Based on more than two hundred interviews and thousands of pages of private papers, it is the first truly intimate look at the man dismissed by contemporaries. It is also a stunning reappraisal of 20th-century history, across a canvas as large as the world itself.

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

488 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Richard Norton Smith is an American historian and author, specializing in U.S. presidents and other political figures. In the past, he worked as a freelance writer for The Washington Post, and worked with U.S. Senators Edward Brooke and Bob Dole.

Reviews

[David R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine treatment of the much-vilified 31st President, with focus on his ex-presidency 1933-64. Smith ably navigates through Hoover's complex character: at once a progressive humanitarian, at another a shrill ideologue. Despite the popular image it is fascinating how Hoover had better relationships with Democrats (notably Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman) than key GOP figures (notably Calvin Coolidge and Tom Dewey). Overall, a breath of fresh air concerning a bad president but outstanding administrator.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering that I read a couple hundred pages over the last couple of days, fascinated by the massive scope of political connections, worldwide travel, famine fighting, and writing of Herbert's life, you might say it's unfair of me to give the book only two stars. I considered giving it three, really. But I HAD to deduct a star for the author's saying Hoover Dam is on "the California/Nevada" border (because: how do you, as a researcher and historian, screw up such simple fact-checking and/or map-reading? and then how can I trust you with the bigger stuff?) And, there is a more overarching flaw in this book, actually, too: it's kind of weirdly written. It's got this overall chronological structure, but within any giving chapter or sometimes page it jumps all around, back and forth, and you're like, Wait, are we still in the 1936 campaign? Who's talking? Is he president yet? What MONTH are we in? etc.

So, yes, I learned a lot about Hoover. Shockingly little about his personal life, though, which was the third flaw. I mean, the fact that he married Lou, yes, but precious little else about their marriage, or their sons--none of my prez bios yet have been this skimpy on at least introducing the family. And I am duly impressed and fascinated by this misunderstood man; I daresay I even like him! Particularly his Quaker anti-militarism, his letter-writing and correspondence answering, his world traveling, and his sticking-to-his-ideals. But by and large, it's Hoover I like, not the way this book is written. So 2.5-to-3 stars, demoted because of the bonehead Hoover Dam statement to 2 stars. (Check your facts, authors and editors, if you want nice ratings!)

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good biography of a difficult man to engage with emotionally. Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States, is perhaps somewhat unfairly blamed for the massive depression that befell his country on his watch, and he is certainly unfairly forgotten as one of the foremost forces for good in the amelioration of hunger in war-torn nations. But as a man and as a public figure, he is rather rightly thought of as being not a warm person, a determinedly practical man capable of advocating sometimes harsh policies and avoiding the human qualities that made his successor (and bitter rival) Franklin D. Roosevelt such a popular figure. Hoover's haughtiness hid a humanitarian spirit, but politically, he was averse to anything he did not define as pragmatic and advantageous for the conservative elements he served. Of course, in Hoover's day, conservatism had a strong progressive element woven throughout its American tapestry, and much of Hoover's inclinations would seem anathema to his party today. Yet, at heart, he was a true Republican, vigorously opposed to social programs that took the public welfare even partly out of the hands of the individual, and vehemently opposed to communism and anyone who did not oppose it as reactively as did he. Smith's biography is well-written, but on some occasions gets so wrapped up in intricacies of phrasing and the use of nicknames and presumably well-known (and thus undefined) facts that it becomes difficult to follow. What is most surprising about the book is that Hoover's presidency is over before the book reaches the end of its first third, so much of his life work post-dated his term in office. Of greatest interest, aside from detailing the wonderful work Hoover did saving Belgium from starvation during the first world war and doing the same for several other nations after the second, is probably the virulent rivalry and opposition between himself and FDR. Of equal interest is the surprising friendship that grew between Hoover and Roosevelt's successor, the Democrat Harry Truman. While not a remarkable book, this is a worthy and informative one.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my observation this is true: no wholly common man has been president of the United States. No matter which path to the presidency has been followed, only uncommon men have made the journey successfully. Richard Norton Smith, who is emerging as one of the chief American historians of this age, began building his reputation with this notable study of Herbert Hoover which underscores (no matter his economic/political views) Herbert Hoover was a most able, talented, wise individual, a wholly uncommon man.

[Mary D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am happy to have read a biography of Hoover. There were those who discouraged me from taking the time to do so, but then I never would have known about his philanthropy, his passionate fights to feed the children of the world after WW I and WWII, his skill as an administrator, and his almost irrational dislike of FDR and everything associated with him and his political career. He lived a long and incredibly productive life with all his human failings and with more compassion and intelligence than I had ever given him credit for.

[MariMel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fascinating book about his long life in public service, although not very well-written or entertaining. It was a great insight into 20th century conservativism; Hoover would have loved the Tea Party. Hoover's emphasis on individualism and free enterprise were very much part of growing up on the rugged plains of Iowa and forests of Oregon, but he clung to those ideas despite incredible changes in the world.

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Norton Smith gave me a new understanding of the qualities that defined Hoover as a business man, statesman, and humanitarian. His story has profound implications for our 2013 - 2014 challenges and strategic choices for economic recovery and peace.