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The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World—A Fast-Paced Chronicle of Truman’s Tumultuous First Days Amidst World War II,
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Chainsaw
I read McCullough's book some months ago, and just finished "The Accidental President." Both are in agreement on all major points of history, though "Truman" obviously is a longer read and covers much more than just the initial days of Truman's service as President. I'd highly recommend both books.
Joni
I have been taking on ‘on going’ course on Truman. Starting with his early years right on through becoming president. McCullough’s book as well as Baime’s have been our main sources. While I have completed The Accidental President, I am still reading my way through Truman as we continue our study of this great man. So to answer your question while as yet unfinished I am reading McCullough’s biography of Truman and savoring every page.
Carol
I've read most of McCullough's books when they came out. The Truman book was very good. Gave me a slightly different take, since I grew up in Topeka.
Rita Robinson
Yes, I read David McCullough's biography of Truman. It was excellent. Very different from the writing of A.J. Baime on the Accidental President. Both were great reads. I'm fond of Truman.
Hugh Conrad
I read and heard a lecture by David McCullough in 1991 when Truman was number one on The NY Times bestseller list. Both the book and his lecture were fascinating.
McCullough, according to one historian whom I interviewed, had a very positive effect on the current reputation of Truman as a "Near Great" president. I remember the author explaining how he retraced the steps of Truman from the Senate cloakroom to the White House after being informed that he was needed immediately -- and then informed when he reached the WH that FDR had passed away.
That was a masterful presentation, and while Accidental President could never be compared to that treatise, it is a very interesting account that goes into more detail about certain aspects of Truman's early days. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
McCullough, according to one historian whom I interviewed, had a very positive effect on the current reputation of Truman as a "Near Great" president. I remember the author explaining how he retraced the steps of Truman from the Senate cloakroom to the White House after being informed that he was needed immediately -- and then informed when he reached the WH that FDR had passed away.
That was a masterful presentation, and while Accidental President could never be compared to that treatise, it is a very interesting account that goes into more detail about certain aspects of Truman's early days. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Robert Huddleston
It is an excellent biography but with one factual error that has gone uncorrected. When North Korea invaded South Korea, Truman was in Independence but departed for Washington the next morning. When he arrived at the Washington airport waiting were "Dean Acheson ,[Secretary of Defense] Louis Johnson and Budget Director James Webb.
The "Budget Director?" To make a "cost-benefit' analysis of what must be done. No, McCullough misspoke: Webb had become the Undersecretary of State. Some must have lifted an eyebrow on the "Budget Director" being included.
The "Budget Director?" To make a "cost-benefit' analysis of what must be done. No, McCullough misspoke: Webb had become the Undersecretary of State. Some must have lifted an eyebrow on the "Budget Director" being included.
Mark B
Many years ago. Looks like I need to reread. Visiting Independence, MO ia also a must for the Truman fan.
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