Product Description

"Truman the 'man' may be found in these writings and that in itself makes the collection worth reading."-Choice

The Autobiography of Harry S. Truman is a compilation of autobiographical writings composed by Truman between 1934 and 1972. Taken directly from his own manuscript material, the volume presents the thoughts and feelings of the man himself. The book touches on details in Truman's life from his days as a boy until graduation from Independence High School in 1901 to the vice presidency of the United States and beyond. There is also a memorandum written by Truman about the Pendergast machine in Kansas City telling how it was possible to work with the machine and not be soiled by it. The Autobiography concludes with some of the retired president's thoughts about politics and the purposes of public life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #192724 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

From the Publisher
Edited with a New Introduction by Robert H. Ferrell

About the Author
Robert H. Ferrell is Professor Emeritus of History at Indiana University in Bloomington. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Harry S. Truman: A Life, The Dying President: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944-1945, Choosing Truman: The Democratic Convention of 1944, and Truman and Pendergast, all available from the University of Missouri Press.

Customer Reviews

Autobiography of HST
Very infomative. Too short, but about the right amount of depth. Showed some of his political shaping.

Give 'em hell, Harry
I never did give anybody hell. I just gave them the truth and they thought it was hell. That's my favorite quote of Harry S Truman and has nothing to do with this book, except one thing. As you read through this left-handed autobiography, the quote pretty much sums up this great man's efforts during his long tenure of a political career. There is an involvement throughout the book that says that he tried his best for the people, his people... and who can ask more from a representative of the people? This book is a compilation of letters, writings, scribblings and other noteworthy sources rather than a sit-down writing from the man to the public, which is well put together and gives the reader a strangely consistent look into the mind-set of a great man.

the autobiography of Harry Truman
This book is an excellent example of why Harry Truman is the all-time greatest underdog. He came from simple roots and through sheer will and determination, he made some of the most significant changes to the United Staes and the world. Well-written and entertaining.