David L. Roll

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.… (más)

One of the best biographies I have read in some time. An overall great history of World War Two and the Early Years of the Cold War. Highly recommend for anyone interested in this period of history. Great quarantine read. George Marshall wanted to be a front line combat officer having seen some combat in WW1. However his superiors noticed early on that he had a superior ability at planning large military operations. He was destined to plan some of America’s final offensives in WW1, the build up of the Post WW2 Army Air Corps, most of the major offensives in WW2, the rebuilding of Post-War Europe that took his name, “The Marshall Plan”, and NATO’s early positions during the onset of the Cold War. He was a man who wasn’t afraid to tell his superiors when he thought they were wrong, which gained him the admiration and respect of General Pershing and FDR. The bio gives the reader behind the scenes views of the dealings to get aid to Britain and Russia despite Congress reluctance to do so prior to the US entering WW2, the basic creation of the US Air Force, the debate between the British and the Americans about how to best fight the Germans, the Island Hopping Strategy in the Pacific Theater, the decision to use the Atomic Bomb against Japan. This book offers great behind the scenes views about the mistakes made leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. America’s First Five Star General. A great great biography. I gives easily 5/5 stars.… (más)