Reading Laura Hillenbrand's excellent "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" stirred desire to understand President Truman better. Specifically, I wanted to explore his reasoning in dropping the atomic bomb and how the precious post-World War II stability we have enjoyed for decades emerged from the Cold War. In a generation that had endured World War I and World II separated by only 20 years time, and utilized the newest atomic technology to end WWII, it is remarkable that we have avoided both another world-wide conflict and use of a nuclear weapon for over 60 years. Clearly, Truman was part of laying a foundation that has been enduring. 
 McCullough's Truman did not disappoint. Both topics were thoroughly covered, and I was awed by Truman's restraint in refusing to use the atomic bomb in further military conflicts, specifically, the Korean War. Even Truman's thinking in entering the Korean War had been shaped by the conflicts before, and he was convinced (as I think I am, too) that the free world MUST refuse to allow dictators to claim additional territory unopposed. I was also impacted by the deliberations Truman went through in deciding to use the atomic bomb against Japan, a decision he made knowing he was escorting the world into the atomic age. 
 In addition to the topics about which I was currently inquiring, McCullough gives a detailed account of Truman's entire life. The characterization of Truman as a nineteenth century man, grown from the Missouri frontier cast an intriguing shadow over his life story. His brief combat experience in WWI formed a commitment to the armed forces. His political carrier provides insight into the urban focused Big Boss politics that dominated the political scene in the early twentieth century. Perspectives are given on Roosevelt, his politics, personality and administration. Roosevelt doesn't come off well, yet Truman maintains a loyalty to him that must be the product of Truman's character as the actions of Roosevelt didn't seem to warrant it. 
 The transformation from a Roosevelt dominated federal government, both domestically and internationally, the Civil Rights movement, formation of the United Nations, engagement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the difficult -but somehow largely forgotten--Korean War, the Truman doctrine, Berlin Airlifts, and diplomacy with the double crossing Stalin all make notable appearances in the plot line. McCullough's narrative is enhanced through peppering from Truman's own diary, seasoning from voluminous correspondence written in Truman's own hand, and the warming ambiance provided by documents from and interviews with his friends and associates. I was impressed by the incredible volume of primary material and McCullough's condensation of it into a flowing text. 
 The one matter that I simply could not get clarity on was Truman's thought process regarding support for and recognition of the State of Israel. Historical fiction accounts I've read have plotted his position as either swinging under the weight of political considerations or firmly grounded in his personal convictions. But alas, to me the documentary trial of Truman's process on this matter seems lost to history. While McCullough tries to make a clear line from the information available, Truman still appears both convicted and vacillating. In the end, Truman chose to recognize the new state immediately and begin the close alliance with the young country, yet withhold military assistance when they were immediately ambushed. It's puzzling. 
 The most surprising chapter to me covered the Presidential campaign of Dewey verses Truman. Reading it in the spring of 2017 the parallels to Clinton verses Trump were incredible. How does a highly funded, experienced, government operative who runs a safe/ efficient campaign and is favored throughout the entire election cycle lose to a crowd drawing attacking populist perceived as a Washington outsider, while the entire journalistic profession and all the pollsters get it wrong? History really does repeat itself. 
 McCullough explores the numerous characterizations of Truman in contrast to one another. Was he a/ an: 
 dandy or a thoughtful man? 
 unintelligent Midwestern tool of the Boss or bookish savvy political operator? 
 high integrity character or blown by the winds of political opportunity? 
 bourbon drinking poker player or sober minded self control man loyal to his wife and country? 
 Roosevelt follower or tough on Russia? 
 marginalized by his party or "Give 'em hell, Harry?" 
 profane or civilized? 
 Missouri racist or civil rights champion? 
 inadequate for the history he lived or a man who fulfilled his destiny? 
 In the end, he was probably all of these things in some ways at some times. It is a testimony to the man that his better nature was able to rise to the occasion of leading the free world - even with his imperfections. But I agree with other reviews that have said the McCullough, working away in Truman's world for a decade, is somewhat soft on Truman. Clearly, McCullough came to greatly respect and admire him. After reading this biography, you will probably respect and admire Truman, too, though whether or not you will love him as McCullough, you will have to read to discover. 
 Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Hillenbrand, 2010 
 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... 
 Somehow, while searching for Truman, I stumbled on this lovely website. I would love to take on this project, though I would be content to read ONE biography on each President, in chronological order, whereas the blogger has read several. 
 https://bestpresidentialbios.com/about/