3 stars  Useful for Truman fans

I read the book of Truman quotations in a couple of hours. The author was very selective, focusing on the Give’em hell, Harry one-liners and sound-bites. Truman had a charming sense of humor and a unique manner of expressing himself. If that’s what you are looking for, this is a good book. I’m glad I bought it.

What I missed was the more thoughtful expressions of Truman about the beginnings of the Cold War, which began in Truman’s mind when he met Stalin at Potsdam; the expression of the matured, post New Deal version of Liberalism, which hatched in his brain after the death of Roosevelt; his dislike of the the presidency; and his candid opinions of the powerful men with whom he interacted.

“We had won the war. It was my hope now that the people of Germany and Japan could be rehabilitated…. The United States wanted no territory, no reparations. Peace and happiness for all countries were the goals toward which we would work and for which we had fought. No nation in the history of the world had taken such a position in complete victory. No nation with the military power of the United States of America had been so generous to its enemies and so helpful to its friends. Maybe the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount could be put into effect.” — from Truman’s Memoirs

T. Duke (West Texas)

4 stars  Very Good Insights

This book was an excellent insight into the President who never lost sight of the fact that he was nothing more than a common man. Refreshing attitudes that we do not seem to see in politicians today. In his own words, on many subjects, and shooting from the hip his words provide a greater understanding to what Harry Truman was made of. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about Harry Truman or anyone who has an interest in U.S. history.

The Highlander (Richfield, PA)

4 stars  Nice introduction to Truman

This is not a full-scale biography of Harry Truman, but it would serve as a fabulous introduction to him. This is a short book, but contains a wealth of personal anecdotes, quotes and compilations from Truman’s private conversations and letters. It’s so refreshing to reflect upon Truman, a politician who almost always said what he thought and did what he thought best. There was no posturing with him, no p.r. campaigns, no manipulating the media. Every morning he would take his 2 mile stroll (at a clip of 15 minutes per mile, not bad for a man over 60), and the press would be running after him, hoping for a quote for the morning paper.

Also included in the book is information on Truman’s close relationship with this anchor, Bess, as well as their daughter, Margaret. The famous episode where Truman attacked a columnist for ridiculing Margaret’s singing voice is included. If you’re unfamiliar with this, it will definitely make you laugh! Truman was rough around the edges, yet a highly skilled and intelligent man; he was well-read, articulate in a plain sort of way and an astute judge of character. His opinions on Ike and MacArthur justify the purchase of this book. Enjoy!

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)

5 stars  An entertaining and informative overview of Truman.

This collection of quotes, letters, and anecdotes gives the reader a comprehensive overview of Truman’s life as well as insight into the kind of man he truly was. This book allows the reader to feel connected to Truman in a way a biography can not.

“liw” (Kansas City, MO)

5 stars  An entertaining and insightful view of Truman

This is a wonderful collection of quotes, letters, and anecdotes which together give the reader a quick view of Truman’s life as well as a mental picture of the man from many different instances and viewpoints. This book, because of its clear depiction of Truman’s character, makes the reader feel connected to Truman in a way that a biography perhaps does not.

A Customer

5 stars  Truth in high office

The author captures the essence of the man.  A must read for anybody fed up with superficial politicans.

Brysonmacdonald “caperbayboy” (Charlottetown PEI)

Keyes compiled more than 1000 quotations and anecdotes for The Wit and Wisdom of Harry Truman, that everyman president who gave ‘em hell. Keyes is on a roll …

The Wit and Wisdom of Harry Truman by Ralph Keyes is a pocketbook size anthology that starts with a biography of the president, ends with selected diary entries, and in between divides almost 1000 quotes and anecdotes by topic.

So, under “Children” you can find, “I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and advise them to do it.” Under “Politics,” “I wonder how far Moses would have gone if he’d taken a poll in Egypt?” And on his own presidency, to Adlai Stevenson, “If a knucklehead like me can be president and not do too badly, think what a really educated smart guy like you could do in the job.”