The Accidental President

Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World

De: A. J. Baime

Narrado por: Tony Messano

The dramatic, pulse-pounding story of Harry Truman's first four months in office, when this unlikely president had to take on Germany, Japan, Stalin, and the atomic bomb, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Heroes are often defined as ordinary characters who get thrust into extraordinary circumstances and, through courage and a dash of luck, cement their places in history. Chosen as FDR's fourth-term vice president for his well-praised work ethic, good judgment, and lack of enemies, Harry S. Truman - a Midwesterner who had no college degree and had never had the money to buy his own home - was the prototypical ordinary man. That is, until he was shockingly thrust in over his head after FDR's sudden death.

During the climactic months of the Second World War, Truman had to play judge and jury, pulling America to the forefront of the global stage. The first four months of Truman's administration saw the founding of the United Nations, the fall of Berlin, victory at Okinawa, firebombings of Tokyo, the first atomic explosion, the Nazi surrender, the liberation of concentration camps, the mass starvation of Europe, the Potsdam Conference, the controversial decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the surrender of Imperial Japan, and, finally, the end of World War II and the rise of the Cold War. No other president had ever faced so much in such a short period of time.

Tightly focused, meticulously researched, rendered with vivid detail and narrative verve, The Accidental President escorts listeners into the situation room with Truman during this tumultuous, history-making 120 days, when the stakes were high and the challenge even higher. The result is narrative history of the highest order and a compelling look at a presidency with great relevance to our times.

©2017 Albert Baime (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Very well done.

I have been interested in POTUS Truman my entire life. I have heard him praised as a great and insiteful man. I have heard him condemned as a war criminal. He was one of the most complicated average man one can imagine. He was there for a reason and I have known many Veterans who are thankful he was. I will let these Veterans be the judge for it was their lives on the line.

Amazing story

Absolutely terrific book. I am sad it’s over! The way it all happened is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Thanks

step by step to historic decisions.

Everyone should read this and become familiar with what a great president is made of

good

i struggled to get going. it was eorth the time to get into it. b d ford

Informative and a delight to listen to.

I loved this book and it was well worth the time that it took to read.

Awesome history lesson

this is a great history lesson and well worth the effort. sets the stage for where we are today.

And we think 2020 has been tumultuous!!!

A well-written, extremely interesting account of the four most momentous months in world history and the remarkable man who found himself at the helm. Truman has been a hero of mine for sixty years, so I enjoyed all the details and intricacies in this book. I don’t normally choose non-fiction but I’m really glad I chose this one.

An Excellent Read

A.J. Baime writes an informative and enjoyable narrative of the first four months of Harry Truman's tenure as President that wonderfully highlights the unique journey that got him to the country's highest position. While the book primarily focuses on those initial months of April through August 1945, it also ties in Truman's early years as a young man in Missouri as well as the beginning steps of his political career. Additionally, The Accidental President goes on to give an excellent contextual framework of the domestic and foreign affairs that were shaping the climate leading up to Truman's time in office. Thus, when the book reaches the moment of FDR's death, the reader has a strong understanding of Truman's current mindset and the challenges facing him as he takes his Presidential oath. I strongly recommend this work to any student of history, World War II, or the American Presidency. The narrator, Tony Messano, does an outstanding job as well.

Fascinating Look at an Uncertain Period of World History

This book really helps contextualize the actions taken by Harry Truman at the time. It is easy to judge his decision as they relate to the Soviets, Japan and Europe in hindsight. It is important to remember that the consequences of the decisions and actions made during this critical period in human history were unknown to those making them. The way the author tells the story really helps to clear your mind of the 75+ years that followed and put yourself in Truman’s shoes at the critical juncture of human history. You can sympathize with him as a human being in a tremendously difficult situation even if you disagree with him on his decision and policies.

Loved It - I highly recommend it.

It was a pleasure listening to this book and learn so many insights I had never known about Pres. Truman. Well worth the time to listen to this read.