The Accidental President

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

By: A. J. Baime

Narrated by: 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

An Outstanding Historical Work

After a solid historical background, this book covers many of the most significant events of the past century that took place during a mere four months in a very engaging way.
The story is told at many levels, from Truman’s deeply personal feelings to his most far-reaching involvement in global events.
The challenges he faced from his first day as president are presented with exceptional clarity, and his place in history is confirmed.
The narration is also first rate, bringing an immediacy to every turn of events.
This is a book not to be missed.

Review of “The Accidental President”

Loved the book. Knew little about Mr. Truman, which is why I bought the audiobook. I thought the contents, organization and performance were great. I hate politics but I love leaders. Mr. Truman, in his own unique way, was a terrific leader.

step by step to historic decisions.

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