I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the University of Nebraska Press, the publisher, with the promise that I would write a review and post it on Net Galley, Amazon, Goodreads and my blog. In addition, it is posted on my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Goggle Plus pages.

I requested this book because I am interested in American History and the Presidents in particular. I have previously read a few books about Harry Truman. This is the first book by Lawrence J. Haas that I have read.

I found this nonfiction work to be well researched and engaging. The author's writing style makes it read more like a fast paced novel than a piece of history. It describes the relationship between Truman, a Democrat President, and Vandenberg, an influential Republican Senator, and how they worked cooperatively to convince the Senate and Congress to agree to the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the United Nations and the establishment of NATO. It was not always an easy path, but the parties involved stuck with each other and accomplished much when there was an isolationist thread in the Republican Congress after World War II.

Unfortunately, it clearly points out the inability of the current President and Congress to work to find common ground on issues important the the health of the nation.

I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in American History and in particular the behind the scene events that occurred in the years immediately following World War II.

If only. If only today, the United States could have two statesman similar to Harry Truman and Arthur Vandenberg. Two leaders who were willing to put their own petty interests aside and work for the good of the country. Haas does an admirable job of laying out the history of the country during these two men's times, and showing the obstacles and problems they faced. The good that resulted from their cooperative efforts may never again be seen by our country.
Mitch McConnell/Harry Reid, if only you and your ilk would take the time to read and absorb this book, you might still be someone that would be looked up to in the future. Can you imagine Truman (a Democrat) and Vandenberg (a Republican) were alive today, in this era of complete recalcitrant parties, 24 hour "gotcha" news programs, special interest laden groups? I wonder if they could move worlds, like they did in their time? I hope so. And I hope that we, as a country, find people with the leadership and backbone to work together, and soon. Or I fear for what we might become. A very good read, flowing more like a novel than a history book. Kudos to the author!

Truman's presidency got off to a difficult. start. Afterall he wasn't expecting to be president so soon. His relationship with Vandenberg was critical during this period when Truman had to make the horrifying decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. But he didn't see it that way. He wanted to end the war soon and save American lives that would be required to conquer Japan without the bomb. I believe it made the correct decision but the reader can decide for himself. If you are a history devotee as I am this book is a must read.