Many biographies have been written about Harry Truman. THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT by A. J. Baime does contain biographical material, but it is used mainly to introduce the reader to citizen Truman, prior to his entry into politics. This unassuming midwestern former farmer, soldier and failed business owner was thrust onto the world stage at a time of great political crisis and world upheaval.

When Vice President Truman was summoned to the White House on April 12, 1945 to be informed by Eleanor Roosevelt that her husband, the president, had died, his worst nightmare immediately became a reality. He had only been vice president for three months, during which time FDR had kept him totally out of the loop. Thus Truman felt (and was) totally unprepared for the burden thrust upon him. His wife, Bess, had vehemently opposed his entry into politics, and now here he was center stage with World War ll still raging.

"History buffs and admirers of Truman will find this a most interesting and well-researched book."

Americans knew and loved FDR, having been president for what seemed like forever. He was bold and charismatic, and projected confidence. Truman, on the other hand, was unknown, and unassuming in both appearance and personality. Unlike his predecessor, he didn’t have money, education or pedigree. He took the oath of office using a Gideon Bible.

Truman was a man known for being honest, decisive and hardworking. Those qualities had helped him become vice president, over his initial objections, and would serve him well as chief executive.

The Germans had just surrendered. The battle for Okinawa saw huge losses on both sides. The war in the Pacific was raging on. Unbeknownst to Truman, a top-secret project that might/could/would alter the course of history was nearing completion. This secret, the development of an atomic bomb, would cause him much anguish. The decision of whether or not to deploy it against Japan in an all-out effort to force their surrender and thus end the war was, ultimately, Truman's alone.

During this chaotic period of time, the United Nations was born, and it was hardly an easy birth. Russia posed many challenges for the United States and England. Philosophically they had very different goals than the other Allies, and this would create new problems down the road, including a "cold war."

Much of THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT deals with the Allies' leaders --- Stalin, Churchill and Truman --- and their often-frustrating efforts among themselves to achieve an end to the war. Truman was a seemingly ordinary man who led our country to eventual peace during extraordinary times. His baptism-by-fire ascendancy to the presidency is well recorded here. History buffs and admirers of Truman will find this a most interesting and well-researched book.