Historic Photos of Harry S. Truman illustrates the life of one of the least complex and most transparent of our American presidents. As he said, "I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell."

The dozens of photos in this book follow Truman's life of preparing, however unknowingly, to step into the rather large shoes of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The emerging theme of his life underscores the value of human interaction—his was a life spent building social networks. Whether it be business clubs, the Masons, or the military, Truman made loyal friends and powerful allies. Through these interactions, he learned to listen and to lead.

With facts and quotations from newspaper accounts, interviews, and diary entries, the captions in Historic Photos of Harry S. Truman help make his life and career come alive on the book's pages.