Harry Truman and Civil Rights: Moral Courage and Political Risks

by Michael Gardner and Michael R. Gardner

Book Overview

Given his background, President Truman was an unlikely champion of civil rights. Where he grew up--the border state of Missouri--segregation was accepted and largely unquestioned. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents had owned slaves, and his mother, victimized by Yankee forces, railed against Abraham Lincoln for the remainder of her ninety-four years. When Truman assumed the presidency on April 12, 1945, Michael R. Gardner points out, Washington,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809324253
• ISBN13: 9780809324255
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Marvelous Story about a True Civil Rights Hero

I bought this book after seeing Mr. Gardner on CNN and I couldn't stop reading it until I was done. As a native Missourian, Gardner eloquently tells the story of a brilliant, humble President who is our Country's little known civil rights hero. Gardner does a masterful job detailing Truman's politically fearless efforts while marvelously weaving in Truman's personal letters, thoughts and life experiences. Gardner captures Truman's political triumphs and personal victories brilliantly. Truman and Gardner's book make me proud to be a Missourian. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

A MUST READ

A crucial aspect of American history finally told. Truman is an American hero and Gardner captures the courageousness of Truman's civil rights crusade in a compelling fashion. This important story is a must read -- and a fantastic holiday gift!

Harry Truman and Civil Rights: Moral Courage and Political R

A marvelous book that captures the seldom recognized strength and courage of this civil rights pioneer President. Prof. Gardner eloquently tells of Truman's ground breaking and couragous actions that changed the landscape of civil rights within the United States. Every American should read this book and learn about how Truman's moral convictions guided him and gave him the unwavering strength to take on widespread racist in the US without fear. Truman's story is an inspiration -- from his endearing and solid relationships with his wife and mother, to his passionate speeches before the NAACP and on the Lincoln Memorial steps. Prof. Gardner has truly painted a fabulous portrait of this remarkable President. This book is a must read!

Most Wonderful Book

Just read the most wonderful book, Harry Truman and Civil Rights by Michael R. Gardner. The subtitle is Moral Courage and Political Risks and the author's extensive use of excerpts from Philleo Nash's 800 page oral history at the Truman Library is a wonderful support to the author's thesis. Philleo's work on the speeches that outlines Truman's total commitment to civil rights is well described and very lively. I released this oral history just three years ago to total access, and I couldn't be more pleased with what Michael Gardner has done with it.