Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt's Shadow and Remade the World.

The article provides reviews of two books focusing on distinct historical subjects. The first review examines a memoir that explores the author’s parents’ experience with the Back-to-the-Land (BTTL) movement, highlighting themes of class, gender relations, and the complexities of voluntary poverty among affluent white participants. It notes the memoir’s critical perspective on the movement’s patriarchal dynamics and tacit acceptance of local racism, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the BTTL legacy. The second review discusses a biography of Harry S. Truman, detailing his unexpected rise from vice president to president and his leadership during pivotal events such as the end of World War II, the Cold War’s onset, and domestic reforms. The biography is praised for its thorough research and intimate portrayal of Truman’s character and decision-making, positioning him as a significant figure in both American and global history.