About:
Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times by Kenneth Whyte is a biography of Herbert Clark Hoover, America’s 31st President. Mr. Whyte is a Canadian journalist, publisher and author.
- 752 pages
- Publisher : Knopf
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 0307597962
My rating for Hoover – 5
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More Books by Kenneth Whyte*
Thoughts:
This book does not focus solely, or even mostly, on Hoover’s years in the White House, but on his while life. Quite the opposite, I found that the most interesting parts of Hoover by Kenneth Whyte are the pre and post presidency years.
The book is attentive and sympathetic to Herbert Hoover, but the author does not shy away from his many flaws either. That being said, it’s clear that Mr. Whyte things Hoover is a much better politician than many others, and certainly deserves more credit for his presidential years than just being remembered for the Great Depression. In fact, Hoover expected the financial crisis.
I especially enjoyed the comparison between Hoover and Woodrow Wilson, as well as his relationship with Warren G. Harding. I also enjoyed reading about Harding’s often combative relationship with FDR.
Herbert Hoover lived an amazing life but was not a colorful character. He was a geologist, an engineer, and a workaholic. The narrative of this book matches the character of its subject, clear, comprehensible, but lacking excitement. Nevertheless, Hoover’s personality contradictions alone would make a fascinating biography.
While I learned a lot about Hoover the man, I felt that the discussion about Hoover the President was lacking. Mr. Whyte attempts to redeem Hoover’s administration but, in the process, seems to give him too much credit.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It’s an insightful look into a complicated man with a complicated legacy.
Buy Hoover from Amazon.com*
More Books by Kenneth Whyte*
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Disclaimer: I bought this book.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
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