Eugene Lyons (1898–1985)

Amazing book by one of the many Soviet dissidents who were lucky enough to escape Stalin's reign of terror.
Kravchenko survived the multiple purges, slavery and planned starvation of the Russian people in the workers paradise. No surprise that these events were repeated in China, North Korea, Cambodia etc.
His story is repeated by other Russians such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn, in his many works, or by Igor Gouzenko in his book "This Was My Choice"
This long book is very readable and show more interesting. Anyone who gives it less then 3 stars dislikes history books or perhaps is a Stalin apologist. show less

I think John Quincy Adams still impresses me most as the president who was MUCH more than just a president, but Herbert Hoover now runs a very close second to him. Previous to reading this book I had no idea. Hoover was much, much more. The White House years were a very small fragment of the total man and the total man was much, much more than a politician. Eugene Lyons appears to be a republican himself and, if you take that into account, the story is still magnificent. Some parts of the show more book bog down in journalese and some of it reads novel-like - easily. I liked it but I shan't be searching for other Eugen Lyons productions for my collection. show less

Excellent book about the 31st President. I learned so much reading this book.

I will admitt that it is a very complimentary book, the author knew Mr. Hoover well. Hoover was a great man, and even the author admits that he might not have been a great president, but only because you can argue his policies and ideas, never his integrity or motives.

I highly recommed this book, very well written and researched. It covers the whole life of Mr. Hoover, not just the political years.

Fair Condition. Autographed by Joseph P. McCarthy