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mstella
, January 31, 2009
I am totally apolitical, so my take on this book is not motivated by politics. I read political biographies as much for the associated view of American History as to learn about the person. From that prospective I really enjoyed (as much as you can enjoy the vivid descriptons of the depression years) Ms. Coit's roll of history that spans Mr. Baruch's lifetime. I understand that Mr. Baruch asked Ms. Coit to write his biography, but when it was finished, he didn't like it. It was rather heavily laced with bon homme and 'great affection' between Mr. Baruch and his associates, but perhaps that was how it was. Ms. Coit's vivid descriptions of the times, the people in general and in particular were so good as to make you feel you were there. Not flowery or over the top, but lifelike, colorful, so real. I enjoyed it, although it is a long read. Some sections perhaps require more pages than others such as the fight over ratification by congress of the Versailles Treaty, but the description of the War Industries Board actions in World War I were great. As great, as the disappointing picture painted by other individuals theoretically performing the same service during WWII. Rather depressing. I need to find other books that present another view perhaps less liberal.
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