Bess W. Truman

Margaret Truman, author of well-received murder mysteries and of the biography Harry S. Truman, here pays tribute to her mother. Drawing on personal recall as well as on some 1500 lettersmostly written by Bess but also several hundred of Harry'sMargaret Truman recreates her parents' lives: the difficult passages when Harry and later Bess were swamped by political pressures, as well as the homespun pleasures of their long marriage. Seldom have the terms of marriage at its most enduring been so touchingly revealed as in these pages, which include dozens of rare photos. Historians will be interested in the book for its insights: HST is portrayed as an honest man used by corrupt bosses early in his career for window-dressinga credible view. HST's legendary bluntness shines through numerous vignettes, and readers will be amused by his comments on FDR, Ike and Nixon. 150,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; first serial to Parade; BOMC alternate; Reader's Digest Condensed Book Club selection. (April 18)