Joan Hoff

5383. Herbert Hoover Forgotten Progressive, by Joan Hoff Wilson (read 15 June 2016) This is a 1975 work reissued in 1992. The early part of the book is very dull, discussing at length books Hoover wrote in the 1920s on subjects no longer of much interest. The account of his life and of his time as Secretary of Commerce is of more interest. He was very aggressive in pushing his ideas when he was in the Cabinet. When Coolidge made his cryptic announcement that he did not choose to run, Hoover asked what it meant but Coolidge gave no meaningful response so Hoover set out to claim the nomination and succeeded. (Coolidge later groused that he had Hoover trying to foist advice on him for six years, all pf it bad.) This book downplays the significance of the anti-Catholic campaign in 1928 and says Hoover won because the times were good. But within a few months of Hoover assuming the presidency the Depression began and nothing ever went right for Hoover thereafter. The book though saying what good things it can about Hoover also says what he did wrong and how he failed. I read the David Bruner biography of Hoover on Mar 5, 2006, and it is better reading than is this book, though this book is probably researched in greater depth than was the Bruner book… (meer)