Known and Unknown

A Memoir

By: Donald Rumsfeld

Narrated by: Donald Rumsfeld

Length: 30 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A powerful memoir from the late former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

With the same directness that defined his career in public service, Rumsfeld's memoir is filled with previously undisclosed details and insights about the Bush administration, 9/11, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also features Rumsfeld's unique and often surprising observations on eight decades of history.

Rumsfeld addresses the challenges and controversies of his illustrious career, from the unseating of the entrenched House Republican leader in 1965, to helping the Ford administration steer the country away from Watergate and Vietnam, to the war in Iraq, to confronting abuse at Abu Ghraib. Along the way, he offers his plainspoken, first-hand views, and often humorous and surprising anecdotes about some of the world's best-known figures, ranging from Elvis Presley to George W. Bush.

Both a fascinating narrative and an unprecedented glimpse into history, Known and Unknown captures the legacy of one of the most influential men in public service.

©2011 Donald Rumsfeld (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Highly Informative about US Government Work

I listened to ALL 4 parts of this engaging narrative that was written by a master speech writer, analyst and a politician. I learn more than I expected from a book about military matters. It contains history, politics and drama of human relationships within the Government, Governmental teams, and human family. It is written by an outstanding member of our government. It is the most informative book on the matters of War and Peace in our Times. It might become a text book for our future leaders: politicians and military. It could be downgraded only by dogmatic democrats. Any mature reader of this book would be proud to have Donald Rumsfeld caliber intellect in our government.

One perspective on 40 years of American history

This comprehensive autobiography (well read by the author) reveals a lot about American government from the 1960s until 2006, mostly because Rumsfeld was close to the action for most of that period.

Rumsfeld doesn't spend as much time trying to set the record straight as he does just telling his story. He does do a good job explaining the Bush administration's defense policy/strategy, better even than when the administration was putting those policies in place.

If you are interested in recent American history, this book is worth reading. As a bonus, hear the story of how Rumsfeld refused to hire Dick Cheney - and then launched his career.

A Great Historical Perspective

Mr Rumsfeld is a great deal of insight to a lot of historical events. I found it very inspirational and informative.

30 hours long and worth every minute!

Of all of the autobiographies coming out of the George W Bush administration Donald Rumsfeld's stands out as the very best and the most complete. I listened to the book in 2011 when it was released but am just now getting around to writing a review. The book covers Rummy's entire life up until publication (almost 80 years), but deals most completely with his careers in business and politics. Rumsfeld provides online documents to support his statements and conclusions. He takes responsibility for his mistakes. Most importantly the book provides great insight into the lives and thought processes of many other politicians with whom he interfaced over many years. He pulls no punches!

Narration of the book is by Rumsfeld himself and it is fantastic!

Known and Unknown has my highest unconditional recommendation.

a remarkable life

What made the experience of listening to Known and Unknown the most enjoyable?

I have listened/read about this time in our history from several different leaders on both sides of the aisle, this is one of the most biased and honest perspectives of any I've seen. Mr. Rumsfeld has no fear in clearly stating his opinion of any important figure in his time in politics and business.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

All the President's Man.

Any additional comments?

He's considerably more likable after understanding his perspective, until you hear from the source it is easy to think of this man as an evil caricature behind the scenes,

Great read

Whether you like Rumfeld or not- there is no question on his leadership abilities and experience. I'm glad he and Dick were at the helm-

the real story

It is an exciting book, well written and easy to understand and filled with interesting stories behind the scenes of many great events in our modern history. Important to read to understand events taking place today.

Fantastic Insight Into Several Decades of Politics

Whether or not you love or hate him, Donald Rumsfeld does an amazing job in recounting his experiences & insights over several decades of American politics. Having him as the narrator was fantastic and he does an outstanding job in making potentially dry material very enjoyable. My only wish is that he spent a bit more time focusing on his period of time with the Bush administration--but overall, a great read and I highly recommend it for those interested in learning the "inside story" of politics.

Relevant to our times

Where does Known and Unknown rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Second only to Paul Johnson's Modern Times

What does Donald Rumsfeld bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

It felt like you were in the room listening to him explain to you personally an important era of US and World history.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me respect the dedication of some of those in public service who do so not for fame or monetary gain, but because they have the capacity and knowledge to make decisions, are not afraid to do so.

Any additional comments?

A very underrated public servant who was not in public service because he needed a government job or sought fame, but because he was needed.

Worth a Read

Donald Rumsfeld, author/narrator, is an accomplished man who I didn’t like, but I can respect the positions and duties that he occupied especially as Sec of Def under President GWB. I can understand why he did what he did given the circumstances, and it’s a far cry from what the media was feeding me (which probably explain my dislike for him). Thank you sir for you service.