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

Excellent chronicle of behind the scene decisions

The first portion of the book is not as detailed as the last (post 9-11). Mr Rumsfeld was a key player in American history. He provides excellent insights and honest assessment for his long service to the United States.

Excellent book.

I highly recommend this book. I never knew Mr. Rumsfeld was educated at Princeton. The Democrat's surely won't tell you this fact. For all the criticizime that President Bush and Mr. Rumsfeld took and still take, I am amazed of how much of their policies are still in placed today.....

Long but significant

50 chapters is always a little daunting. I couldn't write 50 on a topic. The dichotomy that is the premise is good. We know that something is unknown or probably unknowable when me must take an action. However, waiting for information may be costly or even futile - the better information may never occur. Decisions must be made. In economics it is uncertainty rather than risk.

I was an unthinking Rumsfeld critic.

I know that now. Well written, well performed. I have been stunned to see how this rich and thoughtful account of a life of public service has gone unrecognized. While generally supportive of The commander in Chief during his second tenure as head of the defense department, he does convey that bush let some critical issues go unaddressed.

Terrific History

What did you love best about Known and Unknown?

Donald Rumsfeld has lived through an amazing period of US history. He has told his story with honesty and candor. Try putting aside your ignorant bias and hearing history from the horses mouth.

What did you like best about this story?

Secretary Rumsfeld's reading is excellent and very listenable.

What about Donald Rumsfeld’s performance did you like?

After 30 hours he seems like a good friend.

Great Listen

Loved the book. Rumsfeld has a down home way as he speaks. He is refreshingly frank about mistakes he and others made. He is also just as frank about the successes. This kind of honesty is unusual in a litigation fearful society.

A remarkable story of public service

I didn't know what to expect when first starting this book, but I was intrigued by the many positions of great influenced held by Rumsfield over the course of his public service (and also corporate) career. I wasn't disappointed. Rumsfeld had a front row seat to some very historical figures and events and this book is a fine recounting of many of them. As you'll see, Rumsfield narrates his own book and for a biography, that really adds a nice touch. You do feel as though you are sitting down and chatting (albeit a one way chat) with the subject of the book. For the most part, it was a very interesting read and I enjoyed Rumsfield's candid observations. I thought he was very self-reflective and in places admitted where he might have done things differently to do them over again, A worthwhile read which I very much enjoyed. Whether you like Rumsfield or not, it's hard to deny his commitment to public service and many sacrifices made.

A Must Read of American History

A fascinating recount of a primary figure in politics, business and warfare. Rumsfeld doesn't mince words and gives a rather detailed account of his life and the decision making that led him to make the numerous important choices that he had to throughout his differing occupations/positions.

Good Straightforward Account, Better Toward End

A directly written account of most of the major episodes in Rumsfeld's political and business life. It becomes more interesting and less hagiographic toward the end, which is clearly still simmering in Rumsfeld's mind at the time of writing. Interesting inside takes on the inside politics of the Bush admininstration--or at least it will be interesting for those who are not wearing ideological blinders. Rumsfeld isn't. This should be a test for leftie listeners and for those who defend Bush policies without even thoughtful reservation due to the left's decade of slime and ad hominem attack--are YOU as open-minded as Donald Rumsfeld? I felt challenged by this obviously self-written memoir. Rumsfeld is a good leader of a particular Midwestern cultural stamp and someone whose intelligence and forthrightness ought to be an example to all politicians.

The Catalyst for Modern Military Change

I adore the controversial, feather ruffling, serious efficiency of Don Rumsfeld. He wants what's best for the country - and what WORKS for the modern military. Not the turf-protecting, status-quo maintaining, profligate ($225 million annually to monitor Soviet submarines in Iceland... long after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Took 3 years to authorize the elimiation of the waste!) The obfuscation caused by pointless beauracracy torpidly plodding along in a swiftly shifting contemporary battlefield, he reveals and lays out the hassle of dealing with entrenched D.C, ass-covering self interest. All in addition to inside scuttlebutt on 9/11 and his actions during the attack on the Pentagon. A special pleasure hearing it in his voice.