Truman

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 54 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 1993

Hailed by critics as an American masterpiece, David McCullough's sweeping biography of Harry S. Truman captured the heart of the nation. The life and times of the 33rd president of the United States, Truman provides a deeply moving look at an extraordinary, singular American.

From Truman's small-town, turn-of-the-century boyhood and his transforming experience in the face of war in 1918, to his political beginnings in the powerful Pendergast machine and his rapid rise to prominence in the U.S. Senate, McCullough shows a man of uncommon vitality and strength of character.

Here too is a telling account of Truman's momentous decision to use the atomic bomb and the weighty responsibilities that he was forced to confront on the dawning of a new age.

Distinguished historian and Pulitzer-Prize-winning author David McCullough tells one of the greatest American stories in this stirring audio adaptation of Truman - a compelling, classic portrait of a life that shaped history.

©2011 Simon & Schuster (P)2003 David McCullough

Critic reviews

“McCullough’s marvelous feel for history is based on an appreciation of colorful tales and an insight intopersonalities. In this compelling saga of America’s greatest common-man president, McCullough adds luster to an old-fashioned historical approach.... the sweeping narrative, filled with telling details and an appreciation of the role individuals play in shaping the world.” (Walter Isaacson, Time)

“McCullough is a master storyteller whose considerable narrative skills have been put to exquisite use in re-creating the life and times of America’s 33rd president.” (Robert Dallek, Los Angeles Times Book Review)

“Perhaps the highest tribute one can pay a biographer is to say that through him one comes to know his subject almost as though in person. In fostering the reader’s acquaintance with Harry Truman, not once does McCullough get in the way. This is in every respect a splendid work.” (Myron A. Marty, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

An incredible man

Being a conservative all of my life, I was overwhelmed by the integrity and humility of this man. I would never agree with social policies of today’s democrats, but I’m pretty sure Truman would not, either. I enjoyed the 54 hours, entirely.

Truman at His Best!

Absolutely excellent history of the man and his times. Inspires the reader to explore other personalities of the era.

Great book!!

Wonderful book, learned a lot about the life and Times of Harry S. Truman. Amazing, changing, difficult times. President Truman was the man who faced the challenges of his times, with dignity, and courage, never compromising his principles.

Great but maybe too much detail.

Loved learning more about Mr Truman, but details like what he had for breakfast was a bit much.

Insightful

We appear to have had the right man as President during a pivotal time in our history!

Spectacular

A wonderful biography. It is amazing that Truman faught the same battles with Congress as the ones we are today.
Don't close out the book with out listening to what is labeled as the end credits. The last 3+ hours completed the story

An Antivenin for our times

This is an extraordinary biography, a life beautifully told, an inspiration, a gift.

It gave me real hope for the future of this republic, now in such terrible peril.

A Must Read

Given the times we live in & the men & women who lead, Truman should be required reading.

As always.

Wonderful book. I am not a Democrat, but really liked this book. Humans are such interesting creatures

Worth the Time

Listening to the story of Harry Truman was inspiring. He was a man of integrity, and I loved learning about his life.