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)

McCullough is in a class by himself

especially when it comes to historical biographies. whether he speaks of a human, a place or an event he makes it come alive. Highly recommend.

LOVED IT

Fantastic book, I love the way David McCullough writes. He records an accurate history of this great President. Democrats of today could learn a few things from this politician. who put the country first.

Compelling and Touching!

Truman shows us how truth to one's self always endures to make an exciting and impactful life! His common sense mixed with a willingness to work hard, study, make a decision and follow through with it, whatever the consequences, is a testament to the essence of an American citizen.

I have a new favorite President.

In the interest of full disclosure I’m a 7th grade History Teacher and should know A LOT more about Truman than I already do but alas, I learned nothing about him in school. So imagine my surprise after listening to this book (mostly out of pure devotion to David McCollough) finding myself enamored with the story of “Little” Harry Truman. If he is not proof of the validity of the American experiment, I don’t know what is! No college education, a simple farmer, called upon to be president at at arguably our nation’s and the world’s greatest hour of need. And this simple man wades through the quagmire with common sense, faith, and the undying belief in the American Way. It’s been years since I’ve been so surprised and so inspired by a story about a real American. Thank you, David McCullough, for telling this story and restoring this history teacher’s faith in Democracy!

Fabulous biography of an interesting man.

Another great book by a fine historian. One of the most telling anecdotes: the Truman Committee, which investigated war production, was around from March 41 until 1948 (Truman stepped down as chairman when he ran for VP in 1944) and every single report it ever issued was unanimous, ie bipartisan. Can you even imagine such a thing today?

One complaint: the narrator did a very good job but how could he not take the trouble to learn the correct pronunciation for the name of such a significant figure in the Truman administration as George Kennan, which he pronounces as KennAHN instead of KENNan. Even if he hadn’t heard the name before, would think that the correct pronunciation would be the more likely choice.

Great Listen

I am so glad I listened to this biography. Truman had such an interesting life with so many twist and turns and there is so much great historic details thanks to all of the lives Truman touched.

Few have done more and expected less

It is as if I was there invisibly riding around on the shoulders of one of my hero’s, the kinda guy who realized that even though he wasn’t extraordinary himself, if he chose the right things enough times in the face of adversity he could still live an epic life and make extraordinary things that changed the world forever.

Ordinary Man to Extra-Ordinary

David McCullough’s “Truman” was the longest audio book I have listened to. He captured in detail the ordinary man, Harry S. Truman, from Independence, MO, to the ranks of US Senator & 33rd US President masterfully. The author captured every detail of HST and his wife, Bess, until the very end. This is probably the best book I have listened to my life. I learned about the history as well as about Truman. Thank you, Mr. McCullough.

A Good very long book

You, like I may enjoy this book.
Nelson Runger did an excellent narration of this well written book.
Mr. McCullough would do well to have Mr Runger narrate all his books stick with writing which he does well.

Well written. Enjoyable view of history that is relavent today

Highly recommend. Enjoyable. A common man who admits mistakes. Courageous fun truthful an open window on history