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)

Great book

A very good and in depth biography of one of America's least understood and appreciated presidents. Well worth the time it takes to read/listen to this tome.

Best McCullough history, outstanding detail

Loved this book from start to finish. Appreciate the incredible detail and the personalization of a great American leader.

Well written.

A really Wonderful book, if you like Truman as I do. It was very through and detailed, and by the end, it was like having lived his life with him.

Excellent

As usual, another excellent book by David McCullough. Highly recommended. Gives excellent perspective to what our modern day politics has become.

A really good book about a really good man

I learned so much about not only President Harry Truman, but also about the politics, the press, and the public of his time who were as fickle, critical and in many instances, just plain deliberately untrue as they still are today. Sad thing is today we don’t have a Harry S Truman who is willing and able of following his true north-what was right and fair. Now he may not have been right all the time but he was certainly focused on trying to be that way. Few folks in government these days are as ethical or as hardworking.

Bravo!

If only he could be reincarnated. Sadly, the world is too far gone for even he to return it to sanity.
Kudos also to David McCullough and Nelson Runger.

#abrknpoet reviews Truman

Truman is a captivating biography of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough. The book covers Truman's life from his humble beginnings in Missouri to his rise to power and his remarkable achievements in domestic and foreign affairs. McCullough paints a vivid portrait of a man who faced enormous challenges with courage, integrity and common sense, and who left a lasting legacy for his country and the world.

The book has many positive aspects that make it a compelling read. First of all, it is very well-researched and detailed, drawing on extensive sources such as Truman's letters, diaries, speeches and memoirs, as well as interviews with his family, friends and associates. McCullough also provides rich historical and cultural context for the events and issues that shaped Truman's presidency, such as the Second World War, the Cold War, the Korean War, the atomic bomb, the civil rights movement and the McCarthy era. Secondly, the book is very well-written and engaging, with a clear and lively style that captures the reader's attention and interest. McCullough has a knack for storytelling and creating memorable scenes and characters that bring Truman's personality and era to life. Thirdly, the book is very fair and balanced in its assessment of Truman's strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. McCullough does not shy away from criticizing Truman's mistakes or controversies, such as his decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan or his firing of General Douglas MacArthur. However, he also gives credit to Truman's achievements and virtues, such as his loyalty to his friends and allies, his honesty and humility, his decisiveness and vision, and his commitment to democracy and peace.

The book also has some negative aspects that may detract from its appeal or quality. One of them is its length and scope. The book is over 1,000 pages long and covers almost every aspect of Truman's life and career. While this may be appealing to some readers who want a comprehensive and thorough account of Truman's presidency, it may also be daunting or tedious to others who prefer a more concise or focused approach. Some parts of the book may seem too long or too detailed for the casual reader, such as the chapters on Truman's early years or his Senate career. Another negative aspect is its lack of analysis or interpretation. The book is mainly descriptive and narrative, rather than analytical or critical. McCullough does not offer much insight or perspective on Truman's actions or policies, or their impact or significance for the present day. He mostly lets the facts speak for themselves, without providing much commentary or evaluation. While this may be seen as a sign of objectivity or respect for the reader's judgment, it may also be seen as a missed opportunity or a weakness for a biographer.

Overall, Truman is an excellent biography of one of the most influential and underrated presidents in American history. It is a fascinating and informative account of Truman's life and times, written with skill and passion by one of the best historians of our time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or politics.


@stuartbrknjohns Twitter/Goodreads author

Magnificent

Enlightening, inspiring, engaging and compelling. Truman’s death at the end of the book, after an amazing run as a human being, truly saddened me.

Fascinating Look at History

I learned a lot about Harry S. Truman in this book. Not all of it was positive, but every page was interesting. McCullough was one of the best writers of out time, and Nelson Runger did a great job bringing McCullough’s words to life.

Intriguing

I’ve learned so much, and now I can honestly say that I appreciate President Truman’s life even more!