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)

Truman was an astounding president. Truly a man that met the moment

I really enjoyed this book. Although it was quite long and the narrator was a bit slow in his narration, I truly appreciated the intricate details of Truman’s life. It’s hard to truly believe it actually happened in that manner. Truman was a giant in his time and looking back at his legacy today I’m grateful that he was there when he was. Will be sure to recommend this biography to others. Cheers

Great story, odd performance

It’s a great book, but for some reason the reader has made very odd choices—a very flat affect, bad accents/impersonations, a pace slow enough to lull you into not paying full attention to a book that moves through info very quickly.

The "Truman" Surprise

If you are considering listening to this book, you have already correctly assumed that it is going to be a detailed slog. I suggest you listen to a more easy-going, light-hearted book at the same time so that you can give "Truman" the respect and attention that it deserves. It's revealing of the man; his faults and his values. Kudos to the narrator. He keeps the book alive and moving.
Do not miss this President's story.

Who knew that?

Having been born in 1950, I didn't realize how little I knew about Truman's presidency or how many historical accomplishments were attributed to his efforts. The book, while a bit cluttered with minutiae, is still interesting enough to hold the reader's attention to the very end.

Re listening to an old favorite.

I have been listening to books I read a long time ago enjoyed this one greatly. If only we had a president like him.

Strong character and above all, honesty, are the traits most prized by Americans.

Although I was quite young at 10 years of age when Harry Truman became President of the US at Franklin Roosevelt’s death early in 1945, his life and unique character traits had an enormous influence on my life. When I started college in 1954 many of my classmates were veterans of the Korean War who had very strong opinions of President Truman, some complimentary, but most unfavorable. Those with unfavorable views of him felt that the US should not have supported South Korea in their opposition to the North Korean invasion of the South. They had suffered as soldiers and Marines and lost friends in the conflict.

I was too young and immature to really understand their feelings, but in ignorance I often agreed with them simply because of my lack of knowledge of the circumstances. In later years I became more informed of those circumstances and the geopolitical currents of the times and gradually came to respect him for his decision to oppose the NKA and their Communist China/Russian supporters. I also began to admire Harry Truman for his leadership, honesty and strong character traits.

Now, as I observe and experience the lack of leadership and strong character traits of those in political office today I realize that the US is failing terribly in its efforts to not only provide leadership for our country, but of equal importance the leadership needed to address the major issues confronting the world. I don’t know where we’re headed, but I fear it’s not in the right direction for either our country or the world!

Somewhere along the way as the leader of the free world and more importantly for our own citizens the US has lost it’s way. Beginning with George W Bush and continuing with Barack Obama and especially Donald Trump, we just don’t seem to know the right way forward. I fear that although Joe Biden knows the right way forward he’s become lost in the political currents of our times and simply doesn’t have the strong character traits to lead the country and the world forward in the right direction.

Unfortunately, there are those who profess to know the way forward but clearly lack the character and vision to make it happen in the right way. We really need a man or woman of the people like Harry Truman to put the country on the right track, but I’m not sure that person can succeed in a nation divided as we are today.

One of Americas greats

Although the story is a bit long, it is more than worth the trouble. Truman was a remarkable man and a great president. This book helps to paint a picture that school taught history does not.

A Not So Simple Simple Man

A terrific listen about a Presidential story that seems apocryphal ...Truman is seen as a quintessential simple American but we learn that he was an amazing autodidact as a youth who knew both classical history and classical music...He entered politics through a powerful urban Democratic machine yet maintained his honesty and a commitment useful public service...Missouri is a state that doesn't evoke anything to most Americans. You can't find it on a map. No one visits Missouri no one mentions that state for any reason except when we think about Truman...His life narrative is truly fascinating and admirable...

Wonderfully intriguing, enjoyable history lesson

If you could sum up Truman in three words, what would they be?

Read it NOW

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well Truman of course. But it is really McCullough and how he brings a unique quality to history

Have you listened to any of Nelson Runger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

One of the best narrators. Perfect pace and great voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

How Truman turned the tide on the 1948 presidential election with the whistle stop campaign that targeted the Every day American.

Any additional comments?

The section on the Korean was fascinating on how the US recovered all the lost gain and pushed back to the 38th parallel so quickly. Had they only stopped at that point. He did fully understand the Russians were behind it and proof came years later when the change of power in Russia brought it to a halt.

Must read

Beautifully written and performed. Understanding the full character of this remarkable American is the reward.