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)

A Stellar Reminder of Human Possibility

Aren't enough stars in The Milky Way or the universe or even the purported multiverse for a comprehensive appreciation of HT.

This book is a great place to start.

Besides, are any of these reviews worth a damn after Pulitzer?

Great Read

Balanced account of Harry Truman good and bad. It helped me to better understand some of the decisions he made and increased my respect for him as a person.

Excellent life of Truman and the times

Would you consider the audio edition of Truman to be better than the print version?

This was a great book to listen to - extremely well done.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Truman - what an extraordinary man.

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

I have not, but this was great!

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

Truman becoming president after FDR died and being very inexperienced in world affairs, yet needing to protect and move the nation forward.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend!

Incredible Narration - Great Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Narrator Nelson Runger did a phenomenal job of capturing the presence of the main characters. For example, you knew it was Churchill speaking from Runger's inflection, without being distracted by an attempted impersonation.

Great subject - God we could use Harry right now!

Unbelievable storytelling...incredible narration

The voice characterization was phenomenal. made the story come alive. 53 hours well spent. I f feel like I know Harry Truman.

Simply outstanding

The best of history reading. Not for just Truman himself but also in general. This is a classic!

Very good

Well written and insightful. Being from KC, many of the mannerisms described were spot on and reminded me of my grandmother, who was his age. Interesting story of a an extraordinary, ordinary man.

Exceptional work

Fascinating bio of a great leader. Great storytelling and editing, excellent narration. 10/10, would listen again.

Amazing

A masterpiece in any sense of the word. a real indepth looked for arguably the greatest president of the cold war era

Such an inspiration!

His life and times cover much of the 20th Century. He was a plain self-educated man of the land who grew into the most powerful man in the world. Mercifully, he was thoughtful & surrounded himself by exceptional advisers—mostly. He made some incredibly hard decisions. But he made them & lived with them. He wasn’t perfect but our country was lucky to have him.