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All the King's Men

By: Robert Penn Warren
Narrated by: Michael Emerson
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Publisher's summary

Robert Penn Warren, America's first Poet Laureate, penned one of the most widely read works in American literature with the Pulitzer Prize-winning All the King's Men. An unrivaled novel of American politics, Warren's masterpiece is a classic tale every bit as relevant today as it was upon its release more than 50 years ago.

The fictionalized account of Louisiana's colorful and notorious governor, Huey Pierce Long, All the King's Men follows the startling rise and fall of Willie Stark, a country lawyer in the Deep South of the 1930s. Beset by political enemies, Stark seeks aid from his right-hand man, Jack Burden, who will bear witness to the cataclysmic unfolding of this very American tragedy.

©1946 Robert Penn Warren; 1974 Robert Penn Warren (P)2005 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Finalist, Literary Fiction, 2007

"The definitive novel about American politics." (The New York Times)
"Mr. Warren has employed vivid characterization and strong language combined with subtle overtones to write a vital, compelling narrative." (Booklist)
"Michael Emerson's performance brings the characters to life with verve and personality....Through a mix of understatement and intensity, Emerson clearly conveys the political turmoil underlying the book; his performance perfectly complements the story, which is as timely as it was 60 years ago....Emerson's reading does justice to a great work." (AudioFile)

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What listeners say about All the King's Men

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Top notch audiobook!

Superb performance from Michael Emerson for this classical literature based in the south. Well worth the credit and listening time!

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Stunningly good human and political novel

I listened to this book mainly for the recollection of it as a great political novel. Yeah I found the narrator and the main characters more interesting than Willie stark. Robert Penn Warren is both a great novelist and great poet. Even though there is a slightly dated quality about the book when encountered in 2016, I heartily recommend it for its graceful imaginative writing and insights into human nature and interaction. The narrator captures the sense of the writing, the place, and the characters wonderfully.

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An exuberant American novel wonderfully read

Thought-provoking and insightful, well narrated, inspired by Louisiana’s Huey P Long. Complex, satisfying ending. Exuberant use of metaphor and simile that can be a bit much.

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Great story and great reader

Michael Emerson makes each character's voice unique and recognizable in this great story. I would listen to any story that he reads because he is so good!

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Still true of politics

In this current age of political turmoil, this book, written decades ago, still describes reality. Robert Penn Warren was a genius, and this book should be on everyone’s reading list although it will probably be banned because it’s treatment of black people is quite awful. Too bad, because it’s treatment of politics is spot on, and still has much to teach us.

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Wonderful rendition. We’ll read.

The narrator uses a very pleasant tone and accent for the novel. It was a pleasure to listen.

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A must

A great book that is always going to feel contemporary. Speaks of both human and political processes that have been forever part of every culture.

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The best novel I’ve listened to

Performance by the reader was terrific only outdone by the plot of this great American masterpiece

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Just wow!

I’ve been meaning to read this novel for years, as it is the favorite book of several people I respect. The writing and narration are so beautiful as to be haunting.

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Masterful narration

I've listened to 500+ audiobooks in my life, Michael Emerson is the GOAT, at least if this book is representative.

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