All the King's Men

By: Robert Penn Warren

Narrated by: Michael Emerson

Length: 20 hrs and 52 mins

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)

Read this even if you didn't like the Movie

I had put off reading this book for years because I had seen the old movie many years ago. The movie was not bad, but did not inspire me to read the book. Nevertheless this was on the Modern Library top 100 list I have been going through so I gave it a listen. The book is a true classic and the movie does not do it justice, Subtle and moving with a very different emotional outlook. The prose are outstanding and the story is engaging, both real and allegorical.

This is a great book for the age of Trump. The story tells of a population sickened by a corrupt political system turning to a strongman populist willing to do whatever it takes to get things done.

This is a great book worth reading and re-reading. The narration is spectacular, expressing the inner states of the narrator as the novel progresses. There have been quite a few great reads on the Modern Library list, and this is one of the best so far.

Outstanding

This is an outstanding reading of a great piece of literature. I can't add to 60 years of literary reviews praising this Pulitzer winning classic, but I can compliment Michael Emerson's reading of it. Mr. Emerson's reading is a perfect fit for what is unquestionably a great work of American Literature. His pacing, intonation, and articulation of Warren’s beautiful use of our language enhance the experience of this excellent book.

Great Book

The great books make a lasting impact on the reader. That is how it was with this piece of literature. Months after finishing "All the King's Men", I find myself reflecting back on the story, the prose and the profound impression this book made in me.

The narration is perfect for the story's time and place. This is one you should not miss.

Utter-ed Perfection!!

I found this novel to be one of the most amazing literary experiences I've ever had. I concur with another review, there's nothing I can add to what has been said of this wonderful novel. I will compliment Michael Emerson here, as have others. His reading was compelling, draws the listener into the story, and brings the images to life. If I were to recommend only one audiobook to a friend, this would be it.

Excellent writing, but not for me

Robert Penn Warren's writing is excellent. I knew I was in the hands of a master writer, but I wasn't sure I wanted to be in those hands. The story of personal and political rise and fall is interesting, but the story was too dark for me, and I eventually lost interest. As much as the story is about Willy Stark the politician; Warrens' tale is also about Jack a man in the shadow of the political giant. A well done and realistic portrayal of what influences taint a man, and also a rather hopeless message about politics and the common man that places the politician in office. Brings up thought provoking questions - such as who is to blame, the system, the public, the man himself? It's a great book, but I found it dark, somewhat like reading Toni Morrison. Both great writers who take on complex and dark subjects. Narrator easy to listen to and he drew me in completely.

Great!

I enjoy writing reviews but an effort here would be superfluous. Just read the 10 reviews that preceded mine. They are wonderful descriptions of all the book has to offer and how you will enjoy reading, learning, and having an opportunity to consider the value of life and all the things we seem to do to diminish its beauty.

Is he the hero of his own story?

Any additional comments?

Nowadays the idea that there could be a backstory building up behind the main story is so commonplace that we hardly notice it. But there was a time when that was a relatively new idea. Willie Stark is such a towering figure in this story that it can be easy to overlook that there are other plotlines going on. What Warren does with the narrator in this book is so masterful and subtle that it takes a while to appreciate. Then again, if all you want is a fictionalized biography of Huey Long, you can enjoy it that way too.

Nothing compares with it.

Penn Warren was first a poet; his prose is poetic--and truly incomparable. The humanity in this tale of powerful men seen through the eyes of a good man and good women tugs strongly at goodness in the soul of the reader.

a classic still exceeds expectations.

While I expected the book to focus on the Jury Long character (Willie Stark) it is more about an aide. It gives a rich and deep portrayal of him and of one side of Mississippi in the 30s. Penn Warren is a great storyteller with an ear for language. He takes his Southern time about spinning the tale.

Note that he uncritically presents the racism of the time. This is a fault of the author's character, perhaps, but not of the story.

Incredible book!!!!!

Wow! I never read this classic in school and having just finished it I understand why it was so heralded. I was just glued to my chair. The writing was so beautiful and his vocabulary was spectacular. Michael Emerson is the best narrator I’ve heard. What an experience!