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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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Wonderful story and narrator

I struggled with this book in the first chapter because the author uses a lot of words to express every point. But it was very worthwhile to stick with it, and I gradually came to love his descriptions and the story. The narrator is really excellent.

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Penn Warren is a literary genius.

Robert Penn Warren's award winning novel is delivered expertly through a masterful narration by Michael Emerson. Penn Warren displays his literary genius through vivid language; weaving together well developed characters who's storylines all contribute to the book's great motif, 'No man escapes the responsibility or burden of his actions'. There is no doubt 'All The Kings Men' is one of the best novels of the 20th century.

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A great story along with exquisite writing

I listened to this book as part of a movie book club that I have at the Memphis Public Library, in advance of watching the movie. It's really a compelling story, and written so eloquently. It was very well interpreted by the narrator Michael Emerson.

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Excellent story and storyteller

Like Spielberg's movie Lincoln, this story shows how well meaning people employ ignoble means to achieve noble ends, suffering their own human foibles along the way.

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Timely American Classic

Would you consider the audio edition of All the King's Men to be better than the print version?

Michael Emerson brings this wonderful book to life. While I don't think that one can judge an audible book against the print version, this book looses nothing in being read aloud. The reader conveys the many nuances that Robert Penn Warren wove into the narrative.

What was one of the most memorable moments of All the King's Men?

While "All the Kings Men" is known as the fictional account of Huey Long, it is much, much more than that - and this version leaves no doubt about the many layers that can be found in the book.

What does Michael Emerson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael Emerson is able to give us many voices that are necessary to the story - from the Jack's genteel mother and true father to Sugar-Boy, the stuttering gunman.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

20+ hours is too much for one sitting, but it is hard to turn off.

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Good listen

Very intetesting story, the language was harsh for my taste. Mr. warren did a wonderful job narrating.

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So much more than it seems.

One part fictionalized historical record and one part rumination on the journey, vicissitudes, and meaning of life's lessons. The book captures your attention, brings it soaring to heights and crashing to lows ... all while being read to you with the mix of frenetic pace of thought and drawling speech patterns in which it was written. Truly worth the listen and addition to your library.

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Top10

This is in my top 10 best books ever written. The book is unquestionably some of the finest writing put to paper.

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Spellbinding…A Must Listen

The story was spellbinding. The narration was superb.
It was a novel to savor.
Highly recommended

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    5 out of 5 stars

My standard of excellence

This is, to date (Dec 2010), the finest book Ito which I have listened. Every award, every compliment, every praise that Warren accumulated for All The King's Men is deserved. To say that Michael Emerson is up to this work is to say that his interpretive performance is stunning. The tale is timeless and the masterpiece taken as a whole will haunt a listener who is sufficiently mature to value the entirety of its nuance. Every other book I hear will be judged against All The King's Men.

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19 people found this helpful