Truman

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

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 thirty-third 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.

©1992 David McCullough, All Rights Reserved (P)1992 Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

• Pulitzer Prize Winner, Biography or Autobiography, 1993

Not Long

I listened to the condensed version of this very long McCullough tome. It was about right, so those who complain about the 998 page version should be warned. The condensed version provides just enough facts for the average reader. If you are doing a PhD thesis on the Truman decision process however, don't read the short version. I learned that he was a successful farmer and a not so successful haberdasher, for which he is known. His military service was exemplary during WWI. And, he was apparently an active VP for the 80+ days that he held the job, additionally, well respected in Congress. Stalin underestimated him and probably misjudged as he urged Korea and China to enter/initiate the Korean conflict. Well written, the condensed version probably skipped some elements that I'll never know, but I liked it. (less)

Informational!

Would you listen to Truman again? Why?

Would read again and plan too. Too much in one listening.

What did you like best about this story?

audio book had actual speaches included in texst

Excellent !

If you like history you will love this audio book. Well read and documented as are all the authors’ previous works

incredible biography of a man my father admired.

great biography. while my father admired and talked about Truman a great deal, I place him in the place of our great presidents.

Good writing about a person my mother greatly respected.

I enjoyed the details of Harry Truman’s life. History will show how wise were his decisions.

One great book!

Perhaps the best book I've ever read or listened to. The reader did an incredible job. The book was engaging through all 56 hours. I never thought much of or about Truman, but now will compare all Presidents to him.

Great Listen

I've gotten fascinated by good history books, something I never would have guessed while in college. McCullough is a gifted author and his book on Truman will keep you wide awake on long or short drives if you are a books-on-tape fan.

Fantastic!

I grew up in the KC area to hear about Truman all my life, but this book really told me his life and so much about his heroism during WWI, his courage as President and what an all around down-to-earth, but great man he was! McCullough, of course, is great as the reader!

Truman

What an incredible story about an incredible president, Truman is a must for any fan of history or the USA

Didn't want it to end.

Would you listen to Truman again? Why?

Yes - the unabridged version - well written, a great account of American history by a great American character.

What other book might you compare Truman to and why?

The Last Lion

Which scene was your favorite?

WWII - decision to drop the atomic bomb; Korean War - the issue with MacArthur

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes- a great story of a very common man of great character who became a very great president during a very contentious period of American history.

Any additional comments?

Great narration by David McCullough - made me want the unabridged version - very enjoyable audiobook.