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

Love McCullough

David McCullough is just so thorough and believable. Further, his reading of his own book gives us a real sense of what he was trying to say. Sometimes it's hard to tell if a reader is stressing things the way the author intended, but with McCullough, you know you're hearing it right.

McCullough at his best!

Truman is an excellent summary of one of our finest presidents. I highly recommend it

Plays him up a little.

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

More or less. Only if they wanted a quick bio on Truman.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a quick bio without too many extras.

Which character – as performed by David McCullough – was your favorite?

Truman

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Fell into power

Any additional comments?

This book makes out Truman to be a greater president than he actually was. He was ok but not as great as this book makes him out to be.

Well done Well done Well Done

This is a great read. My wife and I listened on a recent trip, and both us felt like we knew someone much better. The author reading the book is another advantage, as well as the many quotes given by Truman himself. I highly recommend this book to any and all who enjoy American history. This one is not about the Civil War or the formation of the United States. It stand alone and is well worth your time.

Mark - St. Paul

Great listen. Lots of details I did not know. Love narrators voice, pace, and diction.

A great revisit

Yes, Truman was America. McCullough revived my belief in hard work and timing in life!

Just a taste

I wanted to learn more about this man but didn't feel I needed the 50+ hours of the unabridged edition. This was perfect and gave me just what I wanted.

Truman's accomplishments are impressive

Truman's achievements from company-grade, artillery officer in WWI through his accidental, but high-performance Presidency, add up to a truly amazing record. This is an abridged version of the full book, and, having listened to it, I am going to read the entire printed work. David McCullough is a valuable natural resource to our nation. What a story-teller, and what a story he has to tell!

Character Counts

Wonderful insight into a humble man with surprising wisdom when it mattered. Thoroughly enjoyable.

America at its Best

This review of Harry Truman’s amazing life is the story of America in transition under the leadership of a man of character. We can only hope that another leader like Truman comes along in our lifetime. Written and narrated by renowned historian David McCullough, this book should be read or listen to by every American.