Putin

By: Philip Short

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 29 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by award-winning actor Jonathan Keeble.

The first comprehensive, fully up-to-date biography of Vladimir Putin, woven into the tumultuous saga of Russia over the last sixty years

Vladimir Putin is the world’s most dangerous man. Alone among world leaders, he has the power to reduce the United States and Europe to ashes in a nuclear firestorm and has threatened to do so. He invades his neighbors, most recently Ukraine, meddles in western elections, and orders assassinations inside and outside Russia. His regime is autocratic and deeply corrupt. But that is only half the story.

Unflinching, hard-hitting, and objective, Philip Short’s biography gives us the whole tale, up to the present day. To the fullest extent anyone has yet been able, Short cracks open the strongman’s thick carapace to reveal the man underneath those bare-chested horseback rides. In this deeply researched account, listeners meet the Putin who slept in the same room as his parents until he was twenty-five years old, who backed out of his wedding right beforehand, and who learned English in order to be able to talk to George W. Bush.

Vladimir Putin is wreaking havoc in Europe, threatening global peace and stability and exposing his fellow citizens to devastating economic countermeasures. Yet puzzlingly, many Russians continue to support him. This audiobook is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the many facets of the man behind the mask that Putin wears on the world stage.

Putin will be the last word for years to come.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company.

©2022 Philip Short (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

More than thorough

Impressive depth of knowledge and reporting. Lost strength by a capable performance, which nonetheless, became annoying as the "voice" of direct quotes became ubiquitous. Highly recommended regardless.

Very informative close to reality

Philip short makes us feel the airborne is a Russian :superb history all need to know

An excellent and objective biography.

Author Philip Short has produced one of the best biographies I've read in a long time. Far from just portraying Putin as crazy egomaniac (as some of us would like to believe) he comes across as a brilliant ruthless leader with a long memory and a chip on his shoulder about the West's treatment of him and Russia. Make no mistake, Putin is a thug and very dangerous. But most westerners don't have any idea what is motivating his sensless destructive wars, especially the current one in Ukraine. This biography should be required reading.

Very timely

Perfect listen turning these uncertain times. Enjoyed all aspects of this detailed timely and most interesting book

Must listen, especially in current times

First audiobook I’ve heard, sets a very high bar for anything else I listen. The narration is perfect — varying tones based on the topic being discussed, natural shifts within chapters, no overwhelming accents — truly engaged throughout the 29 hours!

The book is a great biography of Putin, which is missing its final chapter. However, with everything going on in the world now, it offers a view into his thinking and the feelings of some Russians of his generation. From stories about his childhood to his days in the KGB and eventually into the Russian political administration, the book has a natural transition. It is filled with many stories of conversations amongst world leaders and provides a unique insight into Russian view of major world events since the end of the Cold War.

Book is a must read, provides a balanced view to a very complex man.

Wow, what a book!

29 hours of everything you wanted to know about Putin. Every major event in his life, every major decision, every influence, you can really see why Putin feels he is the injured party in many of his confrontations. The author kept me interested for 29 hours….an amazing feat. One of the very best books I’ve listened to.

Putin: in context

Research and context shows how Russian actions and policy are often skewed differently from western thought. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to open their mind to understanding from another perspective.

for once a balanced book concerning a world leade

Mr Short gives you both sides of the story which is refreshing. He doesn't portray Putin as a raving crazy man nor does he sugar coat his faults. Usually writers take sides but Mr. Short does not in this incredibly informative work.

A very timely biography!

Although it’s a lengthy listen, it was worth it. It provides incredible context for the current situation with Russia and its world posture today, and how Putin came to power.

High level Putin

High level Putin biography with interesting details and insight. Definitely worth a read, provides interesting insight on Putin