Truman

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

The Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of Harry S. Truman, whose presidency included momentous events from the atomic bombing of Japan to the outbreak of the Cold War and the Korean War, told by America’s beloved and distinguished historian.

The life of Harry S. Truman is one of the greatest of American stories, filled with vivid characters—Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Wallace Truman, George Marshall, Joe McCarthy, and Dean Acheson—and dramatic events. In this riveting biography, acclaimed historian David McCullough not only captures the man—a more complex, informed, and determined man than ever before imagined—but also the turbulent times in which he rose, boldly, to meet unprecedented challenges. The last president to serve as a living link between the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, Truman’s story spans the raw world of the Missouri frontier, World War I, the powerful Pendergast machine of Kansas City, the legendary Whistle-Stop Campaign of 1948, and the decisions to drop the atomic bomb, confront Stalin at Potsdam, send troops to Korea, and fire General MacArthur. Drawing on newly discovered archival material and extensive interviews with Truman’s own family, friends, and Washington colleagues, McCullough tells the deeply moving story of the seemingly ordinary “man from Missouri” who was perhaps the most courageous president in our history.

Wonderful

Where does Truman rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best.

What other book might you compare Truman to and why?

Flight Behavior. A fiction story, but it also was gripping from beginning to end.

Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?

Truman

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

The story was fascinating. It was told in great detail. I had difficulty turning it off. I kept putting off chores so I could free up time to listen. The story was captivating and told so well.

Any additional comments?

I strongly recommend this book especially for history buffs.

Truman biography is a winner

Would you listen to Truman again? Why?

This book is by David McCullough. Anyone who has read any of his books know that in itself is a treat. But Truman's straight talk mirrors many of the messages that resound in our own time. We can learn from him even half a century later. Would that there were more people in Washington like him today. Everyone should listen to this book to get a glimpse of a politician who had a strong set of values.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Truman?

The story of being catapulted into the presidency during World War II was particularly interesting.

I felt like I personally knew him

long, detailed, thorough, and fair. included unflattering parts while illustrating his greatness.
I want to visit his museum now and think I'd have a greater appreciation for it.

Superb

Superb. It was one of David McCullough best. Wish I read it earlier. Simply masterful.

Entertaining and edifying.

Took on a long road trip, others in the car enjoyed it so much that they got audible accounts just to finish the book.