All the King's Men

By: Robert Penn Warren

Narrated by: Michael Emerson

Length: 20 hrs and 52 mins

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)

Excellent writing, but not for me

Robert Penn Warren's writing is excellent. I knew I was in the hands of a master writer, but I wasn't sure I wanted to be in those hands. The story of personal and political rise and fall is interesting, but the story was too dark for me, and I eventually lost interest. As much as the story is about Willy Stark the politician; Warrens' tale is also about Jack a man in the shadow of the political giant. A well done and realistic portrayal of what influences taint a man, and also a rather hopeless message about politics and the common man that places the politician in office. Brings up thought provoking questions - such as who is to blame, the system, the public, the man himself? It's a great book, but I found it dark, somewhat like reading Toni Morrison. Both great writers who take on complex and dark subjects. Narrator easy to listen to and he drew me in completely.

Great!

I enjoy writing reviews but an effort here would be superfluous. Just read the 10 reviews that preceded mine. They are wonderful descriptions of all the book has to offer and how you will enjoy reading, learning, and having an opportunity to consider the value of life and all the things we seem to do to diminish its beauty.

Is he the hero of his own story?

Any additional comments?

Nowadays the idea that there could be a backstory building up behind the main story is so commonplace that we hardly notice it. But there was a time when that was a relatively new idea. Willie Stark is such a towering figure in this story that it can be easy to overlook that there are other plotlines going on. What Warren does with the narrator in this book is so masterful and subtle that it takes a while to appreciate. Then again, if all you want is a fictionalized biography of Huey Long, you can enjoy it that way too.

Nothing compares with it.

Penn Warren was first a poet; his prose is poetic--and truly incomparable. The humanity in this tale of powerful men seen through the eyes of a good man and good women tugs strongly at goodness in the soul of the reader.

a classic still exceeds expectations.

While I expected the book to focus on the Jury Long character (Willie Stark) it is more about an aide. It gives a rich and deep portrayal of him and of one side of Mississippi in the 30s. Penn Warren is a great storyteller with an ear for language. He takes his Southern time about spinning the tale.

Note that he uncritically presents the racism of the time. This is a fault of the author's character, perhaps, but not of the story.

Incredible book!!!!!

Wow! I never read this classic in school and having just finished it I understand why it was so heralded. I was just glued to my chair. The writing was so beautiful and his vocabulary was spectacular. Michael Emerson is the best narrator I’ve heard. What an experience!

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.

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.

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.

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.