• The Walking Drum

  • By: Louis L'Amour
  • Narrated by: John Curless
  • Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,114 ratings)

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The Walking Drum  By  cover art

The Walking Drum

By: Louis L'Amour
Narrated by: John Curless
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Publisher's summary

Louis L’Amour has been best known for his ability to capture the spirit and drama of the authentic American West. Now he guides his listeners to an even more distant frontier - the enthralling lands of the 12th century.

Warrior, lover, and scholar Kerbouchard is a daring seeker of knowledge and fortune bound on a journey of enormous challenge, danger, and revenge. Across Europe, over the Russian steppes, and through the Byzantine wonders of Constantinople, Kerbouchard is thrust into the treacheries, passions, violence, and dazzling wonders of a magnificent time.

From castle to slave galley, from sword-racked battlefields to a princess’ secret chamber, and ultimately, to the impregnable fortress of the Valley of Assassins, The Walking Drum is a powerful adventure in an ancient world that you will find every bit as riveting as Louis L’Amour’s stories of the American West.

Public Domain (P)2010 Random House

What listeners say about The Walking Drum

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,628
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting Story with historical value

What did you love best about The Walking Drum?

I enjoy the parts of the story with action; fighting, escaping from jail, etc.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way that it takes a person from Youth to Adulthood, and shows their trials and tribulations.

What does John Curless bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

John Curless has an interesting and expressive voice.

Any additional comments?

There are a few sections with long descriptions of historical events that can get a bit boring- but other than that I really enjoyed the book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Needs a Sequel

Rich, rich story with a lot of history about which most Western people know little. Unfortunately, the denouement ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. Still, it's an enjoyable listen.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

lots of history binds this good story

one of lamour's final books. a good story weaving much history into it. fun and leaving you wanting to read some of the old books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Not a western.

In my humble opinion, his finest work. A book that I would hand my sons to read.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great historical fiction

I have read this book over and over. Listening was a treat!
Highly recommend listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best all time epics

What did you love best about The Walking Drum?

The history comes alive with L'Amour's writing. This isn't his typical book but it's definitely his writing style. So good.

What did you like best about this story?

Same question as above. Refer to previous answer.

Which scene was your favorite?

No spoilers.

If you could take any character from The Walking Drum out to dinner, who would it be and why?

L'Amour actually. I would love to hear why he wrote this and how long he researched it.

Any additional comments?

This was the first L'Amour books I ever read. It was the first really long book I ever read. And it is ultimately the reason I became a writer and love to read. I highly recommend this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Adventure

One of his better stories. The same style as Taylon and Sacketts Land. You will enjoy it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

For everyone

Love this story. I have listened to it many times. I shall want to hear it again someday soon.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

adventure

love this story, will listen again. plan to share with my Son, Grand Son and great Grandson

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

poor ending

The ending sucks and leaves loose ends, but besides that it's an amazing book and there's much too be learned from multiple readings/listenings

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