The Walking Drum

By: Louis L'Amour

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins

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

One of L'Amour's best.

What did you love best about The Walking Drum?

Detail information provided as the story unfolds.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lead charater was developed very well.

Which character – as performed by John Curless – was your favorite?

The main lead.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, several periods.

One of my favourite books period.

Though really lacked the map, which just adds a whole dimention in Louis Lamours stories.
All the other things are great, loved the narrators expression and voice. If its hard for you to follow the story check the text version first, surely you will return some time after to listen it once more, it is truly a different experience!

All time favorite

I just love the book, the story is just so intriguing 5star would recommend to a friend

“You are who you read in six months.”

Having listened to this book recently, after reading it at other times in my life, I find it still grows in significance as historical fiction. This book inspired me to travel much, train in many things, and even attend the United States Military Academy, my “Córdoba”.

That is the caliber of this book. Read it, adventure, and grow so that your story may make a book like this one.

Hidden gem

Are people aware of how good this book is? Or is it just me. My brother and dad also love it. The Walking drum is an adventure unlike any of L’amour’s other books. It is historical, packed with various interpretations of a very particular time, i.e. the golden age of Islam in Spain circa 1100 a.d./Byzantium/the unknown depths of the ancient past, history no longer preserved, the Druidic rituals. The main character is someone who is learning to sharpen his mind and his muscles, at a time when you need both to live. And he has pride. Overall, I count this in my top five favorite books. It is extraordinary. Of all that I’ve described, there is another quality, that indescribable thing that makes a book special. And this book has it for me. Read, enjoy, and learn.

Gripping

An excellent tale woven in majestic fashion. A story that covers many lands with many twists and turns. A tale of revenge and violence, art and poetry, love and passion, and the loyalty of a son to his father.

Riveting story!

A great read filled with history, mystery and intrigue. A look into the past and how perhaps a hero could be built by determination and will.

Fabulous

I am constantly amazed at the level of knowing that Louis L’Amour wrote. His knowledge of history, geography, languages, cultures, and people groups ever astounds. And John Curliss did him proud. No one could have done it better.
I have all of Louis’ books in print, so the maps are at hand, making more of the story than ever. What a book, equaled only by “Last of the Breed.” Again, FABULOUS!!

fantastic

Another wondrous and historical tale from L'Amour.
Always enjoy a good book which also incorporates history.

Loved It!

I got this book for my husband to listen to on a long car trip but he could not wait until then! He said this book was the best Louis L'Amour book that he has "read" yet.