Truman

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Hailed by critics as an American masterpiece, David McCullough's sweeping biography of Harry S Truman captured the heart of the nation. The life and times of the thirty-third President of the United States, Truman provides a deeply moving look at an extraordinary, singular American.

From Truman's small-town, turn-of-the-century boyhood and his transforming experience in the face of war in 1918, to his political beginnings in the powerful Pendergast machine and his rapid rise to prominence in the U.S. Senate, McCullough shows a man of uncommon vitality and strength of character. Here too is a telling account of Truman's momentous decision to use the atomic bomb and the weighty responsibilities that he was forced to confront on the dawning of a new age.

Distinguished historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough tells one of the greatest American stories in this stirring audio adaptation of Truman - a compelling, classic portrait of a life that shaped history.

©1992 David McCullough, All Rights Reserved (P)1992 Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

• Pulitzer Prize Winner, Biography or Autobiography, 1993

Not Long

I listened to the condensed version of this very long McCullough tome. It was about right, so those who complain about the 998 page version should be warned. The condensed version provides just enough facts for the average reader. If you are doing a PhD thesis on the Truman decision process however, don't read the short version. I learned that he was a successful farmer and a not so successful haberdasher, for which he is known. His military service was exemplary during WWI. And, he was apparently an active VP for the 80+ days that he held the job, additionally, well respected in Congress. Stalin underestimated him and probably misjudged as he urged Korea and China to enter/initiate the Korean conflict. Well written, the condensed version probably skipped some elements that I'll never know, but I liked it. (less)

Informational!

Would you listen to Truman again? Why?

Would read again and plan too. Too much in one listening.

What did you like best about this story?

audio book had actual speaches included in texst

Excellent !

If you like history you will love this audio book. Well read and documented as are all the authors’ previous works

incredible biography of a man my father admired.

great biography. while my father admired and talked about Truman a great deal, I place him in the place of our great presidents.

Good writing about a person my mother greatly respected.

I enjoyed the details of Harry Truman’s life. History will show how wise were his decisions.

Superb! A solid choice!

The rare combination of great subject, writing, and reading make this one a best buy. The author, David McCullough, has the perfect voice to narrate audio. Check the sample. I looked to see what else he might have narrated. And his subject; I was born too late to remember Truman but what a revelation this book is! According to the record, America hasn't had this kind of genuine leadership since Truman's term ended. He lived in an amazing time in U.S. history. He was a truly unique individual and an outstanding American president!

Truman - A must read...listen

I have always admired Harry Truman and this book refreshed my memory of why. The narrator makes you feel as if you're one of Mr. Truman's confidants, that you can hear him being genuine and often times, courageous. One of my favorite books so far.

Good tribute to a great man

My father loved Truman and and credited him as being one of our greatest presidents. And now I understand why.

Excellent Bio on a Facinating Man

This was a very enjoyable glimpse into the life of a president who has gone from unappreciated pariah of presidential history to gutsy, heroic defender of the Republic. My only reason for giving this audiobook 4/5 stars is even for an abridged edition, it is rather short for a biography of a president during a time in history where there is a veritable ocean of sources from which to draw. I would have liked to see more detail on his presidency, but McCullough had written the book specifically to focus on pre/post presidency. Aside from that, I have nothing but praise for this biography and highly recommend it to anyone interested in any subject remotely connected with Harry Truman.

what the founding Fathers had in mind

Wow! What an American. Great telling of one of our accidental leaders. If every President was just a little more like Harry .....