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

Truman

It was a good overview of his life. Some important parts seem to have been left off in the abridgement, e.g., cold war, Berlin airlift.

Truman

Harry S. Truman did not climb his way to the top he was elevated there because of his honesty, hard work, and highest moral character. Excellent book. It was so good it left me wanting for more detail. Perhaps I would have preferred an unabridged version. I would like to have learned more about the thoughts behind his decisions. There are clips of real Truman speeches. Hearing these speeches really seemed to complete the picture of Truman. It is very refreshing to read about such a modest man reaching the pinnacle of power. I recommend it.

Outstanding! Worth every penny!

As expected, David McCullough has crafted a masterpiece, presenting history in 3-D. I have now read or listened to all but two of his books, and I love his work.

I very much enjoyed listening to Mr. McCullough's narration, and the actual recordings of Truman and others were a very nice touch.

Loved it. Narrator was spot on.

Flows nicely. Very correct to what history has documented. Loved that he was not wealthy and worked to support his family. It certainly was a difficult time in history and he left with such low ratings. And yet had the guts to do what was right for the nation even knowing the cost to himself. He was was a true patriot. McCullough’s narration was perfect.

Truman Biography

I thought it was a great tale. I thought it was well written and was incredibly informative. I always thought of Harry Truman as one of my favorite presidents, and this shed light on many facets that I had no knowledge of. A really great read.

one of best books on a president I've listened to

what a great and I formative book. little on the short side when it comes to president biographies but packed with facts, story is and insights

An American Legend

David McCullough has crafted a warm and deeply human portrayal of Harry Truman, with generous attention to his early homespun upbringing, explaining so much about the remarkable man he would become. Ascending to the presidency with the sudden death of FDR, and scorned by most political observers, Truman proceeded to take one historic initiative after another: the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, NATO, the Korean conflict, and of course, the atomic bomb. It is impossible to come away without an appreciation of Truman’s critical role in the history of the Twentieth Century—and beyond.

McCullough is not only a superb historian and master storyteller, but also a marvelous narrator. He has always reminded me of the late John Chancellor of NBC. The writing, the historical depth and the narration combine to create an audiobook that seems to end much too soon.

Exceptional story.

I've had the David McCullough book for years and never read it given the shear size of the biography. Just don't have the time though I've read some of his other works. After listening to this first audible book which I fully expected to dislike ( listening vs. reading format) I am now committed to reading the book to better understand the fascinating story and relationships that was President Truman's life. This abridged version is very well done. If you like the way that Mr. McCullough narrated the Ken Burns Civil War story you will most likely enjoy this too.

A must read!

What made the experience of listening to Truman the most enjoyable?

McCullough is a natural story teller combined with Truman's Story makes this a winning combination

What other book might you compare Truman to and why?

The Killing of Kennedy, Gives you a good idea of the politics of time..

Have you listened to any of David McCullough’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, and write up to par.

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

Yes, I found this very informative of both the man Truman and the error of politics. This book caused me to put Truman the man on my list of people to admire..

Any additional comments?

A must read!!!

Very good but too brief

A very interesting life which erases the notion that HST was a machine politician. I wish it had not been abridged. I woud gladly have listened to more detail about McArthur's firing, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin airlift, the Truman doctrine, indeed all of the momentous contributions of this unique president. Also would have liked more on the family life. All in all, however, a "read" I could hardly put down.