An Hour Before Daylight

Memories Of A Rural Boyhood

By: Jimmy Carter

Narrated by: Jimmy Carter

“An American classic.” —The New Yorker

In An Hour Before Daylight, Jimmy Carter, bestselling author of Living Faith and Sources of Strength, recreates his Depression-era boyhood on a Georgia farm before the civil rights movement forever changed it and the country.

Carter writes about the powerful rhythms of countryside and community in a sharecropping economy, offering an unforgettable portrait of his father, a brilliant farmer and a strict segregationist who treated black workers with respect and fairness; his strong-willed and well-read mother; and the five other people who shaped his early life, three of whom were black.

Carter's clean and eloquent prose evokes a time when the cycles of life were predictable and simple and the rules were heartbreaking and complex. In his singular voice and with a novelist's gift for detail, Jimmy Carter creates a sensitive portrait of an era that shaped the nation and recounts a classic, American story of enduring importance.©2001 Jimmy Carter, All Rights Reserved; (P)2001 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved; AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

President Carter

I first saw Jimmy Carter when he was in Williamsburg for a Presidential debate. I was so inspired by his words after the debate, and I remain so today. What a remarkable, decent, courageous, and faithful man.

Need to hear from an honest, compassionate leader?

After the last presidential election, I felt enormous foreboding and worry — and decided I needed to hear the perspectives of a trustworthy leader. This book is what I chose to listen to — and I’m so glad I did. Hearing Jimmy Carter’s familiar voice as he recounted his childhood and young adult life reminded me that the wealthy didn’t always control this nation. May he rest in peace.

Not a great president, but a truly great man

this book was so wonderful. I true view of a time in history of great change and of a wonderful kind man that lived through it. What a wonderful reflection of a life of a wonderful man.

Great story, incredible voice, why abridged?!

If you could sum up An Hour Before Daylight in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful, genuine, moving

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

That voice! No one else could bring this story to life like the author.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my all-time favorite Audible purchases. Throw all your political views aside: this is a beautiful historical portrait of a time, a place, and a childhood. Four stars only because for the life of me I can’t fathom why it’s abridged. Give us the unabridged version, please!

A vivid look at rural childhood in the 30’s

I think this book would be riveting even if it wasn’t written by our 39th presidents. I grew up in South Georgia but my childhood only had glimpses of the memories that President Carter recalls so vividly. A good read that puts you right into the Jim Crow era south.