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.

Well done Well done Well Done

This is a great read. My wife and I listened on a recent trip, and both us felt like we knew someone much better. The author reading the book is another advantage, as well as the many quotes given by Truman himself. I highly recommend this book to any and all who enjoy American history. This one is not about the Civil War or the formation of the United States. It stand alone and is well worth your time.

Mark - St. Paul

Great listen. Lots of details I did not know. Love narrators voice, pace, and diction.

A great revisit

Yes, Truman was America. McCullough revived my belief in hard work and timing in life!

Just a taste

I wanted to learn more about this man but didn't feel I needed the 50+ hours of the unabridged edition. This was perfect and gave me just what I wanted.

Truman's accomplishments are impressive

Truman's achievements from company-grade, artillery officer in WWI through his accidental, but high-performance Presidency, add up to a truly amazing record. This is an abridged version of the full book, and, having listened to it, I am going to read the entire printed work. David McCullough is a valuable natural resource to our nation. What a story-teller, and what a story he has to tell!