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Truman

By: David McCullough
Narrated by: Nelson Runger
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About this listen

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 1993

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 33rd 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.

©2011 Simon & Schuster (P)2003 David McCullough Historical Politicians Presidents & Heads of State State & Local United States War Franklin D Roosevelt Military Vietnam War Imperialism Korean War Roosevelt Family Winston Churchill American History

Critic Reviews

“McCullough’s marvelous feel for history is based on an appreciation of colorful tales and an insight intopersonalities. In this compelling saga of America’s greatest common-man president, McCullough adds luster to an old-fashioned historical approach.... the sweeping narrative, filled with telling details and an appreciation of the role individuals play in shaping the world.” (Walter Isaacson, Time)
“McCullough is a master storyteller whose considerable narrative skills have been put to exquisite use in re-creating the life and times of America’s 33rd president.” (Robert Dallek, Los Angeles Times Book Review)
“Perhaps the highest tribute one can pay a biographer is to say that through him one comes to know his subject almost as though in person. In fostering the reader’s acquaintance with Harry Truman, not once does McCullough get in the way. This is in every respect a splendid work.” (Myron A. Marty, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

What listeners say about Truman

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Profile Image for H. Anthony

A sorry way to treat your Vice President

Would you listen to Truman again? Why?

Yes, because there was so much to listen to I think I probably missed quite a bit. I was quite amazed at the way American politics works, so different to ours in Australia under the English system. It opened my eyes quite a lot. I honestly felt very sorry for Mr. Truman; he was not treated with respect when he became Vice President. He hadn't wanted to be Vice President, he had a horror of becoming the President through the President passing away (he was very sick) and sure enough - his nightmare came true. How could they not have kept him in the loop about the Atomic bomb development when they knew Roosevelt was extremely ill?

Any additional comments?

I think this President is the least understood but I believe him to be the most honest. The way he was treated by Roosevelt and the minions surrounding him borders on disgusting. When you think about it the Vice President should know everything the President knows, it's only a split second between being the Vice President and becoming the President if there's an accident or an assassination. This was a fascinating look at the life of a man who became the leader of the free world in its worst hours through accident, and had to make the hardest decision any man had ever had to make - do we drop the bomb or do we continue to fight? He then went on to be elected in his own right and become much loved by the American people. I loved this book.

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Profile Image for Marc Fearby

So good, I can't stop listening

This book is whatever a "page turner" might be for audio books, and the narration excellent. I can't stop listening at night when I go to bed (when I normally fire up Audible). It's becoming such a problem that I'm not getting enough sleep at the moment! I'm halfway through so I should be back to my regular sleep schedule in about a week.

I can't recommend this book highly enough (and I'm looking at other books by this narrator now; "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" is probably up next).

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Profile Image for StuartR

Excellent

Wonderful biography of an amazing man. Stands in sharp contrast with what is served up now.

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Excellent story telling

Interesting background provided in part one of the book. Great story telling and captivating narration by Nelson Runger.

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Profile Image for Omar Shubeilat

Superb

This is a must listen to anyone interested in the history of the US. Truman is easily one of the best presidents. not a personal fan of some of his decisions but I think I can learn a thing or two from him as a man and a president. the narration is also second to none. Nelson is one of the best narrators out there.

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