
Known and Unknown
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Donald Rumsfeld
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By:
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Donald Rumsfeld
About this listen
A powerful memoir from the late former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
With the same directness that defined his career in public service, Rumsfeld's memoir is filled with previously undisclosed details and insights about the Bush administration, 9/11, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also features Rumsfeld's unique and often surprising observations on eight decades of history.
Rumsfeld addresses the challenges and controversies of his illustrious career, from the unseating of the entrenched House Republican leader in 1965, to helping the Ford administration steer the country away from Watergate and Vietnam, to the war in Iraq, to confronting abuse at Abu Ghraib. Along the way, he offers his plainspoken, first-hand views, and often humorous and surprising anecdotes about some of the world's best-known figures, ranging from Elvis Presley to George W. Bush.
Both a fascinating narrative and an unprecedented glimpse into history, Known and Unknown captures the legacy of one of the most influential men in public service.
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Highly Informative about US Government Work
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Rumsfeld doesn't spend as much time trying to set the record straight as he does just telling his story. He does do a good job explaining the Bush administration's defense policy/strategy, better even than when the administration was putting those policies in place.
If you are interested in recent American history, this book is worth reading. As a bonus, hear the story of how Rumsfeld refused to hire Dick Cheney - and then launched his career.
One perspective on 40 years of American history
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A Great Historical Perspective
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Narration of the book is by Rumsfeld himself and it is fantastic!
Known and Unknown has my highest unconditional recommendation.
30 hours long and worth every minute!
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What made the experience of listening to Known and Unknown the most enjoyable?
I have listened/read about this time in our history from several different leaders on both sides of the aisle, this is one of the most biased and honest perspectives of any I've seen. Mr. Rumsfeld has no fear in clearly stating his opinion of any important figure in his time in politics and business.If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
All the President's Man.Any additional comments?
He's considerably more likable after understanding his perspective, until you hear from the source it is easy to think of this man as an evil caricature behind the scenes,a remarkable life
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Great read
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wow
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the real story
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Fantastic Insight Into Several Decades of Politics
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Where does Known and Unknown rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?
Second only to Paul Johnson's Modern TimesWhat does Donald Rumsfeld bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?
It felt like you were in the room listening to him explain to you personally an important era of US and World history.Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It made me respect the dedication of some of those in public service who do so not for fame or monetary gain, but because they have the capacity and knowledge to make decisions, are not afraid to do so.Any additional comments?
A very underrated public servant who was not in public service because he needed a government job or sought fame, but because he was needed.Relevant to our times
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