Witness Audiobook By Whittaker Chambers cover art

Witness

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Witness

By: Whittaker Chambers
Narrated by: John MacDonald
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First published in 1952, Witness came on the heals of America's trial of the century, in which Whittaker Chambers accused Alger Hiss, a full-standing member of the political establishment, of spying for the Soviet Union.

In this penetrating philosophical memoir, Chambers recounts the famous case as well as his own experiences as a Communist agent in the United States, his later renunciation of communism, and his conversion to Christianity. Chambers' worldview - "man without mysticism is a monster" - helped to make political conservatism a national force. Witness packs the emotional wallop and the literary power of a classic Russian novel and has gained Chambers recognition by critics on both sides of the spectrum as a truly gifted writer.

©1952 Whittaker Chambers (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Americas Conservatism & Liberalism Espionage Freedom & Security Historical Ideologies & Doctrines Intelligence & Espionage Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government True Crime United States Thought-Provoking Inspiring

Critic reviews

"One of the few indispensable autobiographies ever written by an American - and one of the best written too.... It deserves to be recognized as a first class achievement." ( New Centurion)
"Confession, history, potboiler - by a man who writes like the literary giant we would know him as, had not Communism got him first." ( Christopher Caldwell, National Review, 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the Century)
"This many-dimensioned apologia, which is also a spy drama, a Quaker testament, and a spiritual autobiography, telescopes the major political and religious conflicts of the century." ( Booklist)
Historical Significance • Compelling Autobiography • Superb Narration • Courageous Protagonist • Spiritual Journey
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If you could sum up Witness in three words, what would they be?

Compelling, religious, political.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Whittaker Chambers, the author, is a very complicated man. We hear how his basic principles lead him first to become a Communist, then to reject it, and later to become a Quaker.

What about John MacDonald’s performance did you like?

I liked the reading. However, there were times when I heard faint noises in the background and this was a bit distracting.

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

It made me want to continue listening when I should be doing something else. This was even in the part when the testimony of Alger Hiss repeated whose "to the best of my recollection" statements were tedious and maddening. I learned of the importance of Richard Nixon and Henry Luce. I wanted to check up on these men in addition to other information on Whittaker Chambers.

Compelling!

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This should be required reading for every student of history, politics, international relations, government, etc!!

Outstanding!!

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An amazing book I had always heard about the Hiss case. But this was an extremely well written, heartfelt, intellectual , and spiritual account, which fully confirmed my suspicion that Hiss was a liar.

Excellent book

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This is a fantastic book. I had long wanted to read it but was daunted by its length. However, the author engages you early in his personal story and as the historical events unfold, reveals his inner thoughts. Well worth reading for both the history of it and also the pure literature of it.

History in literature

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best book that I have heard; story is incredible + applies to where we are today

Amazing Biography

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"Witness" reveals to sober men that humanity is drunk. But the drunkards, of course, still disagree.
And the FBI is definitely not what it used to be.

A Severely Merciful Story

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Compelling person, sublime writing, good narration. This is a must listen of an extraordinary life of an ordinary man.

A must listen

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Listened to this book multiple times. Inspiring human character extremely well written, and well read.

Everyone should get this!

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Best insight into the mind of a true patriot. Unfortunately, nothing seems to have changed over the decades. Ultimately, the forces for evil seem to have prevailed after all.

it's all hidden by current educational and cultural controllers

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A great American story about the strength of Christian faith and its unique ability to put politics in perspective and the evils of communism in its place.

Master of Prose

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