That Printer of Udell’s

By: Harold Bell Wright

Narrated by: Richard Powers

As a boy, Dick Falkner ran away from abject poverty and an abusive alcoholic father. Sixteen years later, he finds himself hungry of body and empty of spirit in a Midwestern town. Although he finds no help in this so-called Christian town, he is eventually taken in by George Udell, a local publisher and kindhearted man. Through hard work and Christian morals, this man, who becomes known as "that printer of Udell’s", rises above his past to a new, inspiring life with God.

Harold Bell Wright (1872-1944) was a best-selling author who is said to have been the first American writer to sell a million copies of a novel. More than 21 movies were made or claimed to have been made from his stories, including Gary Cooper’s first major movie The Winning of Barbara Worth and the John Wayne film The Shepherd of the Hills. Behind all of his works lies the simple desire to write about the goodness of mankind.

Public Domain (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"That book, That Printer of Udell’s, had an impact I shall always remember.... [It] set me on a course I’ve tried to follow even unto this day. I shall always be grateful." (Ronald Reagan)

"Decidedly interesting." (New York Times)

"A thoroughly good novel." (Boston Globe)

Awesome book

We were absolutely addicted to this. Great story line and interesting for a wide range of ages

It is worth it!!!!

While hanging out with some friends talking about Christianity and how the church as a whole is corrupt and fake, one of my friends recommended this book. He mentioned that this book walks thru those same concerns and tries to address the issue of how the church ought to be. After finishing the book today I would have to agree. My favorite part in the book has to do with one man saying over and over “I wash my hands clean of this…I want nothing to do with it.” And then that man gets the best correct over, “yeah, you wash your hands clean. Just like Pilot washed his hands clean as he surrendered Jesus to be crucified!” (Keep in mind these are my words and not exactly the words from the book!). I wish I could have been in the book at the moment to have seen the face of the horrible Christian man. It is exactly how church members act and sometimes they, and even I, need a good slapping the face!

The reader for this Audio book is absolutely amazing! I felt like his different voices helped me visualize each character. I also felt like it helped the story flow smoothly without any bumps. I hate readers who are boring to listen to. It makes the story feel long and miserable. This reader was SO good!

I would recommend this to someone who wants to see how the church ought to treat others and how it should help society! I would also recommend this to someone who wants a good storyline that has good character development.

AMAZING!!!

Soooo well done. Gorgeous book, beautiful performance of the narrator. A wonderful story that I will be listening to again!!!

Some inspiring parts

I was disappointed by the almost nonchalant way the taking of another person's life was mentioned, with even the main character being willing to take up a weapon against another human being. However there were some very pertinent social and church issues raised and some thought-provoking ideas presented. All in all, I'm glad I listened to it.

Unforgettable book

Thanks so much for making this book available to me. It is packed with so many lessons and should be a required reading for all ages!

Regan was right

I can see how RR was influenced by this work. I must say that the use of the N word in the final chapter reminds me of why it is so detestable. And yet that is from one of the most detestable characters in the book and thus the point.

Further it is sad to see how the truth about the church 120 years ago remains the same today. The more things change the more they stay the same.

Benelovent

Loved this story and the message of benelovence it shares. the Performance was outstanding! I highly recommend it to both "the church goers" and the followers of Christ.

Great story

Felt like my imagination was alive when I thought of all the details the author put into this.

All are equal and redeemable

Outstanding story of young people changing their city through Christian beliefs & action- challenging their parents’ “churches and religion”. No wonder Ronald Reagan appreciated this book!

A Great Classic

Written in 1902, this is a great classic novel, written to inspire and entertain. Well worth the listen