What is a hero, and why do we need them? Nicolson sets out to answer that question as he examines the Battle of Trafalgar, which made a hero of Admiral Lord Nelson, and compares the aristocratic backgrounds of the French and Spanish naval officers with the commercial backgrounds of the British officers. Nicolson reads his book with one voice, occasionally monotonous but usually showing his passion for his subject. When he gets to the battle itself, his quiet, even tones give it an extra air of drama. Music or a second voice might have made this production stronger, but Nicolson answers his questions well as he examines battle myth and reality.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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