This social history of Renaissance Italy focuses on Florence and the gritty world from which so much fine art arose. It contains much of interest, though it can sometimes be sensationalistic or unconvincing. Arthur Morey conveys an intelligent affability throughout, focusing the listener's attention on the text rather than his performance. His pronunciation of the frequent Italian is accurate, if not graceful. His skill in pacing and in matching voice to sense is impressive. At times, his pauses or emphases help clarify difficult sentences. Overall, his nuanced, clear reading is actually somewhat superior to the book being read, and makes the experience of it more pleasant than it might otherwise have been.
Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2014
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780804191135
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
If Lawson can do it, perhaps that means her listeners can, too.
With good-humored narration, Lawson reminds listeners that sometimes, even when everything feels like it's falling apart, the best thing you can do for yourself is bedazzle the deer head you've been storing in your garage. With contagious conviviality, Lawson provides this solution—alongside other, perhaps more relatable, ones—to help her audience break their cycles of depression, anxiety, and/or endless scrolling. Lawson's laughter bubbles out as she speaks. Her fear is made palpable with every. Emphasized. Word. Her cheery voice quavers with a lifetime of self-imposed nervousness. Yet she narrates (and writes) on. Lawson uses open-hearted honesty to work toward the best version of herself.
If Lawson can do it, perhaps that means her listeners can, too.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281992
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Dubner's joy in discovery shines through in his quest to understand Handel's legendary work.
Some may love Handel's Messiah. Author Dubner is obsessed with it. The host of the popular Freakonomics podcast embarks on a journey to uncover the history of the music and better understand the composer. The audiobook follows a podcast template. Dubner interviews historians and locals in Dublin, unfolding the fascinating story of how Messiah came to be and how it changed Handel's life. Dubner considers key points about the business of music, the particulars of instrumentation, and religious politics. The music, voices, and occasional sound effects are woven together naturally and effectively.
Dubner's joy in discovery shines through in his quest to understand Handel's legendary work.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668177266
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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