This superb audiobook will surely rank among this year's finest histories and literary studies. British actress Julie Teal brings elegance and grace to popular historian Andrea Wulf's lively account of the unconventional group of authors, poets, and intellectuals who congregated in Jena, Germany, in the 1790s and early 1800s, and together inaugurated the modern romantic idea of self. The narrative is highly accessible but challenging, and Teal's skill proves essential. Until Napoleon's battle there in 1806, Jena had housed some of the most illustrious and enduring names of the era: Goethe, Schiller, Hegel, Alexander von Humboldt, and several lesser-known but thoroughly modern women, all illuminated by concise detail and immaculate prose. With such abundance to work with, Teal delivers a lovely, unforced, pitch-perfect narration.
Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593627624
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Manchester’s incisive writing and Parker’s friendly narration make this a compelling package on the life of 20th century icon General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964). No student of modern times can ignore this vain, mercurial soldier whose battlefield brilliance conserved the lives of his soldiers even as they cut their opponents to ribbons. Listening to Parker, one imagines a jovial uncle delivering a slap on the back and sitting down to describe war experiences in a rich voice filled with humor and pathos. He pronounces Japanese names, New Guinea cities and American slang with effortless ease. The “you-are-there” quality grabs and holds. This is a carefully done, seamless audio presentation.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This well-told tale of love and courage during WWII would make a good miniseries.
This story of love, endurance, and heroism in a time of war translates well to audio. That it’s a true story makes it all the better. Reed Peggram was an American linguist who found love when he went to Europe for advanced study prior to WWII. He refused to return to the U.S. because his male partner couldn’t emigrate. They ended up in a Nazi prison camp. Russell Jordan offers a solid narration. His even voice carries the narrative along effectively without false drama. His facility with foreign names and places keeps things flowing. Nicole Cash narrates the touching and enlightening preface, in itself a worthy story of diligence and serendipity.
This well-told tale of love and courage during WWII would make a good miniseries.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281695
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2026
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