We all know the story of the Chicago Fire (Oct 8-10, 1871), which began when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern. The entire city burned. In a somber voice, David DeVries narrates this authoritative and informative history of the fire, which documents the late and inadequate response by the fire departments and the loss of much of the city. Throughout this sweeping and exhaustive story, DeVries's steady, no-nonsense delivery explains the growth of this city, the minute details of the fire, the subsequent feeding and rehousing of survivors, and the extensive rebuilding of "the Big Windy." DeVries denotes newspaper reports by shifting his tone, contrasting that part of the account with the barely emotional narrative. On the sesquicentennial of the fire, Smith's detailed history celebrates the rebirth of this key Midwestern city.
Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781664783867
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.
Grover Gardner’s narration of this history of the excavation of ancient Antioch (once in Syria, now in Turkey) initially seems slow and almost intoned, as if for a prayer or the start of an epic. The approach is a bit heavy for this affable, conversational examination of archaeological practice, art history, the nature of mosaic, and the handling of artistic relics by museums and institutions. But Gardner’s relaxed pace allows the listener to be absorbed in the material and to take full pleasure in his phrasing, the quiet expressiveness of his tones, his notable warmth, and his careful but effortless rendering of the text’s meaning.
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797198224
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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