The story of the relatively unknown rise of American industry that began during the War of 1812 is ably read by David Colacci in this surprisingly intriguing work. While the Industrial Revolution may have begun in Britain, her former colonies in North America refined and expanded on British practices. Morrison describes how the naval arms war on the Great Lakes between the U.S. and Great Britain spurred the industrialization of New England and spilled over into Pennsylvania and the Midwest such that by the 1820s the U.S. was “the most intensely commercialized society in history.” Colacci has a winsome, resonant voice that easily moves through this work. He even makes the technical passages interesting.
Pub Date: 2012
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The readers can't compensate for the unbearably pompous prose style of this extended parable about corporate politics and strategy.
Pub Date:
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Media powerhouse Barry Diller, at 83, offers an articulate, humble, and utterly honest account of his varied life. Dillard's narration is workmanlike, moving the narrative forward in a somewhat monotonous manner. That unvaried tone sharply contrasts with the fascinating story of a young, not very aggressive personality who nonetheless became highly influential in the entertainment industry. It's all presented without much fanfare: the Paramount years, QVC, and HSN leadership roles, among others. Diller attributes his own cowardice and the societal norms of the 1950s and 1960s for staying silent on his homosexuality. He discusses the matter briefly, along with his successful marriage to fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. His greatest assets were flexibility and good luck. This is a fascinating life story that requires patient listening.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668134993
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
