This leftist interpretation of the Russian Revolutions of 1917 is given an able narration by John Banks. The audiobook gives a splendid and exciting account of the political and actual battles that transformed Russia from an autocracy under the Romanovs to an autocracy under the Central Committee. Banks's English accent gives a certain authority to the production. His baritone is appropriately expressive, and he moves at a somewhat fast pace but is not hard to follow. Russian purists may not like his British pronunciation of most Russian names and words, but most will not take note. He does well in affecting different voices for quotes. Overall, Banks delivers a very good performance of a work that will be a topic of discussion for students of Russian history.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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