Colonel Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jesse James are iconic names in the history of the American West, and all gained their greatest prominence during the summer of 1876. That three-month span is the focus of this audiobook. Johnny Heller offers a solid narration. His slightly gravelly voice is perfect for the material. The author, Chris Wimmer, generally follows chronological order, so the text moves from one locale to another as he unspools the various stories. But listeners will have no trouble keeping the various themes straight. Wimmer's background includes numerous podcasts, so he was already used to writing for the ear. This is clearly evident in this long-form work. The audiobook is a fun and easy listening experience.
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250898524
Publisher: Macmillan 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
More than 35 hours long, this comprehensive biography of Random House founder Bennett Cerf is equal to a workweek for many listeners. Cerf nurtured a roster of the 20th century's most consequential authors and was nationally known as a television panelist. His story is a fascinating panorama of American arts and society over 50 years, scrupulously researched but overburdened and slow. Listeners who've never heard of William Styron or Dorothy Kilgallen or the Famous Writers School will be fully educated here. Narrator Lisa Flanagan keeps a steady, unfussy pace that carries her listeners over the longueurs. But hers is a channel swim rather than a leisurely stroll through Central Park. This paunchy biography needed a stronger editorial hand.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 35 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346448
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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