This splendid production of McCullough’s history of Americans in Paris in the 1800s gives the royal treatment to one of our nation’s most esteemed historians—and most identifiable voices. McCullough delivers only the introductory chapter here. But Edward Herrmann’s sterling voice is compatible with McCullough’s familiar syntax and manner of inflection, and conveys the distinctive character and mood of his prose. The text itself is prismatic, moving through a cast of representative figures that include novelists, painters, and physicians—many well known, many obscure. Herrmann trusts the text explicitly, delivering it without flair or affect, with a fluent command of the French names and sites. This is popular history at its best and is certain to become one of this year’s most prestigious audio releases.
Pub Date: May 24, 2011
Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442344198
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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