by David McCullough ; read by Edward Herrmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2005
One of the United States' most highly regarded popular historians, David McCullough, and one of the best narrators of audiobooks, Edward Herrmann-- an AUDIOFILE Golden Voice--together create an excellent production. The story told by McCullough and brought to life in Herrmann's sonorous voice is a gripping tale. In May 1889, Johnstown, nestled in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, was ravaged by a terrible flood, which killed over 2,200 people. The flood was not simply a product of nature. The primary culprit was a dam then owned by an association whose members included some great American industrialists, including Andrew Carnegie. The dam broke, and a wave of unimagined destruction passed through the valley.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Carol Matthau ; read by Carol Matthau ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Fergus M. Bordewich ; read by Sean Patrick Hopkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2026
As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, it’s enlightening to look back at how the country celebrated its...
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
The Great Centennial Exhibition was designed to celebrate a century of U.S. history and progress and to make a statement that the country was a technological and diplomatic world leader as the globe looked toward the 20th century. Author Bordewich frames his chronicle of the exhibition by focusing on four key figures—President Rutherford B. Hayes; Alexander Graham Bell; railroad magnate Tom Scott, who spearheaded the fair; and sculptor Edmonia Lewis, whose work broke racial and gender barriers. Narrator Sean Patrick Hopkins’ conversational tone perfectly suits the material. He adds a bit of lilt for humorous and ironic passages. His pace makes it easy to follow the material, and the author’s writing style adapts well to audio.
As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, it’s enlightening to look back at how the country celebrated its centennial.Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217340187
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
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
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.