An illuminating portrait of the painter of the Gilded Age’s rich and famous.
Narrator Daniel Henning brings an engaging charm to this biography of the great American painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925). Sargent moved endlessly around Europe starting in early childhood and throughout his prolific career as a portrait artist to wealthy socialites. While details abound about his artworks and his fascinatingly colorful subjects, the inner life and personal relationships of the notoriously private artist have been more elusive to scholars. Henning’s steady and expressive delivery keeps the listener’s attention as he relates new archival research from letters and memoirs that provides insight into Sargent’s restless nature and his unconventional friendships with male models and other bohemian artists in his circle. Sargent’s true character is revealed through his lifelong devotion to his sisters and close friends.
An illuminating portrait of the painter of the Gilded Age’s rich and famous.Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2027
Duration: 17 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9798899749551
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 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
© 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.
