The role of the Civil War's black soldiers, often glossed over in history books, is expertly told in this stirring work. Narrator Sean Crisden speaks authoritatively about the men's courage as they risked everything for freedom. Crisden's measured delivery underscores the importance of this book, which mainly tells the story through individual soldiers, revealing their family histories as well. Crisden effects a distinctive voice for each of the soldiers, giving him a unique identity. The author explains that allowing black soldiers in the military, in addition to being vehemently opposed by the South, was also opposed by some Northerners. Some white Union soldiers felt black men lacked skill and courage. The audiobook concentrates on two regiments from Massachusetts, which includes famous men, notably a luckless descendant of Paul Revere.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2016
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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
Tales of the rescued don’t diminish the sorrow for the millions lost.
Jim Meskimen’s authoritative voice and evenhandedness carry a narrative with many highs and lows and steeped in tragic irony. As Nazi attacks on Jews worsened in the 1930s, a group of poker-playing friends in Manila, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, conceived a plan to repatriate German Jews to the Philippines. Hundreds of people were subsequently saved, but antisemitism bothin the U.S. and the Philippines blocked a full effort. Most effectively, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the Pacific theater and subsequent independence of the Philippines—and on the careers of two men at the table, one of whom almost became a U.S. president, and one of whom did.
Tales of the rescued don’t diminish the sorrow for the millions lost.Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228966093
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
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