by Eric Foner ; read by Donald Corren ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2019
Donald Corren's commanding narration is a perfect match for this important audiobook. The author, a Reconstruction expert, explains how major modifications to the Constitution in the late 1860s changed the course of American politics. The abolition of slavery, birthright citizenship, equal protection under the law, and universal suffrage (initially for men) came out of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Corren's urgent tone conveys the high stakes involved as the states and the federal government wrangled during the years following the Civil War. The outcome of these negotiations is considered by historians to be as significant as the founding itself, and Corren makes the listener care about each battle along the way.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980056751
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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