As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, it’s enlightening to look back at how the country celebrated its...
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
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
A fresh performance of a compelling history.
Narrating this illuminating audiobook about how 13 North American colonies broke free from England’s rule, Beth Hicks’ relaxed clarity and brisk pacing make the author’s expansive research a joy to hear and to absorb. Pearsall looks beyond the independence story most of us are familiar with. She shows how the ideas that sparked the American Revolution came from people in Africa, Asia, and Europe who were also fighting for their liberty. The fast-moving narrative describes shifting alliances, betrayals, and unspeakable brutality perpetrated by largely undisciplined British soldiers against colonists and Native Americans. It’s a timely examination of how oppressed people go about seeking respect, happiness, and freedom.
A fresh performance of a compelling history.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217340392
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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