Benjamin Franklin, one of the best-known Americans at the time of the Revolution, rose from humble beginnings with the help of wealthy friends impressed with his intelligence. The scientist, writer, and printer was a reluctant revolutionary--he stayed in London in hopes of reaching a compromise with England--but his support of the rebels was instrumental in gaining French assistance. This biography looks at Franklin's life through his own words, those of the many critics he faced as an emerging member of the new American middle class, and those who later on saw in Franklin a template for their own lives. Peter Johnson reads as a lecturer, conveying information with only occasional emotion. Still, the evolution of Franklin's image, through his own efforts and those of others, is a fascinating prism through which to view the founding of our nation. J.A.S. 2005 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: 2004
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
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