The intersection of the lives of Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney and Abraham Lincoln is best known for their battle over slavery. During the Civil War, clashes also occurred over civilian rights in military courts and presidential war powers---issues relevant to contemporary listeners. Richard Allen delivers detailed courtroom documents with clarity, keeping listeners intrigued as to the next stage in the drama. However, his erratic pronunciation of " Illinois" and a Union general's name is a bit off-putting. Nonetheless, Simon's biographical and educational background on both individuals is conveyed with empathy by Allen, especially his portrait of the aging Taney, beset by family losses and shivering in ill-heated quarters in the basement of the Supreme Court.
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2006
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 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
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 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.
