Haley's audiobook history of Hawaii describes the struggle between Hawaiian nobles (Ali'i) and European adventurers, traders, and missionaries. Covering the period that ranges from Captain James Cook's first encounters with the islands through their incorporation into the United States, Haley debunks any notion that pre-European Hawaii was egalitarian or nonviolent. He offers only passing reference to the catastrophe wrought by European disease and to similar dramas taking place with other colonial powers in other parts of Polynesia. Joe Barrett's folksy, gravelly baritone is clear and easy to follow. Both Haley and Barrett treat the Hawaiian language with respect, aiming for accurate pronunciations whenever possible. Barrett does his best even with lengthy discussions of Ali'i genealogy. This is a significant contribution to an often overlooked subject.
Pub Date: Dec. 30, 2014
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781481526357
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
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
The history of the National Road is really a history of early American expansion.
Decades before the United States existed, George Washington the surveyor envisioned a road connecting the Potomac and Ohio rivers. He helped develop it, and as president, he championed it. Washington saw the road as the tie that would bind the East and what was then the West (now Midwest). This audiobook chronicles the development of the road and its eventual extension to the Mississippi River. With Basil Sands’ narration, listeners can follow the account easily, especially given the author’s extensively detailed text. Sands’ tone is generally even, with slight variations adding notes of flavor. This is especially helpful as there are limited direct quotes to enliven things. In addition to Washington, author Crytzer profiles Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, who fought for funding, and Henry Clay, who championed the road’s extension through Indiana and Illinois.
The history of the National Road is really a history of early American expansion.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318563508
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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