Many historians argue that the American Civil War began in Kansas, years before South Carolina seceded. In addition, the 1856 presidential election reflected the national divide over slavery as clearly as the 1860 race did. These are among the major points of this examination of John C. Fremont's campaign for the presidency. Fremont was the nascent Republican Party's first national standard bearer. Bob Souer offers an engaging reading of this audiobook. His voice is pleasant, and his pace makes understanding complicated passages easier. When the author uses complex sentences, Souer breaks them into pieces that allow the listener to follow without undercutting their meaning. This often overlooked period of U.S. history is brought to life in Bicknell's book, and Souer translates it to audio effectively.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 10 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
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.
Scott Brick is a frequent narrator of historian Philbrick’s audiobooks, and he’s a perfect match for the author’s straightforward but highly expressive narrative voice. The discovery of gold in the California Sierras in 1848 triggered one of the most dramatic episodes in American history, a grand panorama of greed, obsession, and astonishing twists of fortune. Gold fever fueled progress in sea travel, railroad building, and mechanics and, not incidentally, accelerated the booming nation’s slide toward civil war. Philbrick is, as always, a rewarding and deeply satisfying storyteller, and his history of the California Gold Rush offers a cast of memorable characters along with a troubling record of racism and vigilantism.
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217356218
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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