Never underestimate the value of a pleasing voice, especially when the subject is history--in particular, a topic as obtuse as the English Civil War. Mark Meadows's light British accent is an enhancement and a defining feature of this well-told narrative, a sequel of sorts to Oxford scholar Jonathan Healey's THE BLAZING WORLD. That narrative surveyed the entire revolutionary 17th century in Britain. This one focuses on a few momentous months when King Charles I and his Parliament split irrevocably, and England spiraled into civil war. As a case study in government deadlock and division, these events draw numerous parallels to contemporary scenarios. As an audiobook experience, Meadows delivers a lucid, arresting analysis of the how and why of England's most tragic era.
Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217165612
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A fresh look at Europe’s long, contentious history.
Hearing all of European history compressed into 14 hours could be comparable to seeing Earth from outer space. Everything is familiar, yet wondrous and new. Even those familiar with the history will find this audiobook to be a unique listening experience. Actor and narrator Alisdair Simpson is a familiar voice from dozens of British documentaries, and his performance here is highly polished, exacting, and attuned to every word. History compressed becomes history clarified. Drama is lost—the Huns, Charlemagne, the fall of Constantinople, all here and gone in a minute. At the same time, patterns emerge. Simpson’s flawless voice carries listeners effortlessly into a wider and more timeless perspective.
A fresh look at Europe’s long, contentious history.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 10 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668656204
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
An essential overview of the strengths and hazards of capitalism and how it might be harnessed for good.
Jackson’s nuanced analysis of capitalism’s relentless power is well served by narrator Eddie Lopez’s pleasing and intelligent vocal interpretations. Listening is immensely rewarding, thanks to Lopez’s flawless enunciation and nuanced phrasing combined with what sounds like a deep understanding of the material. In this richly detailed history, an economic historian explains how capitalism’s ascendence from the 1500s to the early 20th century was sparked by technological innovations, politics, and the invention of money. It was also fueled throughout its development by humanity’s unstoppable drive to acquire, accumulate, and compete. The author’s fascinating research explains how untethered capitalism has fomented class conflicts, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses.
An essential overview of the strengths and hazards of capitalism and how it might be harnessed for good.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781696622974
Publisher: Kalorama
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
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