British art historian Katy Hessel's enthusiasm for her subject is evident. Drawn from her Instagram, @thegreatwomenartists, this audiobook is a global compendium of female artists spanning the years 1500 to the present. A variety of art forms are included besides painting, drawing, and sculpture, such as quilting and weaving. Hessel has a lot of ground to cover, and she narrates in a rushed efficient manner, as if in a lecture hall. More thoughtful pacing would have made the text easier to follow. Perhaps the print version, with its 300 color illustrations, glossary, and time line would be a better choice, rather than audio. The subject is an important one, and Hessel has much to offer.
Pub Date: May 2, 2023
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798350815825
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Baber’s reemergence will be celebrated by a new generation of female artists.
In a smooth, dusky voice, Rebecca Lam narrates the life story of American abstract expressionist painter Alice Baber (1928-1982). A talented and prolific artist, Baber painted bright, colorful shapes that mimic floating light, inspired by movement and sound. Later, she became an advocate for women artists and a champion of the feminist art movement. Sadly, her legacy was largely forgotten, while some of her female contemporaries are more well-known. Lam’s crisp diction and subtle expression enhance the descriptive writing, allowing the listener to visualize bohemian life among artists in New York’s Greenwich Village during the 1950s and ’60s.
Baber’s reemergence will be celebrated by a new generation of female artists.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318542428
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
Jennifer Jill Araya's bright tone and dynamic pacing pair well with Vincent's accessible prose to engage listeners. The audiobook is not quite as dramatic as its title implies, serving instead as an introduction to the art form that highlights occasional industry controversies. However, Vincent does make a strong case for opera as a living genre, arguing that newcomers should join the audience and that aficionados should make room for newer works. Vincent champions operas beyond the European canon, whose famous Italian and German titles Araya pronounces with musicality and accuracy. Araya catches the humor in Vincent's perspective on the supposedly serious opera world. A light, fun, and informative listening experience.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668125038
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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