Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, author Les Standiford expounds upon the rise and fall of the Greatest Show on Earth--otherwise known as the circus. Narrator B.J. Harrison's inviting voice will charm listeners as he captures Standiford's enthusiasm for his subject. Circuses fell on hard times and harder times, which led to their demise, principally due to the successful efforts of animal rights activists. Nonetheless, there is something quite American about their stories, which are replete with the varied personalities of Barnum, Bailey, and Ringling and tales of their intense entrepreneurial rivalries. It's all here--tragedy and triumph, as well as revealing data on just how profitable these enterprises were in their heyday. Enjoy Harrison's beautifully enunciated excursion through this history lesson.
Pub Date: June 15, 2021
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549135873
Publisher: Hachette 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
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.
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