by Mark Kurlansky ; Read by George Guidall ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2000
The origin of the Basque people and their language remains a mystery. However, we do know they predated all other European settlements and managed to retain their land, cultural identity, and language throughout recorded history, often playing an important part in world events. For instance, Magellan died in the Philippines, and it was one of his crewmen, a Basque sea captain, who was the first person to sail around the world. George Guidall, reining in his dramatic flair for fiction narration, uses phrasing and an absolute ease with Basque, Spanish, and French words to help the listener understand a sometimes overwhelming amount of material. The last tape contains an interview with the author, which is well worth hearing.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Phoenix Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; Read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kozol ; Read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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