With a sense of unbound curiosity, narrator Robert Petkoff narrates this fascinating account of the background and backroom dealings that crafted and sustained the American Revolution—from its financing to its persuasive pamphlets and battle plans. The story centers on Benjamin Franklin, who dedicated the second half of his life to wresting the Colonies from England. Along the way, a 1772 judgment by the Earl of Mansfield, voiced with perfect British authority by Simon Jones, gave a single enslaved man, James Somersett, his freedom, creating a devastating dichotomy between abolitionist New England’s creed and what the South viewed as “property rights.” Franklin hoped that the fledgling U.S. Constitution would resolve the issue of slavery. In his afterword the author provides more details on why it did not. Essential listening.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Phillip Goodrich
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
The history of the National Road is really a history of early American expansion.
Decades before the United States existed, George Washington the surveyor envisioned a road connecting the Potomac and Ohio rivers. He helped develop it, and as president, he championed it. Washington saw the road as the tie that would bind the East and what was then the West (now Midwest). This audiobook chronicles the development of the road and its eventual extension to the Mississippi River. With Basil Sands’ narration, listeners can follow the account easily, especially given the author’s extensively detailed text. Sands’ tone is generally even, with slight variations adding notes of flavor. This is especially helpful as there are limited direct quotes to enliven things. In addition to Washington, author Crytzer profiles Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, who fought for funding, and Henry Clay, who championed the road’s extension through Indiana and Illinois.
The history of the National Road is really a history of early American expansion.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318563508
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
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