Narrator David Drummond recounts the lives of 10 historical figures who, over five decades, made the United States a continental power. Adventurers, politicians, and diplomats all have their part in this drama, which begins with Thomas Jefferson, and the Louisiana Purchase, and concludes with John Quincy Adams. Drummond’s sonorous voice adeptly describes the triumphs and travails of such well-known characters as David Crockett, Sam Houston, and Kit Carson as well as the now obscure Nicholas Trist and the legendary John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman. Drummond never wavers in differentiating the narrative from the excerpts of letters and speeches. This work is long, but Drummond’s performance is both strong and nuanced enough to keep the listener’s attention.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2011
Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781611746709
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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