From the age of 19, when he was aide-de-camp to General Washington, to age 49, when he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton was one of the giants of Revolutionary-era America. As Chernow describes in this biography, Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, designed the financial system that became the hallmark of our capitalist democracy. He was also the primary author of the Federalist Papers and exponent of the federalist point of view, in opposition to the Republican position espoused by Jefferson. (All biographies of Hamilton paint Jefferson in dark tones; this one is relentlessly savage toward the Virginian.) Scott Brick delivers a highly professional, straightforward narration that holds one’s interest throughout. Straight narrative can become boring, and Brick is never that. Nor does he become lazy in the course of 36 hours. His voice and evident interest are fresh throughout.
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2004
Duration: 36 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780786553617
Publisher: Penguin 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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