"White gold" sparked an Industrial Revolution and the U.S. Civil War, which rippled worldwide. This isn't quite an economics textbook, but the story of cotton involves a lot of economic concepts, such as bills of lading and futures. Narrator Jim Frangione can't make international spindle count comparisons dramatic, but he makes business concepts understandable. At the same time, he relishes more interesting topics like family business dynasties. Listeners also will learn about the brutality and poverty spawned by capitalism and colonialism. The emphasis on business won't be to every listener's taste as the sheer mass of economic terms and concepts doesn't make for easy listening. However, Frangione ably delivers a solid primer on economics and capitalism.
Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2014
Duration: 20 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781622316335
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
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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