Spanning thousands of years and civilizations, from the ancient Sumerians to modern society, A SPLENDID EXCHANGE is a rich economic history. Narrator Mel Foster's delivery is unflagging as the work introduces us to a truly global panoply of civilizations. Phoenicians, Mongols, Saracens, Italians, Portuguese, and the British--trading silk, coffee, spices, sugar, slaves, opium, and energy--are just a few of those who have contributed to today's interdependent global economy. The history is at its most exciting, and Foster's presentation is the most engaged, as he portrays the worlds of the great European discoverers Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus. Foster keeps us listening, whether he's describing a seventh-century Syrian plague or the first transport of ice to Bombay.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 17 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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