Discover Top 100 Audiobooks in History, American

American Wolf Audiobook by Nate Blakeslee

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nate Blakeslee) — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 02:27:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Wolf Subtitle: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West Author: Nate Blakeslee Narrator: Nate Blakeslee, Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 10-17-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 470 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The enthralling story of the rise and reign of O-Six, the celebrated Yellowstone wolf, and the people who loved or feared her. Before men ruled the earth, there were wolves. Once abundant in North America, these majestic creatures were hunted to near extinction in the lower 48 states by the 1920s. But in recent decades, conservationists have brought wolves back to the Rockies, igniting a battle over the very soul of the West. With novelistic detail, Nate Blakeslee tells the gripping story of one of these wolves, O-Six, a charismatic alpha female named for the year of her birth. Uncommonly powerful, with gray fur and faint black ovals around each eye, O-Six is a kind and merciful leader, a fiercely intelligent fighter, and a doting mother. She is beloved by wolf watchers, particularly renowned naturalist Rick McIntyre, and becomes something of a social media star, with followers around the world. But as she raises her pups and protects her pack, O-Six is challenged on all fronts: by hunters who compete with wolves for the elk they both prize; by cattle ranchers who are losing livestock and have the ears of politicians; and by other Yellowstone wolves who are vying for control of the park's stunningly beautiful Lamar Valley. These forces collide in American Wolf, a riveting multigenerational saga of hardship and triumph that tells a larger story about the ongoing cultural clash in the West - between those fighting for a vanishing way of life and those committed to restoring one of the country's most iconic landscapes. Critic Reviews: "With American Wolf, Nate Blakeslee gives us a very different sort of biography - the saga of a single female wolf, 'the most famous wolf in the world', and her exploits in Yellowstone National Park. It's a startlingly intimate portrait of the intricate, loving, human-like interrelationships that govern wolves in the wild, as observed in real time by a cadre of dedicated wolf-watchers - in the end, a drama of lupine love, care, and grief." (Erik Larson, author of The Devil in the White City and Dead Wake) "Wild, poignant, and compelling, American Wolf is an important, beautifully wrought book about animals, about values, and about living on this earth." (Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid Thief and Rin Tin Tin) Members Reviews: An Epic American Story I never thought a nonfiction book would have me on the edge of tears, but I was totally sideswiped by American Wolf. It has it all: a charismatic (read: badass) female protagonist, fierce action scenes, gripping courtroom drama, a coming of age tale, and last minute political upheavals all served up with sturdy, hard-hitting narration. You might have seen the viral video about the amazing impact wolf reintroduction has had on the wider ecosystem in Yellowstone, but there is much more to the story. The wolfs saga touches on nearly every issue in our increasingly complex American narrativefrom politics, to economics, to our personal, familial, and social lives. The further you get into this modern-day epic, the more deeply you realize that our story and the wolfs are one and the same. I also really appreciated how, especially in our time of increased polarization, Blakeslee did a good job of illustrating both sides of the issue.

The Warmth of Other Suns Audiobook by Isabel Wilkerson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Isabel Wilkerson) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:26:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Warmth of Other Suns Subtitle: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration Author: Isabel Wilkerson Narrator: Robin Miles, Ken Burns (introduction) Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 03-10-11 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3403 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: National Book Critics Circle Award, Nonfiction, 2011 In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prizewinning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities in search of a better life. From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Wilkerson interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to previously untapped data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves. With stunning detail, Wilkerson tells this story through the lives of three unique individuals: Ida Mae Gladney, who in 1937 left sharecropping and prejudice in Mississippi for Chicago, where she achieved quiet blue-collar success and, in old age, voted for Barack Obama when he ran for an Illinois state senate seat; sharp and quick-tempered George Starling, who in 1945 fled Florida for Harlem, where he endangered his job fighting for civil rights, saw his family fall, and finally found peace in God; and Robert Foster, who left Louisiana in 1953 to pursue medicine, becoming the personal physician to Ray Charles as part of a glitteringly successful career that allowed him to purchase a grand home where he often threw exuberant parties. Wilkerson brilliantly captures her subjects first treacherous and exhausting cross-country trips by car and train and their new lives in colonies that grew into ghettos, as well as how they changed their new cities with southern food, faith, and culture and improved them with discipline, drive, and hard work. Both a riveting microcosm and a major assessment, The Warmth of Other Suns is a bold, remarkable work, a superb account of an unrecognized immigration within our own land. Through the breadth of its narrative, the beauty of the writing, the depth of its research, and the fullness of the people and lives portrayed herein, this book is destined to become a classic. Bonus: In partnership with Audible and Playtone, the television and film producer behind the award-winning series Band of Brothers, John Adams, and The Pacific, this audiobook includes an original introduction, written and read by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. For more from Audible and Playtone, click . Editorial Reviews: Narrator Robin Miles has a heroic task at hand as she performs The Warmth of Other Suns by Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson. Part oral history, part scholarly analysis, and part the authors own family experience, the book tells in unsparing, vivid detail why African-Americans migrated in huge numbers from the southern states to points north and west during the years 1915 to 1970. Recalling what can only be labeled a shameful period in American history, The Warmth of Other Suns chronicles the racist bondage under which African-Americans lived, years after being legally emancipated. Miles lets us hear the anger, exasperation, fear, and extraordinary nobility of three individuals whose stories serve as the narrative of the book. Ida May Gladney, George Starling, and Dr.

1776 Audiobook by David McCullough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Fri, 20 May 2005 23:38:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 1776 Author: David McCullough Narrator: David McCullough Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 05-20-05 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10982 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats, who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost: Washington, who had never before led an army in battle. The darkest hours of that tumultuous year were as dark as any Americans have known. Especially in our own tumultuous time, 1776 is powerful testimony to how much is owed to a rare few in that brave founding epoch, and what a miracle it was that things turned out as they did. Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history. Critic Reviews: "A first-rate historical account." (Booklist) "A narrative tour de force, exhibiting all the hallmarks the author is known for: fascinating subject matter, expert research, and detailed, graceful prose....Simply put, this is history writing at its best from one of its top practitioners." (Publishers Weekly) "A stirring and timely work, reminding us that it's soldiers rather than 'tavern patriots and windy politicians' who have always paid the price of American idealism and determined its successes. (The New York Times) Members Reviews: Front Seat on History 1776 was the first Audible book I have ever purchased and it raises the bar upon which all other books will be compared. It's special to have the Pulitzer Prize author read his own book. Having grown up outside Boston, our history classes only covered the more famous events - Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride, and Bunker Hill. I never knew about George Washington's siege of Boston (and I lived there) that drove out the British or the horrendous conditions of the continental army. I was never taught about the importance of New York or the loss after loss of battles. McCullough covers the heroes, villians, and traitors in exquisite detail. Did you know that the first American traitor was the Continental Army Surgeon General or that wives, fighting next to their husbands, distinguished themselves in battle? David McCullough's 1776 puts you right there - like a time machine. He masterfully tells a story and painstakingly reinforces its authenticity with letters from the people who were there. This is one of the finest historical novels I have ever "read" and I look forward to his John Adams books. There is little doubt that I will have to listen to it again... Now I know where the name Fort Knox came from. Journey of great peril, heroism, and growth First, I have to say that the description of the crossing of the Delaware had me so excited that I was short of breath. I had the painting on the subject firmly in my mind and was thrilled to be hearing the retelling. As the book contains excellent lessons in strength in leadership, I was enthralled as it wound its way through the evolution of General Washington and his counsel. And it shows the great importance of surrounding yourself with great people but making strong and final decisions. And I came away from the book incredibly proud to be an American.

The American Civil War Audiobook by The Great Courses, Gary W. Gallagher

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:40:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The American Civil War Author: The Great Courses, Gary W. Gallagher Narrator: Professor Gary W. Gallagher Format: Original Recording Length: 24 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1323 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood - and the United States was truly born. If you've ever wanted to understand the Civil War, this series of 48 startlingly evocative lectures by a leading Civil War historian can serve as both an ideal single course or a solid starting point for further exploration - a richly detailed examination of how this great conflict affected every person in America. For you'll gain not only a deep knowledge of what happened, but new insights into why. You'll learn how both sides' armies were recruited, equipped, and trained, and about the hard lot of those they took prisoner. You'll hear how soldiers on each of those sides dealt with the rigors of camp life, campaigns, and the terror of combat. And you'll understand how slaves and their falling masters responded to the advancing war, as well as the desperate price paid by the families so many left behind. Though this series of lectures goes far beyond a simple examination of battles and generals, it also offers detailed analyses of the strategic and tactical dimensions of the Civil War's most important campaigns. At the same time, it never forgets that the conflict involved far more than pins on a map - and indeed claimed a greater cost in human lives than all other American wars combined. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Excellent Series I purchased this series years ago from The Teaching Company, thus the reason I can write a review on the day it's released on Audible. It's great to have this on Audible, and is a tremendous value. Professor Gallagher is a world class instructor and this series works very well in the audio format. Since this is a series of 30-min lectures it's very easy to follow and if you want a refresher it's easy to go back and find whatever you're looking for. I've read probably a hundred Civil War books at this point, and this lecture was the first in-depth I listened to that got me started and interested in the subject. It's a great book for all levels, but certainly the less you know the more you're learn -- this is a great introduction and even if you already know most everything this is an excellent way to refresh your knowledge. Highly recommended, 5 stars. Superb, Balanced History Professor Gallagher's course on The American Civil War is the best, most insightful introduction to the subject in any medium. Any listener, from a beginner to an expert, will gain from his profound, unbiased presentation of the most important event in our history. A Sweeping Overview. Any additional comments? This course is a favorite of mine because Professor Gallagher took the time to express the the viewpoints (to the best of his expert knowledge) of the common people of that era. Welcome to Audible, Great Courses! I have been a fan of the Great Courses for a long time. The two biggest drawbacks were price and difficulty of download. So, hooray for Audible for bringing us this collection! "The American Civil War" is a terrific overview.

The Finest Hours Audiobook by Michael J. Tougias, Casey Sherman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Michael J. Tougias) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:59:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Finest Hours Subtitle: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guards Most Daring Sea Rescue Author: Michael J. Tougias, Casey Sherman Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 04-03-12 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1238 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the winter of 1952, New England was battered by the most brutal noreaster in years. As the weather wreaked havoc on land, the freezing Atlantic became a wind-whipped zone of peril, setting the stage for one of the most heroic rescue stories ever lived. On February 18, while the storm raged, two oil tankers, thePendletonand theFort Mercer,were in the same horrifying predicament. Built with dirty steel, and not prepared to withstand such ferocious seas, both tankers split in two, leaving the dozens of men on board utterly at the Atlantics mercy.The Finest Hoursis the gripping, true story of the valiant attempt to rescue the souls huddling inside the broken halves of the two ships. The spellbinding tale is overflowing with breathtaking scenes, as boats capsize, bows and sterns crash into one another, and men hurl themselves into the raging sea in a terrifying battle for survival. Not all of the 84 men caught at sea in the midst of that brutal storm survived, but considering the odds, its a miracle - and a testament to their bravery - that any at all came home to tell their tales. Critic Reviews: The Finest Hoursrecounts the incredible heroism of the Coast Guard, who risked their lives to save others. A gripping read. (James Bradley, New York Timesbest-selling author) Look no further for the real-life adventure of the year. The Finest Hoursis a rousing page-turner, a fascinating history, and an inspiring ode to the courage and professionalism of men who face bitter winds and black mountainous seasall to do a dangerous job. Put it on the shelf next to The Perfect Storm. Thats where it belongs! (William Martin, New York Timesbest-selling author) Tougias and Sherman never sensationalize, never go beyond the facts, and yet capture all the pain, physical and emotional, of the survivors and their families. ( Providence Journal) Members Reviews: Everyone should read this. A riveting story about extraordinary deeds done by ordinary men. Once again the book is better than the movie, although a great watch. I found that I couldn't stop listening, dragging my device around with headphones swinging around, plugging into the car jacks, disinclined to turn off the car. This book sent me looking for more information about the time and events. Incredible This story had me in a trance while listening to it. Amazing story, wonderfully read, and loaded with great information. Two Times Terrific! First of all, this is a really superior, good-old adventure yarn. A stirring tale of real life rescue at sea by skillful and selfless heroes. I think that any of us who haven't really ever contemplated the nature of Coast Guard work will never again cast these brave people into secondary military rolls! I appreciated also the follow-up information about attempts (and, alarmingly, failures) to improve ships and equipment to insure that such storms at sea result in less danger and fewer deaths. Secondly, this book has recently been made into a movie. It's great fun to see how the screen writers took this true tale of two (and more) rescues and fashioned it into a cohesive two-hour adventure. We may be sorry that so many events and people were left out and that much was ultimately fictionalized. However, it shows how movie writers approach a complicated, multi-hero story and still produce an exciting film.

Band of Brothers Audiobook by Stephen E. Ambrose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen E. Ambrose) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:52:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Band of Brothers Subtitle: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest Author: Stephen E. Ambrose Narrator: Tim Jerome Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 03-09-12 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2707 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Easy Company, 506th Airborne Division, U.S. Army, was as good a rifle company as any in the world. From their rigorous training in Georgia in 1942 to D-Day and victory, Ambrose tells the story of this remarkable company, which kept getting the tough assignments. Easy Company was responsible for everything from parachuting into France early D-Day morning to the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden. Band of Brothers is the account of the men of this remarkable unit who fought, went hungry, froze, and died, a company that took 150 percent casualities and considered the Purple Heart a badge of office. Drawing on hours of interviews with survivors as well as the soldiers' journals and letters, Stephen Ambrose tell the stories - often in the men's own words - of these American hereoes. Critic Reviews: "A first-class explanation of what crack infantry troops are like....Addicts of military history will relish its finely detailed account.....Stephen Ambrose's thorough research and clear organization have produced a highly readable account of the heroic service of this "band of brothers" he so unstintedly admires." ( San Francisco Chronicle) "As a member of just such a unit...I am impressed by how well Mr. Ambrose has captured the true essence of a combat rifle company." (The New York Times Book Review) "A valuable and fascinating record....In these pages, the reader can vicariously walk with the men of E Company, suffer and laugh with them." (The Times-Picayune) Members Reviews: You HAVE to pick the Unabridged version Well told story of amazing men. Well done narration. Only better book by Ambrose is Pegasus Bridge which I haven't see as an audio book. These are such great men. Read this one first and then there are so many others that have come out since focused on individuals. There is so much great literature on Easy Company. This is the place to start. High Expectations Met I've read this book several times and enjoyed the HBO series, so my expectations were quite high with this audiobook. Do not be put off by reviews that are dismissive of the narration. Tim Jerome's sober narration is entirely appropriate for this powerful work of nonfiction. D-Day, Market Garden, Bastogne - Amazing! If you could sum up Band of Brothers in three words, what would they be? My deepest respect. What other book might you compare Band of Brothers to and why? We Were Soldiers Once and Young Have you listened to any of Tim Jeromes other performances before? How does this one compare? This was the first book i listened to on Audible. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No - I used it as a commuter book. a must for history buffs one of the best history writers of our time.... gripping I listen to audio books on my hour commute each way to work.

Dead Wake Audiobook by Erik Larson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Erik Larson) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:34:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dead Wake Subtitle: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania Author: Erik Larson Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 03-10-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8991 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the number-one New York Times best-selling author and master of narrative nonfiction comes the enthralling story of the sinking of the Lusitania, published to coincide with the one-hundredth anniversary of the disaster. On May 1, 1915, a luxury ocean liner as richly appointed as an English country house sailed out of New York, bound for Liverpool, carrying a record number of children and infants. The passengers were anxious. Germany had declared the seas around Britain to be a war zone, and for months its U-boats had brought terror to the North Atlantic. But the Lusitania was one of the era's great transatlantic "Greyhounds", and her captain, William Thomas Turner, placed tremendous faith in the gentlemanly strictures of warfare that for a century had kept civilian ships safe from attack. He knew, moreover, that his ship--the fastest then in service--could outrun any threat. Germany, however, was determined to change the rules of the game, and Walther Schwieger, the captain of Unterseeboot-20, was happy to oblige. Meanwhile an ultra-secret British intelligence unit tracked Schwieger's U-boat,but told no one. As U-20 and the Lusitania made their ways toward Liverpool, an array of forces both grand and achingly small--hubris, a chance fog, a closely guarded secret, and more--all converged to produce one of the great disasters of history. It is a story that many of us think we know but don't, and Erik Larson tells it thrillingly, switching between hunter and hunted while painting a larger portrait of America at the height of the Progressive Era. Full of glamour, mystery, and real-life suspense, Dead Wake brings to life a cast of evocative characters, from famed Boston bookseller Charles Lauriat to pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle to President Wilson, a man lost to grief, dreading the widening war but also captivated by the prospect of new love. Gripping and important, Dead Wake captures the sheer drama and emotional power of a disaster that helped place America on the road to war. Critic Reviews: "As events escalate toward the momentous sinking of the British passenger liner LUSITANIA by a German U-boat during WWI, this comprehensive history reads almost like a novel, and that's exactly how Scott Brick narrates it. He adds emphasis where needed, goes quieter when appropriate, and varies his pacing effectively. His narration doesn't get in the way of the writing--it enhances it." ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: Naivety VS Barbarians Of War This amazing book offers a 360 degree birds-eye view of the history of these WWI events from multiple perspectives. A harrowing, engaging and throughly shocking story that kept me hanging on each word. I think Brick did a great job with the narration. The book skillfully blends the cold dispassionate stories of U-boat attacks and the use of chemical weapons contrasted with the blind trust of the passengers of the Lusitania traveling into a war zone and the manipulative nature of the Admiralty and Room 40 trying to draw America into the war. A full picture is painted and a deeper understanding of life in the WWI years is made deftly available to the reader. Recommended to history lovers who enjoy blow by blow accounts that place a human face on distant events. Truly a story of senseless murder on the high seas.

Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots Audiobook

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Fisher) — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:16:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots Author: David Fisher, Bill O'Reilly Narrator: Bill O'Reilly, Holter Graham Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-16 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1365 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The must-have companion to Bill O'Reilly's historical docudrama Legends and Lies: The Patriots, an exciting and eye-opening look at the Revolutionary War through the lives of its leaders The American Revolution was neither inevitable nor a unanimous cause. It pitted neighbors against each other as loyalists and colonial rebels faced off for their lives and futures. These were the times that tried men's souls: No one was on stable ground, and few could be trusted. Through the fascinating tales of the first Americans, Legends and Lies: The Patriots reveals the contentious arguments that turned friends into foes and the country into a war zone. From the riots over a child's murder that led to the Boston Massacre to the suspicious return of Ben Franklin, the "First American"; from the Continental Army's first victory under George Washington's leadership to the little-known Southern guerilla campaign of "Swamp Fox" Francis Marion and the celebration of America's first Christmas, The Patriots recreates the amazing combination of resourcefulness, perseverance, strategy, and luck that led to this country's creation. Told in the same fast-paced, immersive narrative as the first Legends and Lies, The Patriots is an irresistible, adventure-packed journey back into one of the most storied moments of our nation's rich history. Introduction read by Bill O'Reilly. Members Reviews: Couldn't stop listening! Where does Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? It is the best history book we have heard on audiobooks. We are both history buffs and my husband and I didn't want to stop listening to it. Love history I really enjoy history so his books are great to read for all the little things you don't learn in school. Great history lesson This was such an eye opening book, about history I thought I knew. I learned alot about the different peoples roles in making America . Excellent!!! Another excellent historical read by Mr. O'Reilly and his team! This book would be a great teachjing tool! Solid read Good book. Narrator did a solid, reliable job. Storyline was thorough and maintained the read's interest. Worth the read.

The Tyranny of George III Audiobook by Rufus Fears

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Rufus Fears) — Thu, 22 Feb 2001 13:14:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Tyranny of George III Author: Rufus Fears Narrator: Rufus Fears Format: Unabridged Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 02-22-01 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: What turned loyal British colonists into armed traitors declaring their independence? Edmund Burke suggested the answer when he observed that in England, "the great contests for freedom were, from the earliest times, chiefly upon the question of taxes." ©2001 The Great Courses (P)2001 The Great Courses

The History of the United States, 2nd Edition Audiobook

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:47:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The History of the United States, 2nd Edition Author: The Great Courses, Professor Allen C. Guelzo, Professor Gary W. Gallagher, Professor Patrick N. Allitt Narrator: Professor Allen C. Guelzo, Professor Gary W. Gallagher, Professor Patrick N. Allitt Format: Original Recording Length: 43 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1562 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: This comprehensive series of 84 lectures features three award-winning historians sharing their insights into this nation's past - from the European settlement and the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, 19th-century industrialization, two world wars, and the present day. While American history spans not much more than two centuries, it is filled with a wealth of leaders, wars, movements, inventions, and ideas - each of which contributed in its own unique way to America's transformation from 13 disparate colonies on the east coast of North America into a global superpower. These lectures give you the opportunity to grasp the different aspects of our past that combine to make us distinctly American, and to gain the knowledge so essential to recognizing not only what makes this country such a noteworthy part of world history, but the varying degrees to which it has lived up to its ideals. The lectures chart the five predominant themes that run throughout the chronicle of U.S. history: Placing familiar historical events in the context of these overarching themes will help you see American history less as a series of separate events and more as a mosaic in which everything is interconnected. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

Destiny of the Republic Audiobook by Candice Millard

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Candice Millard) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:48:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Destiny of the Republic Subtitle: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President Author: Candice Millard Narrator: Paul Michael Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 09-20-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3665 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: James A. Garfield may have been the most extraordinary man ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, and a renowned and admired reformist congressman. Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. But four months after his inauguration, a deranged office seeker tracked Garfield down and shot him in the back. But the shot didnt kill Garfield. The drama of what happened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in turmoil. The unhinged assassins half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war, and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind-the-scenes struggle for powerover his administration, over the nations future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his condition worsened, Garfield received help: Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet. Meticulously researched, epic in scope, and pulsating with an intimate human focus and high-velocity narrative drive, The Destiny of the Republic will stand alongside The Devil in the White City and The Professor and the Madman as a classic of narrative history. From the Hardcover edition. Critic Reviews: "[Millard demonstrates] the power of expert storytelling to wonderfully animate even the simplest facts....make[s] for compulsive reading. Superb American history." (Kirkus) "Splendidly insightful....stands securely at the crossroads of popular and professional history" (Booklist) Sparklingly alive[Millard] brings to life a moment in the nations history when access to the president was easy, politics bitter, and medical knowledge slight. Under Millards pen, its hard to imagine its being better told. (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Marvelous, Magnificent, Millard I love to be blown away by a book!! I love that rare ocassion when you randomly pick up a book and hope it will at least hold your interest just until something else comes along, to listen half-heartedly, then--be drawn in thoroughly, completely--to the point where you forget everything around you and become so engrossed in the story that the house could be burning down around you and you wouldn't notice till your toes got hot! In the case of Destiny of the Republic, it isn't the history of 20th president James Garfield alone that catapults this book into the category of toe-toasting "amazing"...it is the meticulous research and straightforward writing of former National Geographic writer and editor, Candice Millard--a truly great historian/author (and we could probably add detective). A book about Garfield would never have been tops on my Wish List, but I'd read Millard's first book, River of Doubt, (about Theodore Roosevelt's trip on the Amazon) and found it fascinating. Based on that read, I figured I had a winner. Now I have to say, Destiny of the Republic is even better, and I have a new picture of Garfield and wonder what might have been. The book establishes the dignified character of Garfield, the high esteem the people had for him, his erudition, and his humanity.

Empire of the Summer Moon Audiobook by S. C. Gwynne

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (S. C. Gwynne) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 12:59:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Empire of the Summer Moon Subtitle: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History Author: S. C. Gwynne Narrator: David Drummond Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 09-20-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 546 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son, Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. Although listeners may be more familiar with the names Apache and Sioux, it was in fact the legendary fighting ability of the Comanches that determined just how and when the American West opened up. They were so masterful at war and so skillful with their arrows and lances that they stopped the northern drive of colonial Spain from Mexico and halted the French expansion westward from Louisiana. White settlers arriving in Texas from the Eastern United States were surprised to find the frontier being rolled backward by Comanches incensed by the invasion of their tribal lands. So effective were the Comanches that they forced the creation of the Texas Rangers and account for the advent of the new weapon specifically designed to fight them: the six-gun. The war with the Comanches lasted four decades, in effect holding up the development of the new American nation. Gwynne's exhilarating account delivers a sweeping narrative that encompasses Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads - a historical feast for anyone interested in how the United States came into being. Members Reviews: Great story in need of better narration Such a fascinating dive into a distinct part of history. The only critique is it seems the narrator was emotionally disengaged from the book's content, which left more to be desired from such a powerful story. Historically Significant I've read a few books that focus on the Native American culture and the impact on the American West. I particularly enjoyed "The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend" written by Bob Drury, and Tom Clavin, and also Nathanial Philbrick's "The Last Stand", and "The Mayflower", each providing a glimpse into what Native Americans were up against, and the finality of their existence. This book provides an insight into the lives of one of if not the most feared tribes ever to grace the North American continent: The Comanches. Plain and simply put, the Comanche nation was nasty! This is a band of natives that stopped at nothing when it came to war, whether they fought, captured, tortured, raped, scalped, or simply killed their opposition, they held nothing back. And they conducted these atrocities with fervor and zest which is far more extreme than any of their native cousins might have done. And the author doesn't hold back. Each detail is spelled out regardless of the victim, regardless of the situation, and without concern for a reader's queazy stomach. The nasty details are all provided as the historical significance of this great tribe unfolds. The book feels a bit long in places though may be a result of the author's effort to include every generational anecdote from the early 1700's until their ultimate demise in the late 1870's.

Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Civil War Audiobook by David Fisher

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Fisher) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:05:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Civil War Author: David Fisher Narrator: Robert Petkoff Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 06-06-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 500 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The newest installment in the New York Times best-selling companion series to the Fox historical docudrama, Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Civil War is a pulse-quickening account of the deadliest war in American history. From the birth of the Republican Party to the Confederacy's first convention, the Underground Railroad to the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Gettysburg to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Civil War reveals the amazing and often little-known stories behind the battle lines of America's bloodiest war and debunks the myths that surround its greatest figures, including Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee, Frederick Douglass, Stonewall Jackson, John Singleton Mosby, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth, William Tecumseh Sherman, and more. An epic struggle between the past and future, the Civil War sought to fulfill the promise that "all men are created equal". It freed an enslaved race, decimated a generation of young men, ushered in a new era of brutality in war, and created modern America. Featuring eyewitness accounts that further bring the history to life, The Civil War is the action-packed and ultimate follow-up to the best sellers The Patriots and The Real West. Members Reviews: Ok Not many interesting stories beyond what the average history reader would already know. A good book for a beginner in history but not much beyond that. Exceptional Transforms history into a living breathing reality. This work condenses into manageable format a complex and sometimes misunderstood period of time. Explaining that there were honorable individuals on both sides of the conflict, as well as villains and cowards. The detail of how the war was ultimately transformed in to a fight to free slaves, from the initial goal of saving the Union is paramount. The chapters that center on Stonewall Jackson, William T. Sherman, U.S. Grant and Uncle Bobby Lee are immensely satisfying. The takeaway is that war is hell, should be avoided and that the initial patriotic romanticism will eventually give way a a rotting corpse of reality, cannot be missed. History comes alive Many things I thought I knew about the Civil War were corrected and in a few cases confirmed in this outstanding work of literature. my first audible loved it. very easy to follow along and was very accuracte to what i learned in college history classes. Enjoyed the refresher and learned new facts It was shorter than I expected but very good. Narrator did a good job. Recommended if you like American history.

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States Audiobook by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 03:48:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States Subtitle: Revisioning American History Author: Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz Narrator: Laural Merlington Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 11-18-14 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 343 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Today in the United States, there are more than 500 federally recognized Indigenous nations comprising nearly three million people, descendants of the 15 million Native people who once inhabited this land. The centuries-long genocidal program of the US settler-colonial regimen has largely been omitted from history. Dunbar-Ortiz adroitly challenges the founding myth of the United States and shows how policy against the Indigenous peoples was colonialist and designed to seize the territories of the original inhabitants, displacing or eliminating them. And as Dunbar-Ortiz reveals, this policy was praised in popular culture, through writers like James Fenimore Cooper and Walt Whitman, and in the highest offices of government and the military. Spanning more than 400 years, this classic bottom-up peoples' history radically reframes US history and explodes the silences that have haunted our national narrative. Critic Reviews: "Meticulously documented, this thought-provoking treatise is sure to generate discussion." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Useful information, not quite listenable I know some about settler colonialism and the genocidal practices of the U.S. against Native Americans, but I don't know enough. This book would have made an excellent textbook in an introductory Indigenous Studies course - lots of specific information, an authoritative tone, good discussions of methodology. As an audiobook, though, there wasn't enough story to really gain traction. Without characters or even units on specific groups or regions to hang all this new information on, I was left floundering in a sea of genocide and horrors. Probably much like early indigenous communities... The narrator did not help this much. Every sentence is read with the same urgency and earnestness. All facts are equally weighted. There's no vocal signaling that we have reached the middle or end of any story. I understand that the topic is very serious and important, but I can't really hang onto the topic when there's no variation in the tone. Significant Historical Work Ms Dunbar-Ortiz provides us with an excellent history in both depth and breadth of work. As promised, this is from the perspective of the indigenous people and thus may be troubling to those of us descended from European ancestors. The history is unfortunately diminished by the author's proclivity to make excessive use of emotive language rather than the descriptive language standard in historical texts. Ultimately, the author strays from historian to advocate. Here, conjecture, assertions and world view is rampant and would have been better found in an epilogue or companion essay. Nonetheless, this book deserves careful reading and is, without question, thought provoking. Must read Should be required reading for all US citizens! Even if you don't agree with the author's conclusions, it is important to consider history from different points of view. Necessary understanding for the transformation of our world I can't remember a time when I sobbed so frequently. The lengthy and continued abuses of Indigenous Peoples is a painful, disgusting truth that needs to change, that needs to be healed by current and future actions.

White Trash Audiobook by Nancy Isenberg

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nancy Isenberg) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:21:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: White Trash Subtitle: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America Author: Nancy Isenberg Narrator: Kirsten Potter Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 06-17-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2331 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The wretched and landless poor have existed from the time of the earliest British colonial settlement. They were alternately known as "waste people", "offals", "rubbish", "lazy lubbers", and "crackers". By the 1850s the downtrodden included so-called "clay eaters" and "sandhillers", known for prematurely aged children distinguished by their yellowish skin, ragged clothing, and listless minds. In White Trash, Nancy Isenberg upends assumptions about America's supposedly class-free society. Poor whites were central to the rise of the Republican Party in the early 19th century, and the Civil War itself was fought over class issues nearly as much as it was fought over slavery. Reconstruction pitted poor white trash against newly freed slaves, which factored in the rise of eugenics. These poor were at the heart of New Deal reforms and LBJ's Great Society; they haunt us in reality TV shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty. We acknowledge racial injustice as an ugly stain on our nation's history. With Isenberg's landmark book, we will have to face the truth about the enduring, malevolent nature of class as well. Critic Reviews: "This is breathtaking social history and dazzling cultural analysis at its best." (Michael Eric Dyson, author of Holler If You Hear Me) Members Reviews: 400 Year Head Start Squandered As a person of color and first generation college during the age of affirmative action debates, I am shocked to silence. During these debates I often wondered out loud how my white peers could be first generation college. My grandparents were brutally opressed and enslaved for 400 years, what did their grandparents do with a 400 year head start, that was my question to my peers. In truth I never received an adequate answer. Thanks to White Trash I am in a better position to understand their struggles to rise in the face of class warfare. Now I understand the visceral response to Clinton and Sarah Palin. Now i understand why so many whites hate affirmative action, becuase it tries to remedy the effects of slavery and oppression for ex-slaves while confining the mobility of poor whites, or so it would appear. This is a must read book for all humanity, especially for those who are the offspring of former slaves. Having an understanding of class in America will help you understand that we have more in common with our poor white brothers than we would like to admit, mainly the reality that we have all been mislead. Eye-opening Exploring the history of America's White underclass is helpful in understanding the political climate we find ourselves in today. As the attention of progressive politicians turn understandably to issues of racial justice, it's become easier to see why the members of America's disaffected White working-class, who feel increasingly forgotten, are willing to turn to demagogues who promise a return to an American middle-class Utopia that for the most part never really existed. The author painstakingly chronicles the trials and tribulations of, and attitudes towards America's White underclass; from our colonial beginnings, through to present-day.

1491 Audiobook by Charles C. Mann

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Charles C. Mann) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 18:00:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 1491 Subtitle: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus Author: Charles C. Mann Narrator: Darrell Dennis Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 08-29-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 568 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A groundbreaking study that radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of the Europeans in 1492. Traditionally, Americans learned in school that the ancestors of the people who inhabited the Western Hemisphere at the time of Columbus' landing had crossed the Bering Strait 12,000 years ago; existed mainly in small nomadic bands; and lived so lightly on the land that the Americas were, for all practical purposes, still a vast wilderness. But as Charles C. Mann now makes clear, archaeologists and anthropologists have spent the last 30 years proving these and many other long-held assumptions wrong. In a book that startles and persuades, Mann reveals how a new generation of researchers equipped with novel scientific techniques came to previously unheard-of conclusions. Among them: Mann sheds clarifying light on the methods used to arrive at these new visions of the pre-Columbian Americas and how they have affected our understanding of our history and our thinking about the environment. His book is an exciting and learned account of scientific inquiry and revelation. Critic Reviews: "In the tradition of Jared Diamond and John McPhee, a transforming new vision of pre-Columbian America." (Richard Rhodes) "Every American knows it was a vast new world that Columbus found in 1492, and most imagine it was a thinly peopled paradise of plants, animals, and hunter-gatherers waiting for civilization. The reality, Charles C. Mann tells us in his startling new book about the world before Columbus, is very different - two continents teeming with languages, cultures, and mighty cities as big, as rich, and even more populous than the capitals of Europe." (Tom Powers) "Charles C. Mann takes us into a complex, fascinating, and unknown world, that of the Indians who lived in this hemisphere before Columbus. He gently demolishes entrenched myths, with impressive scholarship, and with an elegance of style which that makes his book a pleasure to read as well as a marvelous education." (Howard Zinn) Members Reviews: Awesome Historic Accounting Well Told Obviously extensively researched and told from as disinterested observer and not falling prey to temptation to editorialize these lives and cultures. The author takes obvious pains to not apply 21st century values and project them into what is already a deeply fascinating story on its own. The actor was polished and clearly enunciated even difficult native names and places. Overall an excellent choice of narrator. Thought Provoking This was not really worth a 4, but it got extra points for interesting things to think about, even if not all were well supported. Despite the title, this is not a picture of the Americas in 1491, instead it looks at history in the Americas prior (and shortly after) 1491. It is less focused than I like in a history and a lot of the science quoted it disputed at best, but nevertheless were interesting (and offbeat). The author has a clear point of view, and does not always analyze evidence objectively.

The Accidental President Audiobook by A. J. Baime

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (A. J. Baime) — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:46:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Accidental President Subtitle: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World Author: A. J. Baime Narrator: Tony Messano Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 10-24-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 93 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The dramatic, pulse-pounding story of Harry Truman's first four months in office, when this unlikely president had to take on Germany, Japan, Stalin, and the atomic bomb, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Heroes are often defined as ordinary characters who get thrust into extraordinary circumstances and, through courage and a dash of luck, cement their places in history. Chosen as FDR's fourth-term vice president for his well-praised work ethic, good judgment, and lack of enemies, Harry S. Truman - a Midwesterner who had no college degree and had never had the money to buy his own home - was the prototypical ordinary man. That is, until he was shockingly thrust in over his head after FDR's sudden death. During the climactic months of the Second World War, Truman had to play judge and jury, pulling America to the forefront of the global stage. The first four months of Truman's administration saw the founding of the United Nations, the fall of Berlin, victory at Okinawa, firebombings of Tokyo, the first atomic explosion, the Nazi surrender, the liberation of concentration camps, the mass starvation of Europe, the Potsdam Conference, the controversial decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the surrender of Imperial Japan, and, finally, the end of World War II and the rise of the Cold War. No other president had ever faced so much in such a short period of time. Tightly focused, meticulously researched, rendered with vivid detail and narrative verve, The Accidental President escorts listeners into the situation room with Truman during this tumultuous, history-making 120 days, when the stakes were high and the challenge even higher. The result is narrative history of the highest order and a compelling look at a presidency with great relevance to our times. Members Reviews: Exceptional I have read many biographies about Harry S. Truman (1884-1972). In this book A. J. Baime narrows the scope of the book to the first four months of the presidency. The author does provide some early history of Truman so the reader understands how events came about. On April 12, 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt summoned Truman to the White House to inform him of the death of FDR. Truman said his worst nightmare immediately became a reality. He had only been Vice President for three months and had not been informed about anything by FDR. It would have been extremely difficult for anyone to follow in the footsteps of the charismatic Roosevelt. Truman was honest, decisive and hardworking. Some of the problems he faced that Baime goes into in depth are: 1. The war with Germany 2. The war with Japan 3. Learned about the Manhattan project. Had to decide about using the bomb on Japan. 4. The founding of the United Nations 5. The devastation of Europe and the starving refugees. He sent President Hoover to Europe to deal with the logistics of feeding the people. He and General Marshall developed the Marshall Plan to deal with Europe. 6. Russia posed challenges and different goals. Stalin failed to honor any of his agreements he made with Churchill and Roosevelt about Eastern Europe. Russia developed the atomic bomb and the cold war began. The book is well-written and meticulously researched. Baime is a journalist and the book is written in that style. Baime detailed a chronology as to how Truman transformed into a president and leader of the world.

Undaunted Courage Audiobook by Stephen E. Ambrose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen E. Ambrose) — Tue, 12 Jun 2001 16:11:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Undaunted Courage Author: Stephen E. Ambrose Narrator: Barrett Whitener Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 06-12-01 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2423 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Undaunted Courage is supported by a variety of colorful characters: Jefferson and his vision of the West; Clark, the artist and mapmaker; and Lewis, the enigma, who led brilliantly but considered the mission a failure. After suffering several periods of depression - and despite his status as national hero - Lewis died mysteriously, apparently by his own hand. Critic Reviews: "... a swiftly moving, full-dress treatment of the expedition." (The New York Times Book Review) "Ambrose's epic, a combination of rhapsody and reality, feels like a final glimpse at a pristine Eden before the crowd of trappers and settlers altered it forever." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: Great detail about this historical event... Undaunted Courage brought alive many details about the Lewis and Clark "Corps of Discovery". I gained a better understanding of the political mind of Jefferson and political thought of the time; specifically from the colonists' perspective but with plenty of opportunity to see things from the natives' perspective. I also gained a better understanding of the logistics involved and what the expedition encountered. I was taken in by the story and even looked forward to my commute. Amazing journey Ambrose makes you feel you are part of this journey. The story telling is fascinating, the achievements are grand, the task at hand for these folks (all of them) is mind numbing to comprehend but this book brings it all together in a complete and exciting way. This is Ambrose's best book. Undaunted Courage A must read. This is a wonderful read with larger than life characters. If you love history or Indian Culture this is a must read. This is the best history book I have read this year. Compatriot Ambrose has to have rated this among his best works. He truly lets us see the strong character of Clark and the fascinating complexity of Lewis. If you read only one book this year, this is the one. Narration kills a great book I read this great book many years ago when it was first published and found it facinating. Ambrose's skill really broadened my reading experience and I have read many many historical books since because of it. I purchaed the audio version because I was planning to drive to Montana from Florida and I thought this book would be a fantastic counterpoint to my lengthy journey. Sad to say that the flat, droning, expressionless, uninspired (I could go on) narration ruined the book for me. Mr. Whitener is a reader from the very early days of "books-on-tape" and maybe I have been spoiled by the performances of Jim Dale, but I just couldn't listen to this book. Please try the sample before you buy this audiobook and know that what you hear is what you get - the same nasal tone and lack of emphasis throughout. If a better performer was to do this book over, I would buy it in a minute. I gave this one star because the book is really really great. Could not stand to finish the book I usually love Stephen Ambrose, but this book reads too much like a date and time history book. To make matters worse, the narration is so bad that at times it sounds like computer generated text-to-speech/

Aztecs and the Roots of Mexican Cooking Audiobook by Ken Albala

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ken Albala) — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:28:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Aztecs and the Roots of Mexican Cooking Author: Ken Albala Narrator: Ken Albala Format: Unabridged Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Contemporary with the European Renaissance, Aztec culture produced a unique food tradition that survives today in Mexican cuisine. Learn first about Aztec society, its indigenous foodstuffs, and distinctive diet. Also study descriptions of lavish Aztec banquets; signature foods, from avocados, beans, and chilies to chocolate and maize; and the Aztec philosophy of balance and moderation in eating. ©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Great Courses Members Reviews: Unabridged. ... It was great while it lasted, it was just way too short, left me wanting more.

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates Audiobook by Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Brian Kilmeade) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 04:27:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates Subtitle: The Forgotten War That Changed American History Author: Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger Narrator: Brian Kilmeade Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 11-03-15 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1730 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: "The challenges we face today are not so different from Jefferson's, and we've much to learn from his boldness and from the courage of the marines and sailors who died to protect their country." (Brian Kilmeade) This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation. When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford. Over the previous 15 years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco). Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy - at least not while easy money could be made by extorting America, France, England, and other powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the US Navy's new warships and a detachment of marines to blockade Tripoli - launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status. As they did in their previous best seller, George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you listening to find out what happens next. Members Reviews: Interesting history - terrible narrator My husband & I enjoy listening to non-fiction when we travel. We especially enjoy historical accounts. The story here is an interesting one, but I would NEVER listen to this narrator again. His voice grates. He speaks way too fast and everything is made to sound exciting and over the top. Not our cup of tea. Narrator Kilmeade, talks way to fast. Hard to enjoy the book. He should slow down. I Kilmeade's Narration Ruins It! What was one of the most memorable moments of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates? The parallels of the treachery between the Tripoli pirates and modern day radical Islam struck me as I listened to this book. They observe no rules of war, as James Decatur discovered with payment of his life. How did the narrator detract from the book? While the story is interesting and fairly well written, Brian Kilmeade's narration really detracts from this audio book. His inflection makes this retelling of one of America's first incursions into foreign diplomacy sound more like a book on how to make money in real estate with no money down! Even more distracting are the obviousline breaks that highlight his inexperience as a narrator. The pauses are frequent and at times confusing because, as a listener, your ear is duped into thinking the sentence has endedonly to have the last few words read. Did Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates inspire you to do anything? Listening to this book as inspired me to READ this book.

Lies My Teacher Told Me Audiobook by James W. Loewen

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James W. Loewen) — Fri, 18 Jun 2004 00:11:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Lies My Teacher Told Me Subtitle: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong Author: James W. Loewen Narrator: Brian Keeler Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 06-18-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1834 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: James W. Loewen, a sociology professor and distinguished critic of history education, puts 12 popular textbooks under the microscope, and what he discovers will surprise you. In his opinion, every one of these texts fails to make its subject interesting or memorable. Worse still is the proliferation of blind patriotism, mindless optimism, and misinformation filling the pages. From the truth about Christopher Columbus to the harsh reality of the Vietnam War, Loewen picks apart the lies we've been told. This is a book that will forever change your view of the past. Critic Reviews: "Lies My Teacher Told Me goes beyond recounting fallacies of history and correcting American image: it surveys social issues misreported, ideas misrepresented, and encourages students of history to think about not only the facts, but the reporting which embellishes and colors their presentation. An invaluable guide for the reader." (Midwest Book Review) "An extremely convincing plea for truth in education." (San Francisco Chronicle) Members Reviews: Historical Fiction Stranger Than Truth Who was the first black major league baseball player? Which iconic child hero grew up to be a radical socialist communist feminist? Which president lionized for his prescient foreign policy and progressive domestic initiatives ordered some half dozen foreign invasions, even sending troops into Soviet Russia, and re-institutionalized racism? Which great American hero, one of only two honored by name with a national holiday, launched genocide and slavery in the western hemisphere? Was Lincoln actually racist? Why don't we know these things? Because, according to author James Loewen, a professor of sociology, our high school history textbooks omit, distort, or outright misstate some facts of our history, striving to tell a nationalistic story based on pride, patriotism, rationalization, and self-congratulation rather than the truth of the matter. Our history was, as the saying goes, written by the winners. But, warns Loewen, if you elevate that cliche from explanation to excuse, you risk falling into another cliche: those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Twenty years after Loewen wrote his cautionary tale, recent history demonstrate his point -- the fictional rationale for invading Iraq, ongoing debates that sometimes devolve into turmoil over social justice, racial inequality, and environmental disaster, and (on the more specific issue of how these things are taught), the introduction of controversial textbooks in some states that exacerbate the distortions Loewen wrote about two decades earlier to further a particular political agenda. How you react to this book, to its premise, to its highly detailed decimation of history texts, will depend on how willing you are to re-examine what you were taught in high school, how you feel about the truth behind myths taught as history. It will likely also depend on whether your personal opinion tacks to starboard, because this book decidedly leans to port. Loewen has an unmistakable point of view -- I believe his case would pack more punch if he took an objective approach, even though I align with him almost 100% ideologically. As a one-time history major back in my long-ago college days, I always prefer truth over mythology.

The Most Dangerous Man in America Audiobook by Bill Minutaglio, Steven L. Davis

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bill Minutaglio) — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 03:38:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Most Dangerous Man in America Subtitle: Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD Author: Bill Minutaglio, Steven L. Davis Narrator: Peter Ganim Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 01-09-18 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis, authors of the PEN Center USA award-winning Dallas 1963, comes a madcap narrative about Timothy Leary's daring prison escape and run from the law. On the moonlit evening of September 12, 1970, an ex-Harvard professor with a genius IQ studies a 12-foot high fence topped with barbed wire. A few months earlier, Dr. Timothy Leary, the High Priest of LSD, had been running a gleeful campaign for California governor against Ronald Reagan. Now, Leary is six months into a 10-year prison sentence for the crime of possessing two marijuana cigarettes. Aided by the radical Weather Underground, Leary's escape from prison is the counterculture's union of "dope and dynamite", aimed at sparking a revolution and overthrowing the government. Inside the Oval Office, President Richard Nixon drinks his way through sleepless nights as he expands the war in Vietnam and plots to unleash the United States government against his ever-expanding list of domestic enemies. Antiwar demonstrators are massing by the tens of thousands; homemade bombs are exploding everywhere; Black Panther leaders are threatening to burn down the White House; and all the while Nixon obsesses over tracking down Timothy Leary, whom he has branded "the most dangerous man in America." Based on freshly uncovered primary sources and new firsthand interviews, The Most Dangerous Man in America is an American thriller that takes listeners along for the gonzo ride of a lifetime. Spanning 28 months, President Nixon's careening, global manhunt for Dr. Timothy Leary winds its way among homegrown radicals, European aristocrats, a Black Panther outpost in Algeria, an international arms dealer, hash-smuggling hippies from the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, and secret agents on four continents, culminating in one of the trippiest journeys through the American counterculture. Members Reviews: interesting subject Interesting book. Timothy Leary led an interesting life. You couldn't make this up story. It would be unbelievable.

The Half Has Never Been Told Audiobook by Edward E. Baptist

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Edward E. Baptist) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:04:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Half Has Never Been Told Subtitle: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism Author: Edward E. Baptist Narrator: Ron Butler Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 09-09-14 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1154 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In The Half Has Never Been Told, historian Edward E. Baptist reveals the alarming extent to which slavery shaped our country politically, morally, and most of all, economically. Until the Civil War, our chief form of innovation was slavery. Through forced migration and torture, slave owners extracted continual increases in efficiency from their slaves, giving the country a virtual monopoly on the production of cotton, a key raw material of the Industrial Revolution. As Baptist argues, this frenzy of speculation and economic expansion transformed the United States into a modern capitalist nation. Based on thousands of slave narratives and plantation records, The Half Has Never Been Told offers not only a radical revision of the history of slavery but a disturbing new understanding of the origins of American power that compels listeners to reckon with the violence and subjugation at the root of American supremacy. Members Reviews: Masterful combo of economics, history, and prose This is a remarkable book!! Baptist weaves individual slaves' stories into an exposition of the economics driving slavery's expansion. He makes a powerful argument that slavery was pivotal in the development of US and world capital, and was actually accelerating at the time of the Civil war. The us of accounts by specific enslaved people helps to illustrate larger structural changes in slavery's development but helps you understand the toll these played on people's lives. It also helps to understand various cultural developments and slavery,s lasting legacy. I wish I had read this in college! It would have made the civil war make much more sense. The history we were never taught This book should have been written 150 years ago and taught in schools instead of the gloss on slavery still being studied in American classrooms. It is the story of slavery as the engine of the great American economy, the story of profit as generated by systematized kidnapping, torture, murder, and oppression. It is a compelling combination of personal narratives, economic analysis, and political development. And it's true: what I thought I knew about the Civil War and its causes was only half of the telling. The most definitive history of American slavery; Where does The Half Has Never Been Told rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? The essential companion to McPherson's Battle Cry Of Freedom in understanding the Civil War. Who was your favorite character and why? President Lincoln fought the war that destroyed slavery and advanced civilization based on personal merit, democratic institutions which became the human model of freedom and self-government for future ages in World History. Have you listened to any of Ron Butlers other performances before? How does this one compare? No Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The shocking rape of black men by western slavers in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas for the sake of plantation production and control.

Colonial Cookery in North America Audiobook by Ken Albala

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ken Albala) — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:36:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Colonial Cookery in North America Author: Ken Albala Narrator: Ken Albala Format: Unabridged Length: 31 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Eating habits in the American colonies incorporated a wide variety of cultural influences. Contrast the culinary fashions of Virginia, modeled on the English gentry, with the mercantile, Puritan ethic of New England; the varied foodways of the Dutch settlers, Germans, Quakers, and Quebecois; and the unique cuisine of Louisiana. ©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Great Courses

American Originals: Helen Keller Audiobook by Patrick N. Allitt

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick N. Allitt) — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 13:43:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Originals: Helen Keller Author: Patrick N. Allitt Narrator: Patrick N. Allitt Format: Original Recording Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 06-06-05 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Helen Keller was struck blind and deaf by scarlet fever before her second birthday. Under the care of a gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to read, write, and make sense of the world around her. She went on to a life of advocacy for the blind, women's suffrage, socialism, and other public causes.

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3 Audiobook by Shelby Foote

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Shelby Foote) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:40:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3 Subtitle: Red River to Appomattox Author: Shelby Foote Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 58 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 199 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Here is the final volume of the highly acclaimed narrative history named one of the best nonfiction books of the century by National Review. In The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3, Shelby Foote follows the events of the war from 1862 through 1864, discussing the strategies of both the North and the South and assessing the performance of the Union generals. The book opens with the beginning of the two final, major confrontations of the war: Grant against Lee in Virginia and Sherman pressing Johnston in North Georgia. In vivid narrative as seen from both sides, he tells of the climactic struggles, great and small, on and off the field of battle, that finally decided the fate of this nation. The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3 brings to a close the story of four years of turmoil and strife that altered American life forever. Members Reviews: Most unbiased and straightforward history of the Civil War I have read to date Thank you to Shelby Foot and to all those who helped gather the information for this book. I have come to many of the same conclusions in my mind about the Civil War prior to this book. This just reaffirms my thoughts and impressions. I am grateful but it was put together in such a way that made the understanding of the battles in the Civil War more understandable. The narration by Grover Gardner was fantastic thank you for doing such a great job. let the future not repeat the past author shelby foote provides the reader with a panaranic view of this complex, tragic span of time called THE Civil War. Though the better part of the book details the Civil War battles, military strategy and their outcomes, he does spend considerable time graphically describing key figures, North and South, who conducted this conflict. I would like to believe that even the author would have acknowledged that many, many more pages about the war's medical failures and successes were worthy of elaboration, that more comments from black soldiers would have been insightful additions to this tome, that life in military prisons would have expanded upon the cruelty experienced North and South, that the lives of millions of non combatants were painfully, daily, adversely impacted as well as a miriad of other "side" issues were consecutively deserving of mention. The narration was Superbowl, lengthy but well worth the listen. Thank you . Epic Conclusion to the Series Would you consider the audio edition of The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3 to be better than the print version? I started reading the print version's series years ago, but never finished it; it may have seemed too daunting. However, having finished the audio version now, I can say that this version captured me more. Yes, I missed the maps, but you can always look those up on the internet. I prefer the audio version because it helped me finish the series, and enjoy even more while doing so. Who was your favorite character and why? I learned to appreciate two characters more: one major, and one less so. Robert E. Lee is fascinating. His tactics, attitude, leadership traits, and skill on the battlefield brought out his character and influence on the Southern cause. General George Thomas, the Virginian, was also presented well. I learned so much more about him than I'd previously known. I liked his steadfastness and dependability.

America's Founding Fathers Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 09:36:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: America's Founding Fathers Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Allen C. Guelzo Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 03-31-17 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 134 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Today, the US Constitution is the oldest, continually-operating instrument of government in the world. But to think of the Constitution as a fully-formed, canonical document is to miss out on an honest, well-rounded grasp of American history. Now, more than ever, any well-informed citizen should understand how the Constitution lives, breathes, and endures. In collaboration with Smithsonian, these 36 lectures are a deep dive into the creation of the US Constitution as it actually happened - and the remarkable men who played their own unique role in the creation (and survival) of American democracy. Designed to be enjoyed in chronological order, they take you from the closing days of the American Revolution to the opening decades of the United States under the newly created US Constitution. Told like a dramatic story, each lecture uses a Founder as a doorway through which to examine the process involved in crafting the Constitution. You'll encounter fresh perspectives on familiar Founders including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as people not necessarily considered Founders, including James McHenry, Secretary of War under John Adams; and Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the insightful Democracy in America. While detailed, the lectures are highly accessible for all learners, high school students and history buffs alike. Less a biography of individuals, Professor Guelzo's lectures are instead a composite biography of one of the greatest political documents in history. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Great lecture series This is a fascinating lecture series, even for someone like me with a deep if amateurish knowledge of the revolutionary and early republic period. The particular strength of these lectures is Guelzo's lifting from semi obscurity a number of the founding fathers & embedding those individuals (& the briefest of biographies) in his main discussion about the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention. The lectures have great narrative drive, I was sorry as each little chapter was completed. The accompanying pdf is.also very helpful to reinforce the lessons. Over in Amazon a reviewer has dinged the work for Guelzo's 2-3 sentences about Jefferson's.multi year dalliance with his slave, something that has become by far the majority view among professional historians these days. Nevertheless downgrading a rating for an audio book where for than 1 minute of talk in almost 20 hours seems silly. I highly recommend this work to readers. So Much More I can't praise this offering from The Great Courses enough! It excels in every way - yes, we get to know the founding fathers better (especially those lesser-known); yes, their stories are described in context, which makes for a wonderful progression from the Declaration of Independence through the Revolutionary War, to the development of first the Articles of Confederation to the improvements of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Perhaps the most enlightening lessons are in the controversies.

Bellevue Audiobook by David Oshinsky

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Oshinsky) — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 21:15:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bellevue Subtitle: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital Author: David Oshinsky Narrator: Fred Sanders Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 11-15-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 433 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian comes a riveting history of New York's iconic public hospital that charts the turbulent rise of American medicine. Bellevue Hospital, on New York City's East Side, occupies a colorful and horrifying place in the public imagination: a den of mangled crime victims, vicious psychopaths, assorted derelicts, lunatics, and exotic-disease sufferers. In its two and a half centuries of service, there was hardly an epidemic or social catastrophe - or groundbreaking scientific advance - that did not touch Bellevue. David Oshinsky, whose last book, Polio: An American Story, was awarded a Pulitzer Prize, chronicles the history of America's oldest hospital and in so doing also charts the rise of New York to the nation's preeminent city, the path of American medicine from butchery and quackery to a professional and scientific endeavor, and the growth of a civic institution. From its origins in 1738 as an almshouse and pesthouse, Bellevue today is a revered public hospital bringing first-class care to anyone in need. With its diverse, ailing, and unprotesting patient population, the hospital was a natural laboratory for the nation's first clinical research. It treated tens of thousands of Civil War soldiers, launched the first civilian ambulance corps and the first nursing school for women, pioneered medical photography and psychiatric treatment, and spurred New York City to establish the country's first official board of health. As medical technology advanced, "voluntary" hospitals began to seek out patients willing to pay for their care. For charity cases it was left to Bellevue to fill the void. The latter decades of the 20th century brought rampant crime, drug addiction, and homelessness to the nation's struggling cities - problems that called a public hospital's very survival into question. It took the AIDS crisis to cement Bellevue's enduring place as New York's ultimate safety net, the iconic hospital of last resort. Lively, pause-resisting, fascinating, Bellevue is essential American history. Critic Reviews: "No other hospital is as embedded in our culture as Bellevue. David Oshinsky's biography of this grand dame of America's public hospitals is a page-turner, a tale of immigrants and epidemics, politicians and physicians, natural disasters and acts of terrorism, all of which shaped Bellevue, just as they shaped a city and a nation. Public policy at its best and worst comes alive. Oshinsky has captured the spirit, the resilience that is Bellevue, a quality that rubs off on the legions who have trained there. A wonderful read!" (Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone) " Bellevue is a tale of medicine's tragedies and triumphs in the cauldron of New York City. In vivid prose, David Oshinsky portrays caregivers who, through the centuries, selflessly served the neediest and the unwanted, as well as researchers who pushed the boundaries of clinical knowledge, all the while battling bureaucrats and social indifference. This is a story of America's most esteemed public hospital that will both enlighten and inspire." (Jerome Groopman, MD, author of How Doctors Think) "David Oshinsky's Bellevue is American history at its very finest.

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 Audiobook by Shelby Foote

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Shelby Foote) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:33:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 Subtitle: Fredericksburg to Meridian Author: Shelby Foote Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 52 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 249 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 continues one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. Focusing on the pivotal year of 1863, the second volume in Shelby Foote's masterful narrative history brings to life some of the most dramatic and important moments in the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg and Grant's Vicksburg Campaign. The word narrative is the key to this book's extraordinary incandescence and truth: The story is told entirely from the point of view of the people involved. One learns not only what was happening on all fronts but also how the author discovered it during his years of exhaustive research. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America's history. Members Reviews: Excellent in breadth and depth. Riveting. I absolutely enjoyed the substance and narration. I recommend this book. first class. Long Listen But So Good There are times when my mind wonders off while listening, so I recommend pacing yourself when listening. This is such a great story and very beautifully written. I highly recommend it for American History fans. The story is also a bit of military history. It's fascinating to hear not only the story of the Civil War but also the start of American military might. Tactics and inventions used by both sides eventually find their way into the reunified military. When you hear them mentioned in passing in this story, it's cool to know where it will lead (e.g. Beauregard playing around but failing with submarines). My Favorite Volume of the Series If you could sum up The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 in three words, what would they be? Thorough, Eye-opening, Knowlegeable What did you like best about this story? It tells the whole story, with all of the major players, as well as many of the regular men that fought. What about Grover Gardners performance did you like? Just like the first volume, he makes the book interesting. He also has a classic voice that seems like it could have been from the Civil War error. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? It made me very appreciative of the author's work and knowledge. Any additional comments? Definitely read the first volume before this, but don't stop afterwards. I would also suggest reading them through in succession. Once you finish, start the next volume right away. Doing this helped the narrative flow. AMERICA'S CIVIL WAR Shelby Footes history of Americas Civil War is a classic for all who wish to understand the culture and strength of American democracy. America, like most nations, is a diverse country. Societal differences make the United States both strong and weak. Strength comes from limited freedom within a government of checks and balances. Weakness comes from the nature of human beings who violate moral and ethical standards defined by society. The norms of society are shaped by human experience. Religion, money, power, and prestige drive Americans to achieve fame and success; as well as infamy and failure. Foote recounts the interplay between civilian and military leaders in Americas civil war who show how these drives shape American society. The evil of slavery tangles itself into the Civil Wars human experience.

George Washington's Secret Six Audiobook by Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Brian Kilmeade) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:13:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: George Washington's Secret Six Subtitle: The Spy Ring That Saved America Author: Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger Narrator: Brian Kilmeade Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-13 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1340 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the cohost of Fox & Friends, the true story of the anonymous spies who helped win the Revolutionary War. Among the pantheon of heroes of the American Revolution, six names are missing. First and foremost, Robert Townsend, an unassuming and respected businessman from Long Island, who spearheaded the spy ring that covertly brought down the Britishbefore they, or anyone else, could discover their names. Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger finally give Townsend and his fellow spies their proper due, telling the fascinating story of how they passed information to George Washington that turned the tide of the war. Using a network of citizen operatives that included a longshoreman, bartender, newspaper editor, housewife, tailor, and femme fatale, and employing a series of complex codes, the so-called Culper Spy Ring used sophisticated tactics to subvert the British. Based on previously unpublished research, George Washington's Secret Six is a gripping history of these amazing, anonymous Patriots who risked their lives for our freedom. Members Reviews: Good story, boring reader Great story but Brian is not a great reader. He places inflections and emphasis in odd places, and doesn't seem to know how to pause for dramatic effect. This is one a professional reader would have done better. Interesting story. Poor narrator Is there anything you would change about this book? Story is intriguing and historically relevant. A bit dis jointed on how it is flows but interesting non the less. It made me revisit my basic knowledge of the revolutionary war and its players. Who would you have cast as narrator instead of uncredited? The narrator was one of the worst I have ever encountered. I almost stopped listening as a result but ultimately got through it as the story was interesting. The narration tone is very sensational and leading. I would have liked a narrator who honored the seriousness of the story and the risks the spies and the continental army had to take. Great Expectations Left Unfulfilled Would you try another book from Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger and/or uncredited? No, I wouldn't. This book could have been exciting and had a great underlying story. However, it was written in a lifeless fashion and I was never pulled into the story. I found it boring. How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable? I think it would have needed different writers and most certainly a different narrator. How could the performance have been better? The narration was terrible. The reader spoke much too fast and did not enunciate clearly. You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities? The best part of the book was the hype leading up to it. I couldn't wait to hear more about these men. Any additional comments? Waste of money. This is no David McCullough... What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? The story was quite interesting, but I found myself constantly distracted by the terrible narration.

Astoria Audiobook by Peter Stark

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Peter Stark) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 08:54:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Astoria Subtitle: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival Author: Peter Stark Narrator: Michael Kramer Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 03-04-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 668 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: At a time when the edge of American settlement barely reached beyond the Appalachian Mountains, two visionaries, President Thomas Jefferson and millionaire John Jacob Astor, foresaw that one day the Pacific would dominate world trade as much as the Atlantic did in their day. Just two years after the Lewis and Clark expedition concluded in 1806, Jefferson and Astor turned their sights westward once again. Thus began one of history's dramatic but largely forgotten turning points in the conquest of the North American continent. Astoria is the harrowing tale of the quest to settle a Jamestown-like colony on the Pacific coast. Astor set out to establish a global trade network based at the mouth of the Columbia River in what is now Oregon, while Jefferson envisioned a separate democracy on the western coast that would spread eastward to meet the young United States. Astor backed this ambitious enterprise with the vast fortune he'd made in the fur trade and in New York real estate since arriving in the United States as a near-penniless immigrant soon after the Revolutionary War. He dispatched two groups of men west: One by sea around the southern tip of South America and one by land over the Rockies. Unfolding from 1810 to 1813, Astoria is a tale of high adventure and incredible hardship, drawing extensively on firsthand accounts of those who made the journey. Though the colony itself would be short-lived, its founders opened provincial American eyes to the remarkable potential of the western coast, discovered the route that became the Oregon Trail, and permanently altered the nation's landscape and global standing. Members Reviews: Daring, greedy men take on nature and natives With scant knowledge of where they are headed or how the world will change while they are en route, two bands of intrepid men head for the Pacific Northwest to assert their dominion over the land and, more importantly, the fur trade. Cultural differences between the partners (who have the most to gain financially), voyageurs (French Canadians who are expert boatmen), trappers and the Native Americans lead to ghastly mistakes with deadly consequences. The arrogance of the European mindset is difficult to overcome and the primary barrier a successful expedition. Although I have spent much of my life in the Pacific Northwest, this is a story I had never heard. Perhaps that is because their motives were completely financial - no superficial talk about Manifest Destiny or God's will to give a patina of morality. The men were brave and often heroic but they were also stupid, indecisive and foolish. They were so far from home that the only choice was to go on, whatever lay ahead. Running two stories along parallel paths can sometimes be difficult to follow, but this book does a good job with both the over-land and sea expeditions. At the very beginning of the book, there is a chapter which actually takes place at almost the close of the story. It comes across as a bit of a gimmick to me - and this story does not need any tricks to keep your interest. The rescue ship in that first chapter is actually one of the least engaging parts of the story. Other than that one, admittedly minor, complaint, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and learned a great deal. The reader was good, no distracting tics to bother me.

The True Flag Audiobook by Stephen Kinzer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen Kinzer) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 23:33:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The True Flag Subtitle: Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and the Birth of American Empire Author: Stephen Kinzer Narrator: Robert Petkoff Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 01-24-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 197 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The best-selling author of Overthrow and The Brothers brings to life the forgotten political debate that set America's interventionist course in the world for the 20th century and beyond. How should the United States act in the world? Americans cannot decide. Sometimes we burn with righteous anger, launching foreign wars and deposing governments. Then we retreat - until the cycle begins again. No matter how often we debate this question, none of what we say is original. Every argument is a pale shadow of the first and greatest debate, which erupted more than a century ago. Its themes resurface every time Americans argue whether to intervene in a foreign country. Revealing a piece of forgotten history in The True Flag, Stephen Kinzer transports us to the dawn of the 20th century, when the United States first found itself with the chance to dominate faraway lands. That prospect thrilled some Americans. It horrified others. Their debate gripped the nation. The country's best-known political and intellectual leaders took sides. Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and William Randolph Hearst pushed for imperial expansion; Mark Twain, Booker T. Washington, and Andrew Carnegie preached restraint. Only once before - in the period when the United States was founded - have so many brilliant Americans so eloquently debated a question so fraught with meaning for all humanity. All Americans, regardless of political perspective, can take inspiration from the titans who faced off in this epic confrontation. Their words are amazingly current. Every argument over America's role in the world grows from this one. It all starts here. This program includes an introduction read by the author. Members Reviews: Timely and important I'm currently active duty Army with 17 years in service. In my opinion, this book should be read by every soldier and, most importantly, by our politicians who decide whether to send us into harms way. As the author demonstrates so eloquently in this book, intervention abroad (whether by democrats or republicans) rarely leads to the intended goals due to ignorance, hubris, and unintended consequences. The Spanish-American War is a little understood and rarely discussed period of American military history. But that really should change given that the vigorous debate surrounding it are just as relevant today as they were over 100 years ago. Highly Relevant History Lesson Well Told. This well told history of the Spanish American War serves up many insights into the roots, motivations, and perils of American intervetion abroad right up to our present quagmires in Iraq and Afganistan. The heated political debates among giant personalities are as relevant today as they were in the 1890s. These are lessons we have not yet learned as a nation. Our failure heed them will create an increasingly unstable and dangerous world. Excellent and important book. Highly recommended. Today's political atmosphere explained through History When one takes a look at the beginnings of the policies that formed today's political climate, a greater understanding of our times can be achieved. Expansionism, Imperialism, or conquest beyond our current borders didn't just start with the latest Presidency.

Dodge City Audiobook by Tom Clavin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tom Clavin) — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:08:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dodge City Subtitle: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West Author: Tom Clavin Narrator: John Bedford Lloyd Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 02-28-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 339 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Dodge City, Kansas, is a place of legend. The town that started as a small military site exploded with the coming of the railroad, cattle drives, eager miners, settlers, and various entrepreneurs passing through to populate the expanding West. Before long Dodge City's streets were lined with saloons and brothels, and its populace was thick with gunmen, horse thieves, and desperadoes of every sort. By the 1870s Dodge City was known as the most violent and turbulent town in the West. Enter Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. Young and largely self-trained men, the lawmen led the effort that established frontier justice and the rule of law in the American West and did it in the wickedest place in the United States. When they moved on, Wyatt to Tombstone and Bat to Colorado, a tamed Dodge was left in the hands of Jim Masterson. But before long Wyatt and Bat, each having had a lawman brother killed, returned to that threatened Western Kansas town to team up to restore order again in what became known as the Dodge City War before riding off into the sunset. Number-one New York Times best-selling author Tom Clavin's Dodge City tells the true story of their friendship, romances, gunfights, and adventures along with the remarkable cast of characters they encountered along the way (including Wild Bill Hickock, Jesse James, Doc Holliday, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Wesley Hardin, Billy the Kid, and Theodore Roosevelt) that has gone largely untold, lost in the haze of Hollywood films and Western fiction, until now. Members Reviews: The Real Life Story of Dodge City Clavins book is more than the history of the Earp and Masterson brothers, it is also the history of Kansas and mostly of Dodge City. Clavin provides a brief history of the discovery of the West from the Spanish, French to Lewis and Clark. The author tells about Zebulon Pike who spent some time exploring the area around what became Dodge City. But the primary focus of the book is the period from 1870 to 1880s in Dodge City. I loved the description of Kansas the author provides of what Francisco Vazquez de Coronado wrote, short grass covered with mounds of prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, wolves, antelope, deer, birds and 5 million buffalo (American Bison). I can just picture it. Clavin points out that Dodge City was founded at the head of the Santa Fe trail and an Army fort (Fort Dodge) was built to protect the trail. When the Santa Fe railroad reached Dodge City, the Texas cattle drives rolled into the rail head. Clavin discussed the various gunslingers home to Dodge City such as Dirty Sock Jack and Dynamite Sam. Of course, he tells the stories of Wyatt and Bat taming the town. The book is well written and meticulously researched. The book is written in an easy reading style closer to a novel than a history book. In the opening of the book, the author tells of his problems separating fact from fiction about the Earp and Masterson brothers. He said he did his best to present only proven facts. I learned a great deal about Kansas and Dodge City from the book. As a fan of the T.V. show Gunsmoke, I recognized Delmonicos and the Long Branch Saloon. The book is just over thirteen hours long. John Bedford Lloyd did a good job narrating the book. I enjoyed his baritone voice. I had only one fault with his narration in that he mispronounced the Arkansas River.

The Great Influenza Audiobook by John M. Barry

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (John M. Barry) — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:25:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great Influenza Subtitle: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History Author: John M. Barry Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 03-08-06 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1656 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: No disease the world has ever known even remotely resembles the great influenza epidemic of 1918. Presumed to have begun when sick farm animals infected soldiers in Kansas, spreading and mutating into a lethal strain as troops carried it to Europe, it exploded across the world with unequaled ferocity and speed. It killed more people in 20 weeks than AIDS has killed in 20 years; it killed more people in a year than the plagues of the Middle Ages killed in a century. Victims bled from the ears and nose, turned blue from lack of oxygen, suffered aches that felt like bones being broken, and died. In the United States, where bodies were stacked without coffins on trucks, nearly seven times as many people died of influenza as in the First World War. In his powerful new book, award-winning historian John M. Barry unfolds a tale that is magisterial in its breadth and in the depth of its research, and spellbinding as he weaves multiple narrative strands together. In this first great collision between science and epidemic disease, even as society approached collapse, a handful of heroic researchers stepped forward, risking their lives to confront this strange disease. Titans like William Welch at the newly formed Johns Hopkins Medical School and colleagues at Rockefeller University and others from around the country revolutionized American science and public health, and their work in this crisis led to crucial discoveries that we are still using and learning from today. Now with a new afterword. Critic Reviews: "Gripping....Easily our fullest, richest, most panoramic history of the subject." (The New York Times Book Review) "An enthralling symphony of a book, whose every page compels." (Booklist) Members Reviews: History of Medicine in America explored Any additional comments? What a fascinating look at the history of medicine and medical practice in America. The tale of the spread of disease and the blow by blow experience was harrowing. Well worth a listen. Gripping and Gory I thoroughly enjoyed this book, including the contextual detail that many others disliked, but I wouldn't recommend listening to it near mealtime, as the author dwells repetitively and graphically on the sensory (shall we say)"challenges" of those who beheld the victims in their various stages of death and dying. There were points where I wondered if I'd inadvertantly reset the narrative to a chapter I'd already listened to, so redundent was the story. However, the repetition accurately mirrored the relentlessness of the disease. From the contextual elements of this book, I finally learned why the hospital where I work insists that we come to work unless we're on our deathbeds. The nursing profession grew out of the military and its need to maintain healthy soldiers. Healthcare professionals were - and are - soldiers in the war against disease, and many died while caring for influenza patients. Also, I was told that the WWI generation had an unusually large number of "spinsters" who never married, because so many young men died in "the Great War." But, the flu disproportionately struck young men who happened to be soldiers lodged in crowded barracks that helped spread the disease.

A Different Mirror Audiobook by Ronald Takaki

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ronald Takaki) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:32:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Different Mirror Subtitle: A History of Multicultural America Author: Ronald Takaki Narrator: Peter Berkrot Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 03-28-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 109 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Upon its first publication, A Different Mirror was hailed by critics and academics everywhere as a dramatic new retelling of our nation's past. Beginning with the colonization of the New World, it recounts the history of America in the voice of the non-Anglo peoples of the United States---Native Americans, African Americans, Jews, Irish Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and others---groups who helped create this country's rich mosaic culture. From the role of black soldiers in preserving the Union to the history of Chinese Americans from 1900 to 1941, from an investigation into the issue of "illegal" immigrants from Mexico to a look at the sudden visibility of Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Takaki's work is a remarkable achievement that grapples with the raw truth of American history and examines the ultimate question of what it means to be an American. Critic Reviews: "A valuable survey of the American experience of several racial and ethnic minorities: readable popular history in the mode of Takaki's Strangers from a Different Shore." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: A Necessary Mirror This is an excellent book which provides a fascinating account of the many minorities, their attitudes, and the struggles, prejudices, hostilities and as well as acceptances encountered over a wide span of U.S. history. As immigrants to the United States from Mexico and other lands today face increasingly shrill hostility and restrictive laws, "A Different Mirror" is a necessary mirror that reflects a history that has been missed, if not entirely left out of the discussions about immigration and multiculturalism and the conventional historical narrative, or whatever exists thereof. Needless to say, this is a book which is sure to engender humility and compassion. It deserves a large audience. Although at the very start the production sounded a bit tinny, the sound quality and reading turned out to be exceptionally good. All mirrors distort This is book attempts to look at US history through a different mirror by focusing upon the history of various minorities. This (like all histories) distorts in its own way. Perhaps, once upon a time, the history of minorities in the US was not covered in K-12 histories, but for decades (at least in California where I graduated high school in 1976) this has no longer been the case. Most of this material was covered back then, and covered in a more integrated way. In this book, the history is not integrated, it focuses largely on the inequities suffered by minorities, instead of a broad swath including the inequities along with the many scientific, technical, cultural, artistic, and political contributions of minorities. I thus felt this was less compelling than the best of histories. Every American should know, and understand, the inequities suffered by minorities, but this should be understood within a broad context. In the book's foreword the author (of Japanese ancestry and born in the US with several generations in the US) was asked by a white taxi driver how long he had been in this country and he was told that his English was excellent. It seems one intent for this book was to educate people like this taxi driver. If that was the goal, I think this book misses the mark.

The Last Castle Audiobook by Denise Kiernan

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Denise Kiernan) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 12:40:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last Castle Subtitle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nations Largest Home Author: Denise Kiernan Narrator: Denise Kiernan Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 58 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Girls of Atomic City comes the fascinating true story behind the magnificent Gilded Age mansion Biltmore - the largest, grandest residence ever built in the United States. Orphaned at a young age, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser claimed lineage from one of New York's best known families. She grew up in Newport and Paris, and her engagement and marriage to George Vanderbilt was one of the most watched events of Gilded Age society. But none of this prepared her to be mistress of Biltmore House. Before their marriage, the wealthy and bookish Vanderbilt had dedicated his life to creating a spectacular European-style estate on 125,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness. He summoned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to tame the grounds, collaborated with celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt to build a 175,000-square-foot chateau, filled it with priceless art and antiques, and erected a charming village beyond the gates. Newlywed Edith was now mistress of an estate nearly three times the size of Washington, DC and benefactress of the village and surrounding rural area. When fortunes shifted and changing times threatened her family, her home, and her community, it was up to Edith to save Biltmore - and secure the future of the region and her husband's legacy. The story of Biltmore spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression, and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family, and features a captivating cast of real-life characters including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Teddy Roosevelt, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, Henry James, and Edith Wharton. The Last Castle is the unique American story of how the largest house in America flourished, faltered, and ultimately endured to this day. Members Reviews: So dissappointed. Read The Girls of Atomic City... ...instead. Kiernan wrote that and it was absolutely fascinating. Not this one. It's rare that I give any nonfiction I listen to less than three stars--most gets a 4 with the occasional 5. Really, this felt like one star to me and the only reason I'm giving it 2 is decent writing, a ton of information imparted, and the amount of research Kiernan must have done. And it's probably better in print than in audio. I downloaded this because Kiernan wrote it. I skimmed the synopsis, which seemed interesting. A month later, I listened. 3 chapters in I wondered who and what the book was about. Hundreds of names had already been mentioned and I couldn't keep track of who they were and if they were important to the story. Like another book I listened to recently, I slept through a couple hours total of the book, did not rewind and listened to part of it on 1.5 speed, never a good sign. Bottom line issue: With The Girls of Atomic City, she had first person accounts to draw from, people she interviewed. She didn't with this book. While there are some personal letters quoted, it's not enough to flesh out ANY of the zillion characters so it reads like a stream of hundreds of facts with names attached, few of which I will remember. Very factual I live near the Biltmore Estate and it truly is amazing!!! This book was very informative but I have to say it was painfully obvious the author/narrator is not trained to perform/read audiobooks. Her tone, intonation and performance totally hampered this story.

Raven Rock Audiobook by Garrett M. Graff

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Garrett M. Graff) — Tue, 02 May 2017 15:12:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Raven Rock Subtitle: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself - While the Rest of Us Die Author: Garrett M. Graff Narrator: Jacques Roy Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 423 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A fresh window on American history: the eye-opening truth about the government's secret plans to survive a catastrophic attack on US soil, even if the rest of us die - a road map that spans from the dawn of the nuclear age to today. Every day in Washington, DC, the blue-and-gold 1st Helicopter Squadron, codenamed MUSSEL, flies over the Potomac River. As obvious as the presidential motorcade, most people assume the squadron is a travel perk for VIPs. They're only half right: While the helicopters do provide transport, the unit exists to evacuate high-ranking officials in the event of a terrorist or nuclear attack on the capital. In the event of an attack, select officials would be whisked by helicopters to a ring of secret bunkers around Washington, even as ordinary citizens were left to fend for themselves. For 60 years the US government has been developing secret doomsday plans to protect itself, and the multibillion-dollar Continuity of Government (COG) program takes numerous forms - from its plans to evacuate the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia to the plans to launch nuclear missiles from a Boeing-747 jet flying high over Nebraska. In Raven Rock, Garrett M. Graff sheds light on the inner workings of the 650-acre compound (called Raven Rock) just miles from Camp David as well as dozens of other bunkers the government built for its top leaders during the Cold War, from the White House lawn to Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado to Palm Beach, Florida, and the secret plans that would have kicked in after a Cold War nuclear attack to round up foreigners and dissidents and nationalize industries. Equal parts presidential, military, and cultural history, Raven Rock tracks the evolution of the government plan and the threats of global war from the dawn of the nuclear era through the War on Terror. Members Reviews: Fascinatibg story well told and beautifully read. Jacques Roy's reading is subtle and clear and very easy on the ear. Garrett Graff elegantly unveils the history and current state of this hitherto obscure piece of US governance. Awesome Read!! I'm a huge nerd when it comes to Cold War History & have listened to literally everything sold by audible.com on the subject. This is definitely my new favorite (Command & Control would be a close second). Can't recommend it highly enough! Important Read Fascinating post-WWII history of the US Continuity of Government (COG) plan. COG will try to protect a few thousand select members of the Government and the private sector. The rest of us are on our own. Is anyone aware of a Reform ("Calvinist") sect of the Amish community that might accept me and my family? Extremely detailed book on our government. Amazing detail on hidden facilities you never knew existed. One note about the author, he is a left leaning guy, check his tweets. I'm thinking about listening to it again, it's that good. like this book this book is very interesting lots of things I have never heard before .

The Emerald Mile Audiobook by Kevin Fedarko

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Kevin Fedarko) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 06:58:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Emerald Mile Subtitle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History through the Heart of the Grand Canyon Author: Kevin Fedarko Narrator: Paul Michael Garcia Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 11-04-14 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1120 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From one of Outside magazine's "Literary All-Stars" comes the thrilling true tale of the fastest boat ride ever, down the entire length of the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, during the legendary flood of 1983. In the spring of 1983, massive flooding along the length of the Colorado River confronted a team of engineers at the Glen Canyon Dam with an unprecedented emergency that may have resulted in the most catastrophic dam failure in history. In the midst of this crisis, the decision to launch a small wooden dory named the Emerald Mile at the head of the Grand Canyon, just 15 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, seemed not just odd but downright suicidal. The Emerald Mile, at one time slated to be destroyed, was rescued and brought back to life by Kenton Grua, the man at the oars, who intended to use this flood as a kind of hydraulic sling-shot. The goal was to nail the all-time record for the fastest boat ever propelled - by oar, by motor, or by the grace of God himself - down the entire length of the Colorado River from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead. Did he survive? Just barely. Now, this remarkable, epic feat unfolds here, in The Emerald Mile. Members Reviews: Awesome story and history of the Grand Canyon! This is the first audiobook I have ever listened to that wasn't directed at my young kids. Given my own challenge with listening, I followed a written copy of the book at the same time. This is a tremendous story - great character development, excellent detailing, a thought-provoking read on the trade offs of wilderness and modern society. The only drawback was that the reader fairly frequently was reading things that differed from the book, in some cases quite substantially. I found this quite disconcerting. Being a detail person, I was left wondering what version was correct. I would highly recommend this book to others who love the outdoors, wilderness and the power of moving rivers. I greatly enjoyed it! Fabulous Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? This is one of the most balanced and adventurous books I have read in a long time. It is about the environment, love of nature and the way that man affects it. There is no judgement just great realities from both sides of the issues. In the end it is about a small boat and a big canyon and its river. I can not recommend this book any stronger. Love! One of my new favorite books! Absolutely loved it! The adventure story is eloquently intertwined with the historical environmental activism in the west. Great mix of background and gripping story Loved this book. I learned much about the history of the Colorado and was immersed in the river running stories, culminating in the speed run of the Emerald Mile. Masterpiece Would you consider the audio edition of The Emerald Mile to be better than the print version? I haven't read the book so I cannot judge. The writing itself is superb. How did the narrator detract from the book? I believe they should have chosen a narrator with a different style to read it. It would have played better in the hands actually voice of someone like Wade Goodwyn of NPR, someone with a western accent who speaks in a plain voice. I felt like the narrator got so caught up with gorgeous prose that he added a bombast and a pretentiousness that detracted from the actual story.

The Devil's Chessboard Audiobook by David Talbot

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Talbot) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 05:59:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Devil's Chessboard Subtitle: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government Author: David Talbot Narrator: Peter Altschuler Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 646 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: An explosive, headline-making portrait of Allen Dulles, the man who transformed the CIA into the most powerful - and secretive - colossus in Washington, from the founder of Salon.com and author of the New York Times best seller Brothers. America's greatest untold story: the United States' rise to world dominance under the guile of Allen Welsh Dulles, the longest-serving director of the CIA. Drawing on revelatory new materials - including newly discovered US government documents, US and European intelligence sources, the personal correspondence and journals of Allen Dulles' wife and mistress, and exclusive interviews with the children of prominent CIA officials - Talbot reveals the underside of one of America's most powerful and influential figures. Dulles' decade as the director of the CIA - which he used to further his public and private agendas - were dark times in American politics. Calling himself "the secretary of state of unfriendly countries", Dulles saw himself as above the elected law, manipulating and subverting American presidents in the pursuit of his personal interests and those of the wealthy elite he counted as his friends and clients - colluding with Nazi-controlled cartels, German war criminals, and Mafiosi in the process. Targeting foreign leaders for assassination and overthrowing nationalist governments not in line with his political aims, Dulles employed those same tactics to further his goals at home, Talbot charges, offering shocking new evidence in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. An exposé of American power that is as disturbing as it is timely, The Devil's Chessboard is a provocative and gripping story of the rise of the national security state - and the battle for America's soul. Members Reviews: Disturbing. Makes you question the company line. Where does The Devil's Chessboard rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? A chilling tale of the Dulles brothers and their vast and I would contend very negative influence on history. Many of today's ills can be traced back to them. I have difficulty with sensationalist stories where "fact" seems too extreme to be plausible, but in this case, most of the "facts" seem to hold together, at least until we get to the Kennedy assassination part, as to which I have no basis to judge. Some of the facts mesh with first hand evidence that I have: my dad worked for CIA in Iran and much of what is related about the Mossadegh affair comports with tales he told to me as a child. I can not know the truth of the Kennedy killings, but at a gut level I know there is more than we have been told or than we will ever know. Allen Dulles was too careful. Although the narration is a bit slow, you grow used to it. The story is compelling, more so because it is true and because we can look in hindsight and see the stupidity and unintended consequences of our nations irrational fear of communism and our imperialist approach to other nations. I is well worth the time. What was one of the most memorable moments of The Devil's Chessboard? The descriptions of the Patrice Lamumba's murder and the role of Larry Devline, whom I once met briefly during a visit to Washington DC by Mobutu Sese Seko for whom Mr.

Washington's Spies Audiobook by Alexander Rose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alexander Rose) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:59:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Washington's Spies Subtitle: The Story of America's First Spy Ring Author: Alexander Rose Narrator: Kevin Pariseau Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 722 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Based on remarkable new research, acclaimed historian Alexander Rose brings to life the true story of the spy ring that helped America win the Revolutionary War. For the first time, Rose takes us beyond the battlefront and deep into the shadowy underworld of double agents and triple crosses, covert operations and code breaking, and unmasks the courageous, flawed men who inhabited this wilderness of mirrorsincluding the spymaster at the heart of it all. In the summer of 1778, with the war poised to turn in his favor, General George Washington desperately needed to know where the British would strike next. To that end, he unleashed his secret weapon: an unlikely ring of spies in New York charged with discovering the enemys battle plans and military strategy. Washingtons small band included a young Quaker torn between political principle and family loyalty, a swashbuckling sailor addicted to the perils of espionage, a hard-drinking barkeep, a Yale-educated cavalryman and friend of the doomed Nathan Hale, and a peaceful, sickly farmer who begged Washington to let him retire but who always came through in the end. Personally guiding these imperfect everyday heroes was Washington himself. In an era when officers were gentlemen, and gentlemen didnt spy, he possessed an extraordinary talent for deceptionand proved an adept spymaster. The men he mentored were dubbed the Culper Ring. The British secret service tried to hunt them down, but they escaped by the closest of shaves thanks to their ciphers, dead drops, and invisible ink. Roses thrilling narrative tells the unknown story of the Revolutionthe murderous intelligence war, gunrunning and kidnapping, defectors and executionersthat has never appeared in the history books. But Washington's Spies is also a spirited, touching account of friendship and trust, fear and betrayal, amid the dark and silent world of the spy. Members Reviews: The Story Behind the Story I was only in recent years made aware of the Culper spy ring, and the idea fascinates me. Given the perceptions of what lines could and could not be crossed by certain classes of individuals, this entire story flies right in the face of what the general public would expect. The idea that Washington - the man who would not tell a lie, according to popular legend - was as deceitful as they come to win the war for Independence? That's just priceless. The story as presented here is not really for entry-level students of the Revolution. The author gives you the stories and personalities on the new players within the spy ring, but you're expected to know the more prominent figures on both sides, a considerable amount of the politics, and an understanding of the attitudes at different levels. It's completely understandable to make those assumptions of the reader, given that this is more of a story for those already interested and somewhat immersed in the history of the time. The good news is that anyone who finds themselves not up to speed but still willing to dive in head first can get by in the broader view with their Wiki-scholar credentials. Obviously, the more you know about the big picture, the easier it is to appreciate the details of the story told here. I worked from a fairly solid knowledge base, but I'm certainly no expert. I still needed reference points from time to time.

Battle Cry of Freedom: Volume 1 Audiobook by James M. McPherson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James M. McPherson) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:57:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Battle Cry of Freedom: Volume 1 Author: James M. McPherson Narrator: Jonathan Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs Language: English Release date: 10-01-07 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1169 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: James M. McPherson, professor emeritus of U.S. history at Princeton, is one of the foremost scholars of the Civil War. In this informative and meticulously researched masterpiece, he clarifies the differing ways of life and philosophy that led to this shattering conflict. Abraham Lincoln wondered whether "in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government". Jefferson Davis felt "forced to take up arms" to guarantee states' rights. McPherson merges the words of these men and other political luminaries, as well as housewives and soldiers from both armies, with his own concise analysis of the war, creating a story as compelling as any novel. Battle Cry of Freedom vividly traces how a new nation was forged when a war both sides were sure would amount to little dragged on for four years and cost more American lives than all other wars combined. Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. Battle Cry of Freedom is number VI in The Oxford History of the United States. Critic Reviews: "Of the 50,000 books written on the Civil War, [this is] the finest compression of that national paroxysm ever fitted between two covers." (Los Angeles Times Book Review) Members Reviews: volume1 When you see 'Volume 1,' the first thing you ask yourself, am I really going to go the distance with this book and surrender how many 48+ hours it will take to complete all volumes? I've had hit or miss experiences with other civil war books and was pulled right into this one. For me, this is the one to have. Narration is perfect. Someone on here gave it a 1 star and said its from a northern point of view. I felt it was impartial. I give it 5 stars because I learned very much and the narration was top notch. Incredible audio book I wish all audiobooks were this good. This is a well written book with fantastic narration. I usually zone out a little listening to a book of this length and sometimes find myself getting overwhelmed. I was able to listen to this one endlessly however - primarily because the narrative is crisp and engaging and the narrator is superb. I could just dive in and pick up where I left off and I was instantly swept up in it without ever being overwhelmed. This combination of good writing and good narrative is very rare - so it's refreshing when I discover it. This is one of the few books that I could listen to multiple times. I have never read Shelby Foote, but I understand what the other reviewers are saying. This is a survey of an entire epoch of U.S. history (roughly 1848 - 1865) It is an overview of the politics, culture, society, and military history of the times - with an emphasis on how these currents interrelate and influence each other (without ever getting boring or too academic) I think that it succeeds admirably. As an example, the first few hours (yes, hours) are given over to discussing the crisis of the 1850s after the Mexican War. This section in itself could be its own little gem of a book, as it describes in detail the workings of the compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Law, "bleeding" Kansas, Dred Scott, U.S. designs to acquire Cuba and other territory in S. America etc etc.

Rebel Yell Audiobook by S. C. Gwynne

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (S. C. Gwynne) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:60:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rebel Yell Subtitle: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson Author: S. C. Gwynne Narrator: Cotter Smith Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 09-30-14 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1370 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: General Stonewall Jackson was like no one anyone had ever seen. In April of 1862 he was merely another Confederate general with only a single battle credential in an army fighting in what seemed to be a losing cause. By middle June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western World. He had given the Confederate cause what it had recently lacked: hope. In four full-scale battles and six major skirmishes in Virginias Shenandoah Valley, Jackson had taken an army that never numbered more than 17,000 men and often had far less, against more than 70,000 Union troops whose generals had been ordered specifically to destroy him. And he had humiliated them, in spite of their best efforts, sent the armies reeling backward in retreat. He had done it with the full knowledge that he and his army were alone in a Union-dominated wilderness and surrounded at all times. He had even beaten a trap designed by Lincoln himself to catch him. How did he do this? Jackson marched his men at a pace unknown to soldiers of the era. He made flashing strikes in unexpected places, and assaults of hard and relentless fury. He struck from behind mountain ranges and out of steep passes. His use of terrain reminded observers of Hannibal and Napoleon. His exploits in the valley rank among the most spectacular military achievements of the 19th century. Considered one of our countrys greatest military figures, a difficult genius cited as inspiration by such later figures as George Patton and Erwin Rommel, and a man whose brilliance at the art of war transcends the Civil War itself, Stonewall Jacksons legacy is both great and tragic in this compelling account, which demonstrates how, as much as any Confederate figure, Jackson embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous lost cause. Members Reviews: A very good read This is my third Jackson biography. S.C. Gwynne offers great insight into his subject - that, and clarity of narrative. The book is appealingly organized. Whether one is new to the life of this extraordinary man or a student of his exploits, this iteration does not disappoint...a very good read. ( Note: Occasional internet forays into battle maps are useful - one of the few downsides to listening rather than reading. Some notion as to the geography of the Shenandoah Valley is essential.) Candidate for "My Daguerreotype Boyfriend" I am not sure what force made me click the express pay button, but I am sure glad I did! While I do love history, my bailiwick is usually English history. However, taking my daughter to college in Massachusetts for four years, I used to drive the I-81 corridor with all the battlefield signs and I have been to the charming town of Lexington, so I decided after listening to the sample, why not? I only had a very basic knowledge about the Civil War. This is a great book to use as a spring board. It is written well, the author is straight forward and paints the world of the old south and T.J. Jackson's early life engagingly. Jackson goes from being an awkward, taciturn man and quite possibly the most boring teacher EVER to the hero of the south. He even gets better looking as he grows into his reputation! (Hence, my entry of his picture to My Daguerrotype Boyfriend (dot) blogspot.

The Worst Hard Time Audiobook by Timothy Egan

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Timothy Egan) — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 21:25:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Worst Hard Time Subtitle: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl Author: Timothy Egan Narrator: Patrick Lawlor, Ken Burns (introduction) Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 04-13-06 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2290 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: National Book Award, Nonfiction, 2006 The dust storms that terrorized America's High Plains in the darkest years of the Depression were like nothing ever seen before or since, and the stories of the people that held on have never been fully told. Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist and author Timothy Egan follows a half-dozen families and their communities through the rise and fall of the region, going from sod huts to new framed houses to huddling in basements with the windows sealed by damp sheets in a futile effort to keep the dust out. He follows their desperate attempts to carry on through blinding black blizzards, crop failure, and the death of loved ones. Drawing on the voices of those who stayed and survived, those who, now in their eighties and nineties, will soon carry their memories to the grave, Egan tells a story of endurance and heroism against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Egan captures the very voice of the time, its grit, pathos, and abiding heroism, as only great history can. Combining the human drama of Isaac's Storm with the sweep of The American People in the Great Depression, The Worst Hard Time is a lasting and important work of American history. Bonus: In partnership with Audible and Playtone, the television and film producer behind the award-winning series Band of Brothers, John Adams, and The Pacific, this audiobook includes an original introduction, written and read by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. For more from Audible and Playtone, click . Critic Reviews: "With characters who seem to have sprung from a novel by Sinclair Lewis or Steinbeck, and Egan's powerful writing, this account will long remain in readers' minds." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: A Fascinating History Any additional comments? This book is so well written and researched that for me it opened my eyes to a region of America that I knew little about. The story telling added human texture and a deep understanding of the disaster of the dust bowl. I came away from the book able to clearly see why and how it all happened. But more than that I learned about how Oklahoma and the plains were settled. The strength of the people who moved there and stayed there-- no matter what. Storms, isolation, drought, you name it, trouble of every kind and they coped and stuck with it. The book was clearly written by a man totally in love with the place--it shone through on every page. It wasn't an easy story to hear--lots goes wrong--but it was worth it. The best kind of history lesson is a story well told. This book draws the reader in and captivates. Excellent narration. Highly recommended. more than grapes of wrath For someone whose knowledge of the Dust Bowl era consists of watching the movie "Grapes of Wrath", I found this book to be a fascinating look into the "dirty thirties", as this period in time was called. By the end of the book, I was very glad I had chosen this selection. The author does, however, jump from historical facts to personal accounts, making the listen a bit confusing at times. I also felt that the narration was a bit rushed.

Slavery by Another Name Audiobook by Douglas A. Blackmon

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Douglas A. Blackmon) — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:59:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Slavery by Another Name Subtitle: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II Author: Douglas A. Blackmon Narrator: Dennis Boutsikaris Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 05-31-10 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 792 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize, General Nonfiction, 2009 In this groundbreaking historical expose, Douglas A. Blackmon brings to light one of the most shameful chapters in American history: an Age of Neoslavery that thrived from the aftermath of the Civil War through the dawn of World War II. Using a vast record of original documents and personal narratives, Douglas A. Blackmon unearths the lost stories of slaves and their descendants who journeyed into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation and then back into the shadow of involuntary servitude shortly thereafter. By turns moving, sobering, and shocking, this unprecedented account reveals the stories of those who fought unsuccessfully against the re-emergence of human labor trafficking, the companies that profited most from neoslavery, and the insidious legacy of racism that reverberates today. Critic Reviews: Shocking....Eviscerates one of our schoolchildren's most basic assumptions: that slavery in America ended with the Civil War. (The New York Times) The genius of Blackmon's book is that it illuminates both the real human tragedy and the profoundly corrupting nature of the Old South slavery as it transformed to establish a New South social order. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Members Reviews: Steel Yourself The story of how the US let itself and its African-American people down after Reconstruction and Emancipation is more nasty and bitter than the Civil War itself. All the Civil War ended up doing was preventing the spread of slavery to the new territories and states. Once the US Army left, the racist White Supremacist southerners found clever new ways of re-instituting their hateful practice of getting cheap labor, and their sadistic jollies at the same time. I am conservative as they come, but if anybody tells you that Affirmative Action or Reparations are wrong, I will hereafter reply that they are a blunt instrument, but not half so blunt as those which beat upon the backs of the Grandfathers, and Great-Grandfathers of my African-American fellows. Just Unbelievable I have read a lot of books that dealt with "forgotten chapters in history" but never have I read anything that shocked me as much as this book. I truly did not realize that slavery existed as long as it did in the South. The facts in this book are sometimes hard to believe, but if you have an interest in the Civil War (as I do), then this should be required reading. Great narration, too. I am now going to get the PBS movie made about the subject. Powerful book! This was an eye opening experience for me. While I have always thought that the South treated blacks differently than other parts of the United States, I never dreamed it was worse than ever for them until after World War II. I am not saying it was only in the Southern United States as people are racist all over and a lot of other states made it impossible for blacks to feel safe in those areas. What this book does is document the so called convict workers and how the majority of convicts were blacks and treated much differently than whites for similar crimes. For example a white man found riding the rails was sentenced to 10 days labor while a black man would be sentenced to 2 years or more for the same offence. This was a money making venture for sheriffs and judges in the South.

Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies Audiobook by David Fisher, Bill O'Reilly

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Fisher) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:42:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies Subtitle: The Real West Author: David Fisher, Bill O'Reilly Narrator: Tom Wopat Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 04-07-15 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1655 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The must-have companion to Bill O'Reilly's historic series Legends and Lies: The Real West, a fascinating, eye-opening look at the truth behind the western legends we all think we know. How did Davy Crockett save President Jackson's life only to end up dying at the Alamo? Was the Lone Ranger based on a real lawman-and was he an African American? What amazing detective work led to the capture of Black Bart, the "gentleman bandit" and one of the west's most famous stagecoach robbers? Did Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid really die in a hail of bullets in South America? Generations of Americans have grown up on TV shows, movies and books about these western icons. But what really happened in the Wild West? All the stories you think you know, and others that will astonish you, are here--some heroic, some brutal and bloody, all riveting. Included are the ten legends featured in Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies docuseries -from Kit Carson to Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok to Doc Holliday-- accompanied by two bonus chapters on Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. Frontier America was a place where instinct mattered more than education, and courage was necessary for survival. It was a place where luck made a difference and legends were made. Heavily illustrated with spectacular artwork that further brings this history to life, and told in fast-paced, immersive narrative, Legends and Lies is an irresistible, adventure-packed ride back into one of the most storied era of our nation's rich history. Members Reviews: Interesting topic, weak performance Guess I should've known better than to get excited about Luke Duke reading... maybe my expectations were too high but I didn't really think it was done all that well. When Tom did "voices" it seemed corny. Content was good but not as good as some of Bill's other books. I'd still listen to it again, but it's just not a few be star. Great book While I really enjoyed the book as I love the western stories, this book was more of a combination of mini books or stories/ bios and the book didn't flow like the Legends and Lies patriot book. If you know nothing about the characters then it is a great overview. If you have read other stories, I doubt you will gain much knowledge here. I suppose you could dedicate an entire book to each individual mentioned in the book and still not cover all of their life but I just wish this book would have dug a bit deeper or maybe eliminated a few characters so more discussion on the others would have been possible. To tell the truth Nice to hear the real stories about real people. The old west was dirty, and glorious. You did good Bill. As always! Great look at history of the west A great look at the history of settling the American West. give insights to the stories of the people that have been portrayed throughout history. it also shows how history repeats itself. Old West Excellent narration! Learned many facts and characters I was not aware of before taking this journey! Can't wait for Oreilly's next production!

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Audiobook by Dee Brown

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dee Brown) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:48:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Subtitle: An Indian History of the American West Author: Dee Brown Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 10-23-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1214 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Dee Brown's eloquent, meticulously documented account of the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the 19th century uses council records, autobiographies, and firsthand descriptions. Brown allows great chiefs and warriors of the Dakota, Ute, Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes to tell us in their own words of the battles, massacres, and broken treaties that finally left them demoralized and defeated. A unique and disturbing narrative told with force and clarity, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee changed forever our vision of how the West was really won - and lost. ©1970 Dee Brown; Preface 2000 by Dee Brown; (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Critic Reviews: "Original, remarkable, and finally heartbreaking....Impossible to put down." (New York Times) "Shattering, appalling, compelling....One wonders...who indeed were the savages." (Washington Post) Members Reviews: A classic in every sense of the word... Dee Brown has written some other quality books, but he would deserve a reputation as one of the more readable historians on America's 19th century even if he had never written another word. A true classic, the perspective of which was long overdue when it appeared, this book was as moving for me this year - expertly narrated by Grover Gardner - as it was years ago when I first read it for myself. The shameful treatment of native-American tribes by officials of the federal government at the highest levels, and by the military, should be impossible for any decent person to defend - if considered from the native side. No one has ever presented that side as well as Brown. His research is wide-ranging and his writing is effective. This book is a true paradigm-shifter. No one with an interest in U.S. history should fail to read or hear it. So Sad Great book, even better book for those who enjoy learning about American history and even better for those who are interested in learning about how the Natives were raped, slaughtered and had their land stolen from them. I especially enjoyed how each chapter began with a brief time line of what was going on in terms of history and curent events during those specific years that the book is discussing. Excellent narrator too! He did a great job in reading this book and captivated the listener. There was so much great information in this book, I will definitely need to listen to it again just to try to digest everything. It's a sad, well written story. It's the same cycle over and over again. So sad... Very good book, I recommend it. Great factual account, albeit a bit repetitive Where does Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far? Top 10% What was one of the most memorable moments of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee? Black Kettle's forthright position, and his subsequent betrayal. Any additional comments? The book is a fine work. Although it feels like repetition in the accounts of the U.S. Army massacres, I suppose there is no other way to drive the point home in a brutally frank manner - the repetition in the book exists because the repetition in history exists - the A Book that Changed Hearts and Minds A look at the treatment of Native American's from their view of the history of the U.S.

The Federalist Papers Audiobook by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (John Jay) — Mon, 29 May 2017 17:45:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Federalist Papers Author: John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison Narrator: Alastair Cameron Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 05-29-17 Publisher: A.R.N. Publications Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 31 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, The Federalist Papers have long been considered to be some of the most important works in political science ever written. The Federalist Papers establishes a method of constitutional government that was the building block for the type of government the United States has operated under for over 200 years. At the time, the idea that man has a basic right be self-governing was considered radical but these ideas grew in popularity prior to and during the American Revolutionary War. This collection of essays and articles was originally published serially in the Independent Journal and the New York Packet between October 1787 and August 1788 and would later become known as The Federalist Papers. The authors published the collection hoping to influence the vote to ratify what would later become the Constitution and the cornerstone of the United States of America. Members Reviews: A Great Constitutional Refreshment With so much political discord these days, I think The Federalist Papers is a great educational read for people that are interested in U.S. history and the intentions of our founding fathers At the time the Federalist Papers were published there was a lot of opposition to the idea of the Constitution. These publications were written to convince the public of how important the Constitution was to the stability of the Union. If youre debating whether to listen to this book or actually read it, you may want to take into consideration the length of the book and all the old English thats in it, which may make the reading aspect more difficult rather than listening to it in my opinion. The narrator has a very pleasant voice and his accent gives you a nice feel to that era Overall this is a very interesting book that history aficionados will enjoy, and can learn a lot from in regards to the foundation of the United States Government. The Foundation of the Constitution Heard this title referenced numerous times in political talk shows and thought Id give it a listen. It really opens your eyes as to how this great countrys foundation was built from the ground up in a very detailed manor. Kuddos to the narrator who did a marvelous job with this book. Cant recommend this any higher! Not As Good As Its Reputation Hamilton admits right at the beginning that he and Madison and Jay are writing as partisan defenders of the proposed constitution. But admitting the flaw is not the same as it not being there. One grating feature is that they repeatedly argue that various features of the proposed constitution were the result of impartial consideration when we know that they were actually political compromises. An example is slaves counting as 3/5 of a voter in apportioning congressional seats. There was no rational reason for this whatever except that it was the product of a compromise. Since they could not vote there was no reason for them to have congressmen to represent them as voters. If they were to be represented as people, they were entitled to full representation. Defending 3/5 was ridiculous, Founding Father or no. Also annoying is the fact that it was written specifically for the voters of New York since their ratifying vote was coming up, and addresses no other voters. Another jarring note is that it was written before the inclusion of the Bill of Rights at the insistence of Rhode Island two years after the other states had all ratified.

The American Revolution Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:30:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The American Revolution Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Allen C. Guelzo Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 363 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Why did 13 colonies believe they could defeat the most powerful nation on the planet? And how did they eventually manage such an impressive feat? Get the real story on the battle for American independence with Professor Guelzo's 24 gripping lectures. With a focus on the war's strategy, military tactics, logistics, and most fascinating people, these lectures are a must own for anyone curious about the origins of the greatest nation in modern history. Told from the perspective of both sides in an intense, almost novelistic style that recreates the experience of the war's key battles and decisions, the lectures introduce you to an array of vivid personalities, including George Washington, Lord George Sackville-Germaine, Henry Knox, Sir William Howe, and Thomas Paine. Professor Guelzo's approach gives the forces at work in the palace and in Parliament equal weight with those in play at the Continental Congress and among George Washington's inner circle. It's a perspective that reveals the very different ways in which the two nations saw both their economic relationship and the philosophical underpinnings of a government's relationship to its citizens. You'll learn what it was like to serve on either side of the conflict, how those sides were trained, and about the terrors of the battlefield.Rich in dramatic moments like this, these lectures offer a fresh appraisal of this seminal event in American history, offering the diverging views of two sides whose common heritage had yielded two very different outlooks. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Well worth it, quirky prof This is an excellent course for someone that is looking for a good understanding of the key events and people from all sides of the American Revolution. I left with a good understanding of how close things were to turning out differently and the reasons why the Americans were able to triumph (or perhaps why the British failed to capitalize on their opportunities). Although not a detractor, the professor sometimes was overly fixated on the superfluous detail of reciting every regiment number participating in a particular battle. This was less informative and seemed more like a professor showing off. He also pronounces common words in a conspicuously strange manner that can be distracting (for example "ruh-cess instead of "recess") Another Great Courses Program Would you listen to The American Revolution again? Why? It does a great job listing and recalling characters as it goes. It goes back and forth between battles, strategy and diplomacy. At the end I had a great picture of the entire conflict. A good military history of the American Revolution This book focused on the military, rather than philosophical or political, nature of the revolution. It still touched on some of those aspects, and examined a little bit of the personalities involved. Fantastic! I wish I had Professor Guelzo when I attended school. Absolutely loved the narration and the course really tied up loose ends i had regarding the revolution.

Coyote America Audiobook by Dan Flores

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dan Flores) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:08:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Coyote America Subtitle: A Natural and Supernatural History Author: Dan Flores Narrator: Elijah Alexander Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 427 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: With its uncanny night howls, unrivaled ingenuity, and amazing resilience, the coyote is the stuff of legends. In Indian folktales it often appears as a deceptive trickster or a sly genius. But legends don't come close to capturing the incredible survival story of the coyote. As soon as Americans - especially white Americans - began ranching and herding in the West, they began working to destroy the coyote. Despite campaigns of annihilation employing poisons, gases, helicopters, and engineered epidemics, coyotes didn't just survive, they thrived, expanding across the continent from Anchorage, Alaska, to New York's Central Park. In the war between humans and coyotes, coyotes have won hands down. Coyote America is both an environmental and a deep natural history of the coyote. It traces both the five-million-year-long biological story of an animal that has become the "wolf" in our backyards and its cultural evolution from a preeminent spot in Native American religions to the hapless foil of the Road Runner. A deeply American tale, the story of the coyote in the American West and beyond is a sort of Manifest Destiny in reverse, with a pioneering hero whose career holds up an uncanny mirror to the successes and failures of American expansionism. An illuminating biography of this extraordinary animal, Coyote America isn't just the story of an animal's survival - it is one of the great epics of our time. Members Reviews: Very Enjoyable Book, Subject Matter, and Reader I approve of this audiobook. I basically listened to it due to the fact that there isn't a mammal alive that I dislike to the degree that I dislike canis latrans (still bitter about the loss of my childhood pets thanks to them) and I wanted to know more about them and hopefully develop some empathy. This book did that. Flores is a gifted author and audiobook reader a damned fine reader. Coyote Consciousness My intrigue about this book came from listening to the author's interview with Joe Rogan. As a great fan of Wiley Coyote, and having had several run-ins with coyotes throughout California, this book gave context to my mysterious fascination with them. It's a different kind of wisdom, and a non-linear logic that I really appreciate. The stories and factoids in Coyote America are remarkable, and I've already recommended this book to my trickster friends and family. A great read for long drives. Good book. It's exactly what you would expect. I had heard of this book from Joe Rogan Podcast, and Steve Rinella's Meat Eater. The book was informative without being too dry and scholarly to digest. I truly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Coyotes, hunting, and the origin of coyote folklore. Super Interesting A good mix of natural history and our role in the North American ecosystem. Interspersed with reflections and observations about our nature. Didn't love the cadence of the reader but nothing to turn you away. Intelligence, Adaptability, and Persistence I found this book absorbing in its description of our wonderful, fascinating native critter, the coyote--its evolution, ability to adapt and survive, and its incredible intelligence. Our attempts to totally destroy this animal, to wipe it completely from the face of the earth, with unbelievably horrendous poisons and other unspeakable methods make me deeply ashamed.

The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:46:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Patrick N. Allitt PhD Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 08-18-17 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 122 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Our understanding of the American West has moved far beyond pop culture in recent years. The legendary people and events we associate with the Wild West - the last stand at the Alamo, the Battle of Little Bighorn, the exploits of Calamity Jane, the hardships of the Oregon Trail - are even more fascinating once the historical realities have been separated from the myths. Designed to shine a light on the American frontier, these 24 lectures are a way for you to experience the grit and grandeur of an epic period in American history. Professor Allitt uncovers new historical angles and perspectives about events and themes ranging from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Indian Removal Act to the creation America's first national parks. You'll cover more than 200 years of history and the most important events, themes, and ideas that form the backbone of the frontier's reality - and legend. Among these: the Transcontinental Railroad, the idea of Manifest Destiny, the Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and (yes) cowboys. You'll also learn how popular culture - novels like Little House on the Prairie, paintings by artists like Frederic Remington, and decades of Western films - can actually clue us in to the intimate details of life for everyday men and women. Saddle up for an exciting adventure in learning. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Great Professor, Great Course Any additional comments? I bought this course because I had listened to and enjoyed others by Professor Allitt. I'm glad I did, for once again he has delivered an engaging and informative series of lectures. Professor Allitt offers listeners a broad historical perspective on the opening of the American West, clearly explaining the context and significance of each topic he covers. What I liked most, though, were the details, anecdotes and stories he used to evoke the flavour of this period. It's important to learn, for example, how the gold rush contributed to the evolution of California as a state, but hearing the specifics of how the gold was mined, of the dangerous technology and toxins that were used, helped me visualize the harsh lives of the miners. The wild wooly west comes to life these lectures give a new meaning to the Wild West. from Lewis and Clark, Old Kentucky Home, Bloody Kansas, Trail of Tears, Little Big Horn, Mormon pioneers, Gold Rush days, John Wesley Powell. I learned many things I did not know living in the West. I enjoyed these lectures and plan on reading some of the books The Professor suggest. the professor might be an Englishman but he knows his stuff about the West. I live in Utah and many of the things he said are true. Enlighten ing very worthwhile and has got me wanting to know much more about the diverse topics covered. I only wish it were longer! As with many Great Courses lectures like The Rise and Fall of Soviet Communism, I wish it were longer. Now I feel like I have to go read a book to learn as much as I can about it! Fantastic I have enormously enjoyed every course by Professor Allitt. I've lived in western states my whole life, but learned a great amount from these lectures, which, as with all of this professor's courses, are as entertaining as educational.

Man-Eater Audiobook by Harold Schechter

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Harold Schechter) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 20:39:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Man-Eater Subtitle: The Life and Legend of an American Cannibal Author: Harold Schechter Narrator: Eric G. Dove Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 08-04-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 70 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the winter of 1873, a small band of prospectors lost their way in the frozen wilderness of the Colorado Rockies. Months later, when the snow finally melted, only one of them emerged. His name was Alfred G. Packer, though he would soon become infamous throughout the country under a different name: "the Man-Eater." After the butchered remains of his five traveling companions were discovered in a secluded valley by the Gunnison River, Packer vanished for nine years, becoming the West's most wanted man. What followed was a saga of evasion and retribution as the trial of the century worked to extricate fact from myth and Polly Pry, a once-famed pioneering journalist, took on the cause of Packer. Man-Eater is the definitive story of a legendary crime - a gripping tale of unspeakable suffering, the desperate struggle for survival, and the fight to uncover the truth. Members Reviews: Made me hungry. Just kidding. A very good look at the rough and tough life of settlers of the west. I wouldnt have thought this book would have been like this. I thought this book was about a savage cannibal but it was just another case of doing what it took to stay alive. Not sure how I felt about the Man Eater as to his level of wrong doing. Really enjoyed it. WELL-DONE ! I was wondering how the author would fill 52 chapters with Packer's tale, and expected to have to skim some parts for the meat of the story (I had a rare day off, and other books to digest). I was wrong. The book spans 30-odd years beyond the deed, and it is all interesting if not to everybody's taste. Recommended !

Battle Cry of Freedom: Volume 2 Audiobook by James M. McPherson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James M. McPherson) — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:53:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Battle Cry of Freedom: Volume 2 Author: James M. McPherson Narrator: Jonathan Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 05-15-07 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 939 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: James M. McPherson, professor emeritus of U.S. history at Princeton, is one of the foremost scholars of the Civil War. In this informative and meticulously researched masterpiece, he clarifies the differing ways of life and philosophy that led to this shattering conflict. Abraham Lincoln wondered whether "in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government". Jefferson Davis felt "forced to take up arms" to guarantee states' rights. McPherson merges the words of these men and other political luminaries, housewives, and soldiers from both armies with his own concise analysis of the war to create a story as compelling as any novel. Battle Cry of Freedom vividly traces how a new nation was forged when a war both sides were sure would amount to little dragged on for four years and cost more American lives than all other wars combined. Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. Battle Cry of Freedom is number VI in The Oxford History of the United States. Critic Reviews: "Of the 50,000 books written on the Civil War, [this is] the finest compression of that national paroxysm ever fitted between two covers." (Los Angeles Times Book Review) Members Reviews: What a Pleasant Surprise I am not a Civil War history buff but my father-in-law read this and raved about it so much my husband decided to purchase it. He used up all our credits on it and I needed something to listen to until we got our new credits on the 10th. I figured I'd just listen to it until then and pitch it for something else. Well, the 10th came and went and I was still captivated by this story. I was hooked! It's all very factual but wrapped up in such a great sense of import that it was absolutely enthralling. I will admit some of the politics got to be a bit complicated and there are several instances where a visual timeline would have been greatly helpful but as long as I was not intent on memorizing every move, name and circumstance, I found it to be generally enjoyable. I learned more about the Civil War listening to this than I did in my history classes and it was more interesting than a textbook. I have a completely new appreciation for the struggle our country faced and came through. I plan on looking for a similar book on reconstruction so I can have a feel for how our country began to heal from this tragic era in our history. I highly recommend this to everyone. The Best Civil War Book This series should be read first before all others. It is an excellent perspective of the War from why it started to its final conclusion. A Rigorous Gift I can't believe I'm coming away from this book longing for more! It's already very long, and as is common with history, long sequnce follows long sequence of information that I know I won't remember. . . still I want to continue. I don't know where my head was when I supposedly learned about the Civil War in school, but in no way did I understand the circumstances that led up to the war (and McPherson goes on for what seems hundreds of pages explaining American circumstances before even arriving at the war years!) Lincoln's election; his position as president with a fickle, questioning congress and public, and the events that led, finally, to the success of the North.

The Great Bridge Audiobook by David McCullough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:18:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great Bridge Subtitle: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge Author: David McCullough Narrator: Nelson Runger Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 05-15-12 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1228 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: This monumental book tells the enthralling story of one of the greatest accomplishments in our nation's history, the building of what was then the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge rose out of the expansive era following the Civil War, when Americans believed all things were possible. So daring a concept as spanning the East River to join two great cities required vision and dedication of the kind that went into building Europe's great cathedrals. During 14 years of construction, the odds against success seemed overwhelming. Thousands of people were put to work. Bodies were crushed and broken, lives lost, notorious political empires fell, and surges of public doubt constantly threatened the project. But the story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge is not just the saga of an engineering miracle; it is a sweeping narrative of the social climate of the time, replete with heroes and rascals who helped either to construct or to exploit the great enterprise. The Great Bridge is also the story of a remarkable family, the Roeblings, who conceived and executed the audacious engineering plan at great personal cost. Without John Roebling's vision, his son Washington's skill and courage, and Washington's wife Emily's dedication, the bridge we know and cherish would never have been built. Like the engineering marvel it describes, The Great Bridge, republished on the 40th anniversary of its initial publication, has stood the test of time. Please note: The Great Bridge (Unabridged) is available for just one credit until June 20, 2012, after which point it will be priced at two credits. Critic Reviews: The impact of the soaring structure upon the American imagination and American life has now been measured with sagacity and style by David McCullough....The Great Bridge is a book so compelling and complete as to be a literary monument, one of the best books I have read in years. McCullough has written that sort of work which brings us to the human center of the past. (Robert Kirsch, Los Angeles Times) "The Great Bridge is a great book. . . . What David McCullough has written is a stupendous narrative about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, with a cast of thousands (give or take 100), whose major characters come alive on the page as authentically, as creatively, as would their fictional counterparts if one had the imagination to dream up such a yarn. Once again, truth is not only stranger than fiction but a hell of a lot more entertaining. Get your hands on The Great Bridge...This is the definitive book on the event. Do not wait for a better try: there won't be any. (Norman Rosten, Newsday) David McCullough has taken a dramatic and colorful episode out of the American past and described it in such a way that he sheds fresh light on a whole era in American history. (Bruce Catton) Members Reviews: An Historian and not a Novelist I have to disagree to most of the negative reviews from other readers that have posted on The Great Bridge. David McCullough is a historian and not a novelist. He does not write stories with happy endings with complex plots. McCullough writes American history with proven facts. That being said, The Great Bridge is an awesome story about our engineering, infrastructure, corruption, and American pride.

Martin Luther King Audiobook by Clayborne Carson, Kris Shepard, Peter Holloran, Martin Luther King

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Clayborne Carson) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:20:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Martin Luther King Subtitle: The Essential Box Set: The Landmark Speeches and Sermons of Martin Luther King, Jr. Author: Clayborne Carson, Kris Shepard, Peter Holloran, Martin Luther King Narrator: Keith David, Jay Gregory, Martin Luther King Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 12-22-09 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 114 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: This definitive box set includes all the landmark speeches of the great orator and American leader Martin Luther King, Jr., from his inspirational "I Have a Dream" to his firey "Give Us the Ballot." Comprised of recordings previously included in A Call to Conscience and A Knock at Midnight, The Essential Box Set is a must-have for any home, library, or school collection. ©2009 Hachette; (P)2009 Hachette Members Reviews: A Great Resource! The collection of originally delivered speeches is a preciious research. The reading of letters written by the history-makers involved in his campaigns and anecdotes of those present help to establish the contextual settings of the speeches. I think it's great! Martin Luther King Jr. is at his best in this set! I have learned more about Martin Luther King Jr. and listening to this wonderful set of sermons and speeches than I have ever learned throughout my 50+ years of listening and watching Martin Luther King Jr. on radio/TV or in the classroom. It's great to be able to listen to the "great leaders of the day" (Rev. Franklin, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Rev. Franklin Graham, et al) as they introduce and frame the various speeches. It gives a nice touch and context to what was going on in society that Martin Luther King Jr. was concerned about and speaking on. Fantastic!!! From his own mouth If there is a print version of this book, it lacks the one thing that makes this reading great, actual recordings of the voice of Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a two-part set of the speeches and sermons of MLK. The first half is the speeches, including his most famous speeches such as "I Have A Dream," his Nobel Peace Prize speech, and his speech on the Montgomery Capitol steps after the march from Selma. Hearing his own words in his own voice shows how great a communicator he truly was. The second half is his sermons. There are several sermons that could be read today in any church and they would be just as powerful today as they were when he first delivered them. With today's social struggles, perhaps it would be good to replay this to the population at large. It is clear in many of these speeches just how much the struggle of non-violence was taking out of him as you can hear the weariness in his voice. Each sermon and speech is introduced by a person who was instrumental in the life of MLK. The opening speech, his speech before the Bus Boycott, was written by Rosa Parks and read by Coretta Scott King and is by far the most powerful introduction in the book. Many of the other introductions were interesting but some ended up being either braggadocios for their relationship with MLK or an introduction to himself/herself with King as an afterthought. During the introductions, I wanted to speed up the speed to 1.75 (my normal listening speed) to get through them. Of course, when Dr. King spoke, I always set it back to 1.00 speed because I wanted to hear it in his cadence, his emotions, and his real voice. Highly recommended. Worth Every Minute This audiobook met and exceeded my expectations. The speeches and sermons speak for themselves and are of pretty clear quality given the passage of time. What struck me most was that Rev.

In the Heart of the Sea Audiobook by Nathaniel Philbrick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathaniel Philbrick) — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 19:19:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: In the Heart of the Sea Subtitle: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex Author: Nathaniel Philbrick Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 06-20-05 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2278 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: National Book Award, Nonfiction, 2000 The ordeal of the whaleship Essex was an event as mythic in the nineteenth century as the sinking of the Titanic was in the twentieth. In 1819 the Essex left Nantucket for the South Pacific with 20 crew members aboard. In the middle of the South Pacific, the ship was rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale. The crew drifted for more than 90 days in three tiny whaleboats, succumbing to weather, hunger, and disease and ultimately turning to drastic measures in the fight for survival. Nathaniel Philbrick uses little-known documents, including a long-lost account written by the ship's cabin boy, and penetrating details about whaling and the Nantucket community to reveal the chilling events surrounding this epic maritime disaster. An intense and mesmerizing read, In the Heart of the Sea is a monumental work of history forever placing the Essex tragedy in the American historical canon. Critic Reviews: "A fascinating tale, well told." (Booklist) "[Told] with verve and authenticity...a classic tale of the sea." (San Francisco Chronicle) Members Reviews: Good story, horrible audio Interesting story but the production value / quality of the audio is absolutely terrible. The volume and clarity of the narrator varies wildly even within chapters. Better to read this in book form vs audio. Proof poor editing can ruin a great story This is the worst edited audiobook I've ever heard. I tried to make it through it but couldn't. Even within the chapters, the sound quality and background noise level differed, which was distracting. But, the biggest problem is that each new chapter starts by cutting off the end of the previous one. The narrator will literary be mid-sentence when it cuts in with the start of a new chapter. It's disorienting and jarring -- each time it happened, I had to take time to collect myself and figure out what was happening. After about 4 chapters of this, I just gave up. It was too jarring, and I found myself on edge the entire book; it prevented me from getting into it. It would be like buying a book that has the last few sentences (or even more -- I have no way to know how much of each chapter is missing) cut off or that is missing a page or two throughout the book. If I ordered such a book, I would return it, and I'm thankful that audible allows returns. This one is going back. It's a shame the poor editing can ruin such a fascinating story. Great story - not great recording Would you try another book from Nathaniel Philbrick and/or Scott Brick? yes What three words best describe Scott Bricks performance? His performance is fine, but there was no equalizing his voice so it was loud and then soft. Bad recording and bad transitions. Wonderful Nonfiction Tale/Horrible Mech. Editing This is a fantastic, true tale of the Whaler Essex, its fate against an angry whale and the challenges facing the survivors. Amazing story. Well read by the narrator. The biggest flaw is the mechanical editing. Horribly spliced. Sections seem to run into each other, and volume levels are confusion. For such a fantastic story, carefully read, this is a sad and sloppy treatment of the story. Other than that, a great listen. Riveting I don't listen to much non-fiction, preferring to lose myself in someone else's world. This book was recommended by a colleague and it sounded interesting so I got it.

Never Caught Audiobook by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Erica Armstrong Dunbar) — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 21:13:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Never Caught Author: Erica Armstrong Dunbar Narrator: Robin Miles Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 02-07-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 228 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A startling and eye-opening look into America's first family, Never Caught is the powerful narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington's runaway slave who risked it all to escape the nation's capital and reach freedom. When George Washington was elected president, he reluctantly left behind his beloved Mount Vernon to serve in Philadelphia, the temporary seat of the nation's capital. In setting up his household, he took Tobias Lear, his celebrated secretary, and eight slaves, including Ona Judge, about which little has been written. As he grew accustomed to Northern ways, there was one change he couldn't get his arms around: Pennsylvania law required enslaved people be set free after six months of residency in the state. Rather than comply, Washington decided to circumvent the law. Every six months he sent the slaves back down south, just as the clock was about to expire. Though Ona Judge lived a life of relative comfort, the few pleasantries she was afforded were nothing compared to freedom, a glimpse of which she encountered firsthand in Philadelphia. So, when the opportunity presented itself one cold spring day in Philadelphia, Judge left everything she knew to escape to New England. Yet freedom would not come without its costs. At just 22 years old, Ona became the subject of an intense manhunt led by George Washington, who used his political and personal contacts to recapture his property. Impeccably researched, historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar weaves a powerful tale and offers fascinating new scholarship on how one young woman risked it all to gain freedom from the famous founding father. Members Reviews: Good research, but a lot of filler. Great story and good research. However, many same things said 5 different ways surrounded by filler. Wonderful audiobook This book kept my attention the entire time. The narrator did a great job. I've read a few books about George Washington and have always admired him. I still have great respect for the Washington family but this book gave me an entirely different perspective. Well done! Nice History Lesson Even George had flaws. This part of America's history has been kept hushed. It's been ignored long enough. It is a part of our country's shameful past. If we are not careful history may repeat itself. I am ashamed of the government we have in control now. We should be far from this, but are we? Sadly, I think not. Ona's later life For the most part the book was well written. However, there were chapters which focused on people other than Ona, particularly the last chapter. While it's heartening to hear of William Costin's ability to free members of his family, it took away the momemtum of Ona's narrative. What happened to Ona after her narrow escape from Washington's relative? How did Mr. Stains die? What happened to her children? If that information isn't known, then that should have been expressed. The title of the book suggests it is about her exclusively. Never Caught This book gave me information regarding slavery and historical data during the time of of our first president, George Washington. I value learning and this book provided opportunity to learn.

The Idea Factory Audiobook by Jon Gertner

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jon Gertner) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:18:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Idea Factory Subtitle: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation Author: Jon Gertner Narrator: Chris Sorensen Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 04-13-12 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 519 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In The Idea Factory, New York Times Magazine writer Jon Gertner reveals how Bell Labs served as an incubator for scientific innovation from the 1920s through the 1980s. In its heyday, Bell Labs boasted nearly 15,000 employees, 1200 of whom held PhDs and 13 of whom won Nobel Prizes. Thriving in a work environment that embraced new ideas, Bell Labs scientists introduced concepts that still propel many of todays most exciting technologies. Members Reviews: Great story -- horrible pauses If I was going to (pause) (pause) (pause) write my review (pause) (pause) in the fashion that the reader (pause) (pause) (pause) read this book (pause) (pause) it would probably read something like this sentence. As you can tell I'm really annoyed by this reader and his constant pausing, particularly in the first half of the book. It's extremely annoying since the guy can read well and has a pleasant voice but the pacing with all the pauses is frustrating. Either he reader got better or I got used to it since by the end of the book I didn't notice it much, but that was 10+ hours before I felt that way. With that out of the way the book itself is excellent, with the exception of the authors comments at the end of the book -- he should stick with telling other peoples story. I don't really have much to add about the content of the book, it's exactly what it says it is and that's a great thing. If you have the faintest interest in the subject and can get past the reader constantly pausing (and probably doubling the length of the audio) then you'll enjoy this book. Long Pauses How did the narrator detract from the book? The narration was so slow that I was often left wondering whether the chapter had ended. It was hard to follow the story when the pauses were so long that it became a distraction. I ended up having the listen to the book at 1.5x the speed which made it bearable. Great book though Slow talker Would you try another book from Jon Gertner and/or Chris Sorensen? Narrator Chris Sorensen talks so slow I think the recording has stopped or it is a new chapter. Gertner, however, has a great and important story. How did the narrator detract from the book? Yes. Singularly one of the best books I have read/heard What did you love best about The Idea Factory? Jon Gernter captures the very essence of Bell Labs' contributions to modern society, detailing how it was uniquely placed as an institution to event many of the technologies that we rely upon today. The story narrative is woven with enough (but not too much) dramatic flair that the listener is left constantly wanting to hear more. I found myself having to consume this book in a few days, whereas I would usually take several weeks to complete a book of this length in amongst all of the others I am reading. What did you like best about this story? The story accurately captures much of the history and provides the necessary context around major discoveries, as well as background (and postscript commentary) of the major character actors involved. Have you listened to any of Chris Sorensens other performances before? How does this one compare? This is my first of Sorensen's readings, but hopefully not my last. The performance is very well done. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I found this book enthralling. But I did have an extreme reaction also.

Brave Companions Audiobook by David McCullough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 20:31:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Brave Companions Subtitle: Portraits in History Author: David McCullough Narrator: David McCullough Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 09-29-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 715 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From Alexander von Humboldt to Charles and Anne Lindbergh, these are stories of people of great vision and daring whose achievements continue to inspire us today, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. The best-selling author of Truman and John Adams, David McCullough has written profiles of exceptional men and women past and present who have not only shaped the course of history or changed how we see the world but whose stories express much that is timeless about the human condition. Here are Alexander von Humboldt, whose epic explorations of South America surpassed the Lewis and Clark expedition; Harriet Beecher Stowe, "the little woman who made the big war; Frederic Remington; the extraordinary Louis Agassiz of Harvard; Charles and Anne Lindbergh and their fellow long-distance pilots Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Beryl Markham; Harry Caudill, the Kentucky lawyer who awakened the nation to the tragedy of Appalachia; and David Plowden, a present-day photographer of vanishing America. Different as they are from each other, McCullough's subjects have in common a rare vitality and sense of purpose. These are brave companions: to each other, to David McCullough, and to the reader, for with rare storytelling ability McCullough brings us into the times they knew and their very uncommon lives. Members Reviews: The Voice of American History Where does Brave Companions rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Any book written by Mr. McCullough would rank high on my list of books, but another unabridged edition read in its entirety by him ranks in top of my list. The book is a collection of shorter essays and stories about many of the figures that feature in some of his larger works but beyond that it is the story of many prominent figures in our American Story that many of us as the author states probably know little to nothing about. What was one of the most memorable moments of Brave Companions? McCullough's ability to bring to life the vivid story of each of his Companion's lives in stunning detail. You feel that you are sitting right next to many of them (in fact in some of the contemporary figures you are!) as he shares their lives and accomplishments. The telling of the adventures of Alexander von Humboldt and the biography of Frederic Remington would have to be two of my favorite chapters. What does David McCullough bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? His voice! Dating back over 25 years when I first heard his narration of the the Ken Burns Civil War series I have absolutely been captivated by his voice. To me he could read a Calculus textbook and I would be enthralled. He is in my mind the voice of American History. He is able to transform his words into a warm, heartfelt and captivating story all the while keeping you invested. In invite you to close your eyes and see the subject through his eyes, his words and his voice. You can hear the absolute admiration for his subjects, the fascination of not just their accomplishment but their extraordinary or even sometimes ordinary lives. I hope that he will continue to narrate more of his past work. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The Chapter called "Recommended Itinerary" which is a copy of an commencement speech given to a college in the middle 1980's.

Area 51 Audiobook by Annie Jacobsen

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Annie Jacobsen) — Tue, 17 May 2011 04:29:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Area 51 Subtitle: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base Author: Annie Jacobsen Narrator: Annie Jacobsen Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 05-17-11 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1932 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Myths and hypotheses about Area 51 have long abounded, thanks to the intense secrecy enveloping it. Some claim it is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems, and nuclear facilities. Others believe that the lunar landing was filmed there. The prevalence of these rumors stems from the fact that no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside the base. Until now. Annie Jacobsen had exclusive access to 20 men who served on the base proudly and secretly for decades and are now aged 75-92; she also had unprecedented access to 55 additional military and intelligence personnel, scientists, pilots, and engineers linked to the secret base, 32 of whom lived and worked there for extended periods. In Area 51, Jacobsen shows us what has really gone on in the Nevada desert, from testing nuclear weapons to building supersecret supersonic jets to pursuing the War on Terror. This is the first book based on interviews with eyewitnesses to Area 51 history, which makes it the seminal work on the subject. Filled with formerly classified information that has never been accurately decoded for the public, Area 51 weaves the mysterious activities of the top secret base into a gripping narrative, showing that fact is often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make. Members Reviews: Reality, always more interesting than fiction. Wow. My mind was officially blow by this book. A wonderfully researched in depth insight into Area 51 and many marque' events of the Cold War era. I generally trudge through most history texts even "The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich" as admirably written as it was took attrition to get through. In contrast, I could not put this book down, so to speak. The narration is done by the author with much success, take note voice over talent agents Annie Jocobsen is a gem. Buy this book without fear of regret. William of Ockham would be proud. Annie Jacobsen's investigative work 'Area 51' first interested me when I caught an interview on NPR's Morning Edition. She herself has a great radio/listening voice. Sort of a Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaking low and a little raspy the day after attending a big game. Seeing her on The Daily Show sealed it for me: I had to see if this was available on Audible. I expected to feel let-down by feebly-supported suppositions and accusations based on common alien and conspiracy lore. Jacobsen delivered instead a very well-investigated piece spanning some seven decades of secret US military, intelligence and corporate R&D. And this book contributes to the Area 51 conspiracy colloquy as a pillar of hard research and rationality, at least, perhaps, the best that can be done with the most recently declassified documents still decades old. There are still some very difficult, if not dubious claims made. But they at least are claims that mesh with how the world works, and not fantastic claims of alien visitors. Annie Jacobsen attributes the least-believable, most deeply-concealed secrets to our collective fears of insecurity, legal liability, moral viability and military effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) before the wider world.

A Renegade History of the United States Audiobook by Thaddeus Russell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Thaddeus Russell) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:14:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Renegade History of the United States Author: Thaddeus Russell Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 09-28-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 336 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Historian Howard Zinn demonstrated that there are compelling, alternative histories that are both scholarly and valuable. Now, Thaddeus Russell provides a challenging new way of reading history that will turn convention on its head and is sure to elicit as much controversy as it does support. Russell shows that drunkards, laggards, prostitutes, and pirates were the real heroes of the American Revolution. Slaves worked less and had more fun than free men. Prostitutes, not feminists, won women's liberation. White people lost their rhythm when they became good Americans. Without organized crime, we might not have Hollywood, Las Vegas, labor unions, legal alcohol, birth control, or gay rights. Zoot-suiters and rock-and-rollers, not Ronald Reagan or the peace movement, brought down the Soviet Union. And Britney Spears will win the war on terror. It was not the elitists who created real revolution in America nor the political radicals whom Zinn credits, but the people on the fringes of society who laid the foundation for change and were responsible for many of the freedoms we cherish today. American history was driven by clashes between those interested in preserving social order and those more interested in pursuing their own desires---the "respectable" versus the "degenerate", the moral versus the immoral, "good citizens" versus the "bad". The more that "bad" people existed, resisted, and won, the greater was our common good. In A Renegade History of the United States, Russell introduces us to the origins of our nation's identity as we have never known them before. Critic Reviews: "This is a fun read that makes a serious point. Even drunkards, whores, black pleasure-seekers, gangsters, and drag queens have contributed to American culture, and sometimes in surprising ways." (W. J. Rorabaugh, professor of history, University of Washington, and author of The Alcoholic Republic) Members Reviews: Hard to hate on something this entertaining How can you go wrong with this one? Juicy and chalk full of crime, laziness and utter licentiousness, this book is a dream come true to history buffs who are also unprincipled slackers. That's not to say that it's not serious work, though. The research is solid and the facts are well presented. This is actual scholarship, not hacky journalism. Narrator Paul Boehmer's accent, intonation and rhythm are quite odd to me, and bug me sometimes, but he is chosen to read a lot of the best books, so I guess I'm stuck with him. You should really buy this book. It kicks ass. One of those books...that cause brain freeze! I love the books that are filled with a bits of trivia, and I learned quite a bit listening to this book. Yet, just me personally, I listen to this in small bursts. It is one of those books, not sure if is better used as coffee table reference. There are constant tidbits of info without much of a central theme or narrative means too much at once. Like drinking a slurpee too fast after a job---brain freeze! Love the book and the tidbits, though, and narrator is fun to listen to as well. groundbreaking this book has so many things that you're not supposed to know about American history that I would deem it a must-read for all people interested in American history Fascinating perspective It's funny how much you're not taught in school.

A People's History of the United States Audiobook by Howard Zinn

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Howard Zinn) — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 23:39:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A People's History of the United States Subtitle: Highlights from the Twentieth Century Author: Howard Zinn Narrator: Matt Damon, Howard Zinn Format: Abridged Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 02-26-04 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 901 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: For much of his life, historian Howard Zinn has been chronicling American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official version taught in schools - with its emphasis on great men in high places - to focus on the street, the home, and the workplace. Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, Zinn's A People's History of the United States is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of - and in the words of - its women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers. Here we learn that many of our country's greatest battles - labor laws, women's rights, racial equality - were carried out at the grassroots level, against steel-willed resistance. This edition of A People's History of the United States features insightful analysis of some of the most important events in this country in the past 100 years. Featuring a preface and afterword read by the author himself, this audio continues Howard Zinn's important contribution to a complete and balanced understanding of American history. Editorial Reviews: Why we think it's Essential: Howard Zinn's history is not what we are accustomed to, but it deserves a place on every iPod. Zinn chronicles the struggles of the oppressed, the minorities, the activists. He offers them up as both a history and a call to strive for equality. Matt Damon (who dropped a reference to Zinn's book in Good Will Hunting) perfectly captures Zinn's tone and maintains a fine continuity despite the many quotes and occasional footnotes. - Chris Doheny Critic Reviews: "Matt Damon's reading captures the spirit of the text. Like the book, Damon's voice has an edge to it. He expresses the author's outrage regarding the exploitation of certain groups in American history. He also communicates Zinn's admiration for the courage and determination demonstrated by protest leaders." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: the second half is better As much as I like Matt Damon, I really didn't like him reading this book. It sounds like he's falling asleep reading a long list of atrocities. The book gets much better when the author takes over about half way through. The message is pretty dark, that this country is on evil auto-pilot, and that it takes huge movements of people to change its course. My feeling is that we'll only change when someone takes away our TV's and french fries. Missing Something Having read the full text version of Zinn's book in my high school government class 10 years ago, I was really looking forward to revisiting it. Narrator Matt Damon does an outstanding job with the book, and gives it a lot of feeling and flavor. But, I found that this abridged version was simply too abridged. The title for this watered-down version should be "An Overview of A Few Important Trends in Recent US History" not "A People's History of the United States", which promises something broad and ambitious in scope which is simply not delivered. Not quite the original While the content of the book is good, this "abridgement" is really just the last part of the book. While the book version of A People's history..." starts with Columbus (I believe) this audio version covers only the 20th century.

Turning Points in American History Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 09:56:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Turning Points in American History Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Edward T. O'Donnell Format: Original Recording Length: 24 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 522 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: These 48 lectures are your chance to relive the most groundbreaking moments in the fascinating story of the United States. They offer you a different perspective on the sweeping narrative of U.S. history. Spanning the arrival of the first English colonists to the chaos of the Civil War to the birth of the computer age and beyond, this lecture series is a captivating and comprehensive tour of those particular moments in the story of America, after which the nation would never be the same again. Taking a chronological approach, Professor O'Donnell gives you new ways to understand American history and to appreciate it as a grand narrative pinpointed with key moments that changed things forever. Each lecture focuses on a single turning point, explaining the conditions that led up to it, immersing you in the experience of the event itself, and exploring its immediate and long-term ramifications. Among the great turning points you'll investigate in depth are the trial of John Peter Zenger (1735), which popularized the ideas that freedom of the press is essential to liberty; the battle of Antietam (1862), which eliminated the possibility of England and France intervening on behalf of the Confederacy; and the Watergate scandal (1974), which signaled a heightened level of public distrust toward elected officials. Along the way, Professor O'Donnell often dispels some intriguing myths and half-truths about American history and provides an honest, unabashed look at the subject matter. These lectures are packed with unfamiliar anecdotes, stories, and side notes that just may change your views on the grand narrative of American history. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Brilliant, Informative, Entertaining! Where does Turning Points in American History rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I have listened to over 60 titles from the Great Courses series. They are almost universally wonderful, but of course a few professors rise to the top as my favorites. Professor O'Donnell has jumped to the top of that list. He is both incredibly organized and incredibly entertaining. Each of the lectures starts with a story, sets out objectives, and makes a strong and logical case for it's topic as a true turning point in history. Some of the turning points (such as the Boston Tea Party) would classify as "the usual suspects" (though not necessary for the reasons you expect), and others (such the eradication of hookworm in the South) are delightful surprises. O'Donnell's pace is consistently perfect. You will be entertained. You will be informed. You will be a better citizen. 5 Stars for sure. Fantastic way to experience American History I have listened to almost 100 of The Great Courses over the last 10 years or so and this one ranks within the Top 5! Professor O'Donnell clearly knows his subject matter plus he is a superb presenter. The lectures are clear, well organized, and fast paced. There are 48 lectures, which certainly seems like a lot, but each one goes by very quickly. I really liked the mixture of very well-known and little known episodes in American history.

Native Peoples of North America Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 02:34:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Native Peoples of North America Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Daniel M. Cobb Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 10-21-16 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 199 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: History, for all its facts and figures, names and dates, is ultimately subjective. You learn the points of view your teachers provide, the perspectives that books offer, and the conclusions you draw yourself based on the facts you were given. Hearing different angles on historical events gives you a more insightful, accurate, and rewarding understanding of events - especially when a new viewpoint challenges the story you thought you knew. Now the Great Courses has partnered with Smithsonian to bring you a course that will greatly expand your understanding of American history. This course, Native Peoples of North America, pairs the unmatched resources and expertise of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian with the unparalleled knowledge of Professor Daniel M. Cobb of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide a multidisciplinary view of American history, revealing new perspectives on the historical and contemporary experiences of indigenous peoples and their impact on the history of our country. This insightful and unique 24-lecture course helps disprove myths and stereotypes that many people take as fact. Professor Cobb presents a different account of the Seven Years' War, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Gold Rush, the Transcontinental Railroad, and beyond, providing the stories of the American Indian people who fought and negotiated to preserve their ancestral lands. Native Peoples of North America recounts an epic story of resistance and accommodation, persistence and adaption, extraordinary hardship and survival across more than 500 years of colonial encounter. As the Smithsonian curators stated, "The past never changes. But the way we understand it, learn about it, and know about it changes all the time." Be prepared - this course is going to change how you understand American history. And no matter how much you know about this subject, you will be surprised. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Could be much better I find the presentation to be very poor. I prefer to be spoken to, rather than laboriously read to. The reading was slow, pedantic, and boring, not to mention poorly edited. Everyone makes mistakes while speaking or reading, but surely the mistakes could be edited out, especially as the narrator went right back to his script. I found myself wondering who the presentation was written for, as surely university level students do not have to have the Cold War explained to them. I was hoping for more information on who the various tribes were/are, rather than having them presented as monolithic and with all beliefs and cultures mashed together as if there were no differences among them. More anthropology and less blaming would be welcome. Worthwhile, but frustrating Any additional comments? The last half of the course is much better than the first, since it recounts more recent history and Native Americans are allowed to speak for themselves through their writings. In the first half, Prof. Cobb too frequently ascribes thoughts, feelings and intentions to Native historical figures who left no records on which to base such conclusions.

Sully Audiobook by Chesley B. Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Chesley B. Sullenberger) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 16:22:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sully Subtitle: My Search for What Really Matters Author: Chesley B. Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow Narrator: Michael McConnohie, Chesley B. Sullenberger Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 08-09-16 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 460 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Now a major motion picture from Clint Eastwood, starring Tom Hanks - the inspirational autobiography by one of the most captivating American heroes of our time, Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger - the pilot who miraculously landed crippled US Airways flight 1549 in New York's Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew. On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed a remarkable emergency landing when Captain "Sully" Sullenberger skillfully glided US Airways flight 1549 onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew. His cool actions not only averted tragedy but made him a hero and an inspiration worldwide. His story is now a major motion picture from director/producer Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, and Aaron Eckhart. Sully's story is one of dedication, hope, and preparedness, revealing the important lessons he learned through his life, in his military service, and in his work as an airline pilot. It reminds us all that even in these days of conflict, tragedy, and uncertainty, there are values still worth fighting for - that life's challenges can be met if we're ready for them. Cover art © 2016 WBEI. All Rights Reserved. Please note: This title was previously released as Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Mattered. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Inspiring biography--but incomplete While I enjoyed the low key storytelling, I was hoping for additional facts, data and information about the NTSB investigation which is included in the movie made from this book. I was glad to have a chance to learn about the challenges faced by air crews and how passenger safety is impacted. Must listen!! Well written! I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the book when Sully starts reading himself. You could feel like you were there a bit! For once, the movie will be better than the book Any additional comments? Love the story of survival and the lessons of being prepared. But this book has way too much self-focus, right down to the primary-school essays from Sully. Had it been half the length, it would have been spectacular. Sully becomes your friend, the neighbor you want to talk to as you relax in the back yard Sully becomes your friend, the neighbor you want to talk to as you relax in the back yard. Really Dull. I admire what he was able to do by landing the plane, but this book is BORING!! it's more of a biography of his wife oddly enough.

The Johnstown Flood Audiobook by David McCullough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Fri, 17 Jun 2005 13:45:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Johnstown Flood Author: David McCullough Narrator: Edward Herrmann Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 06-17-05 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2671 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Graced by David McCullough's remarkable gift for writing richly textured, sympathetic social history, The Johnstown Flood is an absorbing portrait of life in 19th-century America, of overweening confidence, of energy, and of tragedy. This is a powerful historical lesson for our century and all times: the danger of assuming that because people are in positions of responsibility they are behaving responsibly. Members Reviews: A page-turner! HIstory that reads like a novel This is one of the best books I've read on any subject. It is as well-researched as a good history and as superbly paced as a well-written novel. I first read it about ten years ago, making the mistake of starting it in the evening. I ended up staying up all night to finish it! Then I lent it to my brother, who also stayed up all night to finish it! I recently reread it via audiobook -- it is still as gripping as ever! The story of the Great Johnstown (PA) Flood of 1889, the result of a record-setting rainstorm speeding the failure of an earthen dam, was the top story of its day. The catastrophe, in which over 2,200 were killed, dominnated the front pages of newspapers around the world just as the terrorist strikes of September11, 2001 did in our generation. In fact, until 9/11, it was the single largest loss of American civilian lives in one day (the greater number of deaths of Galveston hurricane disaster of 1903 happened over several days). Despite the media attention the Flood recieved in its day, it has been all but forgotten to most Americans. Yet it has plenty of lessons to teach the 21st century: altering the environment without consiering the consequences begs disaster; people in positions of authority (the owners of the dam was a secretive club whose members included the likes of industry moguls Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick) don't necessarily act responsibly. The better side of human nature also shines through: despite the fact that their home towns nearly scoured off the map, the survivors of the Flood began almost immediately rebuilding their homes and businesses. The world responded to stories of the Flood with an unprecedented out-pouring of charity. The Johnstown Flood is still relevant today and David McCullough is just the writer to bring its riveting story to life Best I've Heard In my 2.5 years as an audible listner, this is the best work I have so far listened to! The author does an excellent job in setting up the background leading up to the envents that it made me feel as if I was there on that fateful day watching the turn of events. Also, the reader, Edward Hermann could not have done a finer job. Great Narrator Having listened to quite a number of audible selections, including numerous McCullough books, I am quite sure that this narrator is the best of the best. I hope he produces more recordings because he adds so much by his natural and unadorned narrative style that any book he would read, would be worth hearing. Vivid The story of the Johnstown Flood is the story of America in the late 1880's... robber barons, the industrial revolution, a careless disregard for human life and safety, railroads and telegraphs, the power of nature overwhelming the works of man, heroism and cowardice, disaster on an unimaginable scale followed by compassion on an even greater level. This is the quintessential book about the flood, read by Edward Herman, one of the great actors of our day.

American Colonies: The Settling of North America Audiobook by Alan Taylor

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alan Taylor) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 06:56:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Colonies: The Settling of North America Subtitle: Penguin History of the United States, Book 1 Author: Alan Taylor Narrator: Bob Souer Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 04-26-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 121 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the first volume in the Penguin History of the United States series, edited by Eric Foner, Alan Taylor challenges the traditional story of colonial history by examining the many cultures that helped make America, from the native inhabitants from millennia past through the decades of Western colonization and conquest and across the entire continent, all the way to the Pacific coast. Transcending the usual Anglocentric version of our colonial past, he recovers the importance of Native American tribes, African slaves, and the rival empires of France, Spain, the Netherlands, and even Russia in the colonization of North America. Moving beyond the Atlantic seaboard to examine the entire continent, American Colonies reveals a pivotal period in the global interaction of peoples, cultures, plants, animals, and microbes. In a vivid narrative, Taylor draws upon cutting-edge scholarship to create a timely picture of the colonial world characterized by an interplay of freedom and slavery, opportunity and loss. Critic Reviews: "[A] work of history colored by our age of diversity." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: Excellent overview of the colonies This book was assigned for a college class. I really enjoyed listening to it on audible and the narrators voice was very pleasant. Learned a lot about American colonies Great book about settling America. Includes everything from New England to Hawaii. Very interesting , well written and well read. great book i Purchased this audiobook to help with a college course. couldn't have been more pleased. it was very helpful and I found myself sitting in my driveway times waiting for the chapter to end. History at its most meaningful. Unlike most historical accountings, Taylor emphasizes the interconnections; offering critical political insights from multiple perspectives. Excellent history, boring title! Don't let the title fool you, this an excellent and comprehensive modern take on early American history. Those scope is by intent broad in its multinational and multicultural view of American "colonies," that takes the reader beyond the boundaries of the usual tale to speak of the Caribbean, Canada, and Hawaii and a wide variety of participants from a spectrum of Native American tribes and European colonizers, such as Spain, France, Russia, England and the Netherlands. Interesting thesis. Professionally read.

Ramp Hollow Audiobook by Steven Stoll

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Steven Stoll) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 07:09:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ramp Hollow Subtitle: The Ordeal of Appalachia Author: Steven Stoll Narrator: Brian Sutherland Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 11-21-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 21 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: How the United States underdeveloped Appalachia Appalachia - among the most storied and yet least understood regions in America - has long been associated with poverty and backwardness. But how did this image arise, and what exactly does it mean? In Ramp Hollow, Steven Stoll launches an original investigation into the history of Appalachia and its place in US history, with a special emphasis on how generations of its inhabitants lived, worked, survived, and depended on natural resources held in common. Ramp Hollow traces the rise of the Appalachian homestead and how its self-sufficiency resisted dependence on money and the industrial society arising elsewhere in the United States - until, beginning in the 19th century, extractive industries kicked off a "scramble for Appalachia" that left struggling homesteaders dispossessed of their land. As the men disappeared into coal mines and timber camps, and their families moved into shantytowns or deeper into the mountains, the commons of Appalachia were, in effect, enclosed, and the fate of the region was sealed. Ramp Hollow takes a provocative look at Appalachia and the workings of dispossession around the world by upending our notions about progress and development. Stoll ranges widely from literature to history to economics in order to expose a devastating process whose repercussions we still feel today. Members Reviews: Content A; Performance F- Well researched and well written. Too bad the narrator spoils it with a sound-crushing bad delivery. The CIA doesnt need to waterboard terrorists. Just have this guy read to them; theyll talk. Couldnt get past chapter 2 Super tedious, i was looking forward to hearing a compelling story of the Appalachian region, way too detailed and academic...missed opportunity on the soul of the region. Narrator not a good choice I tried to listen to this book but I wish theyd chosen a different narrator. His voice was lifeless and predictable. Could not get into it It was tedious and just too wordy. Not my cup of tea. I am from this area so I hoped it would be interesting rather than just historic. It is more a textbook. The Effete Intellectuals Guide to Appalachia Mr. Stoll writes for that teeming mob of us who wish to define the socio-economics of holler-and-mountaintop hillfolk: their sufferings under capitalism post industrial revolution, how their existence was explained by writers through the years, how they were sealed off from the rest of society, their environs stripped away by the rich and powerful. If thats your idea of a good time get the book and youll be as happy as a grad student in slop. If you seek a less intellectually obfuscated narrative, without the blurring drop phrases of the politically conscious academic, a book you can enjoy sans politics, look elsewhere.

Jack Hinson's One-Man War Audiobook by Tom C. McKenney

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tom C. McKenney) — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 20:33:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Jack Hinson's One-Man War Author: Tom C. McKenney Narrator: David Colacci Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 11-15-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 194 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A quiet, wealthy plantation owner, Jack Hinson watched the start of the Civil War with disinterest. Opposed to secession and a friend to Union and Confederate commanders alike, he did not want a war. After Union soldiers seized and murdered his sons, placing their decapitated heads on the gateposts of his estate, Hinson could remain indifferent no longer. He commissioned a special rifle for long-range accuracy, he took to the woods, and he set out for revenge. This remarkable biography presents the story of Jack Hinson, a lone Confederate sniper who, at the age of 57, waged a personal war on Grant's army and navy. The result of 15 years of scholarship, this meticulously researched work is the only account of Hinson's life ever recorded and involves an unbelievable cast of characters, including the Earp brothers, Jesse James, and Nathan Bedford Forrest. Members Reviews: Amazing everyone should know this story Where does Jack Hinson's One-Man War rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? At the very top of my non fiction list. I can not praise the author enough for his research and ability to turn that into the story of Jack Hinson and everything that went on around him during that tragic time in history. What about David Colaccis performance did you like? He is a excellent narrator and perfect for this story, listen and I'm sure you will agree. Any additional comments? I can't believe I've never heard of the story about Jack Hinson it really is almost to hard to believe but it really is fact. Even if your not a fan of history this is a real page turner one of those American history events you should really read about for yourself. Historically accurate Nonfiction as captivating as Author's prose As a special forces veteran, kudos to the author for his captivating writing style, history research, and insight into combat and sniper TTP - all intricate to this little known piece of the Civil War. Also: outstanding narration. Historical Fiction This book is historical fiction. I am not sure if it is the authors first book but I did not believe it was well edited or written. There were many clichés used over and over again to the point of ad nauseum. I purchased the book because I thought it was going to be an historical account of Jack Hinson. It turned out to be historical fiction based on the life of Mr. Hinson. I think the book could have been better off if it was written as history in the style of Stephen Ambrose or similar which used historical facts to tell a story instead of fleshing out the story with fiction. Loved it. Great story about a little known historical figure that deserves to be brought out into the light. Great story with perfect narration Overall a great story - it draws you into Jack Hinson's world and holds you there to the end. David Colacci has to now be my favourite narrator, with a soothing voice, perfect English, and a pace that is just right. The things about the book I didn't like was that there were many redundant parts - phrases that were repeated to the degree I thought I'd accidentally rewound. Also, more than half the book was the set up and backdrop of the story, with little on Jack's story until the last half.

The Thin Light of Freedom Audiobook by Edward L. Ayers

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Edward L. Ayers) — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:46:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Thin Light of Freedom Subtitle: The Civil War and Emancipation in the Heart of America Author: Edward L. Ayers Narrator: James Edward Thomas Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 10-24-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A landmark Civil War history told from a fresh, deeply researched ground-level perspective At the crux of America's history stand two astounding events: the immediate and complete destruction of the most powerful system of slavery in the modern world, followed by a political reconstruction in which new constitutions established the fundamental rights of citizens for formerly enslaved people. Few people living in 1860 would have dared imagine either event, and yet, in retrospect, both seem to have been inevitable. In a beautifully crafted narrative, Edward L. Ayers restores the drama of the unexpected to the history of the Civil War. He does this by setting up at ground level in the Great Valley counties of Augusta, Virginia, and Franklin, Pennsylvania, communities that shared a prosperous landscape but were divided by the Mason-Dixon Line. From the same vantage point occupied by his unforgettable characters, Ayers captures the strategic savvy of Lee and his local lieutenants, and the clear vision of equal rights animating black troops from Pennsylvania. We see the war itself become a scourge to the Valley, its pitched battles punctuating a cycle of vicious attack and reprisal in which armies burned whole towns for retribution. In the weeks and months after emancipation, from the streets of Staunton, Virginia, we see black and white residents testing the limits of freedom as political leaders negotiate the terms of re-admission to the Union. Ayers deftly shows throughout how the dynamics of political opposition drove these momentous events, transforming once unimaginable outcomes into fact. With analysis as powerful as its narrative, here is a landmark history of the Civil War. Members Reviews: great history well done historical account of the Shenandoah Valley. enjoyed it and learned a great deal. Beautifully done I believe I know more about my country than I did before reading this book, and appreciated every word. The title says it all.

The Heart of Everything That Is Audiobook by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bob Drury) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:38:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Heart of Everything That Is Subtitle: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend Author: Bob Drury, Tom Clavin Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-13 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 512 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the best-selling tradition of Empire of the Summer Moon, this is the untold story of Red Cloud, the most powerful Indian commander of the Plains who witnessed the opening of the West. The great Oglala Sioux chief Red Cloud was the only Plains Indian to defeat the United States Army in a war, forcing the American government to sue for peace in a conflict named for him. At the peak of their chiefs powers, the Sioux could claim control of one-fifth of the contiguous United States. But unlike Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, or Geronimo, the fog of history has left Red Cloud strangely obscured. Now, thanks to painstaking research by two award-winning authors, his incredible story can finally be told. Born in 1821 in what is now Nebraska, Red Cloud grew up an orphan who overcame myriad social disadvantages to advance in Sioux culture. Through fearless raids against neighboring tribes, like the Crow and Pawnee, he acquired a reputation as the best leader of his fellow warriors, catapulting him into the Sioux elite - and preparing him for the epic struggle his nation would face with an expanding United States. Drawing on a wealth of evidence that includes Red Clouds 134-page autobiography, lost for nearly a hundred years, Bob Drury and Tom Clavin bring their subject to life again in a narrative that climaxes with Red Clouds War - a conflict whose massacres presaged the Little Bighorn and ensured Red Clouds place in the pantheon of Native American legends. A story as big as the West, with portraits of General William Tecumsah Sherman, explorer John Bozeman, mountain man Jim Bridger, Red Cloud protégé Crazy Horse, and many others, The Heart of Everything That Is not only places you at the center of the conflict over western expansion, but finally gives our nations greatest Indian war leader the modern-day recognition he deserves. Members Reviews: Couldn't put it down! This was an excellent read! The Heart of Everything That Is provides the reader an insight into the lives of the Native Americans as never heard before. Clavin/Drury do an excellent job of telling (most) of the story thru the eyes of these brave and noble people as their land is stolen from them and their people are forced to live where the whites say. It was fascinating to learn about the Indian culture without candy-coating their actions and using Hollywood as the yardstick for which to measure them. They were far from savage; noble, brave, gallant, courageous. Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, Old Man Afraid of his Horses and countless others are the true heros of the frontier by defending what was already theirs. It was interesting to understand how the Indians interacted within their tribes and with other (Indian) communities, and it was fascinating to learn how they lived and fought whether or not it was against other Indians or the Whites. And it was difficult to comprehend the true history of the United States as the chapters unfold and the white soldiers continue to take. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The even-flow from page to page and chapter to chapter along with the easy to listen narration by George Newbern made this 2-part down load any easy selection for a second read in the coming weeks.

The Residence Audiobook by Kate Andersen Brower

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Kate Andersen Brower) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:34:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Residence Subtitle: Inside the Private World of the White House Author: Kate Andersen Brower Narrator: Karen White Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 04-07-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1571 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A remarkable history with elements of both In the President's Secret Service and The Butler, The Residence offers an intimate account of the service staff of the White House, from the Kennedys to the Obamas. America's first families are unknowable in many ways. No one has insight into their true character like the people who serve their meals and make their beds every day. Full of stories and details by turns dramatic, humorous, and heartwarming, The Residence reveals daily life in the White House as it is really lived through the voices of the maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers, and others who tend to the needs of the president and first family. These dedicated professionals maintain the six-floor mansion's 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, three elevators, and eight staircases and prepare everything from hors d'oeuvres for intimate gatherings to meals served at elaborate state dinners. Over the course of the day, they gather in the lower level's basement kitchen to share stories, trade secrets, forge lifelong friendships, and sometimes even fall in love. Combining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff members - many speaking for the first time - with archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story. She reveals the intimacy between the first family and the people who serve them as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedy's private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husband's assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixon's resignation and President Clinton's impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House. Members Reviews: The White House Explored & Exposed The narration started out sounding stilted and super slow and drawn out--so much so that for a while I had the speed turned up to 1.25. Then White, the narrator, seemed to relax and the reading improved and I was able to go back to the normal slower speed. But, be aware the first quarter of the book was difficult going until it got better--so be prepared to give it some time. The writing is not done in chronologic order so there is a fair amount of jumping around in time. This was a bit confusing. Also, events are organized by topics and broken down into sections. The problem was that there were several stories that must have fit into multiple sections and rather than just tell them once--they were repeated. I think the book could have been about two hours shorter if the author just stated up front once that all the employees that worked in the White House kept quiet about the first families and honored their privacy. This point was belabored so much that it was ridiculous. If it were really true there would be no book! All those quibbles aside I enjoyed the book. I particularly liked the stories that came from the families themselves. It was fun, gossipy, glamorous, wasteful, silly and in spots filled with surprising detail. A chance to see an inside view of life in the White House that spans decades and shows the first families and the staff as the flawed humans they are.

Eisenhower in War and Peace Audiobook by Jean Edward Smith

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jean Edward Smith) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:30:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eisenhower in War and Peace Author: Jean Edward Smith Narrator: Paul Hecht Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 02-21-12 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1139 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Author of the best-seller FDR, Jean Edward Smith is a master of the presidential biography. Setting his sights on Dwight D. Eisenhower, Smith delivers a rich account of Eisenhowers life using previously untapped primary sources. From the military service in WWII that launched his career to the shrewd political decisions that kept America out of wars with the Soviet Union and China, Smith reveals a man who never faltered in his dedication to serving America, whether in times of war or peace. Critic Reviews: Always engrossing . . . Smith describes a man who commanded the largest coalition army in history without grandiloquent posturing . . . leaving office more popular than any successor. . . . Smith portrays a genuinely admirable Eisenhower: smart, congenial, unpretentious, and no ideologue. Despite competing biographies from Ambrose, Perret, and DEste, this is the best. ( Publishers Weekly, starred review) Dwight Eisenhower, who was more cunning than he allowed his adversaries to know, understood the advantage of being underestimated. Jean Edward Smith refutes this durable misunderstanding. Smith, Americas greatest living biographer, demonstrates why, now more than ever, Americans should like Ike. (George F. Will) Jean Smith, indubitably Americas most distinguished biographer, has now produced the classic life of Dwight EisenhowerHere he comes alive on every pagethe beneficiary of the exhausting fresh research this handsomely written book is based upon. When the General died, Mamie, his lifelong wife, allowed that she never fully knew her famous husband. No reader of Smiths work will render the same complaint. (Henry F. Graff, Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University) Members Reviews: Great book to get to know Ike I like the pace of this book, the author doesn't focus too long on any one time in Eisenhower's life. I knew very little of him before reading the book and I definitely feel this was the right book to jump in and get to know the man. There are others out there that focus only on the presidency or the war, but this one has it all. Good, although biased, biography This is a very good biography of Dwight David Eisenhower although I feel constrained to say that the section on his presidency suffers from the writers clear political bias. This biography covers Eisenhowers entire life although it might be best thought of as covering 5 specific time periods his early childhood, his early military experience, his central position during World War II, his time as President of Columbia University and his Presidency. I thought I knew a good deal about Eisenhowers life. I had read extensively about both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. The histories of the European theater, of course, covered him as central to that theater and the histories (and biography of Douglas MacArthur) covered Eisenhowers period as aide to General MacArthur in the Philippines. In addition I felt I knew a great deal about the period of the 1950s when Eisenhower was President. Given all of that I did not expect to learn much new. I was wrong. This book covers Eisenhowers early military career in some detail and there is much I never knew about the locations where he served as well as the jobs and schools he attended and the important people he knew and met while ascending the military ladder.

Founding Brothers Audiobook by Joseph J. Ellis

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Joseph J. Ellis) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 07:01:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Founding Brothers Subtitle: The Revolutionary Generation Author: Joseph J. Ellis Narrator: Bob Walter Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 07-05-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 235 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: An illuminating study of the intertwined lives of the founders of the American republic - John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. During the 1790s, which Ellis calls the most decisive decade in our nation's history, the greatest statesmen of their generation - and perhaps any - came together to define the new republic and direct its course for the coming centuries. Ellis focuses on six discrete moments that exemplify the most crucial issues facing the fragile new nation: Burr and Hamilton's deadly duel and what may have really happened; Hamilton, Jefferson, and Madison's secret dinner, during which the seat of the permanent capital was determined in exchange for passage of Hamilton's financial plan; Franklin's petition to end the "peculiar institution" of slavery - his last public act - and Madison's efforts to quash it; Washington's precedent-setting Farewell Address, announcing his retirement from public office and offering his country some final advice; Adams' difficult term as Washington's successor and his alleged scheme to pass the presidency on to his son; and finally Adams and Jefferson's renewed correspondence at the ends of their lives, in which they compared their different views of the Revolution and its legacy. In a lively and engaging narrative, Ellis recounts the sometimes collaborative, sometimes archly antagonistic interactions between these men and shows us the private characters behind the public personas: Adams, the ever-combative iconoclast whose closest political collaborator was his wife, Abigail; Burr - crafty, smooth, and one of the most despised public figures of his time; Hamilton, whose audacious manner and deep economic savvy masked his humble origins; Jefferson, renowned for his eloquence but so reclusive and taciturn that he rarely spoke more than a few sentences in public; Madison - small, sickly, and paralyzingly shy yet one of the most effective debaters of his generation; and the stiffly formal Washington, the ultimate realist, larger than life, and America's only truly indispensable figure. Ellis argues that the checks and balances that permitted the infant American republic to endure were not primarily legal, constitutional, or institutional but intensely personal, rooted in the dynamic interaction of leaders with quite different visions and values. Revisiting the old-fashioned idea that character matters, Founding Brothers informs our understanding of American politics - then and now - and gives us a new perspective on the unpredictable forces that shape history. Critic Reviews: "A splendid book - humane, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit." ( The New York Times Book Review) "Lively and illuminating...leaves the reader with a visceral sense of a formative era in American life." ( The New York Times) "Masterful.... Fascinating.... Ellis is an elegant stylist.... [He] captures the passion the founders brought to the revolutionary project.... [A] very fine book." ( Chicago Tribune)

Zeitoun Audiobook by Dave Eggers

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dave Eggers) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:17:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Zeitoun Author: Dave Eggers Narrator: Firdous Bamji Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 08-31-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1112 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: When HurricaneKatrina struck New Orleans, Abdulrahman Zeitoun - a prosperous Syrian-American and father of four - chose to stay through the storm to protect his house and contracting business. In the eerie days after the storm, he traveled the flooded streets in a secondhand canoe, passing on supplies and rescuing those he could. A week later, on September 6, 2005, Zeitoun abruptly disappeared. Eggers's riveting work, three years in the making, follows Zeitoun back to his childhood in Syria and around the world during his years as a sailor. The book also traces the story of Zeitoun's wife Kathy - a boisterous Southerner who converted to Islam - and their wonderful, funny, devoted family. When Zeitoun vanishes, Kathy is left to make sense of the surreal atmosphere (in New Orleans and the United States generally) in which what happened to Abdulrahman Zeitoun was possible. Critic Reviews: "Imagine Charles Dickens, his sentimentality in check but his journalistic eyes wide open, roaming New Orleans after it was buried by Hurricane Katrina ... Eggers's tone is pitch-perfect - suspense blended with just enough information to stoke reader outrage and what is likely to be a typical response: How could this happen in America?" (Timothy Egan, The New York Times) Members Reviews: Something bold, ebullient, yet quiet There is something bold and yet quiet about 'Zeitoun' the book and Zeitoun the man. There is also something bold about Dave Eggers. I don't always like the flashier parts of Eggers. The sparkle and the shake of 'A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius' or the fur-covered binding of 'The Wild Things' didn't really capture me like they did some. But after reading 'A Hologram for the King' I've started recognizing it for what it is -- David Eggers is simply enthusiastic, ebullient about ideas and people. He can't help himself. He has an idea and he wants it big or bigger. He wants Zeitoun's story written across the sky. For most of us the wish or desire is enough. It fills us up. We are done there and can go to bed and rest comfortably. The brilliance of the idea quickly gets burned out as the sun of the rest of our lives burns our dreams away. The brilliance (or genius) of David Eggers is his ability to follow up on these quirky little ideas. He has tremendous follow-through. He doesn't forget, he doesn't dispose, he uses and crafts and makes and publishes. Not every book written by Eggers will be genius, but his ENERGY is always genius. His momentum is always brilliant. And, 'Zeitoun' the book was brilliant. It showed the beauty of people and the inhumanity of bureaucracies. It is the story of America. How America can contain both the best and the worst of humanity, often lit by the same light and drowned/baptized by the same waters. Excellent Story of Government Failure in Katrina Eggers is an excellent teller of other people's stories, as illustrated by his brilliant "What is the What," the story of Sudanese refugee Valentino Achak Deng. In Zeitoun, he tells the story of a Syrian-American, a successful New Orleans contracter for years, who is wrongfully imprisoned by FEMA in the wake of Katrina.

American Serengeti Audiobook by Dan Flores

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dan Flores) — Tue, 16 May 2017 13:29:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Serengeti Subtitle: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains Author: Dan Flores Narrator: Michael Kramer Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 252 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: America's Great Plains once possessed one of the grandest wildlife spectacles of the world, equaled only by such places as the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, or the veld of South Africa. Pronghorn antelope, gray wolves, bison, coyotes, wild horses, and grizzly bears: less than 200 years ago these creatures existed in such abundance that John James Audubon was moved to write "it is impossible to describe or even conceive the vast multitudes of these animals". In a work that is at once a lyrical evocation of that lost splendor and a detailed natural history of these charismatic species of the historic Great Plains, veteran naturalist and outdoorsman Dan Flores draws a vivid portrait of each of these animals in their glory - and tells the harrowing story of what happened to them at the hands of market hunters and ranchers and, ultimately, a federal killing program in the 19th and 20th centuries. Members Reviews: A Journey Into the Past and a Hope for the Future What made the experience of listening to American Serengeti the most enjoyable? The thing that made this listening experience most enjoyable is the extensive research that was conducted. This information provides a picture into what ancient North America looked like, while also bringing you to the present. Most of all American Serengeti helps you to understand the diversity and beauty of the Great Plains. What other book might you compare American Serengeti to and why? Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind is the closest thing I can think of. I do plan on purchasing and listening to Coyote America by Dan Flores author soon. What about Michael Kramers performance did you like? A great job of keeping it interesting while not over embellishing any particular part of the book. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? There seemed to be at least one moment of every chapter that "moved me." The book describes the history and decline of some of the most charismatic megafauna to walk the Great Plains. It doesnt matter if you are in the suburbs of Chicago or the Rocky Mountains of Colorado this book talks about how the Great Plains touched the lives of most Americans. Any additional comments? I first heard about The American Serengeti through the Meateater podcast. In listening to the podcast it was easy to see that Mr. Flores is well versed and knows what he is talking about. Upon hearing that Mr. Flores had a book I soon purchased American Serengeti and was not disappointing. Mr. Flores goes on to express his opinion in an eloquent and passionate way that leaves the mind to wonder what could have been and what will be. Another great Flores read. Great book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys learning. Great narration as well. Very Informative. this is a great book. filled with facts and entertaining stories. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys history or animals american serengeti Very interesting book on the American great Plains. Has an intro and conclusion. The body is broken into segments of the various animals of the plains area. Great way to do this. There was a number of reviews about the narrator doing a poor job. I thought he did a fine job. Very well worth the time to listen to. Ecological history done right The Great Plains of the early United States was a place of ecological wonders.

The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution: 1763-1789 Audiobook by Robert Middlekauff

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert Middlekauff) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:19:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution: 1763-1789 Author: Robert Middlekauff Narrator: Robert Fass Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs Language: English Release date: 01-03-11 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 621 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The first book to appear in the illustrious Oxford History of the United States, this critically-acclaimed volume - a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize - offers an unsurpassed history of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the American republic. This panoramic view of the conflict between England and America combines the political and the personal, giving the listener a vivid sense of how the colonists perceived the events of their struggle for independence, from the French and Indian War to the shot heard round the world, and the importance the colonists assigned to them. Praised as state of the art and the most distinguished series in American historical scholarship, the four new volumes of the Oxford History of the United States including The Glorious Cause are narrated with engagingly casual warmth by Robert Fass, who previously read an earlier volume in the series, Empire of Liberty, by Gordon S. Wood. Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. The Glorious Cause is number III in The Oxford History of the United States. Members Reviews: Strong History Rich With Behind The Scenes Details Another excellent entry in the Oxford History of the United States. I didn't personally find it quite as engrossing as "Empire of Liberty" or "What Hath God Wrought," but still extremely interesting and informative. This book goes to some lengths to explain and document just how radical much of America was before the revolution (which flies in the face of some of my collegiate history instructors, who pitched the revolution as more of a minority driven phenomenon). Likewise, it at times adopts almost a fait accompli tone to the revolution's eventual success - though it is quite careful to point out at numberous points where the British blew it politically and militarily in attempts to contain and/or end the conflict on their terms. Middlekauff seems to hint that Britain lacked the political will to deploy the tremendous resources necessary to subdue the continent. There seems to be great truth in the argument, if accepting the aformentioned largely radicalized American populace as mentioned above. Based on my own larger reading, I still can't help thinking what an EXCEEDINGLY precarious enterprise the American Revolution was, prone to being snuffed out for any number of reasons throughout the long struggle. The Americans (and Britons) who ensured that it didn't are well detailed in many sidebars throughout. The other interesting thing I continue to see again and again as I read more of the history of the United States is to see how so many of our current dilemmas, arguments, problems, etc were baked right into the United States from its earliest days - indeed, some even before the very founding of the republic. Likewise, it is amusing (if disappointing) to see some of the titans in the American pantheon wrestling luridly in the political mud with their opponents - right up to and incuding vitriolic personal attacks, doctrinaire thinking, and hyperbolic rhetoric. Everything old is indeed new again. Strongly recommended for those interested in U.S. history and politics. Authoritative, well written emphasis on battles I have read a lot of histories of the Revolutionary War, events leading up to it as well as separate histories of the constitutional convention.

The Federalist Papers Audiobook by James Madison, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James Madison) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:56:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Federalist Papers Author: James Madison, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 12-27-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 255 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America's greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation's history, providing readers with a running ideological commentary on the crucial issues facing a democracy. Today, The Federalist Papers are as important and vital a rallying cry for freedom as ever. Members Reviews: Did they have a crystal ball? It would seem these great men knew freedoms enemy and in these writings tried to warn us of them. I would assume they would be hugely disappointed with us and what we have let happen to our country. Im not talking about Obama, Bush or Clinton, but the last 50- 100 years of Americans putting their faith in government. After each segment I caught myself thinking why... if they could see it coming from the late 1700's then how is it we can't see it happening to us today? Then the mocking words of another would then ring in my head. a Republic if you can keep it. It's like giving a kid a dollar in a candy store. The kid says whats this for dad and you reply your future, if you learn how to invest in it. It's as if they knew we would progressively forfeit our freedoms just like I know my kid will buy a piece of candy. That said it was difficult to listen too while doing anything. I typically listen during my commute, while I work in the yard or putts around the house, but with the Old English Shakespearian language I found myself having to pay attention more than most books. I think the original argument needs to be read or listened to in the original language because you realize how deliberate that generations leadership was with their thoughts and words. They spoke of the future as we speak of tomorrow. They understood history and thoughtfully and knowingly planned for the future generations while we thoughtlessly and (IMHO) knowingly organize the desolation the generations to come. Im not sure why, but I just ordered a newer version that is supposed to be in modern language. The intent of the framers of the US Constitution? After winning the American revolution the 13 states joined in 1784 in the Articles of Confederation. It became clear very soon that the arrangement could never work effectively. During the summer of 1787 the true founders of the US representing all 13 states met in secret for months in Philadelphia writing what became the US Constitution. The next job was selling the new Constitution to the people. That task was led by Alexander Hamilton of New York (the essential person in forming our republic), James Madison of Virginia, and to a lesser degree James Jay of New York. These three men wrote 85 articles/essays beginning in the fall of 1787 that were widely published and were key to the formation of the United States of America under the US Constitution. These 85 essays explain in detail all aspects of the reasons/logic in every article of the Constitution.

Born Fighting Audiobook by Jim Webb

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jim Webb) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 03:04:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Born Fighting Subtitle: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America Author: Jim Webb Narrator: Allan Robertson Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 11-03-15 Publisher: ListenUp Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 70 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Born Fighting shows that the Scots-Irish were 40 percent of the Revolutionary War army; they included the pioneers Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston; they were the writers Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain; and they have given America numerous great military leaders, including Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Audie Murphy, and George S. Patton, as well as most of the soldiers of the Confederacy (only five percent of whom owned slaves, and who fought against what they viewed as an invading army). It illustrates how the Scots-Irish redefined American politics, creating the populist movement and giving the country a dozen presidents, including Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. And it explores how the Scots-Irish culture of isolation, hard luck, stubbornness, and mistrust of the nation's elite formed and still dominates blue-collar America, the military services, the Bible Belt, and country music. Both a distinguished work of cultural history and a human drama that speaks straight to the heart of contemporary America, Born Fighting reintroduces America to its most powerful, patriotic, and individualistic cultural group - one too often ignored or taken for granted. Members Reviews: Wonderful, informative, compelling book! The author does an outstanding job of clearly laying out Scot-Irish history. Never boring, always enlightening! Engaging if You Have Any Scots-Irish in You I have around 1/6, so the book was engaging for me. Curious how a people can be embodied by a mindset rather than physical features, here a mindset of total independence, which, the book illustrated, both worked for them and at times against them. Half the book is prior to America, which for me was more fascinating, my not being as familiar with those times, people, and places. Terrific If you have Scots Irish heritage or an interest in the same, this is a must read. You will not be disappointed.

A History of the American People Audiobook by Paul Johnson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Paul Johnson) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:14:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A History of the American People Author: Paul Johnson Narrator: Nadia May Format: Unabridged Length: 47 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 04-06-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 410 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Anne Hutchinson, Cotton Mather, Ben Franklin, Tom Paine, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others, are all presented in a fresh perspective. Wherever possible, letters, diaries, and recorded conversations are used to ensure a sense of actuality. This is an in-depth portrait of a great people, from their fragile origins and struggles for independence, to their heroic efforts and sacrifices to deal with the "organic sin" of slavery and the preservation of the Union, to their explosive economic growth and emergence as the world's greatest superpower. Critic Reviews: "Johnson is a lively writer (more so than nearly all other historians), and May's reading is sensitive to Johnson's wit and sharp comments....Her reading is lively, crisp, and sharp throughout." (AudioFile) "A magnificent achievement...brilliantly combines broad sweep with extraordinary detail." (Wall Street Journal) Members Reviews: A British conservative's view of American history. Absolutely wonderful. Covers history of the US from the first English settlers through the middle of the 1990s when the book was written. Very well read by Nadia May whose clear voice and pronunciation I found suited the book very well. One of the things I found most interesting is that Mr Johnson covers not only the facts but also the background philosophical views at the time as they pertain to the issues being covered. Thus Emerson and others come up not only as poet or writer, but also how their views supported or ran contrary to the then current American thinking. While I found the entire book fascinating and full of nuggets of information I did not already know I found the treatment of the 20th century most interesting. Johnson's view of the years from Coolidge through Nixon is at odds with the views prevalent 30 years ago, but he makes his case very well indeed with facts, quotes and statistics. I heartily recommend this to anyone with an interest in US history. Highly recommended. Really interesting Loved the speed and how the time periods and people were covered. I am not a big history buff but I really enjoyed this listen. Superb history. I am a longtime fan of American History and Paul Johnson's "A History of the American People" is the most insightful and as well researched as any I have encountered. I can recommend this book as an excellent source for the novice and advanced connoisseur. In addition the book is very entertaining and engaging. Magnificent history Johnson gives us a pro-American history of our great country. Finally, a book that does not condemn the U.S. due to her many, past wrongs. The overarching tone is optimism. Whether Johnson is discussing race relations, women's rights, industrialization or immigration, he obviously admires our nation(Johnson was born and educated in England)! Nadia May gives a crisp and lively reading which just adds to the listeners experience. a good book for long travels This book is well written. History is told in a perspective not told in any school I ever attended and was refreshing. I listened to every hour of it and might even listen to it again in a year or so. The narrator has an english accent which made for easy listening.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities Audiobook by Jane Jacobs, Jason Epstein (introduction)

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jane Jacobs) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:47:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Death and Life of Great American Cities Author: Jane Jacobs, Jason Epstein (introduction) Narrator: Donna Rawlins Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 09-13-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 263 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Thirty years after its publication, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was described by The New York Times as "perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning....[It] can also be seen in a much larger context. It is first of all a work of literature; the descriptions of street life as a kind of ballet and the bitingly satiric account of traditional planning theory can still be read for pleasure even by those who long ago absorbed and appropriated the book's arguments." Jane Jacobs, an editor and writer on architecture in New York City in the early 60s, argued that urban diversity and vitality were being destroyed by powerful architects and city planners. Rigorous, sane, and delightfully epigrammatic, Jacobs's small masterpiece is a blueprint for the humanistic management of cities. It is sensible, knowledgeable, readable, indispensable. The author has written a new foreword for this Modern Library edition. Critic Reviews: "The most refreshing, provacative, stimulating and exciting study of this [great problem] which I have seen. It fairly crackles with bright honesty and common sense." (Harrison Salisbury, The New York Times) "One of the most remarkable books ever written about the city... a primary work. The research apparatus is not pretentious - it is the eye and the heart - but it has given us a magnificent study of what gives life and spirit to the city." (William H. Whyte, author of The Organization Man) Members Reviews: Dated But Relevant A must read for the history of urban life and how important it is to think of cities like a living organism, in need of understanding on a deeper level, and in need of sustenance from within and above. Also provides a road map of local political action in confronting governmental mistakes and powerful people. Gives great power to the working poor. Written in the early 1960s about a New York City urban life that no longer exists, it still rings true for older listeners who remember such a time. Fantastic text, dull on audio This text is foundational on the subject and I can't speak negatively about it, but it is difficult to listen to for the duration simply because it's so academic. Robotic voice narration What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? A different narrator What did you like best about this story? The actual story Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Donna Rawlins? Someone less robotic (I think this narrator must be the person they hire for voice programming making her voice associated with Siri-esque narration) What character would you cut from The Death and Life of Great American Cities? N/A Still good for thought I attempted to read the dead tree version of this book and did not get far. I appreciate the narrator because it seemed a bit more accessible in an audible format. I will listen to it again but with a dead tree version close at hand because there are ideas that Jacobs mentions that I'd like to spend a bit more time thinking about before rolling on to the next thought. I've read urban planning commentary that quotes or refers to this Jacobs book as if it were the Bible.

The Impending Crisis Audiobook by David M. Potter, Don E. Fehrenbacher

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David M. Potter) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:17:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Impending Crisis Subtitle: America Before the Civil War: 1848-1861 Author: David M. Potter, Don E. Fehrenbacher Narrator: Eric Martin Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 03-28-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 77 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: David M. Potter's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Impending Crisis is the definitive history of antebellum America. Potter's sweeping epic masterfully charts the chaotic forces that climaxed with the outbreak of the Civil War: westward expansion, the divisive issue of slavery, the Dred Scott decision, John Brown's uprising, the ascension of Abraham Lincoln, and the drama of Southern secession. The Impending Crisis remains one of the most celebrated works of American historical writing. Critic Reviews: "David M. Potter's magisterial The Impending Crisis is the single best account to date of the coming of the Civil War." (Civil War History) Members Reviews: Great History Book There is much detail on the nature and structure of the sectional crisis in the years between Mexico and Fort Sumter. Missouri Compromise, Kansas-Nebraska, demise of the Whigs, ascendancy of the Republicans, and the ambitions of the South explained. Finally, you get a very detailed explanation of the 1860 election that led to Lincoln and why that was so alarming to the South. This is a quality history book. A Slog for Sure While the book has several interesting points to make about the factors that lead the Antebellum U.S. to Civil War, its narrative is weak at best. There is tenuous cohesion between chapters, themes and its chronology often doubles back on itself confusingly. It's as if the authors stitched together a number of academic essays with the common thread of "Impending Crisis" woven throughout. These essays often digress into pedantry that distracts from the whole. maybe this was meant for history buffs who aren't interested in a narrative of these years and are instead looking for an granular (if disjointed) analysis. Despite my strong interest in the subject, I felt like I was not the intended audience for this book - even more so as this book doesn't seem to be an effective audiobook. Too many digressions and unexplained references. I finished it, yes, but it was a slog for sure. the best book on this period, still written many years ago, but it is stil by far the best on the subject Great book, OK audiobook Read and loved the book years ago and thought the audiobook would add to my understanding of the era. Not that the narration was bad but I was easily distracted. Subject material just lends itself better to print instead of listening, at least that was the case for me. Excellent for its information and narration. Good book for all students of history or just for information. It tells the orgins and happenings before the American Civil War.

Vietnam Audiobook by Stanley Karnow

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stanley Karnow) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:41:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Vietnam Subtitle: A History Author: Stanley Karnow Narrator: Edward Holland Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-29-06 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 473 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Panoramic in scope, and filled with fresh revelations drawn from secret documents and from exclusive interviews with hundreds of participants on both sides, Vietnam: A History transcends the past and contains lessons relevant to the present and future. Critic Reviews: "This is history writing at its best." (Chicago Sun Times) "[T]he best journalist writing on Asian affairs." (Newsweek) "Even those of us who think we know something about [the Vietnam War] will read with fascination." (New York Times) Members Reviews: As stunning as it was engaging Having been born in the mid 70s almost no one ever wanted to discuss the Vietnam war in my household. As a result, my entire knowledge of Vietnam prior to reading this book came from Hollywood movies. Yet no movie could capture the mystery, intrigue, confusion and frustration of the real story. Karnows point of view is clear and objective. Having listened to the entire book, I still cant tell you his personal opinions about Vietnam. His research includes interviews and commentary from American, South and North Vietnamese. His treatment of all sides appears to be firm, but not hypocritical. He does not indulge himself in Monday morning quarterbacking, but instead illuminates the reasoning at the time for the actions that were taken. The book is also comprehensive. Starting with ancient Vietnam and leading up to the modern age, the listener experiences the whole of Vietnams history. Having listened and reflected on the book for a long time, it is one of the most satisfying I have ever heard. A Must Read Even For a Vet. I learned so much from this book, even though I lived through it (1967-1969)and at one of the big pushes by the viet cong against the whole country - 'The Big '68 'TET' offensive'. I have listened to all 4 parts over and over and have learn something new every time. The amazing history of this country and the way this country (USA) just kepted on getting in deeper and deeper. The author has done a "fantastic job" on putting together the history of a place I knew so little of at the young age of 20 - Thank you. Excellent Narrator First I should say that the narrator does an excellent job of evoking the speaking styles of various real personalities - LBJ, Nixon, Kissinger, etc. - without stooping to an imitation of their accents. At one point the book quotes an American in 1990s Vietnam saying, "Vietnam is a country, not a war." Despite its title this book is a history of the US war in Vietnam, not the country itself. The author takes care to switch back and forth between different perspectives - the US government, the North Vietnamese leadership, US soldiers, and occasionally the Chinese and Soviet governments. But these are detours; the focus generally stays on the US presidents and their top advisors from start to finish. Not having been alive at the time, I felt that I learned quite a bit about the reasons for the US actions from start to finish. By claiming to stick to the perceptions of the White House, the author often avoids making his own interpretations. For example, he describes at least four occasions over several years when Robert McNamara visited Vietnam and each time reported that the US military was making no progress despite the enormous amount of money spent, ordinance expended, and Vietnamese killed.

The American Miracle Audiobook by Michael Medved

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Michael Medved) — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 18:33:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The American Miracle Subtitle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic Author: Michael Medved Narrator: Michael Medved Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 11-29-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 278 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Lucky...or blessed? The history of the United States displays an uncanny pattern: At moments of crisis, when the odds against success seem overwhelming and disaster looks imminent, fate intervenes to provide deliverance and progress. Historians may categorize these incidents as happy accidents, callous crimes, or the products of brilliant leadership, but the most notable leaders of the past 400 years have identified this good fortune as something else - a reflection of divine providence. In The American Miracle, best-selling author and radio host Michael Medved recounts some of the most significant events in America's rise to prosperity and power, from the writing of the Constitution to the Civil War. He reveals a record of improbabilities and amazements that demonstrate what the Founders always believed: that events unfolded according to a master plan, with destiny playing an unmistakable role in lifting the nation to greatness. Among the stirring, illogical episodes described here: When millions worry over the nation losing its way, Medved's sweeping narrative, bursting with dramatic events and lively portraits of unforgettable, occasionally little-known characters, affirms America as "fortune's favorite", shaped by a distinctive destiny from our beginnings to the present day. Critic Reviews: "Absolutely spectacular. This book is must-reading for anyone not yet fully convinced that God's hand has been on America from the very beginning. The stories in it are genuinely staggering, fascinating, eye-opening, and deeply inspiring. Please do yourself a favor and read this book!" (Eric Metaxas, New York Times best-selling author of Bonhoeffer and If You Can Keep It) "Whether it was God or the gods, some crucial moments in American history have turned on providential events that defy rational explanation. Medved has a keen eye for such semi-supernatural stories, and tells them with his customary clarity." (Joseph J. Ellis, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner; author of Founding Brothers) "Michael Medved does a beautiful job of piecing together the most providential parts of our history - from the story of 'indestructible' George Washington to 'the miracle of Lincoln.' And I can't help but agree with his argument: To believe America is exceptional is simply to be grateful for what God has given us." (Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives) Members Reviews: great book I've never listened to Mike's radio program. This book is exceptional! The stories are terrific and they make you reflect on God's Providence they may be happening all around us. Unfortunately, we only come to realize well after the fact. Exceptional Compilation of US Facts Loved it. I know it took a lifetime of historical interest to compile these amazing events and facts in American history! Well done Michael and your team! Amazing Book I'm not done with listening to this book but I felt compelled to review it. Medved has put together a very compelling case for the fact that God has indeed "Shed his Grace on Thee". Lots of historical information that I, as a history buff, had never known or considered before. The only caveat is that Medved reads it a bit slow. I had to crank it up to 1.25 speed. After that it was perfect.

In the Kingdom of Ice Audiobook by Hampton Sides

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Hampton Sides) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:21:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: In the Kingdom of Ice Subtitle: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette Author: Hampton Sides Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 08-05-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1864 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: New York Times bestselling author Hampton Sides returns with a white-knuckle tale of polar exploration and survival in the Gilded Age In the late nineteenth century, people were obsessed by one of the last unmapped areas of the globe: The North Pole. No one knew what existed beyond the fortress of ice rimming the northern oceans. James Gordon Bennett, the eccentric and stupendously wealthy owner of The New York Herald, had recently captured the world's attention by dispatching Stanley to Africa to find Dr. Livingstone. Now he was keen to re-create that sensation on an even more epic scale. So he funded an official U.S. naval expedition to reach the Pole, choosing as its captain a young officer named George Washington De Long, who had gained fame for a rescue operation off the coast of Greenland. De Long led a team of 32 men deep into uncharted Arctic waters, carrying the aspirations of a young country burning to become a world power. On July 8, 1879, the USS Jeannette set sail from San Francisco to cheering crowds in the grip of "Arctic Fever." The ship sailed into uncharted seas, but soon was trapped in pack ice. Two years into the harrowing voyage, the hull was breached. Amid the rush of water and the shrieks of breaking wooden boards, the crew abandoned the ship. Less than an hour later, the Jeannette sank to the bottom, and the men found themselves marooned a thousand miles north of Siberia with only the barest supplies. Thus began their long march across the endless ice - a frozen hell in the most lonesome corner of the world. Facing everything from snow blindness and polar bears to ferocious storms and frosty labyrinths, the expedition battled madness and starvation as they desperately strove for survival. With twists and turns worthy of a thriller, In the Kingdom of Ice is a spellbinding tale of heroism and determination in the most unforgiving territory on Earth. Members Reviews: Great found story What made the experience of listening to In the Kingdom of Ice the most enjoyable? It is long by audio book standards but it was worth it because of all of the context of the era provided. It helps answer the question "why" that most often comes up when you read or listen to these stories of exploration. What about Arthur Moreys performance did you like? The fact that I don't remember the performance is a good thing. Some audio books are ruined by either droning or the reader trying to do too many voices and accents. This was more or less a straight through narrative reading with inflection in the right places. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The real words from the journals and ship logs made it more touching and personal. Any additional comments? This is a good compliment to all the Antarctic exploration/disaster books. It is hard to believe that not that long ago there were no cell phones, satellites, airplanes, etc. People went on these expeditions with two years of supplies into an unmapped region of our own planet. Compelling ~~ Historical Quest to the North Pole I could not put my iPod down once the voyage started.

What the Constitution Says Audiobook by Rufus Fears

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Rufus Fears) — Thu, 22 Feb 2001 16:30:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: What the Constitution Says Author: Rufus Fears Narrator: Rufus Fears Format: Unabridged Length: 31 mins Language: English Release date: 02-22-01 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Here you will "visit" a state ratifying convention in order to analyze both the Constitution (especially as explained by The Federalist) and the case made by its Anti-Federalist foes, who argued that small republics and virtue both private and public are the best safeguards for liberty. ©2001 The Great Courses (P)2001 The Great Courses Members Reviews: State vs. Federal Power This audiobook is one lecture taken from the complete course History of Freedom. This brief lecture discusses historical inspirations the founders used for the Constitution. This audiobook also explains how the founders debated the distribution of power between the States & Federal Government, and the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. If you are looking for an audiobook that covers the text of the Constitution verbatim you might want to look elsewhere. However if you are looking for a brief yet interesting lecture on the distribution of powers this is worth a listen. kay Would you try another book from Rufus Fears and/or Rufus Fears? It wasn't what I thought it would be. I was looking for more detail about the constitution.to me it was just another boring lecture you hear in college.

Crazy Horse and Custer Audiobook by Stephen E. Ambrose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen E. Ambrose) — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 04:19:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crazy Horse and Custer Subtitle: The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors Author: Stephen E. Ambrose Narrator: Richard Ferrone Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 10-18-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 137 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: On the sparkling morning of June 25, 1876, 611 men of the US 7th Cavalry rode toward the banks of the Little Bighorn in the Montana Territory, where 3,000 Indians stood waiting for battle. The lives of two great warriors would soon be forever linked throughout history: Crazy Horse, leader of the Oglala Sioux, and General George Armstrong Custer. Both were men of aggression and supreme courage. Both became leaders in their societies at very early ages; both were stripped of power, in disgrace, and worked to earn back the respect of their people. And to both of them, the unspoiled grandeur of the Great Plains of North America was an irresistible challenge. Their parallel lives would pave the way, in a manner unknown to either, for an inevitable clash between two nations fighting for possession of the open prairie. Critic Reviews: "Movingly told and well written...a fine contribution, one that will be read with pleasure and admiration by general reader, student and scholar alike. Ambrose has breathed new life into the familiar facts." (Library Journal) "An epic and accurate retelling of one of our country's most tragic periods." (Baltimore Sun) Members Reviews: Great story, full of comparison and contrast If you could sum up Crazy Horse and Custer in three words, what would they be? Cultural Perspectives of Freedom What did you like best about this story? The efforts to humanize both men, particularly Crazy Horse. It's easy to think of these legendary figures as outsized caricatures of themselves, but we get a deeper view of both. What does Richard Ferrone bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? He does well with individualizing voices, without going over the top, which happens all too often in this kind of audiobook. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? I have no idea, but I'd like to have seen what Peckinpah could have done with it. Any additional comments? The themes of prestige and shame presented in both men, are easily extrapolated to represent their respective cultures. Excellent history This is one of if not the best told history of native Americans I have read. The descriptions of Indian culture and comparison to white American culture is stunning. It is so well told I couldnt stop reading. There were also interesting minor details I had not read about previously. If you are interested in Native American history, this is a must read. Another great one by Ambrose Ambrose always puts together a historical event as a story and interjects details that make it entertain and inform. Detail filled In typical Ambrose style his work is well backed up through thorough research. I have read most books pertaining to the different bands of plains Indians and I think this is my favorite. There are times of speculation which the author fully admits to and overall extremely well done. I read the book primarily regarding Crazy Horse, but the Custer portion was amazing too. If nothing else this book proved to me how tough and determined both of these guys were. Excellent! I truly enjoined listening to this story! The best book on this subject. All my recommendations!

The Earth Is Weeping Audiobook by Peter Cozzens

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Peter Cozzens) — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:34:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Earth Is Weeping Subtitle: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West Author: Peter Cozzens Narrator: John Pruden Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 10-25-16 Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 189 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: With the end of the Civil War, the nation recommenced its expansion onto traditional Indian tribal lands, setting off a wide-ranging conflict that would last more than three decades. In an exploration of the wars and negotiations that destroyed tribal ways of life even as they made possible the emergence of the modern United States, Peter Cozzens gives us both sides in comprehensive and singularly intimate detail. He illuminates the encroachment experienced by the tribes and the tribal conflicts over whether to fight or make peace and explores the squalid lives of soldiers posted to the frontier and the ethical quandaries faced by generals who often sympathized with their native enemies. As the action moves from Kansas and Nebraska to the Southwestern desert to the Dakotas and the Pacific Northwest, we encounter a pageant of fascinating characters including Custer, Sherman, Grant, and a host of other military and political figures as well as great native leaders such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, and Red Cloud. For the first time, The Earth Is Weeping brings them all together in the fullest account to date of how the West was won. Members Reviews: Good Book! Very relevant and interesting read, especially considering today's events at Standing Rock. This is a history involving atrocities on both sides that everyone should know and learn from. Wonderful Fantastic read, learned a lot heartbreaking!! Should be a required read at schools. Gets a lot of the false history we were told right. Excellent detailed history of US conflict with Native Americans I learned a great deal about the people and places involved in the 19th century clash of cultures played out across the expanses of the plains and western North American continent. The author engages the reader with the interesting personalities on both sides, from stubborn generals to Indian chiefs fighting for their people's existence. It was clear throughout that peaceful co-existence was unlikely, though I felt saddened by the thought that my ancestors could not find a way to make it work. This is a lesson for us today - failure to understand those who are different leads to violence and tragic suffering, often needlessly. Can we apply the lessons to our present day culture wars and find peace or are we destined to fight to the death? Disorganized I found that there was good information in this book, but found the lack of organization made it difficult to listen to. The author jumps around so often, it is hard to keep track of where and when he is describing. Great listen with one hitch loved the information, point of view, and narration. . . . . didn't like a vocabulary lesson every 10 minutes

A Patriots History of the United States, Updated Edition Audiobook

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Michael Allen) — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:46:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Patriots History of the United States, Updated Edition Subtitle: From Columbus's Great Discovery to America's Age of Entitlement Author: Michael Allen, Larry Schweikart Narrator: Patrick Lawlor Format: Unabridged Length: 55 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 06-21-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 105 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Here is the revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of the number-one New York Times best seller. Over the past decade, A Patriot's History of the United States has become the definitive conservative history of our country, correcting the biases of historians and other intellectuals who downplay the greatness of America's patriots. Professors Schweikart and Allen have now revised, updated, and expanded their book, which covers America's long history with an appreciation for the values that made this nation uniquely successful. Members Reviews: Finally, a history book I can get behind. I liked the audio book version as a way to get a fresh view of history from a patriotic perspective while staying in shape. I'm 70 years old and learned many new things about the motivations behind the historical actions and surprising facts about many historic figures. I will probably listen again. Great history book Positive view of America, unlike most text books, I learned a lot that most books won't touch A BOOK NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND PAST AND FUTURE I have spent August, September and 10 days of November 2016 to finish the book. Time worth devoted, my understanding of USA and the world is more accurate now. Great book to learn about history. Very informative read. Filled with information schools & hollywood conviently leave out. Caution should be used if you have blood pressure issues. wonderful every American should read or listen to this book several times and commit it to memory. it would end most debate on the direction of our future.

Blood and Thunder Audiobook by Hampton Sides

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Hampton Sides) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 01:04:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blood and Thunder Subtitle: An Epic of the American West Author: Hampton Sides Narrator: Don Leslie Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 10-09-06 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 906 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Narbona could not have known that "The Army of the West", in the midst of the longest march in American military history, was merely the vanguard of an inexorable tide fueled by a self-righteous ideology now known as "Manifest Destiny". For 20 years the Navajo, elusive lords of a huge swath of mountainous desert and pasturelands, would ferociously resist the flood of soldiers and settlers who wished to change their ancient way of life - or destroy them. Critic Reviews: "An excellent addition to collections on western history." (Booklist) "[Sides] eloquently paints the landscape and history of the 19th-century Southwest." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: History Many Don't Know This is a wonderful book, wonderfully narrated. The book tells the story of the US war with Mexico to acquire what is now the southwestern part of the country. It is not, I believe, well known. At least, it wasn't to me. The story of the US Army's dealings with the Indian tribes in the area, particularly the Navajo, is also told. Much of the book deals with Kit Carson, who, I discover, was a huge figure in achieving our manifest destiny, along with President Polk and Senator Benton. Carson is one of the most fascinating figures in American history. News to me. Unforgettable This had to be one of the best I've ever had. The story of Kit Carson is unbelievable it's men like him who helped shape America for the good and the bad. If you like history this book will definitely open your eyes to a lot of things that were never taught in school but things that you wish they would of have taught us. The narrator was on the money he was perfect for the book and if you like American history and a true story this is definitely the book you want you won't be disappointed Publisher's summary does not do it justice At its core, this is the history of Manifest Destiny in action. First, this is an outstanding book, and covers an arc of history of the American west spanning from the first decades of the 1800's to the end of the Civil War. The narration mainly follows the extraordinary life of Kit Carson, who managed to be at the center of an astonishing number of historical events in the west. The first act covers the early days of the west before modern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California were incorporated into the Union and the Santa Fe trail represented the limits of the frontier. It then follows the wars and annexation that consolidated the US's presence in the west, the establishment of the Oregon Trail and immigration that followed. The third act of the book focuses on the Navajo and the tragic attempt to settle them at Bosque Redondo, and this final part of the book is moving and tragic, but ends on a hopeful note. The narration is excellent, and although like many history books, it can feel a little slow at parts in the beginning, the pay off is definitely worth it. Engaging and enlightening While difficult to feel pride in this chapter of our American heritage, this book carries you through the historic period guided by the US policy of manifest destiny. The central character is Kit Carson, who embodies the phrase 'a legend in his own time.' If ever there was a man of skill, integrity, honor and fortune, it is he. Carson was a man who defined good in an era when the US imposed its will on Native Americans.

Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies Audiobook by The Great Courses, Robert Allison

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:11:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies Author: The Great Courses, Robert Allison Narrator: Professor Robert J. Allison Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 415 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The history of colonial America is a story of extraordinary scope, with Europeans, Africans, and the native peoples of North America interacting in a drama of settlement and conflict that lasted nearly three centuries. Go back in time and relive this epic story in 36 spellbinding lectures. While concentrating on British North America, Professor Allison also covers developments in the colonial outposts of Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the all-important British possessions in the West Indies, which were the source of the most lucrative crop in the New World - sugar - and the reason for the enormous growth in the slave trade. As you'll discover, the colonies were often turbulent, dangerous places. You'll learn about Indian wars, slave revolts, witch persecutions, rampant piracy, and other upheavals, as well as the gradual cementing of social order and the development of customs that made the colonies distinct - and difficult for the British government to rule. These lectures build toward a discussion of the roots of the rebellion that succeeded in toppling the colonial system - the American Revolution - covering its long gestation and closing with an examination of the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. In fundamental ways, the world we know today emerged from the tempestuous and eventful history of colonial America. Deepen your appreciation for this formative era with these historically rich, captivating, and highly informative lectures. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Subject Matter is wonderful, Narrator no so much Would you consider the audio edition of Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies to be better than the print version? N/A What other book might you compare Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies to and why? This is a lecture series, but the first 1/4 of The History of the United States, 2nd Edition from The Great Courses might be considered to be comparable. What three words best describe Professor Robert J. Allisons voice? So very slow. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? There were no big gotcha moments. However, I did learn quite a lot that I did not know before. This was especially true in the sections on the non-British efforts to colonize various sections of America. Any additional comments? Professor Allison's narration was nearly unlistenable on x1.0 speed. There is no nice way to put it, his delivery was slow and ponderous. Under normal circumstances would not recommend listening to this particular series while driving. The good news is, the Audible.com playback speed can be adjusted. Sped up to x1.5 speed, the lecture series was enjoyable and scarily normal sounding. This made me wonder of the issue lies not with Allison, but with the postproduction process. Either way, once the speed was adjusted I found the lectures extremely interesting, bordering on riveting. I feel I must inform readers that I am a huge nerd when it comes to American history and my bias may be showing with the riveting comment, but nevertheless, I standby it. The lecture summaries and transitions were smooth, and they did not detract from the body of each lecture.

What Hath God Wrought Audiobook by Daniel Walker Howe

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Daniel Walker Howe) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: What Hath God Wrought Subtitle: The Transformation of America, 1815 - 1848 Author: Daniel Walker Howe Narrator: Patrick Cullen Format: Unabridged Length: 32 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 01-09-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 774 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize, History, 2008 In this addition to the esteemed Oxford History of the United States series, historian Daniel Walker Howe illuminates the period from the Battle of New Orleans to the end of the Mexican-American War, an era of revolutionary improvements in transportation and communications that accelerated America's expansion and prompted the rise of mass political parties. He examines the rise of Andrew Jackson and his Democratic party but contends that John Quincy Adams and other advocates of public education, economic integration, and the rights of blacks, women, and Indians were the true prophets of America's future. Howe's panoramic narrative - weaving together social, economic, and cultural history with political and military events - culminates in the controversial but brilliantly executed war against Mexico that gained California and Texas for America. Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. What Hath God Wrought is number V in The Oxford History of the United States. Critic Reviews: "One of the most outstanding syntheses of U.S. history published this decade." (Publishers Weekly) "He is a genuine rarity: an English intellectual who not merely writes about the United States but actually understands it." (Washington Post) "A stunning synthesis....it is a rare thing to encounter a book so magisterial and judicious and also so compelling." (Chicago Tribune) Members Reviews: Fantastic content, faulty narration This book provides a comprehensive overview of US history from the end of the War of 1812 to just after the admission of California to the Union. The ebb and flow of politics provides the main narrative framework for the book, into which Howe weaves detailed discussions of the competing social, economic, religious and technological forces that slowly transformed the coastal states of the founders into a continent-spanning empire riven by internal disputes that would erupt in the Civil War and reverberate for more than a century after. Howe makes the entire era come alive by drawing on a wide variety of primary sources, from census data to the writings contemporary diarists and newspaper accounts, and incorporating many engaging quotes. This would be a perfect listen for an avid student of American history, since it covers a frequently overlooked period (overlooked, I would add, for reasons which Howe discusses at length towards the end of the book) were it not for the truly horrible quality of the recording. The narrator is overall quite good, but the editing is probably among the worst I have ever encountered. There are noticeable jumps in audio quality and speed throughout, sometimes even within the same sentence. These imperfections are substantial enough that at times I found myself listening more to the atrocious mixing than the actual content, which was a shame. comprehensive history I am a casual history fan and I've always had trouble keeping track of the Taylor's and the Tyler's in the first half of the 19th century. This book is comprehensive, well-read and detailed, sometimes to the point where it can be hard to follow, especially if you listen while commuting. There are many themes, and he jumps back and forth between them.

The Friendly Orange Glow Audiobook by Brian Dear

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Brian Dear) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:09:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Friendly Orange Glow Subtitle: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture Author: Brian Dear Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 11-14-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The remarkable, untold story of PLATO, the computer program and platform created in the 1960s that marked the true beginning of cyberculture - a book that will rewrite the history of computing and the Internet At a time when Steve Jobs was only a teenager and Mark Zuckerberg wasn't even born, a group of visionary engineers and designers - some of them only high school students - in the late 1960s and 1970s created a computer system called PLATO, which was not only years but light-years ahead in experimenting with how people would learn, engage, communicate, and play through connected computers. Not only did PLATO engineers make significant hardware breakthroughs with plasma displays and touch screens, but PLATO programmers also came up with a long list of software innovations: chat rooms, instant messaging, message boards, screen savers, multiplayer games, online newspapers, interactive fiction, and emoticons. Together, the PLATO community pioneered what we now collectively engage in as cyberculture. They were among the first to identify and also realize the potential and scope of the social interconnectivity of computers, well before the creation of the Internet. PLATO was the foundational model for every online community that was to follow in its footsteps. The Friendly Orange Glow is the first history to recount in fascinating detail the remarkable accomplishments and the inspiring personal stories of the PLATO community. The addictive nature of PLATO both ruined many a college career and launched path-breaking multimillion-dollar software products. Its development, impact, and eventual disappearance provides an instructive case study of technological innovation and disruption, project management, and missed opportunities. Above all, The Friendly Orange Glow at last reveals new perspectives on the origins of social computing and our Internet-infatuated world. Critic Reviews: "Brian Dear has made an important and fascinating contribution to the history of the digital age. This insightful book tells the story of the pioneering system of networked computing known as PLATO. Much of what we enjoy today sprang from PLATO and the colorful community that created and embraced it." (Walter Isaacson, author of The Innovators and Steve Jobs) "A full decade before the history most people believe, PLATO was the original system that inspired modern computing - and even the cloud. Designed and built by Midwestern pioneers starting in 1960, PLATO was still operational when I attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the early 1990s. In fact, I took math classes on it before building Mosaic. This story is a testament to the importance of both innovation and timing!" (Marc Andreessen, cofounder, Netscape and Andreessen Horowitz) "I loved this deep unknown history. An incredible tale of a rag-tag team of students inventing key technologies - flat screens, instant messaging, networked games, blogging - decades before Silicon Valley, and then they were totally forgotten. Your mind will be blown." (Kevin Kelly, senior maverick for Wired magazine and author of The Inevitable)

The History of the Supreme Court Audiobook by The Great Courses, Peter Irons

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:54:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The History of the Supreme Court Author: The Great Courses, Peter Irons Narrator: Professor Peter Irons Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 340 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: For more than two centuries, the Supreme Court has exerted extraordinary influence over the way we live our daily lives. The Court has defined the boundaries of our speech and actions since its first meeting in 1790, adding to our history books names such as John Marshall, Louis Brandeis, Hugo Black, Earl Warren, Thurgood Marshall, Warren Burger, William Rehnquist, and many others. Have you ever wondered what goes into shaping the Court's decisions - or the beliefs of its justices? Or how the nine justices blend divergent and often strongly conflicting philosophies to reach decisions that reflect consensus - or sometimes fail to? How even a single change in the Court's personnel can dramatically alter not only the Court's ideological balance but its cooperative chemistry, as well? Or what it actually sounded like in the Court as some of the most important cases in our history were argued? This series of 36 clear and insightful lectures - delivered by an award-winning teacher and widely respected authority on the Supreme Court - answers these questions and many more as it traces the development of the Court from a body having little power or prestige to its current status as, "the most powerful and prestigious judicial institution in the world." The lectures are rich in biographical snapshots of not only the justices but also the advocates who have stood before them and the dozens of ordinary men and women whose cases have reached the Court. Several historical recordings are also highlighted, giving you a front-row seat as you hear lawyers actually arguing before the Court, as well as the justices' replies. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Professor's Bias Does Not Detract Though I've enjoyed quite a few TGC courses, this is the first time I have listened through a lecture series packaged as a "book" on Audible. The unity of the course was probably enhanced by the platform. which formatted the individual lectures as chapters. The only downside was having no access to the course notes. (The Teaching Company does not normally provide them a la carte.) This course surveys the Supreme Court as a living institution from its beginnings until the beginning of the 21st century. (The course is copyrighted 2003.) Dr. Peter Irons is an unquestionably qualified guide to the subject, having both written and taught on the Supreme Court from the perspective of a lawyer who belongs to its bar. Speaking of perspective, Irons admits his filter at the beginning of the course and several times where his narrative pertains to issues that reveal his bias. His career in civil liberties law has clearly shaped his thinking. And although I would differ with Dr. Irons politically and ideologically on several points, I did not feel his stance took away from the quality or content of the course in the slightest. The unique point of view of a scholar (who knows how to be dispassionate and objective) who also has spent his career in the field of practice, passionately arguing for his convictions, opens an aware listener's mind to a deeper, richer experience of the subject.

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors Audiobook by James D. Hornfischer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James D. Hornfischer) — Thu, 12 Feb 2004 13:03:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors Author: James D. Hornfischer Narrator: Barrett Whitener Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-04 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 681 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Filled with riveting detail and based on the author's extensive interviews and correspondence with veterans, unpublished eyewitness accounts, declassified documents, and rare Japanese sources, this is war at sea as it has seldom been presented before. It is an unforgettable narrative that captures the essence of heroism, the power of loyalty, and the way in which the unadorned truth is more stirring than legend itself. Also, this audio program contains excerpts of exclusive interviews with Navy veterans conducted by the author. Critic Reviews: "Readable from beginning to end, this popular history magnificently brings to life men and times that may seem almost as remote as Trafalgar to many in the early twenty-first century....One of the finest World War II volumes to appear in years." (Booklist) "One of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years....reads like a very good action novel." (Publishers Weekly) "Hornfischer is a powerful stylist whose explanations are clear as well as memorable....a dire survival-at-sea saga." (Denver Post) Members Reviews: Outstanding I have been listening to audo books for quite a while now and this is by far one of the best I have ever heard. The narrator adds dimension to the book that a reader could not possibly generate. This is a truly wonderful story, not just about a great battle, but of great people. It transcends a war story and really is a story of bravery and courage. Needless to say I highly recommend it. The listener will definitely not be disappointed. The only down side is that some of the chapters are long and you will find it hard to get out of the car when you get to the office! :) What a generation The more I read about the war in the Pacific and the more I talk to the men who lived throught that nightmare the more I really apprieciate what they did for me. It is hard to imagine the horror those boys lived through and most of them were only young boys. They sure didn't stay boys for long. They became men in a matter of minutes. Very nice work by Mr. Hornfischer, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors An Excellent true story depicting the David versus Goliath naval battle in 1944 Philipines. Author James Hornfischer provides outstanding insight into the lives of our heroic sailors. He provides deep background information as to how Admiral Halsey got caught between a rock and a hard place. Most readers will broaden their WWII knowledge after reading/listening to this book. Don't Miss This One! This is an EXCITING story! I was only casually familiar with this fierce battle before I read the book. Now I am sorry that I did not learn the full story sooner. The author has gathered an extensive library of facts and eyewitness accounts of the incredible bravery of our sailors. The biographical sketches at the beginning of the story seem a little long, but do offer good insight into the character of these valiant men. Then, when the battle is joined, I could not stop listening until the end. One can only stand in awe of their bravery. A tough read, but an amazing, well read story The author dug deep and put together an amazing true story, one that any person interested in World War II history should read.

Parting the Waters Audiobook by Taylor Branch

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Taylor Branch) — Thu, 27 Apr 2000 07:60:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Parting the Waters Subtitle: America in the King Years, 1954-63 Author: Taylor Branch Narrator: Joe Morton, CCH Pounder Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 04-27-00 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 169 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: This audio adaptation focuses primarily on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the key moments that defined his rise to the forefront of the civil rights movement. From Rosa Parks' monumental arrest in Montgomery to King's imprisonment in Birmingham and his triumphant march on Washington, Taylor Branch provides an unsurpassed portrait of King's rise to greatness. He illuminates the stunning courage and private conflict, the deals, maneuvers, betrayals, and rivalries that determined history behind closed doors, at boycotts and sit-ins, on bloody freedom rides, and through siege and murder. Parting the Waters is the first volume in Taylor Branch's three-volume history, America in the King Years. Don't miss or . ©1998 Taylor Branch, All Rights Reserved; (P)1998 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc. Members Reviews: Badly/horribly abridged Read the book and loved it; one of my alltime favorites. The abridged audio version, however, robbed this extraordinary story of much of what made the book great. The written book's power, in part, comes from Branch's movement between different levels of narrative, as he weaves details of MLK's life and the stories that surround him into the larger historical narrative that we think we all know. In the abridged audio version, the complexity and texture of many of those details are gone. Most egregiously, gone is the entire 240 page section from the start of the Montgomery bus boycott until 1962, including the relationship between the Eisenhower administration and civil rights and MLK, MLK's movement into the national spotlight, most of the background about the civil rights movement before MLK, Dubois, the NAACP, the momentous JFK call to Coretta Scott King when MLK was in jail and the start of the sit-in movement. Even the story of Rosa Parks is given short shrift. Gone as well are the personal and social struggles involving nonviolence (James Lawson disappears, MLK loses his personal and theologic struggles over issues of justice and much of his reading of Niebuhr) and a myriad of details about MLK's early life (no church choir singing controversially at the debut of 'Gone With the Wind'), the role of Gandhism and church politics. The Rockefeller role in funding Spellman and Morehouse colleges is gone. The effect is to make it seem that MLK's story only gets interesting when he becomes a player in J. Edgar Hoover's and JFK's and RFK's world of interagency rivalry and high politics. The written book made it clear that the world of Washington DC was only one of many settings in which meaning was made and, in fact, played the many levels of action off against each other beautifully. That beauty is gone from the abridged audiobook, as is the depth of historical understanding that the written book provided. Not worth my money. Amazing account of King & Civil Rights Movement First, the one negative: the sound quality is terrible. But the content itself is terrific. Branch makes the Civil Rights Movement come vividly to life, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr becomes a fully realized person to the listeners. The narraration is well done, and the whole experience a good one -- apart from the lousy sound quality of the recording.

The Potlikker Papers Audiobook by John T. Edge

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (John T. Edge) — Tue, 16 May 2017 05:42:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Potlikker Papers Subtitle: A Food History of the Modern South Author: John T. Edge Narrator: John T. Edge Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 51 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A people's history of Southern food that reveals how the region came to be at the forefront of American culinary culture and how issues of race have shaped Southern cuisine over the last six decades. The Potlikker Papers tells the story of food and politics in the South over the last half century. Beginning with the pivotal role of cooks in the Civil Rights movement, noted authority John T. Edge narrates the South's journey from racist backwater to a hotbed of American immigration. In so doing, he traces how the food of the poorest Southerners has become the signature trend of modern American haute cuisine. This is a people's history of the modern South told through the lens of food. Food was a battleground in the civil rights movement. Access to food and ownership of culinary tradition was a central part of the long march to racial equality. The Potlikker Papers begins in 1955 as black cooks and maids fed and supported the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and it concludes in 2015 as a Newer South came to be, enriched by the arrival of immigrants from Lebanon to Vietnam to all points in between. Along the way The Potlikker Papers tracks many different evolutions of Southern identity - first in the 1970s, from the back-to-the-land movement that began in the Tennessee hills to the rise of fast and convenience foods modeled on Southern staples. Edge narrates the gentrification that gained traction in North Carolina and Louisiana restaurants of the 1980s and the artisanal renaissance that reconnected farmers and cooks in the 1990s and in the 2000s. He profiles some of the most extraordinary and fascinating figures in Southern food, including Fannie Lou Hamer, Colonel Sanders, Edna Lewis, Paul Prudhomme, Craig Claiborne, Sean Brock, and many others. Like many great provincial dishes around the world, potlikker is a salvage food. During the antebellum era, masters ate the greens from the pot and set aside the leftover potlikker broth for their slaves, unaware that the broth, not the greens, was nutrient-rich. After slavery, potlikker sustained the working poor, black and white. In the rapidly gentrifying South of today, potlikker has taken on new meanings as chefs have reclaimed the dish. Over the last two generations, wrenching changes have transformed the South. The Potlikker Papers tells the story of that change - and reveals how Southern food has become a shared culinary language for the nation. Critic Reviews: "John T. Edge, an accomplished food writer focusing on the South, narrates his audiobook in a discernible drawl.... His voice, literal and figurative, informs every page of this work. The discerning listener will embrace Edge's folksy style as he moves through 60 years of contemporary history." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: tremendous This is such a great and important book. Thank you so much for writing it and publishing it. Fascinating The idea of this book, to look at history through the lens of food culture, while telling the story of that food culture, is new to me. John T. Edge carries it out masterfully. He connects a million dots in highly engaging, lyric prose.

The Quartet Audiobook by Joseph J. Ellis

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Joseph J. Ellis) — Tue, 12 May 2015 06:38:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Quartet Subtitle: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789 Author: Joseph J. Ellis Narrator: Robertson Dean Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 454 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian Joseph J. Ellis, the unexpected story of why the 13 colonies, having just fought off the imposition of a distant centralized governing power, would decide to subordinate themselves anew. We all know the famous opening phrase of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this Continent a new Nation." The truth is different. In 1776, 13 American colonies declared themselves independent states that only temporarily joined forces in order to defeat the British. Once victorious, they planned to go their separate ways. The triumph of the American Revolution was neither an ideological nor a political guarantee that the colonies would relinquish their independence and accept the creation of a federal government with power over their autonomy as states. The Quartet is the story of this second American founding and of the men most responsible - George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. These men, with the help of Robert Morris and Gouverneur Morris, shaped the contours of American history by diagnosing the systemic dysfunctions created by the Articles of Confederation, manipulating the political process to force the calling of the Constitutional Convention, conspiring to set the agenda in Philadelphia, orchestrating the debate in the state ratifying conventions, and, finally, drafting the Bill of Rights to assure state compliance with the constitutional settlement. Ellis has given us a gripping and dramatic portrait of one of the most crucial and misconstrued periods in American history: the years between the end of the Revolution and the formation of the federal government. The Quartet unmasks a myth and in its place presents an even more compelling truth - one that lies at the heart of understanding the creation of the United States of America. Critic Reviews: "A brilliant account of six years during which four Founding Fathers, 'in disregard of public opinion, carried the American story in a new direction.' In a virtuosic introduction, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner Ellis maintains that Abraham Lincoln was wrong. In 1776 - four score and seven years before 1863 - our forefathers did not bring forth a new nation...Ellis reminds us that the 1776 resolution declaring independence described 13 'free and independent states.' Adopting the Constitution in 1789 created the United States, but no mobs rampaged in its favor...Ellis delivers a convincing argument that it was a massive political transformation led by men with impeccable revolutionary credentials.... This is Ellis' ninth consecutive history of the Revolutionary War era and yet another winner." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: A Wonderful Gem My high school history classes covered the American Revolution and American History from 1789 to the events which were current at the time. While the Articles of Confederation was discussed, and the reasons for the failure of the central government mentioned, little time was actually given to the process through which the US moved from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution or through the ratifying process.

Jewish Comedy Audiobook by Jeremy Dauber

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jeremy Dauber) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 11:25:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Jewish Comedy Subtitle: A Serious History Author: Jeremy Dauber Narrator: Jeremy Dauber Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 10-31-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In a major work of scholarship both erudite and very funny, Jeremy Dauber traces the origins of Jewish comedy and its development from Biblical times to the age of Twitter. Organizing his book thematically into what he calls the seven strands of Jewish comedy - including the satirical, the witty, and the vulgar - Dauber explores the ways Jewish comedy has dealt with persecution, assimilation, and diaspora through the ages. He explains the rise and fall of popular comic archetypes such as the Jewish mother, the JAP, and the schlemiel and schlimazel. And he explores an enormous range of comic masterpieces, from the Book of Esther, Talmudic rabbi jokes, Yiddish satires, Borscht Belt skits, Seinfeld, and Curb Your Enthusiasm to the work of such masters as Sholem Aleichem, Franz Kafka, the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Philip Roth, Sarah Silverman, and Jon Stewart. Members Reviews: Really makes you think about the origins of comedy Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Absolutely. There were connections made with ancient comedy that put several theological thoughts in a completely different light. It really makes you think about all that has come before as the basis of Jewish Comedy. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes. Any additional comments? Mr. Dauber has a fabulous understanding of the medium and it's history. The tone is lighthearted, but very intellectually stimulating. My favorite book! And thats saying something, because I really love books. The author loves his subject, and his People. You can truly sense it. He brings to us the benefit of a vast Jewish literacy as manifest in the Book of Genesis, the Book of Esther, the Talmud, Jewish secular literature, all of which accompanied us through Diasporas and to our sovereignty in Israel. The scope is vast, and yet he pulls it all together with skill with sensitivity and authenticity. I highly recommend this not only as a history of Jewish comedy, but also as a history of Jewish life and the values that frequently conflict in Jewish living. It is a history less of Jewish Comedy than it is of Jewish Laughter.

Mayflower Audiobook by Nathaniel Philbrick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathaniel Philbrick) — Wed, 03 May 2006 04:24:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mayflower Subtitle: A Story of Courage, Community, and War Author: Nathaniel Philbrick Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-06 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1661 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The Mayflower's religious refugees arrived in Plymouth Harbor during a period of crisis for Native Americans as disease spread by European fishermen devastated their populations. Initially the two groups, the Wampanoags, under the charismatic and calculating chief Massasoit, and the Pilgrims, whose pugnacious military officer Miles Standish was barely five feet tall, maintained a fragile working relationship. But within decades, New England would erupt into King Philip's War, a savagely bloody conflict that nearly wiped out English colonists and natives alike and forever altered the face of the fledgling colonies and the country that would grow from them. With towering figures like William Bradford and the distinctly American hero Benjamin Church at the center of his narrative, Philbrick has fashioned a fresh and compelling portrait of the dawn of American history, a history dominated right from the start by issues of race, violence, and religion. Critic Reviews: "Impeccably researched and expertly rendered, Philbrick's account brings the Plymouth Colony and its leaders...vividly to life. More importantly, he brings into focus a gruesome period in early American history." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Fascinating book about a little-understood time Mayflower is a fascinating account of a two early episodes in American History. The first period - the emigration of the Pilgrims from the Old World to the New is of course well-known, but not particularly well-understood. The basic story is there and (thankfully) the outline is what we all tend to believe. However, the details of the Pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving are nothing that you have learned in school. The initial chapters about the fitting out of the Mayflower (and the Speedwell) and the financial macinations are a bit tedious, but the story picks up very quickly with the voyage across the ocean and the landing around (but likely not on) Plymouth Rock. The second period, King Philip's War, leads directly from the first but is much less famous. It takes place 50 years later than the Pilgrim's landing and is fascinating in its own right. The background gained from the study of the events at Plymouth in the 1620's allows for a deeper understanding of King Philip's War that would have been impossible in a stand-alone context. The narrator does an excellent job with the pronounciations of the Indian proper and place names. It is a little confusing at first, but by the end of the book the names are familiar and easily recognizable. If you are interested in early Colonial history, I definitely recommend this book. A fresh and engaging perspective This book revisits the story of the passengers of the Mayflower, the preparation for the trip, the founding of the Plimoth colony, and the turbulent interaction between natives and a rapidly growing English population, leading to King Philip war in 1675. The author succeeds in bringing the characters to life by expertly presenting their perspectives, values and aspirations. The book is thoroughly researched and very engaging. The narration is outstanding. This is a wonderful book This is a wonderful book. The author tells such a compelling story that once the book was finished I found myself missing the characters. You won't be dissappointed. Fantastic Just what I was looking for.

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Audiobook by Edmund Morris

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Edmund Morris) — Fri, 04 Oct 2002 15:15:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Author: Edmund Morris Narrator: Harry Chase Format: Abridged Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-02 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 518 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Available for the first time in audio, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt is the story of seven men - a naturalist, a writer, a lover, a hunter, a ranchman, a soldier, and a politician - who merged at age 42 to become the youngest American President in history. Twenty-one years ago, this classic biography (the first volume of a planned trilogy; the second, , was published in 2001) won both the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award, and since then it has never been out of print. Listen to a conversation with . ©1979 Edmund Morris; (P)2002 Random House Inc., Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc. Critic Reviews: "A towering biography...a brilliant chronicle." (Time) "Magnificent...a sweeping narrative of the outward man and a shrewd examination of his character." (The New York Times Book Review) "Roosevelt surges out of these pages with the force of a physical presence." (The Atlantic Monthly) Members Reviews: One of the best books I've come across. This is truely a great book about one of the most interesting men in Amercian history. My only regret is that is only availabe in the abridged format. PLEASE RELEASE THE UNABRIDGED BOOK!! Entertaining History Edmund Morris has a knack for making biographies interesting. With someone like Theodore Roosevelt who is such a charismatic figure in our nation's history, he really shines. The descriptions of his trips out west made me want to head to the Dakotas to see the Badlands for myself. I really enjoyed how Morris tied together the political picture and not just the adventures of Roosevelt. Also, the narration is fantastic, the voice of Roosevelt shines through and was used appropriately throughout the reading. The last star is missing simply because I really wanted to have the unabridged version. An interesting insight into our 26th President. The optimism and positive attitude of Theodore Roosevelt cannot go unnoticed in this book. Hearing the life and history of this man of such great tenacity was thoroughly enjoyable. My only complaint about the book was that it is the first volume of a trilogy so the listener is left hanging until obtaining Theodore Rex. Well written and easy listening. History comes alive A masterful biography: detailed and factual, but also engaging and well written. You won't want to press stop! Very well read by the narrator as well. Even if you normally don't like history, you will like this book. Inspiring and informative Seldom does an audiobook's narrator make himself into such a transparent conduit of the author's words. Well read, well written, this book that made Morris famous is at the top of my audio memoirs. The only real flaws come in those moments where the abridged version has eliminated material. I looked forward to a retelling of TR's Badlands outlaw posse days, but it has been completely removed from this version.

The Oregon Trail Audiobook by Rinker Buck

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Rinker Buck) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:03:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Oregon Trail Subtitle: A New American Journey Author: Rinker Buck Narrator: Rinker Buck Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 06-30-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 682 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the best-selling tradition of Bill Bryson and Tony Horwitz, Rinker Buck's The Oregon Trail is a major work of participatory history: an epic account of traveling the entire 2,000-mile length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way, in a covered wagon with a team of mules - which hasn't been done in a century - that also tells the rich history of the trail, the people who made the migration, and its significance to the country. Spanning 2,000 miles and traversing six states from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Trail is the route that made America. In the 15 years before the Civil War, when 400,000 pioneers used it to emigrate West - historians still regard this as the largest land migration of all time - the trail united the coasts, doubled the size of the country, and laid the groundwork for the railroads. The trail years also solidified the American character: our plucky determination in the face of adversity, our impetuous cycle of financial bubbles and busts, the fractious clash of ethnic populations competing for the same jobs and space. Today, amazingly, the trail is all but forgotten. Rinker Buck is no stranger to grand adventures. The New Yorker described his first travel narrative, Flight of Passage, as "a funny, cocky gem of a book", and with The Oregon Trail he seeks to bring the most important road in American history back to life. At once a majestic American journey, a significant work of history, and a personal saga reminiscent of best sellers by Bill Bryson and Cheryl Strayed, the book tells the story of Buck's 2,000-mile expedition across the plains with tremendous humor and heart. He was accompanied by three cantankerous mules,;his boisterous brother, Nick; and an "incurably filthy" Jack Russell terrier named Olive Oyl. Includes an extended behind-the-scenes conversation with author/narrator Rinker Buck with his brother and trail companion, Nick Buck. Members Reviews: Little About The Trail - All About Him Would you try another book from Rinker Buck and/or Rinker Buck? I doubt it. The title and the subject of the book were deceptive. It should have been called - Finding Myself and My Family on the Oregon Trail. Would you ever listen to anything by Rinker Buck again? Only if it is rated high by all reviewers (the average rating of stars is misleading. Finding the median would have been more accurate.) and not if he narrates it. How did the narrator detract from the book? His reads his own book with great effort. It is stilted and often irritating. You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities? Not really... It did give a good description of mule breeding, but it could have been a short story or article. He did recommend another book at the beginning of his book that would probably be a better representation of a book on the Oregon Trail. Any additional comments? I live on the Oregon Trail. I live within 15 miles of where he passed, and I was looking for something that was more about the trail than about a man trying to find himself, having lived under the shadow of his father, and his own uncertainties. Never compare this to the works of Bill Bryson.

The United States of Absurdity Audiobook by Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - foreword

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dave Anthony) — Tue, 09 May 2017 13:24:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The United States of Absurdity Subtitle: Untold Stories from American History Author: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - foreword Narrator: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 05-09-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 152 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The creators of the podcast The Dollop present profiles of the weird, outrageous, NSFW, and downright absurd tales from American history that you weren't taught in school. The United States of Absurdity presents short, informative, and hilarious stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover the weird stories you didn't learn in history class, such as 10-Cent Beer Night, the Jackson Cheese, and the Kentucky Meat Shower. Critic Reviews: "If my history teachers in high school had been half as smart and one-tenth as entertaining as Dave and Gareth, I could probably tell you who fought in the Spanish-American War today." (Josh Olson, Oscar-nominated screenwriter for A History of Violence) "This book, just like The Dollop, will teach you things you'll wish you had learned in history class. I dare you not to be equal parts fascinated, horrified, and in stitches." (Al Madrigal, actor and comedian, The Daily Show) "Dave and Gareth have created an amazing record of historical eccentricities which, while hysterically informative, has thus far only been available for your ears. This book will take The Dollop into the uncharted territory of your eyes. And hopefully, if my many requests are heeded - there will be a scented version." (Chris Hardwick, host of @midnight and Talking Dead) Members Reviews: Fun With Useless Facts If you are a student of useless facts, this book is for you. I enjoy listening to the Dollop podcast, so thought I would check this out. The audiobook was well performed and the stories were the same brand of whacky you would expect from the Dollop, but missing the witty banter and back and forth of the show. The humor is still there but it is not the same. I would recommend this to others. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is how short it was. It clicks in at about the same length of two podcast episodes! Awesome Dave and Gareth find the lost gems of American history in their amazing, hilarious podcast. This book is a concentrated dollop of the Dollop. Buy it for friends, give it to strangers, spread the knowledge This makes history worth learning. It's stories like these that make history fun to learn. This book, like the podcast, is both hilarious and ridiculous. It is a shame all these things actually happened. What the actual fuck. Spectacular! So happy I bought the hardback book AND the Audible version! I got to have Dave and Gareth (not Gary) narrate it to me. The only bad thing about this is that I'm finished with it. Time to re-listen/reread! Great collection of absurd stories from American history If you know the podcast, The Dollop, you probably have heard these stories before, but this format gives you a new angle and a more condensed version of the stories. So I would recommend IT to listeners of the podcast. IT also is a great introdution so if you like the book you really should check out the podcast there are 260 eps waiting for you.

Empires of Light Audiobook by Jill Jonnes

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jill Jonnes) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:31:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Empires of Light Subtitle: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World Author: Jill Jonnes Narrator: Chris Sorensen Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 01-31-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 65 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the final decades of the 19th century, three brilliant and visionary titans of America's Gilded Age - Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse - battled as each vied to create a vast and powerful electrical empire. In Empires of Light, historian Jill Jonnes portrays this extraordinary trio and their riveting and ruthless world of cutting-edge science, invention, intrigue, money, death, and hard-eyed Wall Street millionaires. At the heart of the story are Thomas Alva Edison, the nation's most famous and folksy inventor, creator of the incandescent light bulb and mastermind of the world's first direct current electrical light networks; the Serbian wizard of invention Nikola Tesla, an eccentric dreamer who revolutionized the generation and delivery of electricity; and the charismatic George Westinghouse, Pittsburgh inventor and corporate entrepreneur, an industrial idealist who in the era of gaslight imagined a world powered by cheap and plentiful electricity and worked heart and soul to create it. Empires of Light is the gripping history of electricity, the "mysterious fluid", and how the fateful collision of Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse left the world utterly transformed. Critic Reviews: "A very accessible and informative historical account that will be fascinating reading for a general audience as well as those with a more specialized interest." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: Engaging Instead of writing about one of these great titans Edison, Tesla or Westinghouse, Jill Jonnes chose to write about all three in one book. Jonnes focused on the race to control electricity delivery to the country. The battle between Edison and Tesla was whether electricity should be delivered and put to use as direct or alternating current. Edison backed direct and Tesla alternating current. Westinghouse jumped into the fray to control the delivery to business and homes throughout the country. Westinghouse and Tesla teamed up to harness the Niagara Falls in 1895 to deliver electricity. According to Jonnes electricity unleashed a Second Industrial Revolution. The book is well written and meticulously researched. The book covers a broad-spectrum picture of the race to electrify the nation. The book is well organized. The book covers everything from the biographies of the three men to the science of electricity, to business and finance. Of the three men, it is Tesla that has fascinated me since I studied him in college. Jill Jonnes has her degree in history from John Hopkins University. In this book, she demonstrates the ability to portray the broad picture of history in the style of the late Stephen Ambrose. She is definitely an author to watch. The book is almost seventeen hours long. Chris Sorensen does a great job narrating the book. Sorensen is a screenwriter, playwright and award-winning audiobook narrator. Get the book vs audio version The book is nice history read as I am a fan of Tesla but the narrator of the audio has a tick that bothered me...when he gets to the end of a sentence he has certain drawl that wore thin on me and I could not finish listening to the book...I recommend getting the book vs audible version. Worst narrator on the planet. Dont waste your time I don't believe I have ever heard a more monotone, dull, boring narrator in my life.

Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition Audiobook by Kenneth C. Davis

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Kenneth C. Davis) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:44:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition Subtitle: Everything You Need to Know about American History but Never Learned Author: Kenneth C. Davis Narrator: Arthur Morey, Kenneth C. Davis, Zach McLarty, Cassandra Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 29 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 06-21-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 167 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Here, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its debut as a New York Times best seller, is the revised, updated, and expanded edition of the classic anti-textbook that changed the way we look at history. First published two decades ago, when the closing of the American mind was in the headlines, Dont Know Much About History proved Americans dont hate historyjust the dull version that was dished out in school. Now Davis has brought his groundbreaking work up to the present, including the history of an Era of Broken Trust, from the end of the Clinton administration through the recent Great Recession. This additional material covers the horrific events of 9/11 and the rise of conspiracy theorists, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina, and the failure of the New Orleans levees, the global financial meltdown, the election of Barack Obama, and the national controversy of same-sex marriage. Critic Reviews: Fun, engrossing, and significant.... History in Daviss hands is loud, coarse, painful, funny, irreverentand memorable. (San Francisco Chronicle) Members Reviews: A great history refresher Would you listen to Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition again? Why? I have listened to this book a couple of times. I originally purchased this book as a refresher on American history because my children were asking questions that I know I knew at one point but needed a quick refresher. Now I find myself skipping to the part of the book I am looking for more on. Any additional comments? The format of the book is a little odd and takes some getting used to. Once you get used to some of the book formatting that doesn't fit well in an audio book it is just fine. The other disappointment is that most of the United States Civil War has been removed and moved to it's own book. This was a pretty significant bit of history that gets glanced over. amazing amount of information very well presented amazing history book. it helps to understand how the US developed. it explains major events in an exciting style that was very enjoyable. loved it. had a great time listening. One of the best history books I've read! This book does a great job on getting you up to speed on the key points of American history, and it does so in an interesting and sometimes humorous way. Highly recommend. One of the best history books I've read. Biased overview; Confusing chronology. What disappointed you about Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition? I was hoping for an objective overview. This was not it. (Note: I am by no means a staunch conservative--more of a middle-of-the-roader--but still thought the treatment of so many periods of history were inexcusably laden with liberal biased. E.g. the vilification of corporations and free enterprise and the utter glorification of unions.) Although I applaud the ambition of the author in covering such a dense span of time, his frequent inability to portray events by facts, detached from agenda, was disappointing. Also, the fact that he chose to do it in a question/answer format, rather than in purely chronological order, made it confusing at times and difficult for the listener to put events in chronological context.

American Revolutions Audiobook by Alan Taylor

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alan Taylor) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:00:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Revolutions Subtitle: A Continental History, 1750-1804 Author: Alan Taylor Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 09-06-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 141 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The American Revolution is often portrayed as a high-minded, orderly event whose capstone, the Constitution, provided the ideal framework for a democratic, prosperous nation. Alan Taylor, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, gives us a different creation story in this magisterial history of the nation's founding. Rising out of the continental rivalries of European empires and their native allies, Taylor's Revolution builds like a ground fire overspreading Britain's mainland colonies, fueled by local conditions, destructive, hard to quell. Conflict ignited on the frontier, where settlers clamored to push west into Indian lands against British restrictions, and in the seaboard cities, where commercial elites mobilized riots and boycotts to resist British tax policies. When war erupted, patriot crowds harassed loyalists and nonpartisans into compliance with their cause. Brutal guerrilla violence flared all along the frontier, from New York to the Carolinas, fed by internal divisions as well as the clash with Britain. Taylor skillfully draws France, Spain, and native powers into a comprehensive narrative of the war that delivers the major battles, generals, and common soldiers with insight and power. With discord smoldering in the fragile new nation through the 1780s, nationalist leaders such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton sought to restrain unruly state democracies and consolidate power in a federal Constitution. Assuming the mantle of "we the people", the advocates of national power ratified the new frame of government. But their opponents prevailed in the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, whose vision of a Western "empire of liberty" aligned with the long-standing, expansive ambitions of frontier settlers. White settlement and black slavery spread west, setting the stage for a civil war that nearly destroyed the union created by the founders. Members Reviews: Best book on the American Revolution that I have read I finally got around to reading McCullough's 1776, and I read this book next. The contrast between the two books is striking. 1776 deals almost exclusively with the two Georges King George III and George Washington. Despite the year, there is only a short reference to the vote for independence on July 2 and the Declaration of Independence of July 4. It's all military history. By contrast, Taylor's book goes into the Revolutionary War in the context of other revolutionary movements in America. He certainly takes no sides; everyone comes out rather beaten up in the book the Patriots, the British, and the Loyalists. I gave the narrator only four stars because all of the Southerners he quoted, be they Virginians or Georgians, had Mississippi accents.he also consistently miss pronounce Monticello. Best history of American Revolution Allen Taylor is my favorite historian of early American history. This is my field so I have read dozens of popular and scholarly works on the subject. His perspective is new and I believe correct in placing the revolution in the context of slavery and self interest and little to do with the ideals of the Enlightenment. Also you get a much better sense that this was as much a civil war as it was a war for independence recommend for anybody interested in serious history. . . Learned a lot Very informative. Lots of info that I never knew.

Gangster Warlords Audiobook by Ioan Grillo

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ioan Grillo) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 06:09:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gangster Warlords Author: Ioan Grillo Narrator: James Cameron Stewart Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs Language: English Release date: 07-12-16 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 106 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In a ranch south of Texas, the man known as The Executioner dumps 500 body parts in metal barrels. In Brazil's biggest city, a mysterious prisoner orders hit men to gun down 41 police officers and prison guards in two days. In Southern Mexico a meth maker is venerated as a saint while enforcing Old Testament justice on his enemies. A new kind of criminal kingpin has arisen: part CEO, part terrorist, and part rock star, unleashing guerrilla attacks, strong-arming governments, and taking over much of the world's trade in narcotics, guns, and humans. What they do affects you now - from the gas in your car to the gold in your jewelry to the tens of thousands of Latin Americans calling for refugee status in the US. Gangster Warlords is the first definitive account of the crime wars now wracking Central and South America and the Caribbean, regions largely abandoned by the US after the Cold War. Author of the critically acclaimed El Narco, Ioan Grillo has covered Latin America since 2001 and gained access to every level of the cartel chain of command in what he calls the new battlefields of the Americas. Moving between militia-controlled ghettos and the halls of top policy makers, Grillo provides a disturbing new understanding of a war that has spiraled out of control - one that people across the political spectrum need to confront now. Critic Reviews: "Grillo's investigations into the cokehead brokers, dealers and professional killers who manage the supply and demand of cocaine involves him in a degree of danger.... An absorbing work of reportage." (Daily Telegraph) "Grillo is a breathtakingly intrepid reporter, diving in where police fear to tread, seeking out men who wouldn't hesitate to kill him.... A grim, gripping book." (Francis Wheen, Mail on Sunday) Members Reviews: Great book!! In depth look into the world of drugs and gang wars of latin america, highly recomended! Masterfully written Breaking the story by country and focusing on a kingpin made this incredibly easy to digest and follow. This is a great sequel to El Narco. Very Insightful This is a very insightful stirring narrative. The grittiness of the stories and brutality of it all is quite jarring. I found it to be engaging and also thought provoking. It is a look into a world that we wouldn't otherwise see or know about and the clarity provided with that look is top notch. I 100% recommend. Good until the end I enjoyed the book's straight talk, until the author put his own commentary on how to fix the problems. I disagreed, but I can understand where he's coming from when he has seen the ultra violence. Overall a very good informative book. very thorough , but he was a boring reader Just wasn't into it. was very thorough and had a lot of 3rd party stories, but was bored by the reader.

The Island at the Center of the World Audiobook by Russell Shorto

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Russell Shorto) — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:44:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Island at the Center of the World Subtitle: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America Author: Russell Shorto Narrator: Russell Shorto Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 08-16-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 81 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In a landmark work of history, Russell Shorto presents astonishing information on the founding of our nation and reveals in riveting detail the crucial role of the Dutch in making America what it is today. In the late 1960s, an archivist in the New York State Library made an astounding discovery: 12,000 pages of centuries-old correspondence, court cases, legal contracts, and reports from a forgotten society - the Dutch colony centered on Manhattan, which predated the 13 "original" American colonies. For the past 30 years, scholar Charles Gehring has been translating this trove, which was recently declared a national treasure. Now Russell Shorto has made use of this vital material to construct a sweeping narrative of Manhattan's founding that gives a startling, fresh perspective on how America began. In an account that blends a novelist's grasp of storytelling with cutting-edge scholarship, The Island at the Center of the World strips Manhattan of its asphalt, bringing us back to a wilderness island - a hunting ground for Indians, populated by wolves and bears - that became a prize in the global power struggle between the English and the Dutch. Indeed, Russell Shorto shows that America's founding was not the work of English settlers alone but a result of the clashing of these two 17th-century powers. In fact it was Amsterdam - Europe's most liberal city, with an unusual policy of tolerance and a polyglot society dedicated to free trade - that became the model for the city of New Amsterdam on Manhattan. While the Puritans of New England were founding a society based on intolerance, on Manhattan the Dutch created a free-trade, upwardly mobile melting pot that would help shape not only New York but America. The story moves from the halls of power in London and The Hague to bloody naval encounters on the high seas. The characters in the saga - the men and women who played a part in Manhattan's founding - range from the philosopher Rene Descartes to James, the Duke of York, to prostitutes and smugglers. At the heart of the story is a bitter power struggle between two men: Peter Stuyvesant, the autocratic director of the Dutch colony; and a forgotten American hero named Adriaen van der Donck, a maverick, liberal-minded lawyer whose brilliant political gamesmanship, commitment to individual freedom, and exuberant love of his new country would have a lasting impact on the history of this nation. Critic Reviews: "Astonishing.... A book that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past." ( The New York Times) "A tour de force.... The dramatic story of New York's origins is splendidly told.... A masterpiece of storytelling and first-rate intellectual history." ( The Wall Street Journal) "As readable as a finely written novel...social history in the Barbara Tuchman tradition." ( San Jose Mercury News) Members Reviews: Detailed account of early nyc history This is a very detailed history of the years covering Hudson, Stuyvesant and the early colonization of America. Only for student and lovers of history. The personalities become alive, but the intricate detail makes this far from a "summer read". Interesting but dull delivery The information contained in this book is very interesting for history buffs.

Assassination Vacation Audiobook by Sarah Vowell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Sarah Vowell) — Tue, 05 Apr 2005 04:18:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Assassination Vacation Author: Sarah Vowell Narrator: Conan O'Brien, Stephen King, Dave Eggers, Jon Stewart Format: Abridged Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 04-05-05 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3020 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From Buffalo to Alaska, Washington to the Dry Tortugas, Vowell visits locations immortalized and influenced by the spilling of politically important blood, reporting as she goes with her trademark blend of wisecracking humor, remarkable honesty, and thought-provoking criticism. We learn about the jinx that was Robert Todd Lincoln (present at the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley) and witness the politicking that went into the making of the Lincoln Memorial. The resulting narrative is much more than an entertaining and informative travelogue, it is the disturbing and fascinating story of how American death has been manipulated by popular culture, including literature, architecture, sculpture, and, the author's favorite, historical tourism. Though the themes of loss and violence are explored and we make detours to see how the Republican Party became the Republican Party, there are lighter diversions into the lives of the three presidents and their assassins, including mummies, show tunes, mean-spirited totem poles, and a 19th-century biblical sex cult. In Order of Appearance: Conan O'Brien...Robert Todd Lincoln Eric Bogosian...John Wilkes Booth Stephen King...President Abraham Lincoln Dave Eggers...Mike Ryan Catherine Keener...Gretchen Worden Jon Stewart...President James A. Garfield Tony Kushner...John Humphrey Noyes Brad Bird...Charles Guiteau & Emma Goldman Daniel Handler...President William McKinley Greg Giraldo...President Theodore Roosevelt David Rakoff...Leon Czolgosz Critic Reviews: "Vowell has a perspective on American history that is definitely funny." (School Library Journal) "Wacky, weirdly enthralling....This is history at its most morbid and most fascinating and, fortunately, one needn't share Vowell's interest in the macabre to thoroughly enjoy this unusual tour." (Publishers Weekly) "An engaging tour....Audiobook listeners get serious bang for their buck, including guest appearances by Stephen King (as Lincoln), Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien, and Eric Bogosian, among others." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: extremely entertaining and informative There's a moment in this book where Sarah Vowell is being told about the history of the Dry Tortugas National Park by a park ranger with such infectious enthusiasm for his subject that Ms. Vowell relates that she felt giddy listening to him, as if visiting the Dry Tortugas was one of the very luckiest things that could happen to a girl. That's what listening to "Assassination Vacation" was like for me. The material is extremely interesting--this book covers the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley, including related details about the strange sexual ideology of the Oneida community, John Wilkes Booth's brother's illustrious career as a Shakespearean actor, and Vowell's 3-year-old nephew's obsession with graveyards. More importantly, Vowell's enthusiasm for her subject conveyed by her Lisa Simpson-soprano is so infectious that I wanted to book a trip to the Dry Tortugas to see where John Wilkes Booth's doctor was imprisoned myself. This is a really fun listen replete with gee-whiz factoids I can't stop relating to my friends. The connections between the three different assassinations discussed here are expecially fascinating. Vowell's patriotism is also inspiring.

The Zimmermann Telegram Audiobook by Barbara W. Tuchman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Barbara W. Tuchman) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:15:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Zimmermann Telegram Author: Barbara W. Tuchman Narrator: Wanda McCaddon Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 03-18-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 621 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In the dark winter of 1917, as World War I was deadlocked, Britain knew that Europe could be saved only if the United States joined the war. But President Wilson remained unshakable in his neutrality. Then, with a single stroke, the tool to propel America into the war came into a quiet British office. One of countless messages intercepted by the crack team of British decoders, the Zimmermann telegram was a top-secret message from Berlin inviting Mexico to join Japan in an invasion of the United States. Mexico would recover her lost American territories while keeping the U.S. occupied on her side of the Atlantic. How Britain managed to inform America of Germany's plan without revealing that the German codes had been broken makes for an incredible, true story of espionage, intrigue, and international politics, as only Barbara W. Tuchman could tell it. Critic Reviews: A true, lucid thriller. Mrs. Tuchman makes the most of it with a creative writers sense of drama and a scholars obeisance to the evidence. (New York Times) The tale has most of the ingredients of an Eric Ambler spy thriller. (Saturday Review) Members Reviews: US entry to World War I I first heard about the Zimmerman Telegram a long time ago when in High School taking a U.S. History class. The telegram was mentioned as the reason the U.S. entered World War I, but we were also told that there was a common view that the telegram was actually a British hoax designed to draw the U.S. into the war. I remember thinking that I wanted to know more about what happened and the validity of the telegram. Years later, when I started to actually read history for pleasure, I found that World War II consumed most of my interest in twentieth century history and I never actually got around to reading anything about the telegram. Thus, when I saw Barbara Tuchman's book on sale on Audible, I bought it thinking that finally I would find out what it was all about. I was not expecting too much, but was very pleasantly surprised. Most of this book is concerned with the events leading up to the sending of the Zimmerman Telegram and reveals a part of U.S. history that I knew very little about. The tensions between Mexico and the United States prior to World War I are reasonably well known (for example, General Pershing's assignment to track down Pancho Villa) although the details seem to have been cast into the shadows by the U. S. efforts to first keep out of World War I and then by its actions as a participant. This prelude to U.S. entry is so interesting that I find it surprising that it was not covered in detail in the history classes I took in High School or College. I have read several of Ms. Tuchman's books (The Proud Tower, A Distant Mirror, The Guns of August, Stillwell and the American Experience in China, The March of Folly) but until I read this book I never sensed any humor or sense of irony in her writing. While the events leading up to the sending of the Zimmerman Telegram were serious and involved Germany's efforts to get the United States involved in enough trouble to keep it from arming the Allies, a description of those events and the Wilson Administration's reactions to them sound more like a script from a Max Sennet comedy than the actions of a deliberative and serious government. Those who think highly of the Woodrow Wilsons handling of domestic and international affairs might find this book at odds with that view. Ms.

Revolution Song Audiobook by Russell Shorto

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Russell Shorto) — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 23:44:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Revolution Song Subtitle: A Story of American Freedom Author: Russell Shorto Narrator: Russell Shorto Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-27-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the author of the acclaimed history The Island at the Center of the World, an intimate new epic of the American Revolution that reinforces its meaning for today. With America's founding principles being debated today as never before, Russell Shorto looks back to the era in which those principles were forged. Drawing on new sources, he weaves the lives of six people into a seamless narrative that casts fresh light on the range of experience in colonial America on the cusp of revolution. While some of the protagonists - a Native American warrior, a British aristocrat, George Washington - play major roles on the field of battle, others - a woman, a slave, and a laborer - struggle no less valiantly to realize freedom for themselves. Through these lives we understand that the Revolution was, indeed, fought over the meaning of individual freedom, a philosophical idea that became a force for violent change. A powerful narrative and a brilliant defense of American values, Revolution Song makes the compelling case that the American Revolution is still being fought today and that its ideals are worth defending. Members Reviews: Russell Shorto exhibits both skill and a genuine interest in his characters Six individuals whose lives intersected during the formation of the new American nation are examined in REVOLUTION SONG, underscoring the basic principles that provoked a war and created a new kind of governance that attracted people from all over the globe --- and still does. Author Russell Shorto (THE ISLAND AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD) has painstakingly chronicled the American Revolution from the viewpoint of six people who would have necessarily perceived it differently. Most famous among the six is George Washington, whose personal will to succeed thrust him on the national and world stages in perpetuity as not only the general who led the troops who beat the British, but the politician and statesman who would aid in deciding how the victorious rebels would govern themselves. Abraham Yates was a self-made man who rose from shoemaker to lawyer to political mover in the state of New York. Lord Sackville, later Germain, was Englandâs spokesperson in the obstreperous colonies, forced to bring home the cataclysmic news of his countryâs defeat in war. Two men whose lives are less known but no less fascinating also had a stake in the rebellionâs outcome. A slave named Venture Smith bought his freedom by dint of hard work and true grit, and became a Connecticut landowner who in later years dictated his autobiography. He had never forgotten witnessing the violent, merciless murder of his father in Africa. His fatherâs refusal to divulge the location of his property inculcated the boy with an understanding that ownership is a precious boon; it would be available to him, despite his origins, in the new world. The Seneca Indian chief known as Cornplanter parlayed with the light-skinned newcomers but then allied with the British, resulting in the devastation of his people by Washington's army. The woman among the six was Margaret Moncrieffe Coghlan, daughter of a British officer stationed in the colonies. He forced her to marry a man she loathed when still in her teens. Escaping from that match, she was found and consigned to a nunnery, and escaping that confinement she was then disowned by the same patriarch, proving that women at the time had no rights whatsoever.

Privacy, Property, and Free Speech: Law and the Constitution in the 21st Century Audiobook

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:01:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Privacy, Property, and Free Speech: Law and the Constitution in the 21st Century Author: The Great Courses, Jeffrey Rosen Narrator: Professor Jeffrey Rosen Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 422 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Although the courts have struggled to balance the interests of individuals, businesses, and law enforcement, the proliferation of intrusive new technologies puts many of our presumed freedoms in legal limbo. For instance, it's not hard to envision a day when websites such as Facebook or Google Maps introduce a feature that allows real-time tracking of anyone you want, based on face-recognition software and ubiquitous live video feeds. Does this scenario sound like an unconstitutional invasion of privacy? These 24 eye-opening lectures immerse you in the Constitution, the courts, and the post-9/11 Internet era that the designers of our legal system could scarcely have imagined. Professor Rosen explains the most pressing legal issues of the modern day and asks how the framers of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights would have reacted to aspects of the modern life such as full-body scans, cell phone surveillance, and privacy in cloud servers. Called "the nation's most widely read and influential legal commentator" by the Los Angeles Times, Professor Rosen is renowned for his ability to bring legal issues alive - to put real faces and human drama behind the technical issues that cloud many legal discussions. Here he asks how you would decide particular cases about liberty and privacy. You'll come away with a more informed opinion about whether modern life gives even the most innocent among us reason to worry. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Useful overview of your rights. Good to know. I found this quite interesting and useful. It isn't a replacement for a lawyer, but it might help you figure out when your rights are being violated as well as where certain laws come from, their backgrounds and intent, etc. Really good to know. Will definitely listen to a second time around, to pick up details. Entertaining & thought-provoking. Highly recommend A well-organized and structured lecture that takes a look at constitutional law and historical legal precedent, with particular emphasis on the 4th, 5th, and 1st amendments. Professor Rosen keeps the lecture interesting and thought provoking, forcing the listener to consider their own views on the concepts described. He supports his assertions with multiple references to case law without coming across as pedantic. I would rate this as relatively "light reading" with moderate information density. The narration was good but not excellent: obviously a polished speaker, but not rising the the quality of Audible's best professional narrators. The annoying and obviously added-in-post-production applause at break points between lectures was a poor creative choice. If this is indicative of the other "great courses" audiobooks I look forward to listening to more. Dire straights Im not an American. Im a Canadian. But I lived in the US for a number of years and have American family that I am very fond of. When I was younger I thought of the US as a grand experiment in democracy. Americans valued personal freedom and civil liberties like no other nation on Earth and the benefits of that kind of respect for individual citizen was paying dividends as the US grew in wealth and respect.

The Age of Gold Audiobook by H.W. Brands

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (H.W. Brands) — Thu, 11 Dec 2003 23:13:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Age of Gold Subtitle: The California Gold Rush and the New American Dream Author: H.W. Brands Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 12-11-03 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 190 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: When gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill on the American River, it completely transformed the territory of California. Hundreds of thousands of people sped to California by any means possible, and small cities sprung up to service their needs as they sought the precious metal. By 1850, California had become a state; it had also become a symbol of where the nation was going. Great fortunes were made by such memorable figures as John Fremont, Leland Stanford, and George Hearst; great fortunes were lost by those who are now along history's wayside. The Gold Rush had a profound effect on the way Americans viewed their destinies, as the new get-rich-quick ethos prevailed over the old Puritan mores of hard work. H.W. Brands' masterful narrative discloses the whole story. ©2002 H.W. Brands (P)2002 Books On Tape, Inc. Critic Reviews: "With solid research and a sprightly narrative, Brands's portrait of the gold rush is an enlightening analysis of a transformative period for California and America." (Publishers Weekly) "Brands writes history as the art of storytelling that enthralls and informs the reader. Highly recommended." (Library Journal) "An important work of history." (Booklist) "Exuberant....Entertaining, lively....Brands [is] a wonderfully skilled narrative historian." (Los Angeles Times) "An engrossing, multifaceted history." (The New York Times) Members Reviews: Very Enjoyable I'm now about a third of the way through "The Age of Gold" and I'm hooked. It's a very interesting social history of the gold rush, and has certainly managed to increase yet further my interest in this period of history. HW Brands shares the stories of a diverse range of people affected by the rush, and explains how they became united by the discovery of gold in California. I was enthralled by the original testimonies of many of the gold hunters. Brands frequently quotes diaries and letters and these have given me a much deeper insight into the period - although I had known that the trip to California was far from easy, I've been shocked at quite how bad it was at times! I would certainly recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in the gold rush, or American history, society and culture. In my opinion, it's a fascinating story of a fascinating time and the only reason I haven't given it five stars is because this is my first Audible download, and so I don't yet have other books to which to compare it! Engrossing and informative Again, the author brings history to life! A gripping telling of the stories behind the historical period. Gold Rush and beyond! This is the most complete book I have ever read about the California Gold Rush! The book follows prospectors to California from all over the globe. How they fared and what happened after the Gold Rush of 49. Besides the rush for gold The Age of Gold also does a good job with the histories of John C. Fremont. Leland Stanford, M. Vallejo, A. Sutter, and many many more. Also mentioned, in this book, is how the gold effected Later Day Saints, The Civil War, Transcon. Railroad, Pony Express, just to mention a few. If you love history you will love this book! A great slice of history This is a another great slice of history that fills out the narrative of the American experience. H.W.

Valiant Ambition Audiobook by Nathaniel Philbrick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathaniel Philbrick) — Tue, 10 May 2016 07:55:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Valiant Ambition Subtitle: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution Author: Nathaniel Philbrick Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 05-10-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 897 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of In The Heart of the Sea and Mayflower comes a surprising account of the middle years of the American Revolution and the tragic relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. In September 1776 the vulnerable Continental Army, under an unsure George Washington (who had never commanded a large force in battle), evacuates New York after a devastating defeat by the British army. Three weeks later, near the Canadian border, one of his favorite generals, Benedict Arnold, miraculously succeeds in postponing the British naval advance down Lake Champlain that might have ended the war. Four years later, as the book ends, Washington has vanquished his demons, and Arnold has fled to the enemy after a foiled attempt to surrender the American fortress at West Point to the British. After four years of war, America is forced to realize that the real threat to its liberties might not come from without but from within. Valiant Ambition is a complex, controversial, and dramatic portrait of a people in crisis and the war that gave birth to a nation. The focus is on loyalty and personal integrity, evoking a Shakespearean tragedy that unfolds in the key relationship of Washington and Arnold, who is an impulsive but sympathetic hero whose misfortunes at the hands of self-serving politicians fatally destroy his faith in the legitimacy of the rebellion. As a country wary of tyrants suddenly must figure out how it should be led, Washington's unmatched ability to rise above the petty politics of his time enables him to win the war that really matters. Critic Reviews: "This fascinating audiobook is further lifted by narrator Scott Brick's impressive performance.... The times and the men, after all, combined for high drama. Brick's rendition captures it well." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Fantastic book that every American should read I loved everything about Valiant Ambition. Other biographical or historical accounts of the Revolutionary War tend to be dull, lifeless, academic affairs. This book brings the characters and stories of the Revolution to life in a vibrant way. From Washington to Arnold to all the men and women around them, the book breathes life into names and places that are not done justice by drier histories or accounts. Valiant Ambition succeeds in capturing the desperation of the war, and it even succeeds in making some deeper political and philosophical points. It is, put simply, the best book on George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Revolutionary War I've ever read. The narrator is also excellent, making this already engrossing book darn near dangerous. Be warned: You won't be able to stop once you press play. Not his best Work... I had been waiting patiently for another book by Philbrick, hoping for another classic to add to my book shelf/audio collection. I've read them all, and I generally like what he writes about and how. This one just didn't keep me interested.

The Dead Hand Audiobook by David E. Hoffman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David E. Hoffman) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:21:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Dead Hand Subtitle: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and its Dangerous Legacy Author: David E. Hoffman Narrator: Bob Walter Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-09 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 845 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize, General Nonfiction, 2010 During the Cold War, world superpowers amassed nuclear arsenals containing the explosive power of one million Hiroshimas. The Soviet Union secretly plotted to create the "Dead Hand," a system designed to launch an automatic retaliatory nuclear strike on the United States, and developed a fearsome biological warfare machine. President Ronald Reagan, hoping to awe the Soviets into submission, pushed hard for the creation of space-based missile defenses. In the first full account of how the arms race finally ended, The Dead Hand provides an unprecedented look at the inner motives and secret decisions of each side. Drawing on top-secret documents from deep inside the Kremlin, memoirs, and interviews in both Russia and the United States, David Hoffman introduces the scientists, soldiers, diplomats, and spies who saw the world sliding toward disaster and tells the gripping story of how Reagan, Gorbachev, and many others struggled to bring the madness to an end. When the Soviet Union dissolved, the danger continued, and the United States began a race against time to keep nuclear and biological weapons out of the hands of terrorists and and rogue states. Critic Reviews: "A stunning feat of research and narrative. Terrifying." (John le Carré) "In The Dead Hand, David Hoffman has uncovered some of the Cold War's most persistent and consequential secrets - plans and systems designed to wage war with weapons of mass destruction, and even to place the prospective end of civilization on a kind of automatic pilot. The book's revelations are shocking; its narrative is intelligent and gripping. This is a tour de force of investigative history." (Steve Coll, author of Ghost Wars and The Bin Ladens) Members Reviews: Credible study into Russia's weapons programmes This certainly was an in depth study of the weapons systems created by both the Soviet Union and to a lesser extent America; the politics surrounding them, and the consequences of their creation. It is clear the author researched the subject deeply in this academic standard publication. That some subjects were only discussed in passing was because they were peripheral to the subject of the book; lightly covered is not the same as simplistic and this is far from simplistic book. It is rare to find a book of this standard in audible. Usually they are in university bookstores. That Foreign Affairs rates this book highly speaks for itself also. More please. Essential listening for cold war students. Eye opening I would strongly disagree with the reviewer who called it "asinine." The author is not sympathetic to one side or another, he mostly presents a factual history of the end of the cold war. He DOES however attempt to relate what Gorbachev and Reagan were thinking during tense moments by quoting from their personal notes and diaries. It does allow the author to paint a more human picture of Gorbachev, one of a man who was interested in ending the arms race. Perhaps this ins't palatable to someone who grew up mid-century and understandably objects to any gentle portrayal of Soviet leadership. It also paints an interesting picture of Reagan - who like Bush II - was obsessed by technological possibility.

The Industrial Revolution Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 02:29:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Industrial Revolution Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Patrick N. Allitt Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-14 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 801 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From electric lights to automobiles to the appliances that make our lives easier at work and at home, we owe so much of our world to the Industrial Revolution. In this course, The Great Courses partners with the Smithsonian - one of the world's most storied and exceptional educational institutions - to examine the extraordinary events of this period and uncover the far-reaching impact of this incredible revolution. Over the course of 36 thought-provoking lectures, longtime Great Courses favorite Professor Allitt introduces you to the inventors, businessmen, and workers responsible for transforming virtually every aspect of our lives and fueling one of the greatest periods of innovation in human history. The technological achievements of this era are nothing short of astonishing. Thanks to inventions such as the steam engine and processes such as large-scale iron smelting, industrial entrepreneurs were able to mechanize labor, which allowed for a host of new efficiencies such as division of labor, mass production, and global distribution. You'll discover the science behind some of the most astounding inventions in modern history, including the spinning jenny, the incandescent light bulb, and the computer processor. You'll learn how these inventions came about and consider what effects these technologies had on every aspect of human life. Get an inside look at the history of industrial innovation and explore the lives of engineers, inventors, architects, and designers responsible for changing the world - as well as ordinary workers who lost their livelihoods to new technologies and suffered from unsafe working conditions. The story of the Industrial Revolution is complex, and these lectures will leave you with a new appreciation for the amazing human achievements all around us. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Incredibly entertaining, balanced, comprehensive Any additional comments? This was a spectacularly well-researched, comprehensive and entertaining look at what has arguably been most important driving force of modern history. Patrick Allitt beautifully balances this tour of the big picture forces and trends that drove massive societal change with the fascinating personal stories of many, many individuals who played pivotal roles in driving these changes in their respective societies (the focus is appropriately first on Great Britain and then shifts to the people and parallel developments in the U.S. and other parts of the world). I listened to this course immediately after finishing another of The Great Courses called Big History (also very highly recommended). It was the perfect follow-up, as that title puts the human Industrial Revolution in perspective as the latest era in a 13 billion year trend of increasing complexity in our universe. But that's another course.. I have listened to 4 or 5 of Professor Allitt's courses from The Great Courses series and they are all uniformly excellent. He gifted both as a scholar and as a storyteller. Highly recommended. 5 Stars! The story of human progress through technology In The Industrial Revolution lecture series Prof Patrick N.

The Big Rich Audiobook by Bryan Burrough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bryan Burrough) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:09:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Big Rich Subtitle: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes Author: Bryan Burrough Narrator: James Jenner Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 03-26-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 361 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: While hobnobbing with movie stars and presidents, the Big Rich also created the legend of the swaggering Texas oilman with island hideaways and sprawling ranches. Critic Reviews: "John Dunning is a master." (USA Today) Members Reviews: Houston Oilman I have been in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years and now live in Houston. Thus, the story was interesting to me at first. About 3/4 of the way through the reading, I began to lose interest. If you are not in the business or not a Texan, then this book may bore you. Fascinating early history of Texas oil Would you try another book from Bryan Burrough and/or James Jenner? I really enjoyed the narration from James Jenner, often some of these audio books are monotone in delivery but he really conveyed the character of the people discussed in the book. The historical perspective and story telling is the strongest part of Burrough's writings and although I'm not particularly conservative myself I found political and character analysis the weakest part of the book. Not to undermine that I appreciate the great effort of the writing, however I think at least for the audio format the story became too long and felt a little rambling. As a Native Texan, I found this a great read Historical and Accurate. I don't live in Texas now, but ah the memories it brought back and ones I never knew. Did you know that during the Great Depression, the East Texas Oil Fields were booming and work was plentiful. Thsi goes over the nail biting deals, debt and fortunes made during this days. A very exciting historical book. I highly recommend it. Fascinating Story, Well Researched, Good Reader I had heard of many of the people and happenings that were covered in this book. However, I didn't know the details and how the people fitted together. This book put things in perspective and made a fascinating overview. Highly recommended!! Big, Sordid, Fascinating, PoliticallyCorrect This is a fun tour. It's particularly strong on the early years of H.L. Hunt, Roy Murchison and Sid Richardson (the Bass family founder). The book loses its way a bit with the big detour through the Glenn McCarthy story (which deserves its own book). The main problem with the book is Burrough's strident liberal political correctness. It's "ultra-conservative" this and "ultra-conservative" that over and over again. Burroughs can't fathom why any of these people, whom he otherwise admires, might not be political liberals, and he gives one ludicrous sociological explanation after another to account for it. The answer, of course, is that all of these folks were men and women of their times and were very much in the mainstream of their era. There is also the possibility that people like H.L Hunt, who were right about quite a few things where others were not, might possibly have been right about most of their political views, as well. That America MIGHT owe them a debt of gratitude. Burroughs thinks such an idea ludicrous. The men were political laughingstocks, he says over and over again. But if you can make it through the cloying apologies to his political masters (his editor and the reviewers, one supposes), the remainder of the book is a wonderful romp through a fascinating epoch of American history. And there are quite a few ecstatic, sordid, weird and wild moments along the way, from H.L.

Triangle Audiobook by David Von Drehle

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Von Drehle) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:24:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Triangle Subtitle: The Fire That Changed America Author: David Von Drehle Narrator: Barrett Whitener Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 06-21-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 110 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: On March 25, 1911, as workers were getting ready to leave for the day, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York's Greenwich Village. Within minutes it spread to consume the building's upper three stories. Firemen who arrived at the scene were unable to rescue those trapped inside: their ladders simply weren't tall enough. People on the street watched in horror as desperate workers jumped to their deaths. The final toll was 146 people - 123 of them women. It was the worst disaster in New York City history. This harrowing yet compulsively readable book is both a chronicle of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and a vibrant portrait of an entire age. It follows the waves of Jewish and Italian immigration that inundated New York in the early years of the century, filling its slums and supplying its garment factories with cheap, mostly female labor. It portrays the Dickensian work conditions that led to a massive waist-workers strike in which an unlikely coalition of socialists, socialites, and suffragettes took on bosses, police, and magistrates. Von Drehle shows how popular revulsion at the Triangle catastrophe led to an unprecedented alliance between idealistic labor reformers and the supremely pragmatic politicians of the Tammany machine. David Von Drehle orchestrates these events into a drama rich in suspense and filled with memorable characters: the tight-fisted Shirtwaist kings Max Blanck and Isaac Harris; Charles F. Murphy, the shrewd kingmaker of Tammany Hall; blue-blooded activists like Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan; reformers Frances W. Perkins and Al Smith. Most powerfully, he puts a human face on the men and women who died on March 25th. Triangle is a vibrant and immensely moving account of the hardships of New York City life in the early part of the 20th century, and how this event transformed politics and gave rise to urban liberalism. Members Reviews: Fantastic! Amazing. Though it's a nonfiction book, it paints a picture with a narrative that feels like fiction to put the reader right there among the strikers and the fire victims. This story should be required for everyone studying women's history. A VERY TOUCHING ACCOUNT OF HISTORY ALMOST LOST. I Couldn't help but to shed tests at this true account out of our history If you like this kind of history book its great. Its nice to hear the whole story on something. Maybe one day we will get to read a book that puts September 11th into a nice little package. SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED "THE UNIONS OF NEW YORK" THE NARRATOR SPEAKS SO SLOW HE CAN PUT YOU TO SLEEP. A LONG, LONG BOOK. THIS IS MY FIRST REVIEW AFTER YEARS OF USING AUDIBLE, BUT I JUST HAD TO SAID IT.

Nothing Like It in the World Audiobook by Stephen E. Ambrose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen E. Ambrose) — Fri, 08 Sep 2000 20:07:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Nothing Like It in the World Subtitle: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869 Author: Stephen E. Ambrose Narrator: Jeffrey DeMunn Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-00 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 521 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Nothing Like It in the World is the story of the men who built the transcontinental railroad. In Ambrose's hands, this enterprise comes to life. The U.S. government pitted two companies - the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railroads - against each other in a race for funding, encouraging speed over caution. As its peak the work force approached the size of Civil War armies, with as many as 15,000 workers on each line. The surveyors, the men who picked the route, lived off buffalo, deer, and antelope. In building a railroad, there is only one decisive spot - the end of the track. Nothing like this great work had ever been seen in the world when the last spike - a golden one - was driven in Promontory Peak, Utah, in 1869, as the Central Pacific and Union Pacific tracks were joined. Ambrose writes with power and eloquence about the brave men - the famous and the unheralded, ordinary men doing the extraordinary - who accomplished the spectacular feat that made the continent into a nation. Critic Reviews: "... telling of the railroad's physical construction will be a sure winner with the author's legions of readers." (Booklist) "... bears the reader on shoulders of wonder and excitement." (The New York Times) Members Reviews: I really wanted to like this book. First of all, I think there was a change of narrators at some point, because my version was superb, while the narration offered in the sample on this page was as terrible as many earlier reviewers suggest. So, for the record, the narrator problem appears to have been fixed. Unfortunately, the basic flaws of story telling remain problematic. I've read many works by Ambrose and have adored them all. This book fell flat for me. Thud. Just when it seemed about to get interesting, it diverged into a morass of not-so-consequential tangents that were hard to endure. Good Book, Poor Narration and Audio Quality The book is good if you are interested in history, which I am. The building of the transcontinental railroad is described in detail. The problem is the narration and sound quality. The narrator speaks softly -- barely above a whisper -- and with very little energy. He does, however, speak naturally, which is a plus. His quiet delivery is made worse by the uneven audio quality. You have to turn the volume way up to hear him, and there is a noticeable hiss which can be maddening. The delivery does not do justice to an otherwise fine book. A tragic waste What could have been a truly fascinating book is, als ruined by the pairing of this narrator. The same man read Stephen King's Dreamcatcher, and was excellent, but this material and his style are a recipe for droning disaster. I love other books by this author, and am fascinated with railroad lore, but this was a trial to endure. Imagine endless shopping lists being read by a calm, even tone...it was a tragedy. One notable exception in otherwise excellent work from both the author and narrator. A new narrator please! I have heard several of the Ambrose books and liked them; however, the narrator ruined this book. I found him boring and even worse ? hard to hear and understand. Great reading, but .... This is a wonderful book, well researched by the renowned Stephen Ambrose. The reading or audio performance was outstanding--perfectly suited to the story--quiet, reflective, subtle.

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Audiobook by Karen Abbott

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Karen Abbott) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:04:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Subtitle: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War Author: Karen Abbott Narrator: Karen White Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 09-02-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 286 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Karen Abbott, the New York Times best-selling author of Sin in the Second City and "pioneer of sizzle history" (USA Today), tells the spellbinding true story of four women who risked everything to become spies during the Civil War. Karen Abbott illuminates one of the most fascinating yet little-known aspects of the Civil War: The stories of four courageous women - a socialite, a farmgirl, an abolitionist, and a widow - who were spies. After shooting a Union soldier in her front hall with a pocket pistol, Belle Boyd became a courier and spy for the Confederate army, using her charms to seduce men on both sides. Emma Edmonds cut off her hair and assumed the identity of a man to enlist as a Union private, witnessing the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The beautiful widow, Rose O'Neale Greenhow, engaged in affairs with powerful Northern politicians to gather intelligence for the Confederacy, and used her young daughter to send information to Southern generals. Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Richmond abolitionist, hid behind her proper Southern manners as she orchestrated a far-reaching espionage ring, right under the noses of suspicious rebel detectives. Using a wealth of primary source material and interviews with the spies' descendants, Abbott seamlessly weaves the adventures of these four heroines throughout the tumultuous years of the war. With a cast of real-life characters including Walt Whitman, Nathaniel Hawthorne, General Stonewall Jackson, detective Allan Pinkerton, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Emperor Napoleon III, Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy draws you into the war as these daring women lived it. Members Reviews: Shockingly Bad Narrator What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? A different narrator would have helped a great deal. It's hard to understand how this style of narration could have been permitted. She reads in an artificially stilted cadence presumably meant to evoke a serious tone, and perhaps to signify direct quotations in the text. It is awful and completely distracting from the story. How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable? A different narrator. It was often hard to follow the content due to the problems noted above with the narrator. Sensational! What a freaking thrill ride. Karen Abbott found four of the most interesting and well-documented women in the Civil War and took off like a shot. One narcissist, two socialites, one cross-dresser, all spies. I'm relatively knowledgeable about the American Civil War thanks to my father and the constant rehashing of the history from 4th grade through high school. Never before have I read something that gets so perfectly in depth about what the hell happened in Richmond. The microfocus on this particular city lends more depth and humanity to each person we meet--whether that's Pinkerton (mhmm, how did you think they started?) or Stonewall Jackson (yeah, he's there, too.) It was a great look at how thoroughly incompetent some of the Union Generals were. This is less a history-written-by-the-winners... there's a lot of facepalming over McClellan. Anyway, give it a listen. The narrator, Karen White, was not great. 3 of 5 stars for her.

Manhunt Audiobook by James L. Swanson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James L. Swanson) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 12:25:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Manhunt Subtitle: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Author: James L. Swanson Narrator: Jonathan Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 08-09-16 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin, John Wilkes Booth, led Union cavalry and detectives on a wild 12-day chase through the streets of Washington, DC, across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror and sadness. James L. Swanson's Manhunt is a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as you've never listened to it before. Members Reviews: Totally fascinating Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying this exciting account. Who was your favorite character and why? All the characters are vivid and so interesting. Which character as performed by Jonathan Davis was your favorite? Booth, of course. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Relive history! Any additional comments? Even with knowing the outcome, we were riveted. Written by a Booth fanboy. I thought this was going to be told from these investigative side, but it was told from the criminal side. The author sounds like a Booth apologist, like he admired that man. I didn't like this book. Booth was a narcissist and a murderer and his decision to kill President Lincoln was based on one thing: racism.

Albion's Seed Audiobook by David Hackett Fischer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Hackett Fischer) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 00:19:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Albion's Seed Subtitle: Four British Folkways in America, Vol. 1 Author: David Hackett Fischer Narrator: Julian Elfer Format: Unabridged Length: 29 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 193 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: This fascinating audiobook is the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, from the earliest English settlements to our own time. It is a history of American folkways as they have changed through time, and it argues a thesis about the importance for the United States of having been British in its cultural origins. While most people in the United States today have no British ancestors, they have assimilated regional cultures which were created by British colonists, even while preserving ethnic identities at the same time. In this sense, nearly all Americans are "Albion's Seed," no matter what their ethnicity may be. The concluding section of this remarkable audiobook explores the ways that regional cultures have continued to dominate national politics from 1789 to 1988, and still help to shape attitudes toward education, government, gender, and violence, on which differences between American regions are greater than between European nations. Members Reviews: This is great, much more than title suggests Would you consider the audio edition of Albion's Seed to be better than the print version? The narrator was great and when it came to comparing accents and usage of words listening was better than reading. What was one of the most memorable moments of Albion's Seed? So much history that I never understood. The first British settlers shaped the USA as it is now in everything from cooking to the Presidents. This book brings history alive. Which scene was your favorite? Not so much a scene, but I did enjoy reading of the marriage customs in the different parts of hte country. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? No. It isn't that kind of book. I had a lot of moments of "that's where that came from." Any additional comments? This book makes the early years of American History so easy to understand. The time before Independence is explained and the reasons for later history up to the modern day make sense when these basic differences of early settlement regions are understood. Good New History This is a new way of looking at history and makes much more sense than Wars, Generals and Regimes - it looks at a whole society and how it functions. It's probably not for everyone because it is scholarly, using the primary source material of comparative folklore, but the overall themes should be shared with everyone, perhaps even in secondary school texts, because it makes the mixture of people in the US much easier to understand. There were four areas in England from which the early settlers care, and we evolved from those cultures, even us latecomers. We adopted the ethics and habits of either the Puritians (northeast), Quakers (mid-Atlantic), aristocracy (south) or northern (Scottish/Irish) borderers (rural mid-south). If this type of history becomes common, we can see how all cultures contributed to America. Albion's Seed: Wow So much information in one book Would you listen to Albion's Seed again? Why? Yes I will listen to this book again there is so much information to take in it can't be done in one reading; However the vast amount of information and origins of folk practices we still do to this day, and don't know why, are fascinating. The wedding customs are a riot and some downright wacky .... but it gets very serious in places...

Spycraft Audiobook by Robert Wallace, Henry Robert Schelsinger

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert Wallace) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:03:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Spycraft Subtitle: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs from Communism to Al-Qaeda Author: Robert Wallace, Henry Robert Schelsinger Narrator: David Drummond Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 07-10-08 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 828 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: If these sound like the stuff of science fiction or imaginary tools of James Bond's gadget-master Q's trade, think again. They are real-life devices created by the CIA's Office of Technical Service. Now, in the first book ever written about this ultrasecretive department, the former director of OTS teams up with an internationally renowned intelligence historian to give listeners an unprecedented look at the devices and operations deemed "inappropriate for public disclosure" by the CIA just two years ago. Spycraft tells amazing life-and-death stories about this little-known group, much of it never before revealed. Against the backdrop of some of America's most critical periods in recent history - including the cold war, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war on terror - the authors show the real technical and human story of how the CIA carries out its missions. Critic Reviews: "Forget James Bond's famous 'Q' and Hollywood, this is the most remarkable and revealing book ever published about the history and technology of spying." (Peter Earnest, executive director, International Spy Museum) Members Reviews: Unique, informative history of the CIA This is truly a unique book -- a long, unique book. However, potential readers (listeners) should not be intimidated by its sheer length. To the contrary, its varied themes, part CSI, part spy stories, part behind-the-scenes history, make it an interesting and entertaining collection. At first glance, it may appear that this book was written just for those who enjoy reading spy novels and Popular Mechanics, or Popular Electronics. The technical details are adequate to tell the amazing story of the CIA's engineers and technicians, but they may not satisfy dedicated technophiles. This is not a "how-to" book. After all, there are security concerns about releasing the material in this book, and the authors obviously want to tell the story of these resourceful, creative CIA officers to as wide an audience as possible. By avoiding excessive technical minutiae, they were successful in keeping the book informative, yet readable. With all of the post 9-11 CIA memoirs and histories that have been released in the past several years, it is difficult to decide what to read about this organization that plays such an important role in our nation's defense and security. However, this book, due to its unique technical insider perspective, stands out from these others as a "must read" for anyone who seeks to have an understanding and appreciation of the CIA's past, and more importantly, its future. Spycraft Spycraft, an important work that must be listen to/read and understood, especially in light of cooling relations with the Russians(once again). Anyone who has lived through the cold war will remember the tensions of the 'doomsday' clock and how it colored our world. As I remembered living through those times I felt there was an under current beyond our perception, struggling for domiance. This book details the struggle and fills in all the things you thought must have been happening. One of the best espionage related books availble! If you are interested in the CIA or espionage, you must purchase this book. I learned more from this book than from all the other books I have read on the CIA combined.

The Witches Audiobook by Stacy Schiff

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stacy Schiff) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 02:40:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Witches Subtitle: Salem, 1692 Author: Stacy Schiff Narrator: Eliza Foss Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 10-27-15 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 517 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cleopatra, the number-one national best seller, unpacks the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials. It began in 1692, over an exceptionally raw Massachusetts winter, when a minister's daughter began to scream and convulse. It ended less than a year later, but not before 19 men and women had been hanged and an elderly man crushed to death. The panic spread quickly, involving the most educated men and prominent politicians in the colony. Neighbors accused neighbors, parents and children each other. Aside from suffrage, the Salem Witch Trials represent the only moment when women played the central role in American history. In curious ways, the trials would shape the future republic. As psychologically thrilling as it is historically seminal, The Witches is Stacy Schiff's account of this fantastical story - the first great American mystery unveiled fully for the first time by one of our most acclaimed historians. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Really annoying narration Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Eliza Foss's reading makes me feel like I'm at a kindergarten story hour. I'm 3 hours in and just hating it. Wordy Enjoyed the book but I thought it was incredibly wordy. The reader had a tone in her voice that I didn't like. She sounded sarcastic or bratty. The Witches by Stacy Schiff I think I would like this book, but I do not like the audiobook. The reading should have been more straightforward. It sounds too cutesy, like everything is an inside joke, not like a a non-fiction book at all. I won't finish listening to it, as I don't want the audiobook to ruin the book for me. I will read it myself. Excellently Detailed! This dark time in U.S. history has always been of interest to me. The author, and narrator, have the unique ability of bringing the past to life, in this extraordinary novel! I do love the details, however, which may seem a nuisance to others. The whole story is in the details. I was emotionally wrecked and angered by the people too afraid to stop the madness, and absolutely full of hatred for those who manipulated the situation. Every side of humanity was brought to light, and I was hooked the entire time. The narrative was superb, as was the novel. I definitely recommend to lovers of this particular subject, and those looking for an in-depth historical novel. Wit and Witches Being in the field of history (especially in my field of art history) can mean a endless parade of wooden and tedious books, papers, and essays. It is a true talent to make history exciting. Stacy Schiff has that precise talent. Her book, Witches, is replete with not only horror at the events, but also a sense of wit and humor amongst the gravitas of the situation. She returns to the witch trials of Salem both their cultural magic and their realism, a balance that's hard to conjure when so many others have failed at such a task. Her footnotes brilliantly elucidate the text further and create comparisons to our culture through interjections of contemporary statements and cultural ideas. All of this, while making Puritan writing exceptionally readable and enjoyable.

First Women Audiobook by Kate Andersen Brower

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Kate Andersen Brower) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:46:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: First Women Subtitle: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies Author: Kate Andersen Brower Narrator: Karen White Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-16 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 340 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: From the number-one New York Times best-selling author of the groundbreaking backstairs look at the White House The Residence comes an intimate, news-making look at the true modern power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: the first ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama. In one of the most underestimated - and challenging - positions in the world, the first lady of the United States must be many things: an inspiring leader with a forward-thinking agenda of her own; a savvy politician, skilled at navigating the treacherous rapids of Washington; a wife and mother operating under constant scrutiny; and an able CEO responsible for the smooth operation of countless services and special events at the White House. Now, as she did in her smash number-one best seller The Residence, former White House correspondent Kate Andersen Brower draws on a wide array of untapped, candid sources - from residence staff and social secretaries to friends and political advisers - to tell the stories of the 10 remarkable women who have defined that role since 1960. Brower offers new insights into this privileged group of remarkable women, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Patricia Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama. The stories she shares range from the heartwarming to the shocking and tragic, exploring everything from the first ladies' political crusades to their rivalries with Washington figures; from their friendships with other first ladies to their public and private relationships with their husbands. She also offers a detailed and insightful new portrait of one of the most-watched first ladies of all time, Hillary Clinton, asking what her tumultuous years in the White House may tell us about her own historic presidential run...and what life could be like with the nation's first first husband. Candid and illuminating, this first group biography of the modern first ladies provides a revealing look at life upstairs and downstairs at the world's most powerful address. Members Reviews: Who is missing? This book jumps from Jackie to Ladybyrd, to Pat to Betty to Nancy,To Laura to Barbara,to Hillary , to Michelle and to all their intertwined relationships. It does so in a disorganized, circular fashion, with one glaring omission: Rosalyn . She is mentioned for very brief moments in the very beginning and end, but gets about 1/10 of the attention of the other First Ladies. No chronology and certainly not equal attention given to all Review I enjoyed the book but did not care for the narrator. She was overly and too dramatic. Found it annoying. Marnie Johnson. an Intimate Conversation with Intriguing Women. First I want to mention the narrator because so many of the reviewers disliked her. I do not agree with those reviewers. I liked Ms. White's conversational manner. I felt as though we were sitting over beverages sharing knowledge. It was a simple, quiet and intimate conversation about the first ladies. I loved it. One caveat: I listen (always) at 1.5 speed or faster so perhaps that helped. This book was a lovely introduction into a subject I knew little about and has inspired me to seek out more reading material about some of these women. I have always believed that our First Ladies are far more important and influential than most Americans want to believe.

Paul Revere's Ride Audiobook by David Hackett Fischer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Hackett Fischer) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:36:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Paul Revere's Ride Author: David Hackett Fischer Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 06-06-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Paul Revere's midnight ride looms as an almost mythical event in American history - yet it has been largely ignored by scholars and left to patriotic writers and debunkers. In Paul Revere's Ride, David Hackett Fischer fashions an exciting narrative that offers deep insight into the outbreak of revolution and the emergence of the American republic. Beginning in the years before the eruption of war, Fischer illuminates the figure of Paul Revere, a man far more complex than the simple artisan and messenger of tradition. When the alarm riders took to the streets, they did not cry, "The British are coming", for most of them still believed they were British. Within a day many began to think differently. For George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine, the news of Lexington was their revolutionary Rubicon. Paul Revere's Ride returns Paul Revere to center stage in these critical events, capturing both the drama and the underlying developments in a triumphant return to narrative history at its finest. Members Reviews: Damn Amazing work. You will learn much more than history. You will learn how to look at history. Balanced, detailed and entertaining This book is excellent for expanding your knowledge of a pivotal figure and period in American history. Finally after 13 years of wait... This great work is finally available for the listening reader! David Hackett Fischer is the consumate historian, especially for early American history fans. His use of resources more available in the last two decades combined with his objective and respectful use of previous author's writings makes for a very detailed, yet relatable look into the outbreak of the American Revolution and the life of one it's most iconic figures. A joy to read, is now a joy to listen as well. good for historians, great for military historians I very much enjoyed the beginning of this book which recounted the events leading up to Lexington and Concord. I loved the telling of Paul Revere's experiences and actions. It got a little dry for me when it turned into a military history, talking about commanders and flanks and formations. That's not my favorite. But overall, I would say that it's a well-written book. outstanding and comprehensive Loved this book. A very comprehensive look at Paul Revere and his legend. Two more words.

Thirteen Days Audiobook by Robert F. Kennedy

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert F. Kennedy) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:48:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thirteen Days Subtitle: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis Author: Robert F. Kennedy Narrator: Kurt Elftmann Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 06-11-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 77 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In October 1962, when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over its installation of missiles in Cuba, few people shared the behind-the-scenes story as it is told here by the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In this unique account, he describes the hour-by-hour negotiations, with particular attention to the actions and views of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. In a foreword to this edition, the distinguished historian and Kennedy adviser Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., discusses the book's enduring importance and the significance of new information about the crisis that has come to light from the former Soviet Union. Critic Reviews: "A minor classic in its laconic, spare, compelling evocation by a participant of the shifting moods and maneuvers of the most dangerous moment in human history." (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.) Members Reviews: Poor narration What didnt you like about Kurt Elftmanns performance? Monotone and devoid of emotion. About as exciting if he had been reading stock prices. Hard to stay focused on the story because narration was so boring. Any additional comments? I loved the movie but will have to read the printed book to fairly judge this one. An good inside look I saw the film adaptation long before I read the book. The book is interesting but I'm suspicious to a degree since "Bobbie" is a central character, and the main character is his own brother. However, given whatever flaws it may have based on those relationships, it is still an important story of one of the most frightening events of the 20th Century. RFK's original work is quite brief, but the supplementary notes are as interesting and as important as the main work. It's is interesting to note the impact of a single book, Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August had on the President, and the results that had for the outcome of the crisis. The whole approach used by the President is useful in ways far beyond nuclear diplomacy. Exceptional look at near world annihilation It brought back vivid memories of living in a home of 7 children and parents who were essentially dealing with the fear of total world destruction.

Autumn of the Black Snake Audiobook by William Hogeland

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (William Hogeland) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 03:46:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Autumn of the Black Snake Subtitle: The Creation of the U.S. Army and the Invasion That Opened the West Author: William Hogeland Narrator: Kevin Stillwell Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 06-27-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The forgotten story of how the US Army was created to fight a crucial Indian war In 1783, with the signing of the Peace of Paris, the American Revolution was complete. And yet even as the newly independent United States secured peace with Great Britain, it found itself losing an escalating military conflict on its borderlands. The enemy was the indigenous people of the Ohio Valley, who rightly saw the new nation as a threat to their existence. In 1791, years of skirmishes, raids, and quagmires climaxed in the grisly defeat of a motley collection of irregular American militiamen by a brilliantly organized confederation of Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware Indians - with nearly 1,000 US casualties, the worst defeat the nation would ever suffer at native hands. Americans were shocked, perhaps none more so than their commander in chief, George Washington, who came to a fateful conclusion: the United States needed an army. Autumn of the Black Snake tells how the early republic battled the coalition of Indians that came closer than any adversary, before or since, to halting the nation's expansion. In evocative and absorbing prose, William Hogeland conjures up the woodland battles and the hardball politics that formed the Legion of the United States, the country's first true standing army. His memorable portraits of soldiers and leaders on both sides - from the daring war chiefs Blue Jacket and Little Turtle to the doomed Richard Butler and a steely, even ruthless Washington - drive a tale of horrific violence, brilliant strategizing, stupendous blunders, and valorous deeds. This sweeping account, at once exciting and dark, builds to a crescendo as Washington and Alexander Hamilton, at enormous risk, outmaneuver Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and other skeptics of standing armies - and Washington appoints General "Mad" Anthony Wayne to lead the Legion. Wayne marches into the forests of the Old Northwest, where the very Indians he is charged with defeating will bestow on him, with grudging admiration, a new name: Black Snake. Autumn of the Black Snake is a dramatic work of military and political history, told in a colorful, sometimes startling blow-by-blow narrative. It is also an original interpretation of how greed, honor, political beliefs, and vivid personalities converged on the killing fields of the Ohio Valley, where the US Army's first victory opened the way to western settlement and established the precedent that the new nation would possess a military to reckon with. Members Reviews: reader ruins book quite a lot of interesting information here ruined by rank amateur reader with no ability to enunciate or render the story properly. printed version the way to go in this case. Great Book
Excellent book about forming of US Army and westward expansion. Many new insights and explanations.

Crow Killer Audiobook by Raymond W. Thorp, Robert Bunker

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Raymond W. Thorp) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:10:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crow Killer Subtitle: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson (Midland Book) Author: Raymond W. Thorp, Robert Bunker Narrator: Don Coltrane Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 02-19-14 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 213 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The true story (on which the film Jeremiah Johnson was partially based) of John Johnson, who in 1847 found his wife and her unborn child had been killed by Crow braves. Out of this tragedy came one of the most gripping feuds - one man against a whole tribe - in American history. Critic Reviews: It's a robust story, almost incredible...This is the stuff of folklore at its authentic best. (The New York Times Book Review) "Warrants a place on any shelf of Western Americana. (San Francisco Chronicle) Members Reviews: Great Book!!! Very informative book, fascinating stories of a time gone bye. The accents that were complained about, I found endearing. A good history lesson. What made the experience of listening to Crow Killer the most enjoyable? Nice to find out the true story. What other book might you compare Crow Killer to and why? I don't know. Would you listen to another book narrated by Don Coltrane? Sure If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? You got me. Any additional comments? Get rid of these stupid questions. Good story, slow narrator. Truly enjoyed the tale of the Liver-eater. But the narrator was a bit slow (ended up listening to the whole thing at x1.50 speed). Life and Adentures of a Mountain Man Great book, well told. Listen to it twice. Enjoyed it both times. Would recommend it to anyone interested in the history of the intrepid life of a Mounting Man. Great book, used x1.25 speed I almost didn't buy it because of the sample narration, but I'm so glad I did. Amazing story, gets better with each chapter.

A Country of Vast Designs Audiobook by Robert W. Merry

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert W. Merry) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:24:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Country of Vast Designs Subtitle: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent Author: Robert W. Merry Narrator: Michael Prichard Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 03-05-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 251 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: When James K. Polk was elected president in 1844, the United States was locked in a bitter diplomatic struggle with Britain over the rich lands of the Oregon Territory, which included what is now Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Texas, not yet part of the Union, was threatened by a more powerful Mexico. And the territories north and west of Texas - what would become California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and part of Colorado - belonged to Mexico. When Polk relinquished office four years later, the country had grown by more than a third as all these lands were added. The continental United States as we know it today was established - facing two oceans and positioned to dominate both. In a one-term presidency, Polk completed the story of America's Manifest Destiny - extending its territory across the continent, from sea to sea, by threatening England and manufacturing a controversial and unpopular two-year war with Mexico that Abraham Lincoln, in Congress at the time, opposed as preemptive. Robert W. Merry tells this story through powerful debates and towering figures: the outgoing President John Tyler and Polk's great mentor, Andrew Jackson; his defeated Whig opponent, Henry Clay; two famous generals, Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott; Secretary of State James Buchanan (who would precede Lincoln as president); Senate giants Thomas Hart Benton and Lewis Cass; Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun; and ex-president Martin Van Buren, like Polk a Jackson protégé, but now a Polk rival. This was a time of tremendous clashing forces. A surging antislavery sentiment was at the center of the territorial fight. The struggle between a slave-owning South and an opposing North was leading inexorably to Civil War. In a gripping narrative, Merry illuminates this crucial epoch in U.S. history. Critic Reviews: A compelling, perceptive portrait of one of the oddest men ever to occupy the White House. ( The Wall Street Journal) "A crucial architect of modern America, James K. Polk deserves to be elevated out of the mists of history. In this engaging book, Robert Merry does just that, recapturing the passions and personalities of a forgotten era in American life." (Jon Meacham, author of American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House) "Polk was our most underrated president. He made the United States into a continental nation. Bob Merry captures the controversial and the visionary aspects of his presidency in a colorful narrative populated by great characters such as Jackson, Clay, and Van Buren." (Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein: His Life and Universe) Members Reviews: History Repeats The Polk administration oversaw the expansion of the US from sea to shining sea. An emerging power which faced multiple wars for at least 3 of the 4 years of the administration accomplished much while trying to keep the country from splintering apart over the issue of slavery. This book provides insight into the unique personalities which fashion much of modern America.

Beyond the Hundredth Meridian Audiobook by Wallace Stegner

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Wallace Stegner) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:21:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Beyond the Hundredth Meridian Subtitle: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West Author: Wallace Stegner Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 08-20-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 138 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner recounts the remarkable career of Major John Wesley Powell, the distinguished ethnologist and geologist who explored the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, and the homeland of the Southwest Indian tribes. This classic work is a penetrating and insightful study of the Powells career, from the beginning of the Powell Survey, in which Powell and his men famously became the first to descend the Colorado River, to his eventual expulsion from the Geological Survey. In masterful prose, Stegner details the expedition, as well as the philosophies and ideas that drove Powell. Critic Reviews: "Stegner's most exciting work." (San Francisco Chronicle) The surrender of self-righteousness would be an enormous boon to the environmental cause. Acknowledging the unedited, complicated, utilitarian John Wesley Powell as an ideological parent would be a big step in that laudable direction, and it is this step that Worster's thorough and empathetic biography makes possible. (Los Angeles Times) No library of western/southwestern materials can be without this book (Books of the Southwest) Members Reviews: History repeats itself. The long views of John Wesley Powell have had a profound effect on our American lives through his work with the Smithsonian and the creation of the USGS. The powers of greed and avarice did their very best to destroy him and pretty much succeeded. Yet, his legacy has endured in spite of the intellectual midgets of his day. This book was copyrighted in 1953&1954. I have been aware of this book for years and regret taking so long to finally get to it. 5 stars across the board for Wallace Stegner and the exacting work in critically chronicling the life of John Wesley Powell. Excitment followed by a slow slog The first few chapters describing Powell first descent are incredibly well written and exciting but then Stegner turns his descriptive prose to a discussion of the ethereal beauty and geography of the plateau country. For those who delight in details, the time may be rewarding but for me, it goes on far too long. Not for the casual reader. This book is not for the casual reader, but is a delight for anyone interested in John Wesley Powell, exploration of the West, or the history of western land and water policies. Stegner is a great story teller. He gives a more nuanced explanation of Powell's exploration of the Grand Canyon than Powell himself does. Of even more interest to me was the story of Powell's career with the Geologic Service and his insight into the problems with western settlement into the "arid lands". Powell was a keen observer and was a true scientist who dealt with observable facts as opposed to the "boosterism" of western congressmen and developers. It is worthwhile reading this book just to compare Powell's observations to today's problems with water policy. Excellent! Would you consider the audio edition of Beyond the Hundredth Meridian to be better than the print version? No, but very good.

The National Parks Audiobook by Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dayton Duncan) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:02:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The National Parks Subtitle: America's Best Idea Author: Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns Narrator: Ken Burns Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-09 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 198 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: America's national parks spring from an idea as radical as the Declaration of Independence: that the nation's most magnificent and sacred places should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. In this evocative narrative, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan delve into the history of the park idea, from the first sighting by white men in 1851 of the valley that would become Yosemite and the creation of the world's first national park at Yellowstone in 1872, through the most recent additions to a system that now encompasses nearly four hundred sites and 84 million acres. The authors recount the adventures, mythmaking, and intense political battles behind the evolution of the park system, and the enduring ideals that fostered its growth. They capture the importance and splendors of the individual parks: from Haleakala in Hawaii to Acadia in Maine, from Denali in Alaska to the Everglades in Florida, from Glacier in Montana to Big Bend in Texas. And they introduce us to a diverse cast of compelling characters, both unsung heroes and famous figures, such as John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ansel Adams, who have been transformed by these special places and committed themselves to saving them from destruction so that the rest of us could be transformed as well. The National Parks is a glorious celebration of an essential expression of American democracy. Members Reviews: "See America First", and often... Being the grandson of a park ranger, I greatly appreciated this long overdue in-depth examination of how the NPS and its various parks and monuments came into being. While they gave credit where it was rightfully due for the most part, there are two instances here where they did not (hence my 4-star rating of an otherwise 5-star book): 1) The cover states "Read by the authors with a supporting cast". While Mr. Burns does read the preface and Mr. Duncan does read the afterword, the "supporting cast" does most of the reading, especially Danny Campbell. He definitely should be listed in the narrated by section, along with Ms. Farr, Mr. Ervin, Mr. Mayer, Mr. Peterson, and Ms. Raver. 2) In the book, we hear about George Melendez Wright's unsuccessful effort to turn Big Bend into an international park with Mexico, yet there is no mention of the successful effort that Rotarians in the U.S. and Canada made for creating the very first international park, uniting Canada's Waterton Lakes with Glacier. Given the amount of time Mr. Duncan has spent in Glacier, maybe this was an unintentional oversight, thinking it was always so? Wonderful look at America's conservation struggles If there was one book about America's history that I would recommend to anyone to read or listen to, this would be the one. I enjoyed the Audiobook so much, I went out and purchased the actual Hard Cover so I could read it again, but this time with my own eyes. In addition, my father who is not too big into reading, listened to a chapter with me while working and really enjoyed the book. Now he keeps asking me about how the book went and ended. This is a must have book for anyone with a love for the outdoors and our National Parks. 5 stars from this National Park junkie I have a strong emotional attachment to America's National Parks.

The Teacher Wars Audiobook by Dana Goldstein

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dana Goldstein) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:25:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Teacher Wars Subtitle: A History of Americas Most Embattled Profession Author: Dana Goldstein Narrator: Nan McNamara Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 09-02-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 248 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A brilliant young scholar's history of 175 years of teaching in America shows that teachers have always borne the brunt of shifting, often impossible expectations. In other nations, public schools are one thread in a quilt that includes free universal child care, health care, and job training. Here, schools are the whole cloth. Today we look around the world at countries like Finland and South Korea, whose students consistently outscore Americans on standardized tests, and wonder what we are doing wrong. Dana Goldstein first asks the often-forgotten question: "How did we get here?" She argues that we must take the historical perspective, understanding the political and cultural baggage that is tied to teaching, if we have any hope of positive change. In her lively, character-driven history of public teaching, Goldstein guides us through American education's many passages, including the feminization of teaching in the 1800s and the fateful growth of unions, and shows that the battles fought over nearly two centuries echo the very dilemmas we cope with today. Goldstein shows that recent innovations like Teach for America, merit pay, and teacher evaluation via student testing are actually as old as public schools themselves. Goldstein argues that long-festering ambivalence about teachers - are they civil servants or academic professionals? - and unrealistic expectations that the schools alone should compensate for poverty's ills have driven the most ambitious people from becoming teachers and sticking with it. In America's past, and in local innovations that promote the professionalization of the teaching corps, Goldstein finds answers to an age-old problem. Members Reviews: Makes one think I appreciated how this helps put into contact things I experienced as a teacher . Unprofessional tasks and data driven tasks consume time and energy that should be spent teaching students. This is a reminder that this is a job for professionals and thus needs to be treated professionally. Testing to target instruction is important when it has a place to help children learn. Learning from other teachers and sharing best practices is something to value, it was nice to hear more about it. Listening to this book on audible while driving home from work really allowed me to process the bigger picture and understand what teachers have faced all over the country throughout history. Well presented and researched This book is for anyone with an interest in education reform, especially policy makers, administrators, teachers, and parent activists. I love the mostly objective presentation of the facts, but also was pleased to hear the author's recommendations in the prologue. Informative and thought-provoking history of American education This should be a must read for everyone in the education realm, if not everyone in our country, to more deeply understand the history and challenges our education system. History of teaching and teachers in America Gain a better understanding of philosophical and political trends in the education systems of America. Why it is decentralized, yet prone to national political shifts; how students, teachers, and administrators are evaluated.

36 Books That Changed the World Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:40:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 36 Books That Changed the World Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Andrew R. Wilson, Brad S. Gregory, Charles Kimball, Daniel N. Robinson, Jerry Z. Muller, John E. Finn Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 08-22-14 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 300 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Certain works of literature, history, science, philosophy, political theory and religion offer powerful examples of how books can spark revolutions, birth great religions, spur scientific advancements, shape world economies, teach us new ways of thinking, and much more. And with this fascinating collection crafted from our extensive library of courses, you can now get a single course that represents 36 of our best lectures on literary works that changed the world. In the company of an unparalleled roster of award-winning professors from a range of disciplines, you'll get fresh perspectives on books you only thought you knew - and intriguing introductions to some works you may not have known played key roles in getting us to where we are today. These include The Analects, the Liber Abaci, A Dictionary of the English Language, The Jungle, The Feminine Mystique, and more. If you've taken another course with these professors before, get a reminder of just why you enjoyed them. And if you've never heard some of them before, who knows? You may just discover your next favorite Great Courses professor. More than that, you'll rediscover just how powerful the printed word can be. You'll also learn how the mark of a truly great book isn't that it just changes the lives of individual readers-but the lives of entire civilizations. Members Reviews: too many trees not enough forest Would you recommend 36 Books That Changed the World to your friends? Why or why not? The 36 different lectures and lecturers is a bit patchy -- some hold up as informative and delightful individual excerpts, while too many are obviously meant to be connected to the larger course. Too many are not actually about the book but rather fill in sideline tangents and other minutia. I think it is the format. I was expecting more about the actual texts and the writers. A few stand outs -- Francis Bacon, The King James Bible, The Confessions. Cut and Paste version will disappoint!! This and its companion 36 Revolutionary Figures that Changed the World, is a compilation of material created for clearly different purposes and then pasted together under a flimsy rationale. I bought both, excited by the potential, but was very disappointed. GREAT COURSES has produced many excellent, educational and informative lecture series - this is NOT one. Good Except One Lecture Would you consider the audio edition of 36 Books That Changed the World to be better than the print version? Print version is not available so cannot comment on this. What did you like best about this story? I liked the lectures from the Great Courses of TTC. Some lectures are excellent. The language clear and soothing. What three words best describe the narratorss voice? The first five lectures soothing, clear, authoritative Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Little upset with the 6th lecture, as the presenter was reading the text breathlessly, instead of narrating, unlike other lecturers. I could hear her labored breathing. Yet she wouldn't stop. Any additional comments? Never thought hearing could be so tiresome until I heard the lecture of Dr. Elezabeth Vandiver.

Desperate Passage Audiobook by Ethan Rarick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ethan Rarick) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:18:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Desperate Passage Subtitle: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West Author: Ethan Rarick Narrator: Christopher Prince Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 12-21-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 552 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In late October 1846, the last wagon train of that year's westward migration stopped overnight before resuming its arduous climb over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, unaware that a fearsome storm was gathering force. After months of grueling travel, the 81 men, women and children would be trapped for a brutal winter with little food and only primitive shelter. The conclusion is known: by spring of the next year, the Donner Party was synonymous with the most harrowing extremes of human survival. But until now, the full story of what happened--and what it tells us about human nature and about America's westward expansion--remained shrouded in myth. Drawing on fresh archeological evidence, recent research on topics ranging from survival rates to snowfall totals, and heartbreaking letters and diaries made public by descendants a century-and-a-half after the tragedy, Ethan Rarick offers an intimate portrait of the Donner party and their unimaginable ordeal: a mother who must divide her family, a little girl who shines with courage, a devoted wife who refuses to abandon her husband, a man who risks his life merely to keep his word. Rarick resists both the gruesomely sensationalist accounts of the Donner party as well as later attempts to turn the survivors into archetypal pioneer heroes. "The Donner Party," Rarick writes, "is a story of hard decisions that were neither heroic nor villainous. Often, the emigrants displayed a more realistic and typically human mixture of generosity and selfishness, an alloy born of necessity." A fast-paced, heart-wrenching, clear-eyed narrative history, Desperate Passage casts new light on one of America's most horrific encounters between the dream of a better life and the harsh realities such dreams so often must confront. Members Reviews: Very well researched story of the Donner Party Overall a very good book, I was impressed by the detail of available information presented in the book. Part 2 has the story most might know about the actual events at Donner Lake. But listening to the buildup, the wrong decisions, the just plain bad luck, as well as all the 'back story' to the other families involved in this was very interesting to me. The performance was ok, not bad but not too great either. He reads the story well, what detracted it for me was the numerous 'voice overs' where corrections were made in the reading. They were annoying to me because they're so obvious! Changes in sound quality and sometimes volume in the voice overs just got to be a bit bothersome to me. I've heard many books were the voice overs are seamless or almost totally undetectable. This isn't one of those! Again a very good story! If interested in the story of the Donner Party, I'd recommend this version especially due to the detail of the story told. I REALLY enjoyed this book I REALLY enjoyed this book. I have listened to it twice in the last three weeks - and don't want it to end. The book is narrated by Christopher Prince, who makes the book enjoyable listening. Interesting Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Probably What did you like best about this story? The book gives more information and a fuller understanding of what happened during this point in history. The term "Donner Party" has become a short hand for stupid decisions and cannibalism.

Black Against Empire Audiobook by Joshua Bloom, Waldo E. Martin Jr.

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Joshua Bloom) — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 15:33:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Black Against Empire Subtitle: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party Author: Joshua Bloom, Waldo E. Martin Jr. Narrator: Ron Butler Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 04-30-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 119 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: In Oakland, California, in 1966, community college students Bobby Seale and Huey Newton armed themselves, began patrolling the police, and promised to prevent police brutality. Unlike the Civil Rights Movement that called for full citizenship rights for blacks within the US, the Black Panther Party rejected the legitimacy of the US government and positioned itself as part of a global struggle against American imperialism. In the face of intense repression, the Party flourished, becoming the center of a revolutionary movement with powerful allies around the world. Black Against Empire is the first comprehensive overview and analysis of the history and politics of the Black Panther Party. The authors analyze key political questions, such as why so many young black people across the country risked their lives for the revolution, why the Party grew most rapidly during the height of repression, and why allies abandoned the Party at its peak of influence. Bold, engrossing, and richly detailed, this book cuts through the mythology and obfuscation, revealing the political dynamics that drove the explosive growth of this revolutionary movement and its disastrous unraveling. Critic Reviews: "A prodigiously researched work, utilizing academic literature, personal memoir, and conversations with former Black Panther members and associates...." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: the explanation of rise and fall Black Panther this was a thought provoking listen. the details of how the US government worked to discredit this movement is disturbing just a very good book Awesome book another must read for young ppl simply to understand what the real struggle is just the facts.
although it is a well trodden road. this is a well researched and concise price of work. Gives another insight of the Panthers This was a very gripping book that gave in my opinion a balanced view of the positive and negative aspects of The Panthers. The narration was wonderful, all I can say is that I would recommend this book for anybody who wants to gain a greater understanding The Panthers.

The Best Land Under Heaven Audiobook by Michael Wallis

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Michael Wallis) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 02:13:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Best Land Under Heaven Subtitle: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny Author: Michael Wallis Narrator: Michael Wallis Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 06-27-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 163 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Cutting through 160 years of mythmaking, best-selling historian Michael Wallis presents the ultimate cautionary tale of America's westward expansion. "Westward ho! For Oregon and California!" In the eerily warm spring of 1846, George Donner placed this advertisement in a local newspaper as he and a restless caravan prepared for what they hoped would be the most rewarding journey of a lifetime. But in eagerly pursuing what would a century later become known as the "American dream", this optimistic yet motley crew of emigrants was met with a chilling nightmare; in the following months, their jingoistic excitement would be replaced by desperate cries for help that would fall silent in the deadly snow-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada. We know these early pioneers as the Donner Party, a name that has elicited horror since the late 1840s. Now, celebrated historian Michael Wallis - beloved for his myth-busting portraits of legendary American figures - continues his life's work of parsing fact from fiction to tell the true story of one of the most embroidered sagas in Western history. Wallis begins the story in 1846, a momentous "year of decision" for the nation, when incredible territorial strides were being made in Texas, New Mexico, and California. Against this dramatic backdrop, an unlikely band of travelers appeared, stratified in age, wealth, education, and ethnicity. At the forefront were the Donners: brothers George and Jacob, true sons of the soil determined to tame the wild land of California; and the Reeds, headed by adventurous, business-savvy patriarch James. In total the Donner-Reed group would reach 87 men, women, and children, and though personal motives varied - bachelors thirsting for adventure, parents wanting greater futures for their children - everyone was linked by the same unwavering belief that California was theirs for the taking. Skeptical of previous accounts of how the group ended up in peril, Wallis has spent years retracing its ill-fated journey, uncovering hundreds of new documents that illuminate how a combination of greed, backbiting, and recklessness led the group to become hopelessly snowbound at the infamous Donner Pass in present-day California. Climaxing with the grim stories of how the party's paltry rations soon gave way to unimaginable hunger, Wallis not only details the cannibalism that has in perpetuity haunted their legacy but also the heroic rescue parties that managed to reach the stranded, only to discover that just 48 had survived the ordeal. An unflinching and historically invaluable account of the darkest side of Manifest Destiny, The Best Land Under Heaven offers a brilliant, revisionist examination of one of America's most calamitous and sensationalized catastrophes. Members Reviews: Well researched but performance is just mediocre Where does The Best Land Under Heaven rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? If I were to rank it with ALL audiobooks, it's not at the top of the list. It's not even at the top of the list for the four Donner Party books i've read, due to the performance. I don't know if the author's ego got in the way of making him think that he would be the BEST interpreter of his own work. I hate to break it to him, but he should have hired a professional performer for a story of this caliber.

From Colony to Superpower Audiobook by George C. Herring

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (George C. Herring) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:41:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: From Colony to Superpower Subtitle: US Foreign Relations Since 1776 Author: George C. Herring Narrator: Robert Fass Format: Unabridged Length: 40 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 01-03-11 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 176 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: A finalist for the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, this prize-winning and critically acclaimed history uses foreign relations as the lens through which to tell the story of America's dramatic rise from 13 disparate colonies huddled along the Atlantic coast to the world's greatest superpower. Robert Fass narrates George C Herrings stunning history of successes and sometimes tragic failures with calm engagement, capturing the fast-paced narrative that illuminates the central importance of foreign relations to the existence and survival of the nation, and highlights its ongoing impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. From Colony to Superpower is the most recent volume in the peerless Oxford History of the United States, which was described by the Atlantic Monthly as state of the art and the most distinguished series in American historical scholarship. Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. From Colony to Superpower is number XII in The Oxford History of the United States. Members Reviews: The Rise and Stall of the American Empire This is the second longest book I've read through Audible and it did that special thing...it made me THINK. I believe this book began as a research project during the second Bush administration because the author....like many of us.....had concerns about American behavior after 9/11 and began looking for precedents in American history. What he found in his journey became a monumental analysis of ALL U.S. foreign policy since the beginning. He viewed our founding fathers as kind of ???proto-Twentieth-Century-ists,??? which I found fascinating. Unlike most historical books, this one managed to capture each presidential administration through the lens of problem-solving America???s own unique relationship with other nations and people. Our collective and individual decisions, for better or worse, all seemed to be leading up to today???or to ???The American Moment.??? The end of the 20th Century was simply the actualization of American principles worldwide. The race ended. We won. But the book doesn???t take the time to flesh out America???s past for the fun of it. The book???s conclusion demands the most important question: what next? When the audio book says ???Audible hopes you have enjoyed this book,??? I instinctively knew that it???s wasn't really over. There will be other presidents and a continuation to this story whether I like it or not. I finished the book feeling as though the author successfully highlighted something important. Perhaps the time HAS come for new ideas...ones as powerful as those that led generations of unrelated people to come and build an unparalleled civilization. Sweeping, Masterful, and Magisterial This book has all the ingredients needed to make it a classic in American history. It is sweeping, covering the whole of United States history, the foreign policy of just about every President, and every major and minor American intervention abroad. It is deep, delving into the doctrines, strategies, and personal tendencies that animated American foreign policy. It is not just some rehash of the working out of policy between the President and Secretary of State; rather, the book presents the complex and often baffling interactions amongst a wide array of characters both foreign and domestic.

Rise of the Rocket Girls Audiobook by Nathalia Holt

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathalia Holt) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 16:13:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rise of the Rocket Girls Subtitle: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars Author: Nathalia Holt Narrator: Erin Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 04-05-16 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 458 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The riveting true story of the women who launched America into space. In the 1940s and '50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible. For the first time, Rise of the Rocket Girls tells the stories of these women - known as "human computers" - who broke the boundaries of both gender and science. Based on extensive research and interviews with all the living members of the team, Rise of the Rocket Girls offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science: both where we've been and the far reaches of space to which we're heading. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Critic Reviews: "Engaging history...a fresh contribution to women's history." (Kirkus) "The immediacy of Holt's writing makes readers feel as if they're alongside the women during their first view of Jupiter, and beyond." (Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal) "I stole sleep to finish this book and was happy to do so. I admire how Holt gives voice to a group of important (and lesser-known) female scientists who have in the past been overshadowed by their male counterparts. The domestic and the scientific are elegantly rendered - it is an impressive contribution to American history and I was sad to turn the last page." (TaraShea Nesbit, best-selling author of The Wives of Los Alamos) Members Reviews: Struggles In Space Exploration There is an interesting article available on-line from theatlantic.com titled How Sexism Held Back Space Exploration. There is a photo of Helen Ling, one of the women "computers" from this book and Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in the article. It is a fascinating look at the same story told here but from a different angle. To me, the article captures the feeling of frustration I had as I listened to the book. I have to be honest, I was disturbed by the degree of sexism presented in the book and by how it was not handled directly. Instead, it was almost spun into a simple tale of smart plucky women breaking the mold. Be aware, this is not a complete history of NASA or the space program. Instead, Holt kept her focus directly on the lives of the women, their struggles juggling marriage, home, family and work. It was clear how devoted and captivated the women were by the work the did at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the parts they played in furthering space exploration. I just felt frustrated and angry on their behalf. This was an interesting, if at times thin look at the lives of a subset of women from 1936 through the current day. There are numerous sites on-line with old photos and background information that are worth a look. Do read the article mentioned above. It helps to expand the story and adds depth to the book. an insightful history of what women can accomplish An insightful history of what women can accomplish, when they have a seat at the table.

Bunker Hill Audiobook by Nathaniel Philbrick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathaniel Philbrick) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:41:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bunker Hill Subtitle: A City, a Siege, a Revolution Author: Nathaniel Philbrick Narrator: Chris Sorensen Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 04-30-13 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1099 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Nathaniel Philbrick, the bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and Mayflower, brings his prodigious talents to the story of the Boston battle that ignited the American Revolution. Boston in 1775 is an island city occupied by British troops after a series of incendiary incidents by patriots who range from sober citizens to thuggish vigilantes. After the Boston Tea Party, British and American soldiers and Massachusetts residents have warily maneuvered around each other until April 19, when violence finally erupts at Lexington and Concord. In June, however, with the city cut off from supplies by a British blockade and Patriot militia poised in siege, skirmishes give way to outright war in the Battle of Bunker Hill. It would be the bloodiest battle of the Revolution to come, and the point of no return for the rebellious colonists. Philbrick brings a fresh perspective to every aspect of the story. He finds new characters, and new facets to familiar ones. The real work of choreographing rebellion falls to a thirty-three year old physician named Joseph Warren who emerges as the on-the-ground leader of the Patriot cause and is fated to die at Bunker Hill. Others in the cast include Paul Revere, Warren's fiancee, the poet Mercy Scollay, a newly recruited George Washington, the reluctant British combatant General Thomas Gage and his more bellicose successor William Howe, who leads the three charges at Bunker Hill and presides over the claustrophobic cauldron of a city under siege as both sides play a nervy game of brinkmanship for control. With passion and insight, Philbrick reconstructs the revolutionary landscape - geographic and ideological - in a mesmerizing narrative of the robust, messy, blisteringly real origins of America. Members Reviews: Another Fantastic Story by Philbrick Phlegm, Bile, Black Blood and Red Blood. My God! How did we ever make it as a race let alone a country? That little tie bit is just a taste of some of the rocks Mr. Philbrick has overturned to give us the story behind Bunker Hill and the hardships the American Patriots overcame to become the United States. People like (Dr.) Warren, and Church, Washington and Adams as well as countless other took on the 18th century just as ardent as the themselves. The redcoats were really no match then, were they? I'm never disappointed when I read a Philbrick book. Whether he tells of the wooden whaling ships on the high seas or the same on an expedition. The story behind the Mayflower or Custer's last stand, he never lets the reader down. Bunker Hill is just another fine example of the writer sharing a story in a way that makes sense to the reader without dumbing it down, and without the endless ramble of how we got from page 1 to page 2.. This book was enjoyable, finishing it in about a weekend. And a big part of that goes to Mr. Chris Sorenson whose even tone and inflection made the book even easier to read/listen to. For a moment, I thought I was hearing Dylan Baker (Steve Jobs) which I read/listened to 3 times. Very easy on the ears. Well done! This book is a credit well spent, and well worth the 12 hours to hear. Traveling in a few weeks, I may pop it in again! Excellent Narrative of The Period The Battle of Bunker Hill. Most Americans have heard of this famous battle.

Under a Flaming Sky Audiobook by Daniel James Brown

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Daniel James Brown) — Tue, 10 May 2016 10:15:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Under a Flaming Sky Subtitle: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894 Author: Daniel James Brown Narrator: Daniel James Brown, Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 05-10-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 99 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: On September 1, 1894, two forest fires converged on the town of Hinckley, Minnesota, trapping over 2,000 people. Daniel J. Brown recounts the events surrounding the fire in the first and only book to chronicle the dramatic story that unfolded. On September 1, 1894, two forest fires converged on the town of Hinckley, Minnesota, trapping over 2,000 people. Daniel J. Brown recounts the events surrounding the fire in the first and only book to chronicle the dramatic story that unfolded. Whereas Oregon's famous "Biscuit" fire in 2002 burned 350,000 acres in one week, the Hinckley fire did the same damage in five hours. The fire created its own weather, including hurricane-strength winds, bubbles of plasmalike glowing gas, and 200-foot-tall flames. In some instances "fire whirls", or tornadoes of fire, danced out from the main body of the fire to knock down buildings and carry flaming debris into the sky. Temperatures reached 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit - the melting point of steel. As the fire surrounded the town, two railroads became the only means of escape. Two trains ran the gauntlet of fire. One train caught on fire from one end to the other. The heroic young African American porter ran up and down the length of the train, reassuring the passengers even as the flames tore at their clothes. On the other train, the engineer refused to back his locomotive out of town until the last possible minute of escape. In all, more than 400 people died, leading to a revolution in forestry management practices and federal agencies that monitor and fight wildfires today. Author Daniel Brown has woven together numerous survivors' stories, historical sources, and interviews with forest fire experts in a gripping narrative that tells the fascinating story of one of North America's most devastating fires and how it changed the nation. Members Reviews: great book horrible realities abound in this book. there is story after story of horribly burned and mutilated people make this a must read before any meal Well researched Ugh, such a sad heartwrenching story. I cried during parts of this. The author does such a great job of explaining hour by hour what happened to this community. He explains the science of fire and how it kills in more ways than one. He leads you through the the horrific last moments of so many. I literally checked the fire alarms in my house afyer this book. Welll researched. brings the people alive once a lived the fire through his writing. he found a personnel connection like he did in his Donner Party book. Almost too much drama. Daniel James Brown is just a terrific author. His research of the historical and scientific details make his books fascinating. In this book, the details are so tragic, so heartbreaking, that for me, the story was at times a little difficult to read. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Learning a little of the author's journey and his relationship to that tragic event lent a deeper appreciation for the story. firestorm like other books reformed by this man, berry well done. great history lesson made personal

Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights Audiobook by The Great Courses

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:36:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor John E. Finn Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 140 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: The civil liberties and constitutional rights possessed by our nation's citizens - not only in theory, but in the courtroom, where the state can be forced to honor those liberties - are a uniquely American invention. And when we were taught history and learned about the Constitution and its Bill of Rights, we were always made aware of that uniqueness, of the extraordinary experiment that gave to every citizen of this new nation a gift possessed by no others. Now you can learn exactly what that gift was - in a series of 36 lectures based on Supreme Court opinions from dozens of the Court's most important landmark decisions, presented by an award-winning teacher who is also an internationally recognized expert in constitutional law. You'll learn just what liberties and rights the Founders wanted the new government to protect, as well as how we get from what Professor Finn calls the Constitution's "wonderfully elastic and vague" language to the finely tuned specifics of the Supreme Court's opinions about speech, abortion, and religion, and so much more. And you'll grasp the hard truth that no matter how unwavering the Constitution's language on any subject may appear, things are almost invariably more complicated than it would seem at first reading. The result is a legacy of questions that multiplies with each passing decade, and explains why generations of jurists and legal scholars, not to mention legislators, presidents, and citizens, have argued so long and hard about the meaning of what often appears to be unambiguous phrasing. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Great Course. Good Narration. I'm only writing this review because I saw where another review stated how terrible the narration is. While it's true, the professor does correct himself here and there, I found it no more irritating than any other college lecture course I've taken over the years. He's human. He makes mistakes. He corrects himself. Get over it. The substance of the course is EXCELLENT. If you're interested in the cases that have shaped our Bill Of Rights, this is the course for you. Prof. Finn knows this subject like the back of his hand, and educates you in a clear, entertaining manner that I found to be very enjoyable. Great overview of the Bill of Rights per the Law. 36 Lectures 1 What Are Civil Liberties? 2 The Bill of RightsAn Overview 3 Two Types of LibertyPositive and Negative 4 The Court and Constitutional Interpretation 5 Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review 6 Private Property and the Founding 7 Lochner v. New York and Economic Due Process 8 The Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment 9 Fundamental RightsPrivacy and Personhood 10 PrivacyEarly Cases 11 Roe v.

The Wordy Shipmates Audiobook by Sarah Vowell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Sarah Vowell) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:01:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Wordy Shipmates Author: Sarah Vowell Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 10-02-08 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1566 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: To this day, America views itself as a Puritan nation, but Vowell investigates what that means - and what it should mean. What was this great political enterprise all about? Who were these people who are considered the philosophical, spiritual, and moral ancestors of our nation? What Vowell discovers is something far different from what their uptight shoe-buckles-and-corn reputation might suggest. The people she finds are highly literate, deeply principled, and surprisingly feisty. Their story is filled with pamphlet feuds, witty courtroom dramas, and bloody vengeance. Along the way she asks: Members Reviews: I love Sarah Vowell Sarah Vowell's innate medium is audiobooks and radio (NPR). In her squeaky voice, she recounts history with passion, irony and humor intertwined with curent events and pop culture. There is nobody I can think of who is quite rivals her in contemporary commentary. She is a modern version of Mark Twain. If she ever decides to auction off on eBay her attendance at a dinner party, I will certainly be one of the bidders. This book provides a good companion piece to Philbrick's Mayflower which chronicles the Pilgrims from the point of view of the Indian Wars. Vowell focuses on the cousins of the Pilgrims in Boston and the Winthrop legacy. But the real hero of both books turns out to be Roger Williams who founded Rhode Island as a haven for religious freedom and civil liberties / property rights for the Native Americans. Thus, whatever cynicism one has for the Puritan settlers, it is leavened by the pride in the early recognition in this country for the values of freedom. She also balances the strictness of the Protestant ethic with the great devotion to education embodied in the founding of Harvard College that initiated the common goal of educational excellence that is so much part of American ideals. Vowell Nailed It Again Once again, Vowell has managed to bring American history to life, "as only Sarah Vowell can". (Sorry, I just had to say that) She has brought up some of the most compelling issues surrounding the first european settlers, particularly their religious and philosophic debates with each other and those outside their particular brand of puritanism. She is helped in the narration by the usual cast of Upper West Siders (Bogosian, Keener, et al) which helps keep the book moving along nicely. Vowell is an amateur historian in the classic sense. She is not formally trained, but her vast knowledge comes from her own curiosity about this country's origins. She ably bounces forward and back in time, commenting freely on current events and viewing the past with a decidedly contemporary lens. She threads in her views on current politics, just as she did in "Assassination Vacation" and "The Partly Cloudy Patriot". She is developing a terrific way to view and understand history - as one other review (Baron's) said, "History as reported by the Daily Show". That says it all. Wish I Was Friends with Sarah Vowell Sarah Vowell is a national treasure. Who is the last person that made understanding the Puritans both cool and fascinating. Reading the Wordy Shipmates helped me connect the dots between our current military adventures and our earliest colonial history. Growing up in Boston you'd think the I'd know more about the Boston Puritans, but somehow teaching this sort of history went out of style during my school years.

The Man Who Killed Kennedy Audiobook by Roger Stone

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Roger Stone) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 23:06:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Man Who Killed Kennedy Subtitle: The Case Against LBJ Author: Roger Stone Narrator: David Rapkin Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 11-06-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 385 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Lyndon Baines Johnson was a man of great ambition and enormous greed, both of which, in 1963, would threaten to destroy him. In the end, President Johnson would use power from his personal connections in Texas and from the underworld and from the government to escape an untimely end in politics and to seize even greater power. President Johnson, the thirty-sixth president of the United States, was the driving force behind a conspiracy to murder President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. In The Man Who Killed Kennedy, you will find out how and why he did it. Political consultant, strategist, and Libertarian Roger Stone has gathered documents and used his firsthand knowledge to construct the ultimate tome to prove that LBJ was not only involved in JFK's assassination, but was in fact the mastermind. With 2013 being the fiftieth anniversary of JFK's assassination, this is the perfect time for The Man Who Killed Kennedy to be available to readers. The research and information in this book is unprecedented, and as Roger Stone lived through it, he's the perfect person to bring it to everyone's attention. ©2013 Roger Stone (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Editorial Reviews: In this audio book, longtime Republican political operative Roger Stone makes a daring assertion about one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Featuring a measured performance by David Rapkin, The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ presents the theory that the CIA conspired with the Mafia and Texas oil men to kill Kennedy and install Lyndon Johnson as the president. Although Stones assertion will certainly be questioned, his firsthand knowledge of politics and politicians shines through in his writing. Rapkins calm, conversational performance helps make Stones contentious claims feel slightly less hyperbolic. Members Reviews: COMPELLING BOOK - THE CROOKS ARE IN POWER Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Highly recommended because it provides convinging evidence which shows that the Warren Commission was a complete white wash. Oswald was a distraction to prevent the real killers from being sought. The evidence is very clear in this regard. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? the book is too long to go through in one sitting Any additional comments? The American people need to listen to this book and to rise up against the tyranical forces in power. This is disturbing but inaction will lead to tyrany and oppression. The government needs to come clean. Stone Has Written a Blockbuster Every American should read this book particularly those of us who lived through this era. I will never look at American Politics again in the same way. You'll Likely Be Convinced... that LBJ did it. A great deal of circumstantial evidence. Though circumstantial, enough of it to make defending Johnson seem impossible. The story is interesting; however, it comes across as a bit of a research paper with a lot of name dropping. Disturbingly Believable Any additional comments? I try not to buy in to conspiracy theories and I only bought this audiobook because it was on sale and the reviews here and on other websites were pretty good, but wow! I kinda found it very believable. Certainly without doing my own research I have to take the author's facts at face value.

Undaunted Courage Audiobook by Stephen E. Ambrose

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephen E. Ambrose) — Sat, 26 May 2001 22:24:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Undaunted Courage Subtitle: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West Author: Stephen E. Ambrose Narrator: Cotter Smith Format: Abridged Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 05-26-01 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 218 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Captain Meriwether Lewis was hand-picked by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and acquire the American West. In 1803, Lewis and his partner William Clark led an expedition up the Missouri River to the Rockies, over the mountains, down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean and back. They endured incredible hardships and saw amazing sights. Stephen Ambrose has pieced together previously unknown information to provide a colorful and realistic backdrop for the expedition, as seen through Lewis' eyes. Adventure, politics, suspense, drama, diplomacy, romance and personal tragedy combine to make this outstanding work of scholarship as engaging as any work of fiction. ©1996 Stephen E. Ambrose, All Rights Reserved; (P)1996 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved; AUDIOWORKS is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc. Critic Reviews: "Stephen Ambrose is that rare breed: a historian with true passion for his subject. Here he takes one of the great...stories in American history and breathes fresh life into it." (Ken Burns) Members Reviews: Excellent book I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book was exhaustive enough to really get a feel for what happened on this incredible journey. Ambrose?s analysis was interesting and in areas where some conjecture was necessary he presented several of the leading ideas and comments, which I felt was very appropriate considering the sometimes incomplete history of the story. The only area that I was disappointed in was the last few chapters. Perhaps some of my disappointment was the fact the last few chapters dealt with the events after the expeditions conclusion and I wasn?t ready stop hearing about the fascinating stories of the Indians, bears, and other dangerous encounters. I gave it 4 stars and would highly recommend. A life changing experience I bought this for my son, but thought I would listen to "a bit" of it while I cleaned house. Four hours later I was listening to the ending, still spellbound. The listener has been through all sorts of travails with Lewis, from planning the trip and reaching the Pacific and the long return. At long last, Ambrose gave Lewis his due. It took almost 200 years, but we finally see him as the hero and genius that he was. I was heartbroken by his suicide. Ambrose himself reads the very ending of the book, and he sounds like Jefferson himself listing the amazing traits that Lewis possessed and that made the great expedition possible. Behind Ambrose's aging but poignant voice, you'll hear Dvorak's "New World Symphony." It is a tour de force! I live in Alaska on a hill overlooking the great sweep of the Tanana River, with miles of wilderness stretching before me. I went out on my deck as the sun was setting and listened to Jefferson's tribute and the beautiful music and sobbed as hard as I have ever sobbed in my life. But it wasn't sadness. I was just in awe of the book, the journey, the greatness of Lewis, and the beauty of wild nature. I have recommended it to friends and they also said that it was an unforgettable journey for them also. I will never forget this audiobook! Get it, set aside some time when you will be alone to savor every word, and try to get to a spot of wilderness to listen to the ending.

1776 Audiobook by David McCullough

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Fri, 20 May 2005 16:22:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 1776 Author: David McCullough Narrator: David McCullough Format: Abridged Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 05-20-05 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 350 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats, who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost: Washington, who had never before led an army in battle. The darkest hours of that tumultuous year were as dark as any Americans have known. Especially in our own tumultuous time, 1776 is powerful testimony to how much is owed to a rare few in that brave founding epoch, and what a miracle it was that things turned out as they did. Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history. Critic Reviews: "A first-rate historical account." (Booklist) "A narrative tour de force, exhibiting all the hallmarks the author is known for: fascinating subject matter, expert research, and detailed, graceful prose....Simply put, this is history writing at its best from one of its top practitioners." (Publishers Weekly) "A stirring and timely work, reminding us that it's soldiers rather than 'tavern patriots and windy politicians' who have always paid the price of American idealism and determined its successes. (The New York Times) Members Reviews: a must listen This the best telling of the Revolution I have ever heard or read. Perhaps it should be required reading in every American history course. The author has done for the Revolution what Bruce Catton did for the civil war. You must get this book it is not an option. Excellent An excellent, well read, well written, account of an important point in world history. Conveys a real sense of the times and holds the listeners attention throughout. Incredible I listened to the entire book in one sitting. I was utterly engrossed. It's an incredible story of American perseverance and was brilliantly performed by David McCullough. Highly Recommended! Entertaining This book was pleasent and entertaining. It offered a great deal of insight into the time and personalities. After listening to this book, I was left wanting more.

Confederates in the Attic Audiobook by Tony Horwitz

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tony Horwitz) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 17:40:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/424/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Confederates in the Attic Subtitle: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War Author: Tony Horwitz Narrator: Arthur Addison Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-19-13 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 151 votes Genres: History, American Publisher's Summary: When prize-winning war correspondent Tony Horwitz leaves the battlefields of Bosnia and the Middle East for a peaceful corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he thinks he's put war zones behind him. But awakened one morning by the crackle of musket fire, Horwitz starts filing front-line dispatches again this time from a war close to home, and to his own heart. Propelled by his boyhood passion for the Civil War, Horwitz embarks on a search for places and people still held in thrall by America's greatest conflict. The result is an adventure into the soul of the unvanquished South, where the ghosts of the Lost Cause are resurrected through ritual and remembrance. In Virginia, Horwitz joins a band of 'hardcore' reenactors who crash-diet to achieve the hollow-eyed look of starved Confederates; in Kentucky, he witnesses Klan rallies and calls for race war sparked by the killing of a white man who brandishes a rebel flag; at Andersonville, he finds that the prison's commander, executed as a war criminal, is now exalted as a martyr and hero; and in the book's climax, Horwitz takes a marathon trek from Antietam to Gettysburg to Appomattox in the company of Robert Lee Hodge, an eccentric pilgrim who dubs their odyssey the 'Civil Wargasm.' Written with Horwitz's signature blend of humor, history, and hard-nosed journalism, Confederates in the Attic brings alive old battlefields and new ones 'classrooms, courts, country bars' where the past and the present collide, often in explosive ways. Poignant and picaresque, haunting and hilarious, it speaks to anyone who has ever felt drawn to the mythic South and to the dark romance of the Civil War. Critic Reviews: "The freshest book about divisiveness in America that I have read in some time. This splendid commemoration of the war and its legacy...is an eyes-open, humorously no-nonsense survey of complicated Americans." (Roy Blount Jr., New York Times Book Review)"In this sparkling book Horwitz explores some of our culture's myths with the irreverent glee of a small boy hurling snowballs at a beaver hat. . . . An important contribution to understanding how echoes of the Civil War have never stopped."--USA TodayHorwitz's chronicle of his odyssey through the nether and ethereal worlds of Confederatemania is by turns amusing, chilling, poignant, and always fascinating. He has found the Lost Cause and lived to tell the tale a wonderfully piquant tale of hard-core reenactors, Scarlett O'Hara look-alikes, and people who reshape Civil War history to suit the way they wish it had come out. If you want to know why the war isn't over yet in the South, read Confederates in the Attic to find out. --James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom "In this sparkling book Horwitz explores some of our culture's myths with the irreverent glee of a small boy hurling snowballs at a beaver hat.... An important contribution to understanding how echoes of the Civil War have never stopped." ( USA Today)Horwitz's chronicle of his odyssey through the nether and ethereal worlds of Confederatemania is by turns amusing, chilling, poignant, and always fascinating.