THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS

Edward Herrmann--an AUDIOFILE Golden Voice--could hold my interest reading from the tax code, but here--by lucky chance--he’s been paired with a master historian. McCullough’s biography of John Adams won the Pulitzer, while this book took the National Book Award. The exquisite abridgement is studded with facts with which to astound your friends. Did you know, for instance, that it was at first a French Canal, and 20,000 men died in the attempt? Thousands of Americans would also perish working in a climate where white men “withered as cut plants in the sun” and the mosquitoes were so thick “they put out candles with their dead bodies.” An amazing drama, brought thrillingly to life. B.H.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]