WASHINGTON A Life

It takes a narrator of the caliber of Scott Brick to carry off the reading of this new biography of George Washington. At 42 hours, the book could challenge the most interested listener. But Brick pulls it off. His mellow voice is easy to listen to, and he varies it to add emphasis when needed and to break up the pace. The book relies heavily on Washington's letters, many of which have been published only in the past few years. The author quotes from several. Brick alters his pace and tone slightly to give an aural indication of quote marks. But he gives the various correspondents unique voices, thus avoiding any sense of affectation. The book as a whole is interesting, revealing, and clearly authoritative, and Brick's reading is an excellent complement. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]