1776

Listening to McCullough's glorious account of the first years of the American Revolution reminds us how riveting good history can be, and also how much detail is overlooked in academic history classes. This abridgment to six hours will make listeners seek out the full-length version, also read by McCullough, for while this program is relatively seamless, the listener is compelled to want more detail. An odd and uncredited addition is a second reader, Anne Twomey, who is introduced only in the recorded introduction and reads passages at random intervals. Though clear and appealing (and often good in other audiobooks), Twomey is no match for McCullough's compelling gravitas. McCullough reads his work wonderfully with perfected pauses and emphasis. A delight, whether listeners stop here or seek the longer edition. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]