THE GUNS OF AUGUST

Tuchman's masterpiece of historical reconstruction has been given a narrator who comprehends in full its enormous narrative power. This history of the opening month of WWI is an epic of fateful misjudgment, of plans made and unmade, of the will of nations and armies overthrown by circumstance. Tuchman creates caustic portrayals of kings, kaisers, and generalissimos with a keen eye and ear for detail and an instinct for the right quote and the right word. Nadia May delivers all these with ease and naturalness. While Tuchman's large cast of armies and their generals is challenging, May lessens this difficulty with her mimicry of national accents, as well as her pacing and variations in tone. This unforgettable listening experience is recommended for all lovers of history, audiobooks, and a flat-out great story. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]