PERSPECTIVES

This book is not a biography--though the first section discusses Downs's first job in broadcasting--but rather a series of twenty-minute essays. The subjects range from the joys of hot-air ballooning to the near extinction of whales, and even a fascinating discussion of why the hemp (marijuana) plant is banned due to lobbying by the oil industry. As a result of his broadcasting for more than 55 years, Downs's voice is well known, and the diversity of subjects here makes for interesting listening. These segments are short, so this volume is good for people "on the go." S.I.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 96]