STEPHEN FRY ON THE PHONE

Stephen Fry delves into the history of the mobile phone—with all the appropriate sounds effects of phones interspersed throughout. (Be warned: The various ringing tones cause you to keep reaching for your phone.) A self-proclaimed early adopter of technology, Fry traces five major advancements in cell-phone technology in this audio version of his five-episode miniseries for the BBC. Each segment intertwines Fry’s own musings, a dash of history, and interviews with key players who jettisoned society into the age of cellular connection. His jovial tone and wry humor provide an enjoyable hour of enlightenment that will inspire listeners to reflect on the devices they depend upon so much. L.E. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]