THE RENAISSANCE A Short History

The reader gives good pace to this excellent summary of an important step in the evolution of Western civilization. Mr. Howard's English is clear and easy to understand; his French and Italian skills are convincing. The narrator's smooth movement through a factual forest adds to the mood of awe the author intended for his subject. There is little opportunity for theatrics or characterization in the text, and the restraint doesn't in any way detract from what is a gifted mix of biographies and history. For any level of reader wanting an accurate, yet succinct, understanding of the Renaissance, this audiobook would both please and inform them. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]