Brent

A Foreboding and Important Work

Revisado: 03-19-24

The ominous tone cast by Potter's brilliant depiction of the complex political maneuverings of this era steadily grows throughout the work. He skillfully weaves a narrative of great statesmen unable to peacefully resolve their differences, the evolution of the extension of slavery as the dominant national issue, and the ultimate failure of the Republic to prevent secession. In addition to the crisis at the heart of the boom, lesser-known figures like Lewis Cass, Franklin Pierce, William Yancey, and others receive considerable attention. Eric Martin is a fantastic narrator and I gained much from this volume.

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Important for the Era

Revisado: 03-19-23

In just about every history of the Gilded Age 'The Rise of Silas Lapham,' and its author William Dean Howells, make an appearance. It's depiction of social tension, the boom and bust of business, and everyday life in a suburban residence district of Boston offer an interesting glimpse into post-Civil War culture in the United States. This historical insight, if not the plot itself, gives the book its lasting appeal. The narration by Grover Gardner was up to his usually exemplary standard.

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A portrait of the past

Revisado: 03-13-23

Grover Gardner delivers a great performance in his rendition of Hamlin Garland's words. The story illuminates a period of pioneer history that is often overlooked, or airbrushed with sentimentality. Garland paints a realistic picture of living and dying in the west and his depiction is invaluable to understand who these people really were who ventured out into the wilderness and now populate the innumerable rural cemeteries of our farm country. Additionally, his life is a snapshot of the cultural changes taking place at the time and a window into Gilded Age perspectives on soxial reform.

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A Lincolnesque Figure

Revisado: 08-29-22

John Hay left behind such a broad collection of personal and professional writings that this book gave a strikingly detailed description of his life, his relationships, and almost his daily habits. This was a strength. Hay's career spanned the Gilded Age and through his eyes the period is better understood. The delivery by Barrett was superb. The only possible criticism may be the over-indulgence of the author concerning the relationship between Hay and Lizzie Cameron. These sections tended to cover similar ground, but did not detract from the book as a whole. Ultimately, Hay's formative years in the Lincoln Administration and subsequent leadership of US foreign policy deserve greater attention and 'All the Great Prizes' does a fine job.

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An engaging look at an obscure President

Revisado: 08-01-22

The story of Chester A. Arthur's life and presidency is undoubtedly an unsung one. He makes an intriguing subject, not only because he was President, but because he seemingly wanted to deny historians the ability to unravel the truth about his political rise by destroying his papers before his death. Thus, he will likely always be a figure of mystery and unanswerable questions.

Despite this disadvantage, the author does a skillful job of capturing Arthur's personality and the cast of characters that surrounded him during the era. I chose this book having just listened to 'Destiny of the Republic,' which dealt with President Garfield's assassination in detail. 'The Unexpected President' is a great companion piece to that work, offering greater context to factional differences within the Republican Party at the time.

Having known little about Arthur before now, I found the book very engaging and came away with an appreciation for the man and the unique challenge he faced. His life is certainly derseving of a work of this caliber and the tale of political redemption upon Arthur assuming the sacred trust of the presidency is refreshingly optimistic.

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A tragic, yet inspiring, American story

Revisado: 07-23-22

At times, this work was difficult to listen to. Not because of any fault on the author's part, but from the overbearing senselessness of James Garfield's suffering and death. His life, eloquence, and affability shine through and I found myself mourning the loss of a great presidency that could have been. Garfield's life and the aftermath of his assassination deserve greater awareness by the American public and Ms. Millard's book is a compelling introduction to both subjects.

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A Surreal Exercise in Time Travel

Revisado: 04-02-22

I arrived at this book having recently listened to a biography of its park-making author, Frederick Law Olmstead. Arguably what he documented during his travels through the antebellum South are as important, or perhaps more so, to his legacy. Often over the course of the narrative sections of this book I felt as if I were there there with Olmstead, sharing in the often dumbfounding experiences he encountered in the South. This is where Olmstead is at his strongest, in vivid descriptions of places, people, and conversations. For any listener, or reader, seeking a greater degree of understanding of the reality of daily life under slavery, Olmstead's work is priceless. His conversations with slaves and slave owners, his visceral immersion in the poverty of the south, and his expert observations of southern agricultural failings, and his unique perspective on what he was witnessing are all of great interest.

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