Wonderland

Inventions--or rather, the genesis of them--form the focus of this audiobook. George Newbern offers his usual solid narration. He never camps up what he is reading, yet he always sounds wholly interested, and whatever he is saying draws his earnest intonations. Topics cover serious to leisure-oriented pursuits: Cotton and its economic ramifications, the spice trade, department stores and shopping, games, and the importance of music, which is at the root of many inventions, are among the areas discussed. The audiobook is geared for the most inquisitive among us, and Newbern carries it well. M.B. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine