The Grouchy Historian

Ed Asner, the 87-year old acclaimed character actor, delivers an audio tirade concerning American history and politics. It may be nearly entirely satiric or simply a flat-out comedic romp. Cowriting with the wonderful comedy writer Ed Weinberger, Asner takes a forceful counterpunch to the right-wing enthusiasts who know that America was founded with a hand from God and who take personal ownership of the Founding Fathers, particularly the framers of the Constitution. Asner's gruff aged voice is grating throughout, challenging the listener. An account of the diary of a slave, later freed, is voiced effectively by actor John Amos. The content and style of this production are uneven, in places completely repetitive, but are highly enjoyable as pure fun. W.A.G. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine