High Seas, High Stakes

Professor Shutt attempts to put important maritime battles into historical perspective, in hopes of enticing students to investigate some of the events in greater depth. Overall, Shutt's delivery is less than stellar. His tenor voice frequently cracks, producing an unpleasant falsetto tone. Further, his volume varies so much that it sometimes makes the presentation difficult to hear. Pauses between words are overlong, a style that slows the lectures to a somnolent pace and makes inefficient use of the program's half-hour segments. The best moments come as he raises his volume in enthusiasm when quoting Shakespeare and Virgil. The course comes with a syllabus available at the publisher's Website. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine