The American Spirit

Ever since the author made a national reputation with his voice by narrating Ken Burns's Civil War documentary in the late 1980s, he has staked a claim to being "America's Storyteller." This audiobook of McCullough's collected speeches contains no new research, only recitations of what he believes are our strengths as a nation. The speeches are interesting, and this work cements the author's reputation as our preeminent public historian. As a narrator, though, the David McCullough of old is not readily apparent. Here, McCullough's 80-plus years are evident in his voice and stamina. Still, there are some brief moments of the phrasing and emphasis that made him famous, and his ideas always demand attention. R.I.G. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine