Mysteries of the Middle Ages

John Lee's warm voice and nuanced pace beautifully serve this latest offering in Thomas Cahill's bestselling Hinges of History series. In it, he examines the Middle Ages for origins of modern Western philosophies. Cahill begins his exploration of the roots of philosophy and science deep in the Hellenic and Roman periods and then jumps forward to early medieval times. His lively writing maintains the reader's interest, and Lee's clear, appreciative reading keeps listeners from getting lost amid the crowds of characters and the passing millennia. One may or may not agree with all of Cahill's conclusions, but his window on the past is thought-provoking and, in this production, eminently listenable. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

January 29, 2007
Cahill nimbly presents the highlights—and lowlights—of Europe during the Middle Ages in this well-executed romp through history. A skilled narrator of his own work, Cahill brings enthusiasm and passion to the story (especially when describing the peccadilloes of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the steamy affair of Abelard and Héloïse). He is particularly impassioned, even shrill, when comparing the folly of the avaricious Second Crusade with what he sees as the disastrous contemporary war in Iraq, asserting that both wars were invented by leaders with little understanding and even less wisdom. Cahill also emerges as a credible singer, producing competent and tuneful a cappella renditions of the hymns of both Hildegard of Bingen and Thomas Aquinas. The abridgment is seamless in the first few chapters, but then a bit more pronounced as the book draws to a close; the chapter on Giotto feels rushed. Aside from a few awkward mispronunciations, this audio book will delight listeners interested in the great stories of medieval times. Simultaneous release with the Nan Talese
hardcover (Reviews, Aug. 28).