John Marshall

By varying his tone, pacing, and volume, narrator Robert Fass brings this portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall to dramatic life. The adjustments in his reading style seem natural and appropriate. In quoting the fiery Patrick Henry, Fass nearly yells (although the editor adjusts the volume, so the effect is there without shattering the listener's eardrums). Then he takes a more theatrical tone with the words of Daniel Webster. For Marshall himself, he adopts a studied tone, which is fitting for the champion of a centrist judiciary. Fass generally takes a solemn approach for quoting court rulings. In the rest of the work, Fass carries the reading along smoothly, with an engaging tone. It would have been easy to fall into a somnolent rhythm, but Fass resists. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine


The music that frames the beginning of Robert Fass's narration sets the tone for the rest of this audiobook about John Marshall, who became the Supreme Court's chief justice in 1801. The work is classy, dramatic, and important, and Fass doesn't disappoint as he uses his warm, low tone and clear diction to interpret the author's words so that we can enjoy and learn from them. Fass provides a consistent delivery, pausing effectively for emphasis, which allows the drama of the court cases Marshall heard to take center stage. While Fass doesn't employ an especially expressive or elastic voice, he does enough to keep this analysis of one of our most influential Supreme Court justices interesting and noteworthy. R.I.G. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine