Inventing a Nation

Vidal's disarming style, joined with Paul Hecht's knowing narration, makes for an informative listening experience. Whether we're peering into the peccadilloes, ego, or cash flow problems of our Founding Fathers or analyzing how important battles and ideological concepts formed this country, this audiobook amuses and enlightens. The wry "you are there" style, along with occasional flash-forwards to the United States of today, provides a meaty and thought-provoking look at history. Vidal's scholarship, political savvy, and insights into the drives and motivations of men like Washington and Adams, combined with the warm narration, lead one to the end of the final CD all too quickly. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine