Pierre Gauthier

Clearly, a considerable amount of research has been made before producing this work. It does include a wide array of historical facts and anecdotes on a fascinating topic that is rarely covered elsewhere in such detail.

Sadly, insufficient efforts were given on actually organizing and writing the book. Though sections are devoted to specific topics such as forks, blenders and coffee makers, there is little structure in the material presented. Chronologically and geographically, the reader is constantly shifted from one point to another. One might think that a series of notes were simply attached with word processing software.

The situation is worsened by the numerous self-centered references to the author’s favourite breakfast, to the cup given by her husband featuring the portraits of the US presidents, to her mother, to her children, etc.

In the audio book version, the narrator quite fittingly has a rather maternal voice. The occasional imitations of foreign accents are however poorly rendered and outright annoying.

Overall, this work can hardly be recommended except perhaps (in written format) as a source of information on specific aspects of the cooking universe.

This work describes in some detail each of the seven canonical Wonders of the Ancient World and provides an overview of their specific histories. As these were only retained in the 16th century, the discussion also includes other constructions that were part of alternate lists at some point in time.

Sadly, although she speaks with no foreign accent, Ms. Tobin clearly does not master the English language. She is constantly hesitant and often has great difficulty formulating clear ideas. Thus, the work is plagued with dozens of expressions such as:
• “both of these two groups”;
• “the building does not survive”;
• “the several thousands of years between 2500 BC and 500 BC”;
• “horn does not survive well in archeological records”;
• “seeing the world through the lens of your own eyes”;
• “imaginative building”.

The result is often irritating and does not meet the standards of what would legitimately be expected for a university level presentation.

Accordingly, it is difficult to recommend this work to anyone. Even a beginner is entitled to clear, understandable information!

Potential buyers should be aware that the ‘Jungle Book’ is not a novel but a collection of short stories.
These are not in chronological order nor indeed necessarily connected to one another. Some are not even set in the jungle but rather in Alaska or on Baffin Island!

The resulting hodgepodge is plainly not very interesting, certainly much less than the many children’s books that have been derived from it or than the famous Disney animated movie!

This fascinating series of lectures deals not with the Roman gods and goddesses per se but rather with the myths that pertain to the past of the great city: Remus and Romulus, the rape of the Sabine women, the Seven Kings of Rome, Aeneus, etc. It is well organized and based not only on the classic texts that have survived but also on archeological findings, much work in that field in fact being currently underway. In fact, it is striking how much is yet to be discovered in order to fully understand the myths that have been transmitted down to our times.Like other ‘Modern Scholar’ audio productions, some lectures are completed with answers to questions posed by students in actual classroom sessions. Also, references to a web site are provided for those who wish to go further in their learning ... or to test it with a ‘final exam’.This lecture series is a great complement to 'Greek Mythology' by the same lecturer and is strongly recommended to all interested in the topic.

Though the story is contorted and a bit pointless, the exceptional rendition by the narrator makes this a truly pleasurable experience.Thank you Audible for such a Christmas gift!

This very short abridged version of James Boswell’s ‘London Journal ‘ is enough for the listener to decide that the full work is not a worthwhile investment in time and energy.

Apart from a superficial description of his first meetings with Samuel Johnson, these musings deal almost exclusively with the narrator’s intimate encounters with the other sex.

Though it is perhaps somewhat revealing of the times when it was written, this self-centered account is today almost completely devoid of interest.

To top it all, the technical quality of the recording is quite below par, as if the microphone had been deficient.

Though it is perhaps not earth shattering, this substantial course provides an excellent introduction to Greek mythology, focusing largely on the Iliad and the Odyssey.

It is very well organized by themes such as ‘Gender in Myths’, ‘Myths of Identity’, ‘Myths of Initiation’, etc.

As in a real classroom, the lectures are occasionally enriched by answers to some questions from students.

Another bonus is access to a web site where a ‘final exam’ is provided.

This enjoyable course is strongly recommended to anyone even remotely interested in Classical mythology. Personally, I certainly look forward to listening to it a second time!

This work is not so much a history of private life in the UK and the United States as a wide collection of anecdotes on this theme, taken broadly. These touch the 1851 London Exhibition, the construction of Blenheim Palace and the Erie Canal, the working conditions in 19th century mines, the growth of sugar consumption in Victorian Great Britain, etc., etc., etc.

The narrative is given some framework by being organized around the rooms of the author’s British home. Thus, the kitchen provides the excuse to discuss food matters whereas the nursery leads to a discussion of children. Often, these links are truly thin as when the fuse box is considered a room to introduce the topic of electricity.

The author does not pose to be a historian and clearly subscribes to the idea that ‘something printed is something true ‘, no matter how implausible. He does not search for alternate sources that may provide nuance ... or contradiction.

The overall result is a hodgepodge of tidbits that is certainly amusing but not truly worthy of an investment in time and energy.

This work’s reputation is fully deserved.

It is short and devoid of any frills.

There are but a few characters, actually only one of whom is fully developed.

Though suspenseful, the plot is simple and straightforward.

Yet, this work is profound, thought-provoking and meaningful.

In this audio version, the narration is fully up to par.

In short, it is a definite must.

This work presents the history of six drinks that are popular today and that appeared at various moments in the past: beer, wine, rum, coffee, tea and Coca-Cola.

This provides a pretext to summarize the history of mankind and to highlight links that are often overlooked, say between rum production and the slave trade or between tea consumption in the UK and the prevalence of opium in 19th century China.

Some may feel that the author is at times overly generous in his assertions, for instance that coffee is a direct cause of the French Revolution.

Still, the original approach and the brevity of the work make it highly enjoyable.

Apparently, this is the last complete novel written by Charles Dickens. Certainly, it is not his best.The number of characters in this novel is astounding. The situation is worsened by the fact some of them change their name (more than once) ... and that some others change their personality, apparently for no reason.There are many convoluted plots that do often not intersect each other significantly. Any pretense of verisimilitude is abandoned.In this audio version, the narrator’s outstanding performance alleviates the burden.Still, this work cannot be seriously recommended to anyone.