THIS FLEETING WORLD

A remarkable historical feat, this audiobook compresses a complex, lengthy history into a succinct listening experience. As historian David Christian explains, he started writing this book in response to his students asking, "When did history begin?" His goal is to sketch an overview of human history and planetary history so he can examine the connections between them. Neil Scott-Barbour's deliberate narration aides Christian in building his study. As Christian concisely explains several big concepts, Scott-Barbour's slow pace helps the listener follow along. His measured tones provide clarity and emphasis on each detail. This audiobook offers a big history lesson in return for a relatively short time commitment, and Scott-Barbour's narration clearly conveys it. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]