GEORGE WASHINGTON

This book is another example of the trend toward de-mythologizing our first president. Randall attempts to show us the early influences that shaped Washington's outlook and succeeds in making him more human. Narrator Jonathan Reese ably guides us through this long story. His voice is deep and a bit scratchy, and he reads with authority and respect for his subject. Reese's technique, though, is a problem. For most of the first two tapes he ends each sentence with his voice going up. He improves as the book goes on, but the pattern is set, and it seriously undercuts his reading. The book is worth a listen because of its interesting material, but listeners with a sensitive ear will be distracted by the narrator's unfortunate habit. R.I.G. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]