KING OF THE CATS

This thorough biography of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the first black congressman (representing Harlem), tells of his political and personal life in all its minutiae. Haygood traces Powell's roots and life from his grandfather, who was a slave, to Powell's death in 1972, with numerous digressions to flesh out the story of the fight for racial equality. The details are drawn in low, droning tones by Morgan Duncan. His sonorous voice creates a monotony that allows the listener to drift from the text. The flow of Duncan's narration is also marred by hesitations that seem to be breaks in concentration more than in natural phrasing. To abridge Powell's life would detract from his accomplishments but might make for a more compelling audiobook. M.B.K. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 97]