THE NATIONAL PARKS

The audio version of Duncan's companion volume to his and Ken Burns's film (which seems much the same as the film's narration) is both a history of the parks and an argument in their defense. Danny Campbell's slightly hoarse voice is likable, unpretentious, and effortlessly expressive. There's an occasional sloppy pronunciation, but more importantly, he's easy to listen to over the long haul. The story drags a bit to start with, but Campbell's pacing doesn't flag, and things pick up thereafter. Burns reads the introduction, Duncan the conclusion, and a number of serviceable, professional voices supply longer quotations and the responses in interviews. This audio covers the ground well—even without the stunning visuals of the film. W.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]