MAGNA CARTA The Birth of Liberty

Dan Jones gives a succinct history of King John's reign, centering on the Magna Carta of 1215, and then a sketch of the document's subsequent history. Jones is in many ways a fine reader of his own work. His voice and strong British accent are likable, his manner amiable, his diction clear, and his pacing naturally good. However, he often tries too hard to imbue his words with significance and feeling and to vary his expression widely, perhaps to avoid monotony, leading to an exaggerated tone. The history is intrinsically interesting, the writing efficient, and Jones, when not straining, is a capable narrator. Happily, the flaw doesn't overwhelm this worthwhile program. W.M. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2016]