WHAT KIND OF NATION? Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and the Epic Struggle to Create a United States

While casual listeners might find this account of the struggle between Thomas Jefferson and Supreme Court Justice John Marshall too detailed, those with an interest in American history will find it fascinating. Simon does a fine job of spelling out how Jefferson’s character and political savvy blended with his republicanism, and how Marshall’s likewise blended with his federalism. The narrative requires clarity and balance, and Patrick Cullen’s delivery provides both. He sounds concerned, but objective, about this clash of the titans and paces his reading to allow listeners to digest key concepts. However, he mispronounces a few words and emphasizes others oddly, making those phrases hard to follow. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]