GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON

This study meticulously reviews the details of Washington's military life, from the childhood experiences that might have shaped him to his reflections on his career after it ended. Lengel's writing is occasionally clumsy, his judgment strict, but the narrative is detailed. Jack Garrett's narration is always clear and always paced so that it is easy to follow. However, his delivery is more like a lecture than it should be. His vocal distance fits the analytical side of Lengel's project, but he never warms to the emotional side, never lets emotions fill his voice, even when reading excerpts from period letters filled with pain and anger. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]