AMERICAN BRUTUS

The author claims that this account of actor John Wilkes Booth and his assassination of President Lincoln sets the historical record straight once and for all. One thing's for certain: He's in no hurry to unfold his story or get to a point. Adding to the effect, Nelson Runger's reading is measured and precise. He has a high, sharp voice anyway--not unpleasant, far from it. He is expressive, though low-key, and always focused on his text--never sounding as if he's on autopilot. So despite the author's long-windedness, he and Runger tell a fascinating tale--revisionist or not--whether or not one has heard it before. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]