A HISTORY OF THE SOUTH, VOLUME 1 The Kingdom of Cotton

[Editor's Note: This is a combined review of Volumes 1-3 of A HISTORY OF THE SOUTH.]--This soporific study of the South shows its age (1972) with anachronistic word choices such as "Negroes," "savages," and "Indians." The exploration of topics such as intraprovincial sectionalism and disproportionate taxation would interest only a tiny population of today's readers. However, the academic detail and rich language cannot be denied. Charlton Griffin's deep, resonant voice serves best to keep listeners awake. He articulates each word as if all were of equal importance. Technicians have emphasized the quotes, no matter how trivial, by slowing the narrator's voice, raising the volume, and giving them a startling echo. The effect would be more suitable for God talking to Moses. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]