AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENVENUTO CELLINI

The personal memoirs of a famous artist who was much involved with other major figures of his time is an invaluable historical document, and this one must be a rich resource for scholars of the period. It is also lively and accessible enough to be of interest to many lay readers/listeners. However, there's no reason to hear it read aloud beyond personal preference or convenience. The style, in translation at least, is clear but utilitarian with no attempt at dramatic effects, even when some hair-raising adventures are recounted. Just the facts. Jonathan Reese does what needs to be done with such a text; he reads it in a clear, listenable voice with a tone of intelligent engagement. J.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 99]