LION OF LIBERTY Patrick Henry and the Call to a New Nation

Unger depicts the fierce revolutionary who cried out for liberty or death and provides a clear presentation of his political ideas, including his belief that the Constitution would soon result in federal tyranny—which Unger believes has taken place. William Hughes’s slightly husky voice is pleasant enough, and he narrates with a light-handed energy, keeping up a good pace without rushing the listener. He modulates his tone and expression to fit the occasionally complex text with an easy naturalness. His reading gives an impression of amiability and intelligence, marred only by occasional mispronunciation or misplaced emphasis. Overall, Hughes’s narration enhances the text while leaving it, not the performance, the focus of attention. W.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2010]