THOMAS JEFFERSON: A LIFE

At a time when the Declaration of Independence is quoted and deconstructed by the Speaker of the House to justify his "devolution" of the state, it's especially important that we familiarize ourselves with the life and works of authentic revolutionaries. Without actually having an identifiable accent, narrator Jonathan Reese wields a primitive charm, which adds character even if it sells Jefferson, who was a provincial but not a rustic, a little short. But if Reese's Latin and French pronunciation isn't quite up to snuff, this detracts very little as he interprets with understanding, brio and, above all, confidence. P.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 96]