LIONS OF THE WEST Heroes and Villains of the Westward Expansion

Narrator David Drummond recounts the lives of 10 historical figures who, over five decades, made the United States a continental power. Adventurers, politicians, and diplomats all have their part in this drama, which begins with Thomas Jefferson, and the Louisiana Purchase, and concludes with John Quincy Adams. Drummond’s sonorous voice adeptly describes the triumphs and travails of such well-known characters as David Crockett, Sam Houston, and Kit Carson as well as the now obscure Nicholas Trist and the legendary John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman. Drummond never wavers in differentiating the narrative from the excerpts of letters and speeches. This work is long, but Drummond’s performance is both strong and nuanced enough to keep the listener’s attention. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]