CARVER: A GREAT SOUL

Brief, accessible biographies are in short supply in the audiobook world, so this modest self-published audio program is of considerable interest. Peter Burchard's well-researched work includes footnotes and sources in an accompanying paperback. The audio program itself succeeds, in particular, because Burchard tells the story of George Washington Carver as a narrative epic in verse (iambic pentameter). Burchard details the life of the scientist and health pioneer, known for his research in peanut products. While admirable for content and program, the production values are less than optimal. Burchard also makes a stylistic mistake in attempting to imitate Carver's high, individualistic voice. Nevertheless, the program is quite fascinating and well worth a listener's time. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 99]