NPR American Chronicles--Civil Rights

This isn't a narrative history but a series of National Public Radio reports, delivered by several correspondents, on some of the events and participants of the Civil Rights Movement. A combination of reportage, historical recordings, and interviews informs while making the history immediate and personal. Michele Norris is professionally suave and easy to listen to in her succinct introductions. A problem is that the reports are mostly undated, and when interviewees are asked about current circumstances, we don't know when they're speaking. That quibble aside, this program is an absorbing, informative, and often moving reminder of how bad things were and what it cost to change them. The program should be especially valuable for educational use. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

To mark the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War, NPR and HighBridge Audio have assembled this collection of stories about the conflict, originally broadcast over several years. The pieces touch on the people (not just the generals but also frontline soldiers), the places, and the issues. Highlights include Sam Waterston reciting the Gettysburg Address and author Shelby Foote talking about his books on the war and about growing up in the South with a grandfather who fought for the Confederacy at Gettysburg. The episodes are uniformly engaging and create a "you-are-there" atmosphere. Occasional music--including a piece on the song "Dixie"-- adds to mood. The episodes aren't long, making them ideal for listening while running errands. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 15, 2012

In this collection, NPR compiles the defining moments of the civil rights movement with interviews, music, and recollections by some of the important people involved with civil rights efforts primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Among the noteworthy participants are James Farmer, Rosa Parks, Octavius Catto, Julian Bond, Dorothy Height, and Mahalia Jackson. The personal reflections and historical accounts are alternately riveting, moving, and shocking but at all times a reminder of the power of the human spirit. This is a potent rendering of some of the most important civil rights events. VERDICT As a short, quick overview of this important part of our nation's history, this is unbeatable; listeners will be moved to tears at times by the compelling narration. Highly recommended for anyone interested in U.S. history and/or civil rights.--Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll., Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

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