Audio Book: Great American Stories:
10 Unabridged Classics
Authors: Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, Ambrose Bierce and Jack London (Audio Partners)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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The presentation of ten unabridged classics from American literature is an enticing proposition to any reader; no one is without a favorite tale. The process of persistent discovery and rediscovery is a lifelong pursuit, leading literary enthusiasts to plunder library and bookstore shelves repeatedly in search of new fares and renderings.

Seemingly out to satisfy that need for new readings, Audio Partners presents a five-disc set entitled Great American Stories, including work from legendary authors Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, Ambrose Bierce and Jack London, our nation's first literary celebrity. Among the ten tales are such well-known luminaries as can be found in nearly any American anthology worth its salt. Twain's "The One-Million Pound Bank Note" and "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and London's "To Build A Fire" are staples and naturally find their inclusion here. More interesting than those, however, are the rare gems, like Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and Crane's masterpieces, "The Blue Hotel" and "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky," masterfully read by Bruce Robertson.

The tendency to note what is missing from a collection such as this one rather than celebrate what is included is too great. Given the authors at their disposal, Audio Partners has done an excellent job representing the work that makes their legacy so everlasting. The oral qualities of these ten stories go virtually unmatched in the canon of American literature, leading one to hope for another edition of ten more classics soon.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz