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A defense of Liberty that is still important.

Reviewed: 11-28-18

John Stuart Mill's work titled, "On Liberty" is a well reasoned explanation and defense of the universally important and historically fragile concept of liberty. He clearly and reasonably argues in this work that the concept of liberty is a vital premise which any allegedly free nation must embrace if it were to be considered accurately as having a just and free society by future generations in hindsight. Of greater note, John Stuart Mill also places great emphasis on the right of disagreement for not only the popular majority but also for the unpopular minority. He treats this right as the key stone principal for the exercising and securing of liberty itself in any society. Thus he argues that neither government, or the outrage of a worked up angry mob or the lustful gaze of the powerful few in society has the right to deny the individual the right to disagree from their unjust excesses or deprivations of opinions be they false or true at the present time. Furthermore, he clearly explains the merits and benefits that society receives from hearing from those who are considered at the present to have wrong opinions by the majority.

Overall I really enjoyed this work. I would highly recommend "On Liberty" to those who see great merit in standing up for freedom and liberty for all. It is a extremely well reasoned and solidly firm defense of the concept and exercise of liberty. It stands strong for the affirmation of the rights of the biggest minority in the world, i.e. the individual and it is today just as relevant as it was back when it was first published.

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An unashamed and bold defense of Capitalism.

Reviewed: 04-16-18

For those who want to understand why Capitalism needs defending against the perpetually looming threat of a ever encroaching, abusive and soul corrupting statist government. As well as for those who want to know how Capitalism is intrinsically linked to the development and growth of individual rights as a stop gap to the often irrational tribalistic collectivist abuses of past, present and future governments. Governments who often target and act against the lone dissenting individual in society.

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A necessary primer to understand Objectivism.

Reviewed: 12-19-17

If you are interested in delving into the philosophy of Objectivism well this audio book is the best book written by Ayan Rand to start with as a primer in my own opinion. This book lays out many of the key principles and arguments necessary to understand the underlying philosophical foundations Objectivism itself. It is also worth picking up because the key philosophical social issues and dangers that Ayn Rand discusses and points to at the time which Western nations were facing are still around. E. g. the many faces of rabid collectivism (and in it's lesser guise tribalism) that fuels the self-destructive nature of the proponents of this cannibalism of individualism and humanistic societal improvements. In fact in many respects far they are more rampant and destructive then in the past because they have eaten away at the philosophical and idealogical foundations that have allowed Western nations to flourish.

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Fascinating story told in a audio drama manner.

Reviewed: 12-31-15

What made the experience of listening to The Shadow over Innsmouth the most enjoyable?

What made this audio drama enjoyable was is this was yet another very well crafted story by H.P. Lovecraft. A story that is wonderfully produced and narrated by Richard Coyle and company. It is voice acted in many parts, alongside the narration, and every part is a fascinating joy to listen and imagine in your mind IMHO.

There are also well done sound fx's and background music that is tastefully weaved into the narration and acting. Each are brilliantly used to create and set the mood and atmosphere for the story and setting. However, these audio fx sounds, and background music, never overshadow the story itself or the voice acting. In other words, they are well done in a way so that they only lend to the atmosphere created by the story and narrator. Of which, Richard is a great voice actor and his voice is well suited for these types of stories. As you can tell I'm a fan of his work here and with another HP Lovecraft story he narrated called the "At The Mountains of Madness".

What other book might you compare The Shadow over Innsmouth to and why?

"Over the Mountain of Madness" another H.P. Lovecraft masterpiece. The version that was also narrated and voice acted by Richard Coyle.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene on the docks when the old town drunk in the story is "spilling the beans" on what he knows after the main character shares a bottle of alcohol with him. This scene gives a tremendous amount of background lore about the wonderfully chilling Cthulhu mythos that H.P. Lovecraft artfully and originally crafted into what we know call the sci-fi horror genre.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It's almost impossible to stop listening to this audiobook/drama once you start down that grim-dark Lovecraftian path of Cthulhu dark intrigue, horror and suspense.

Any additional comments?

If you pick this story up then do yourself a favor and also pick up the companion story called "At the Mountains of Madness" which is also read by Richard Coyle.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant in story and production value

Reviewed: 10-12-15

Where does At the Mountains of Madness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best IMHO. The production values are the best you can get for HP Lovecraft audio retellings. The narration is top notch and the background music and eerie sound effects that provide for and set the mood of a disturbingly desolate landscape (for which this story relies upon for its setting) is fantastic beyond words, again IMHO. As for the story well it's one of HP Lovecraft's best works and part of the awesome Cthulhu mythos.

What was one of the most memorable moments of At the Mountains of Madness?

The entire story is memorable however if I had to pick a point in the story I'd say it's chapter 2 and beyond in this audio tale because this is when you get into the meat of the story and the disturbing and fascinating Cthulhu mythos.

What does Richard Coyle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration and pattern of speech for this story sets the perfect mood and tempo for this audio tale. This audio tale puts the listener on a path that demonstrates the greatness of HP Lovecraft's work. Alongside the chilling feeling you get from listening to this wonderfully fascinating yet disturbing story that is very well produced and delightfully narrated.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Gothic Horror Sci-Fi

Any additional comments?

I want more from this producer and performer. Richard Coyle is awesome. Additionally if he were to be paired up with say Wayne June (voice actor from another series of HP Lovecraft narrations) in seperate piece of work dedicated to narrating HP's works using the same production values well then I'd be in Cthulu heaven (if there is a such a thing.).

Again, I can't stress enough how the eerie (but never gaudy) background music and sound fx's only add to the wonderful narration and both create a true theater of the mind that sets the mood and tempo for this wickedly disturbing and chilling work by HP Lovecraft.

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3 people found this helpful