Between Man and Beast: An Unlikely Explorer, the Evolution Debates, and the African Adventure That Took the Victorian World By Storm

Reel paints a vivid picture of Paul Du Chaillu, a fascinating figure involved in the exploration of Africa, debates about race, and the study of evolution in the 19th century. Though he’s not as well-known as Charles Darwin, Du Chaillu’s exploration and recovery of ape skeletons and bodies influenced Darwin’s evolutionary theories. Bob Walter narrates in a deep, raspy voice that lends atmosphere to sections of the book covering Du Chaillu’s expeditions, using timing and tone to create an intense listening experience. Throughout, Walter’s narration is smooth and involved. And when reading quotations, he doesn’t create unnecessarily elaborate voices, instead giving listeners understated but distinguishable male and female vocalizations. A Doubleday hardcover. (Mar.)