Nonviolence: 25 Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea

Oscar-winner Dreyfuss lends his voice to a timely subject matter. With his characteristic crystal-clear annunciation and emotionally charged delivery, Dreyfuss adds an element of energy to Kurlansky's exhaustive historical journey. Listeners of all partisan stripes should find themselves intrigued by some of the lesser-known examples of nonviolent activism that Kurlansky's research highlights, including campaigns that could have prevented both America's Revolutionary War and the Civil War. However, the tenor of Kurlansky's message often seems unnecessarily strident, fiercely attacking political, religious and media defenders of the just war theory. For instance, the Rev. Billy Graham receives the pejorative label of ""right-wing evangelist,"" and Steven Spielberg's acclaimed 1998 film Saving Private Ryan draws scorn as ""war propaganda."" Sadly, Kurlansky seems more intent on doing battle with sacred cows than building bridges or advancing practical solutions.