Mythologies

Barthes’s classic tome on symbolism—an essential text in cultural studies—is given fresh life with a new translation from Richard Howard and Annette Lavers and this audio edition. Exploring how films, advertisements, sports, and other aspects of popular culture reinforce cultural mythologies, Barthes’s essays still prove relevant today. John Lee provides superb narration. He recognizes the subtleties of the author’s arguments, placing the right amount of emphasis on key points while moving smoothly over the less important details. And while the production could have provided more distinct breaks between essays, Lee manages—as best as possible—to demarcate the end of each section vocally. As a narrator, he is one of the most intriguing elements of this audiobook. Given that the text focuses on the ways mainstream culture reinforce particular myths as a means of supporting the power structure, what will listeners think about a French book performed by a British narrator for a largely American audience? A Hill and Wang hardcover. (Mar.)