Sensing the Past

Hollywood Stars and Historical Vision

By: Jim Cullen

Narrated by: David Gassaway

How do perceptions of the past - not just of particular events, but of the trajectory of history as a whole - shape our experience of the world? Sensing the Past tackles this question with an unlikely source of historical insight - the work of six major Hollywood stars: Clint Eastwood, Daniel Day-Lewis, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jodie Foster. By focusing on the career choices made by these iconic actors, Cullen uncovers a discrete set of historical narratives, revealing the surprising ways historical forces shape our understanding of the world.

©2013 Jim Cullen (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

An Unusual Concept

Following Hollywood actors and actresses works in order to examine various visions of history struck me as an unusual, but highly interesting approach. The book works because it concentrates on visions of history rather than historical fact (something Hollywood rarely has a good grasp on).
The actors and actresses whose films the author has chosen to follow are an interesting and varied lot.
And finally the reading for this audiobook is exemplary. It's easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. And the reader does seem to take on the voice of the author.