From AudioFile In this essay Hirsch proposes that all Americans learn common points of reference so all may exchange ideas equitably. A list of recommended terms to know follows. Although Barrett Whitener reads this book quite respectably， the separate DICTIONARY OF CULTURAL LITERACY， which actually defines the itemized topics， probably would be a more engaging audio because listeners could affirm and expand their grasp of "what every American needs to know." Whitener gives the present work a clear， uncluttered quality， and his efforts to provide variety of tone and pace in the recitation of the phone book-like list are especially commendable. D.J. (c)AudioFile， Portland， Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition. Book Description In this forceful manifesto， Hirsch argues that children in the U.S. are being deprived of the basic knowledge that would enable them to function in contemporary society. Includes 5，000 essential facts to know. --This text refers to the Paperback edition. See all Editorial Reviews