History

• Audiobooks were created first as a means to help the blind, but soon became a pastime for everyone. In 1932, The American Foundation for the Blind began developing a "talking book" for the blind. At the time, only blind Americans could use these first audiobooks, and there wasn't a very large selection to choose from.
  It was in the 1960s that this changed. Personal cassette players helped boost the popularity of the audiobook, as did the American library system's decision to loan them free to the public.
  Since then, the audiobook industry has grown and changed along with the recording medium. Today, you can still find them on tape, but also on CD and as mp3.
  
  

Significance

• Audiobook listening has added another audience to the literary world, adding people who would never pick up a book otherwise. In addition to the blind, audiobooks have helped students with learning disabilities, and commuters with no time to sit and read. Additionally, workers in the transportation industry--like truck drivers, delivery personnel--use audiobooks to help pass the time while spending hours behind the wheel.
  "It keeps us awake, alert and breaks up the monotony of a long haul," says regional truck driver Donovan Davis. They provide the entertainment of a novel when reading isn't possible.
  
  

Features

• Audiobooks are a recorded version of a printed text. Professional vocalists, sometimes celebrities, who are simply recorded reading the original text, read them. The result is placed in the form of a CD, tape or mp3 before delivery to the public. Audiobooks aren't soundtracks or musicals. They must come from a written book to qualify.
  Often the audiobooks are abridged or shorter visions of the original books. In some cases, the author is taped reading her own work.
  
  

Types

• There are two types of audiobook: abridged and unabridged. Unabridged audiobooks are the full recorded text from the original book. An abridged audiobook has been trimmed. In some cases its only a few passages here and there. Sometimes several chapters are taken out. Abridged audiobooks are often cheaper than the unabridged version and easy to find. However, to get the complete version of a text, choose the unabridged audiobook.
  
  

Warning

• When choosing an audiobook, look for the abridged or unabridged label. Choosing an unabridged version of a novel is often disappointing as many parts of the original text is deleted. Also, like regular CDs, tapes and mp3s an audiobook can be damaged if it isn't used and cared for properly. And, audiobooks often cost double the price of a regular book, so replacing them can be expensive.