Get Most Popular Full Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

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Title: Garlic and Sapphires

Subtitle: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise

Author: Ruth Reichl

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 04-21-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 716 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

What is even more remarkable about Reichl's spy games is that as she takes on these various disguises, she finds herself changed not just superficially, but in character as well. She gives a remarkable account of how one's outer appearance can very much influence one's inner character, expectations, and appetites.

As she writes, "Every restaurant is a theater...even the modest restaurants offer the opportunity to become someone else, at least for a little while." Garlic and Sapphires is a reflection on personal identity and role playing in the decadent, epicurean theaters of the restaurant world.

Editorial Reviews:

Reichl, former New York Times restaurant critic, takes you on an undercover tour of the best New York restaurants. She makes you feel like you're right there with her, disguise and all. That's right, disguise. Because her work required anonymity, Reichl had to don new disguises in each restaurant. Her memories of both food and façade are fascinating and highly entertaining.

Her descriptions of food will have even the pickiest eater craving sushi, caviar, even squid ink! She also includes simple recipes for things like New York Style Cheesecake and Spaghetti Carbonara.

Narrator Bernadette Dunne sounds very much like Reichl herself, inhabiting every delicious moment and brining you along for the bite. Whether you're a food fan or not, this is a great memoir.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] vivacious, fascinating memoir." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Read engagingly by Bernadette Dunne

Reichl describes her life and the decisions that lead her to the job as restaurant critic at the New York Times; she doesn't shy away from her own insecurities, her anxiety as she waits for the response to her first review, her naivete in the face of the cut-throat world of both the New York dining establishments and the New York Times editorial mean-spiritedness and back-biting. Before even embarking on her first assignment for the paper, she discovers that her picture and personal information have been disseminated, and a reward offered to any restaurant worker who can spot her (presumably so that she can be lavished with attention and the finest of the fine food). Dismayed, she hatches the idea to go in disguise and begins a game of "fool 'em all" that last five years.

Interesting as her experiences in the restaurants themselves are, there is more to the book that I found equally pleasing. Her husband and son, her friend Carol, the other people who are in on the game and participate in her charade by dining with "Brenda" or "Miriam", and those who she dupes (sometimes rather unkindly) are all compelling characters. Many of them don't shy from bursting her bubble by finding some of her "costumes" attractive (moreso than her own persona) or repugnant (as she realizes she was more into playing the role than was necessary). The writing seems genuine, as Reichl wavers, struggles, comes to understand just how much of herself (good and bad) comes to the surface with each disguise. I got goosebumps when she described her trip to Windows on the World, the name of which I only knew because of its destruction with the rest of the World Trade Center in the 9/11 attacks.

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Title: Frank Lloyd Wright

Author: Ada Louise Huxtable

Narrator: Carrington Macduffie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 156 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic for The New York Times comes an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In this book, Huxtable looks at the architect and the man, exploring the sources of his tumultuous and troubled life and his long career as a master builder, as well as his search for lasting, true love. Huxtable discusses Wright's masterpieces, including Taliesin, rebuilt after tragedy and murder; the Imperial Hotel, one of the few structures that survived the catastrophic 1923 Japanese earthquake; and the tranquil Fallingwater visited by millions each year. Through the journey, Huxtable takes us not only into the mind of the man who drew the blueprints, but also into the very heart of the medium, which he changed forever.

©2004 Ada Louise Huxtable; (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"A stimulating, well-balanced treatment....With its dollop of sizzle, this fluently written biography will provoke renewed interest in Wright's architecture." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful book! Excellent reader!

Here is the perfect counterpoint to Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead": Ada Louise Huxtable gives us a satisfying and up-to-date story of the roguish, egotistical, despicable, brilliant, and completely human FLW, in a biography thoroughly researched and wonderfully told. An added plus: Huxtable's superb and often poetic descriptions of some of Wright's architectural masterpieces. Also, for Rand readers, a hilarious anecdote involving the avatar of objectivism. A must read!

Quick, yet insightful

Would you listen to Frank Lloyd Wright again? Why?

Yes. It was a quick read. Short book. And it was very interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

I learned things that I did not know. It focused on his life, not just his work, and referenced other authors. That was smart.

What about Carrington Macduffies performance did you like?

She did very well. Easy to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was shocked by how rude Frank Lloyd Wright could be.

Any additional comments?

If you want to learn about the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, start here.

Sparkling Biography - Full of Wit and Insight!

I LOVE this book!! It's a great telling of the strange life of a quirky genius. Ms. Huxtable is brilliant at describing Wright's unique and wonderous creations. Also, Ms. Carrington, the reader, really adds value to the narrative! HIGHLY recommended!

Not exactly what I expected

As a Chicago native I've always known about Frank Lloyd Wright. Although interested in understanding more about his work, I wanted a deeper look into his personal life and his notorious relationships with various women throughout his lifetime.

I admit I didn't finish listening to this book because it just seemed to focus so much on his work.

If you're a true architecture buff this book is definitely for you. Otherwise you might want to look for another book on FLW's life.

excellent review

Having the privilege of an open archives and the temperance of time after a person's death, the author has been able to create an even handed biography of this interesting architect, and his creations.

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Title: The Definitive Biography of P.D.Q. Bach

Author: Peter Schickele

Narrator: Peter Schickele

Format: Abridged

Length: 1 hr and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-08-01

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Printed books are all well and good, but, let's face it, it's a whole lot easier to let somebody else do the reading. P.D.Q. Bach was probably the most passive composer who ever allegedly lived, so the less effort you put into learning about him, the more you carry on his ideals.

©1976, 1996 by Peter Schickele, All Rights Reserved; (P)1996 HighBridge Company

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Living Biographies of Great Composers

Author: Henry Thomas, Dana Lee Thomas

Narrator: Nadia May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-00

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Here are vivid stories of men who dreamed, struggled and suffered so that they might give expression to their divine gifts. And here are also frank stories of human beings, many of whom lived exciting lives of romance and adventure. These are Living biographies and they have the fascination of fiction illumined and strengthened with the permanent appeal of historical fact.

Members Reviews:

Nice mini-biographies, but...

No music. I was hoping the narration (which is okay, not great) would be broken up now and again with samples from the composers' works.

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Title: It's Always Something

Author: Gilda Radner

Narrator: Gilda Radner

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-11-00

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 233 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

A month before her death on May 20, 1989, Gilda Radner entered a Los Angeles recording studio to deliver what would be her final performance - this remarkable audio autobiography, in which she reveals the inspirational story of her struggle with cancer...a private, personal battle in which the humor and humanity that has touched millions became her most powerful weapon.

©1989 Gilda Radner, All Rights Reserved; (P)1989 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved; AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Members Reviews:

Such a funny lady gives us an insight to her life.

The shame of this wonderful comedian is having been taken too soon from life. This book gives an insight to Ms. Radner's impressions of life in general. If only to be able to hear her voice again, this book is worthy of ownership.

Audio book just did not hold up ..

Any additional comments?

I have read the book years ago. I highly recommend reading the book. It's a heartbreaking story as told by Gilda with all the honesty and her own humor seeing her through. She tells her story and its hilarious!

The audio book sort of fails this story. Some of the best parts are missing.

Sad and funny

This story was one I was interested in since I had a friend who died from the same Cancer a year later, and Gene Wilder was actually a support to the husband- so it was of personal interest.

Great Book

Where does It's Always Something rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is a great book narrated by Gilda Radner. I had no idea that she had such a rough time with her cancer. She was a brave woman and glad she wrote it all down and was able to record the audio book before she passed away. I feel bad this happened to her. She discusses being active in her treatment and I think this is the way people handle things today. When you listen to her read this book you will feel like you are having a chat with her.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that Gilda narrated her own story. It is a sad story but a moving one. It makes you appreciate your own life and not to worry about the small things in life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me appreciate her even more. She was lucky to have Gene Wilder with her. He sounds like he was pretty strong for her despite it being so difficult This must have taken a huge toll on him also.

Gilda - Timeless

What made the experience of listening to It's Always Something the most enjoyable?

Gilda Radner wrote this book as she was dying of a disease that could have been cured if caught early.

She tells of her joys and depression, of wanting a family and losing a child.

I normally don't like autobiographies, but this one is touching and brings us into her life.

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Title: Bound for Glory

Subtitle: The Autobiography of Woody Guthrie

Author: Woody Guthrie

Narrator: Arlo Guthrie

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 83 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

The legendary voice of folk music, Woody Gurthrie, left behind hundreds of songs, including such American treasures as "This Land is Your Land," "Hard Traveling," and "Reuben James." His has influenced generations of musicians from Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to Bruce Springsteen and the Indigo Girls. In this remarkable autobiography, Guthrie presents a vision of America that, like his songs, is not soon forgotten. Guthrie traveled all over the U.S. by boxcar, thumb, and foot during the years after the Great Depression. He died of Huntington's Disease in 1967.

Recording (P)1992 by Audio Literature; Copyright ©1971 by Marjorie Guthrie

Critic Reviews:

...always shockingly immediate and real....A book to make novelists and sociologists jealous. (The Nation)

Members Reviews:

Living without bounds

Would you consider the audio edition of Bound for Glory to be better than the print version?

Yes, Arlo's voice is expressive, and easily mistaken for Woody's.

What did you like best about this story?

Woody's ability to live among the rich, or live with nothing, and his drive to be true to himself.

What about Arlo Guthries performance did you like?

It was very smooth, and expressive. There was no impression that he was reading you a book - he was simply telling you his story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I started out listening in my truck, but didn't drive enough to finish it in one day, so listened to the rest of it while mowing my lawn.

NOT disappointing

IF you have warm and fuzzy feelings for early 20c folk music, or remember fondly Woody Guthrie and his influence on the 60's counter culture.... then you won't be disappointed.

Not the complete book.

I own the printed version. This audiobook is great but it is NOT the complete book. So disappointed. Enjoyable nonetheless, but certainly lacking.

Inspiring and Fascinating but low volume level.

the audio is a little low in this tape, I had to have my car speakers jacked way up and the windows cracked a smidge just to balance audio and a hot car. Great book fantastic imagery and settings, a great read.

An inspiring life

Would you consider the audio edition of Bound for Glory to be better than the print version?

A inspired life told by the author himself, and very well performed by his son, Arlo Guthrie, in the audiobook version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bound for Glory?

The Guthrie`s travels as a hobo by train.

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Title: Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher

Subtitle: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

Author: Timothy Egan

Narrator: David Drummond

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 10-09-12

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 259 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

At once an incredible adventure narrative and a penetrating biographical portrait, Egan's book tells the remarkable untold story behind Edward Curtis's iconic photographs, following him throughout Indian country from desert to rainforest as he struggled to document the stories and rituals of more than 80 tribes. Even with the backing of Theodore Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan, it took tremendous perseverance. The undertaking changed him profoundly, from detached observer to outraged advocate.

He would die penniless and unknown in Hollywood just a few years after publishing the last of his 20 volumes. But the charming rogue with the grade-school education had fulfilled his promise - his great adventure succeeded in creating one of America's most stunning cultural achievements.

PDF features Edward Curtis photographs.

Critic Reviews:

"With a reporter's eye for detail, Egan delivers a gracefully written biography and adventure story." (

Publishers Weekly)

"Lucent prose illuminates a man obscured for years in history's shadows." (

Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

STUPENDOUS!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Riveting, no matter any preconceptions about Curtis, this author is a master.

What other book might you compare Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher to and why?

Rebecca Solnit's remarkable River of Shadows, which is about Edweard Muybridge and the amazing geo-socio-psychological and historical reasons for his work.

What about David Drummonds performance did you like?

He is really perfect. Has a world-weary voice, suitable to the material.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Impossible Dream! A Quixotic Story of a man who gave up everything for a 20 volume photobook.

Any additional comments?

My review of the book on the ICP Library blog

Good historical biography

I grew up in Seattle and didn't know anything about Curtis except having seen his photographs, it is always amazing what you find in your own backyard that they never even mentioned in school. What a dedicated person his was

Now I want to see the 20 volumes he published

I was unsure I would like this book but it's fascinating to know the full story of Curtiss' huge project. I just ordered a book with some of the pictures, and I want to track down the full set near me as well as his film

Great story but less than great narrator

This is a great biography of an incredible photographer. I am quite familiar with his astounding portraits of the life of American Indians at the turn of last century. As I listened to the book I went online to look up the photographs that are referred to and that made the story even more intriguing. As Americans we are familiar with many of these images however knowing the story of Mr. Curtis and his devotion to telling the story of our indigenous peoples makes the photos come alive.

I found the narration lacking however. I'll admit I am spoiled by readers such as George Guidall and James Marsters who can impart such distinct character into each player in a story.

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Title: Sartre in 90 Minutes

Author: Paul Strathern

Narrator: Robert Whitfield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 39 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

In Sartre in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Sartre's life and ideas and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. This audiobook also includes selections from Sartre's work, a brief list of suggested readings for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Sartre within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

Critic Reviews:

"Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise." (Wall Street Journal)

"Mr. Strathern's books are well-written, clear and informed; they have a breezy wit about them." (New York Times)

"Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character....I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization." (Boston Globe)

Members Reviews:

In 90 Minutes Series overview

If you could sum up Sartre in 90 Minutes in three words, what would they be?

aka Cliff Notes

Would you recommend Sartre in 90 Minutes to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes - I've listened to each book in the series about a major philosopher that is available on Audible. Strathern's books don't have the analytical depth found in Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" books, but he does a good job summarizing each philosopher's biography, major philosophical points, and criticisms. Additionally, Strathern's breadth is broader than Durant's in that he covers a greater number of philosophers. I believe that the time spent listening to these books has been well-spent.

My reviews for each book in the series about a philosopher are identical.

What about Robert Whitfields performance did you like?

Voice is clear, well-modulated, and easily understood, even at 1 1/2 speed.

Good biography but lacks depth on his work

It has a lot of biographical information on Sartre's life but is lacking in depth on his philosophy and main ideas of his work. Read if you want to learn about the person but if you want to know his existentialist views better to just read his short work "Existentialism is a Humanism".

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Title: Lovesick Blues

Subtitle: The Life of Hank Williams

Author: Paul Hemphill

Narrator: Jonathan Hogan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-15-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

A sickly and awkward boy who turned into a country music legend, Hiram Williams had reinvented himself as Hank Williams and taken to alcohol by the age of 14. He was dead by the age of 29. Here, Paul Hemphill recounts the tortured life and whirlwind career of the hillbilly Shakespeare as only a fellow Southerner can.

Critic Reviews:

this is the finest work of literature about Williams yet written. (

Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Excellent Book

I am a life-long fan of Hank Williams. I am a member of both his museum in Montgomery and his international fan club. I have also read every major book ever written about Hank at least twice. From this book, I learned quite a few details that I previously did not know. These include but are not limited to background about Lovesick Blues (which verse would be chorus) and details about Hank's autopsy and his preparation for buriel.

This book is suited for the long-time Hank student who already knows the major details of Hank's life and who is searching for more details. It is also a great complement to books such as WSM, The Air Castle of the Sky, The Grand Ole Opry, and Horace Logan's book about the Louisiana Hayride titled Elvis, Hank and Me.

Five Stars

I liked it a lot, being a Hank fan for 25 years now

The Plain Truth

I listen to Hank Williams 45s all the time.

He should be considered the "Godfather of Country

Music" (the only other nominee would be Jimmy

Rodgers). Hank Williams sang for the 'lintheads',

a pejorative applied to the workers of paper mills

in Up Country (northern) South Carolina. (By the way,

if it matters, I am a graduate of the University of

South Carolina.) It's all in his voice, you can feel

the pain. And that's the key, for his compositions

reflect the pain ---and hopelessness--- of the poor

Southern white at the time Hank lived in the 1930s,

40s and early 50s.

This book brings out that painful acculturation,

and we're the better for it. It isn't just the well-

known and famous songs that bring forth the soul of

this Alabamian ("You Win Again"; "Cold, Cold Heart";

"Lovesick Blues"; "Your Cheating Heart" among others),

but other gems ("Faded Love And Winter Roses"; "Alone

And Forsaken"; "My Son Calls Another Man Daddy" come

to mind).

Williams was a brilliant songwriter with a voice

I call "smooth grit" coupled with the pain of his own

life and that of the times he lived. Country music

came out of those post-Depression years in the South,

and Hank Williams was its greatest chronicler.

Great Read

I'm not much of a country music fan, but this was a very well-written book. The author has an easy matter-of-fact style that tells the story of Hank Williams without adding or subtracting for the sake of entertainment. I have a better understanding of why Hank was so important and what drove him.

Good Primer for movie coming out next year.

The book does not have an English Major (or a competent editor) crafting the story - several stories were told and then repeated in other spots.

That said, it was a good look into the troubled young life of Hank Williams. It is a good primer for the Tom Hiddleston biography movie that will be coming out in 2015.

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Title: Reckless

Subtitle: My Life as a Pretender

Author: Chrissie Hynde

Narrator: Rosanna Arquette, Chrissie Hynde

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-08-15

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 294 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

From Chrissie Hynde, one of rock's most iconic, alluring, kick-ass, and (let's face it) sexy women, a brilliant, no-holds-barred memoir of a rock life lived to the hilt.

Chrissie Hynde, the songwriter and front woman of The Pretenders in its various incarnations, has for 35 years been one of the most admired and adored and imitated figures in rock. This long-awaited memoir tells her life story in full and utterly fascinating detail, from her all-American Ohio '50s childhood to her classic baby-boomer seduction by the rock of the '60s to her sojourn in the crucible of punk that was '70s London to her instant emergence with her band, The Pretenders, in 1980 into stardom as a frontwoman and songwriter. She brings a fantastic eye for detail, a withering and sardonic sense of humor, and a fearless and sometimes naked emotional honesty to her memoir, and every line, every word of it is unmistakably hers. It is sure to be recognized as a classic of rock literature - and, man, is it fun to listen to.

With an introduction read by Chrissie Hynde.

Members Reviews:

Too long to get to The Pretenders...

I got restless waiting to get to The Pretenders. Most of this book is Chrissie's story before The Pretenders, and then when we finally get to The Pretenders they only get a couple of chapters and the story ends with the deaths of Pete and Jimmy. There was no mention of everything that followed, which I was really interested in. Also, Rosanna Arquette has a really squeaky, grating voice and she reads this book as if she's reading a children's book in front of a class of 10 year olds. She overacts throughout her entire performance. Why didn't Chrissie read it herself? I had just finished Pete Townshend's and Patti Smith's autobiographies which were both beautifully written, so maybe I'm a little spoiled, but this could have been a lot better.

Love Chrissie but this came up short

What did you like best about Reckless? What did you like least?

Her rawness of becoming a female rock n roll star!

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Her honesty about her parents.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Rosanna Arquette and Chrissie Hynde ?

Determined by content by story.

Was Reckless worth the listening time?

I wish she went on past her bandmates deaths. I wanted to know more about the development and songs beyond the first two albums. She is so much more.

Any additional comments?

I would like to more in depth of a women in the harsh world of rock n' roll. I felt this was written with kindness and not just harsh reality with respect.

Straight-talkin' rock goddess

Loved this memoir. Rosanna Arquette has a softer voice but channels Hynde expertly.

Hynde documents the transformation of a 1950s girl from Ohio into one of the great "frontmen" of the 70s and 80s, leading the Pretenders. A great songwriter, Hynde created rock classics like Brass In Pocket.

She spends a lot of time on her childhood and a good deal more on early 70s London as punk hit. The chapters on the Pretenders go by in a breeze.

But that is okay. This is a musician's coming of age story. And she came of age at a colorful time and place. She knew the Pistols, the Clash and Iggy Pop.