Download Best Sellers Audiobooks in Classics, Greek & Roman

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Title: Songs on Bronze

Subtitle: The Greek Myths Made Real

Author: Nigel Spivey

Narrator: Yuri Rasovsky

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-13-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 107 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

Modern translations of the Greek myths have often sought to instruct, to edify, or to impart a personal philosophy. Songs on Bronze is different. Nigel Spivey gives us the Greek myths as the spellbinding stories they are. In bold, sensuous prose, he tells of Demeter and Persephone, of Jason and the Argonauts, of the wrath of Achilles and the travels of Odysseus, of Oedipus's crime, and Orpheus's excursion into the underworld. In his hands, these stories are revealed anew as outsize tales of love and strife, of secret compacts and open rivalries, of lust and desire.

Critic Reviews:

"Rollicking good tales." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful

This audiobook is excellent. The narrator reminded me of being at my Grandfather's knee, listening to his stories. If you enjoy Greek mythology, this audiobook is for you. This audiobook is excellent!

I love Greek Mythology

This book is written with excellence! The stories in this book are easy to understand, follow, and adapt well as a whole. The author has taken great care to detail much of the loved Greek mythology lore. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone that loves Greek Mythology. The storytellers (author and reader)are fantastic!

Great stories...

Nicely done - a great version of the Gods and the trials of the times. Narriation was smooth and captivating. Tell me more...........

Don't Myth This (sorry)

This is one of the most enjoyable audible books I've yet listened to. I've always liked the old Greek myths, and the way they are presented here makes them absolutely irresistable. Some of the older translations can make it a bit of a struggle even when you like the story, but Spivey is so informal in his language that I think it's how I would try to explain them to someone who was unfamiliar with the stories. I hesitate to use the word 'irreverant' but it may be the best choice. Yuri Rasovsky's narration reinforces that style wonderfully. I'll still download Edith Hamilton's 'Mythology' if it becomes available, but I certainly don't feel as if I'm missing anything. Thanks as well to the earlier reviews, they convinced me to try the book and am VERY glad I did.

What a Wonderful, Interesting, Unique Listen!

This book was a delightful surprise. The book seeks to teach readers/listeners the myths of ancient Greece in the format those myths were so often passed on: the oral tradition of story teling. While many of the myths are gruesome and violent, the book almost reads like a night time fairy tale that you'd listen to around the fire or tucked snugly into bed. The narrator is just perfect for bringing out this storytelling quality - it's more like he's "telling us" the book than reading it to us. A wonderful performance - this is one of the rare times I believe the audio book may be better than the actual book! Highly recommend.

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Title: Anne of Avonlea

Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery

Narrator: Shelly Frasier

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-08-06

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 295 votes

Genres: Classics, Kids & Young Adults

Publisher's Summary:

In the first sequel to

Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Montgomery's feisty red-headed heroine is now 16 and a school teacher in the small village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Although older, she isn't necessarily wiser, and she hasn't outgrown her mischievous antics. She learns how complicated life can be when she takes two new orphans at Green Gables under her wings, meddles in someone else's love life, and learns about romance herself when she encounters the "odd behavior" of a very handsome man, Gilbert Blythe.

©2004 Tantor Media, Inc.

Members Reviews:

A Book for the Whole Family

What made the experience of listening to Anne of Avonlea the most enjoyable?

Seeing Anne grow up into a school teacher and her interactions with Davey and Paul made this into a very enjoyable book for me. I think Dora was the weakest character as I had no idea why she was even there most of the time, but this is still a very strong book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Besides Anne herself, my favorite character was Paul Irving. He was obviously taught to prize his own capacity for creative imagination, which is a valuable lesson for anyone.

What does Shelly Frasier bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Hearing the book read aloud made it much easier to understand and enjoy.

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

Sometimes the right teacher makes all the difference in the world.

Any additional comments?

I can easily see why this book has stood the test of time.

Lovely story, well read by a kindred spirit

Only drawback was the mispronunciation of a word here or there.

Overall, it was very true to LLM's spirit.

Loved it...

Where does Anne of Avonlea rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Top 10

What other book might you compare Anne of Avonlea to and why?

Currently listening to Ann of the Island and enjoying it

What about Shelly Frasiers performance did you like?

She is great!!

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

No I like it to last for a long time so I become part of the story

Any additional comments?

I am saving this series for my little grand daughter when she is old enough to read/listen

Narration is great!

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

Yes. Very wholesome relaxing uplifting read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Anne of Avonlea?

Writing it here would spoil it for you

Which scene was your favorite?

When she makes a friend after the wrong turn

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

I laughed several times. It made me smile a lot.

Any additional comments?

I felt the need to review this because I almost didn't buy the Shelly Fraiser version after reading a couple of reviews here complaining about her voice, particularly with the children. Even with the seed planted I found nothing remotely irratating about her voices. Actually I thought they were quite good and allowed me to easily picture the child in my mind.

Very good narrator!

I am enjoying the Anne of Green Gables series but you have to be careful which narrator you select for each book. This one is great!

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Title: Aesop's Fables

Author: Aesop

Narrator: Mary Woods

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

The earliest extant collections of Aesop's stories were made by various Greek versifiers and Latin translators, to whose compilations were added tales from Oriental and ancient sources to form what we now know as Aesop's Fables. The majority of European fables, including those of La Fontaine, are largely derived from these succinct tales.

An extraordinary storyteller who used cunning foxes, surly dogs, clever mice, fearsome lions, and foolish humans to describe the reality of a harsh world, Aesop created narratives that are appealing, funny, politically astute, and profoundly true. Aesop's truth is often summed up in the pithy "moral of the story".

According to tradition, Aesop was a Phrygian slave who probably lived from 620 to 560 BC. It is inferable from Aristotle's mention of Aesop's acting as a public defender that he was freed from slavery, possibly as a result of his wit. Plutarch stated that the Athenians erected a noble statue of him. Little is known about his life and many conflicting stories exist. It can be stated, however, that he was an extraordinary storyteller who conveyed his remarkable wisdom regarding human nature in appealing tales. Over the centuries, Aesop's Fables have retained their power to reach our intellects and touch our hearts.

Members Reviews:

Nicely read & without any thrills.

I think it was a good choice, to get this audio book.

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Title: More Tales from the Greek Legends

Author: Edward Ferrie

Narrator: Benjamin Soames

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-26-06

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

Bellerophon and the winged horse Pegasus launch into the blue sky in search of the dreaded three-headed Chimera, but will success go to the hero's head? Orpheus, devastated by the death of his wife, Eurydice, dares the dangers of the kingdom of the dead in an attempt to bring her back to life. Echo loves Narcissus but he only loves himself: a story that can only end in sadness. These and other colourful legends from Ancient Greece are retold in lively form by Benjamin Soames, with classical music providing further excitement.

Editorial Reviews:

These invigorating versions of the Greek myths feature the action-packed adventures of Bellerophon and Pegasus, the cautionary tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, the sad story of Echo and Narcissus, and other beloved legends. Performer Benjamin Soames has a knack for storytelling, and his light, pleasant, English-accented voice makes him an engrossing narrator. Presented with classical music interludes that add punch, this is a recording that's perfect for kids, or for anyone who enjoys the Greek myths presented in top-notch style.

Members Reviews:

Great!

Benjamin has personified the book! I was spellbound from the beginning to the end. Audiobook is more accurate than the kindle book.

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Title: The Owl and the Pussycat

Author: Edward Lear

Narrator: John Cunningham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-15-06

Publisher: Weston Woods Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Classics, Kids & Young Adults

Publisher's Summary:

The romantic tale about the voyage of a seemingly ill-matched pair and the happiness they find together.

Click here to see other

stories.

©1961 Edward Lear; (P)1967 Weston Woods Studios

Editorial Reviews:

The acclaimed theater actor John Cunningham performs a wonderful telling of this dreamy tale with dramatic narration and perfect enunciation. Gentle guitar and piano music fade in and out of the background as Cunningham tells the story of the two determined but seemingly star-crossed lovers. An older recording, the sound quality here has the atmospheric feel of a vinyl record, which is no bad thing. This would be a wonderful audiobook to play in the background as a young child falls into slumber.

Members Reviews:

Really beautiful pictures. I love this book

Really beautiful pictures. I love this book. Nice little bio of Edward Lear at the end (did you know he was the 15th of 17 children???). I got this to read to my daughter, and have given it as a gift as well.

nice little book

I bought this for my daughter who is forty years old. I used to read this to her every night before she went to bed along with other loved books ...I thought she would love a copy....

The perfect gift for first time parents

The perfect gift for first time parents. We added a short story about how both of us learned this rhyme as toddlers

Fun over and over again

Love this classic from the 60's. I fell in love with the illustrations when I read to my now grown daughter years and years ago. The pussycat is so chic and so adorable. Over the years I've tracked down copies to give as gifts. For the lover of speaking French, witty fashion illustrations and just fun..here's a treasure. And speaking of treasurers. ..Books of Wonder....LOVE THE STORE

Five Stars

just beautiful illustrations and i love the story.

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Title: Don't Know Much About World Myths

Author: Kenneth C. Davis

Narrator: Jason Harris, John Bedford Lloyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-16-05

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 43 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

Whether it's the adventures of Greek gods and goddesses or Norse trickster tales, we all love to hear a good story.

Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis gives readers a taste of these enchanting myths and the diverse people who tell them. In his trademark question-and-answer style peppered with entertaining sidebars and quotes, he also shows how almost every civilization's mythology shares common themes. Some stories celebrate the creation of the earth and the arrival of the first humans; others mourn a massive flood of destruction. Our wide world is linked together by the stories we tell.

Members Reviews:

Informative but that's more or less it

This collection covers myths from around the world. I got a very informative background on many of the key ideas behind different mythological cultures. However, after two hours I found listening to the remaining myths getting a little dry. This is definitely a good listen but not stimulating enough for children.

Uninspiring

This reminded me of that public school garbage in garbage out kind of learning. No soul. If a child was to be inspired to learn more about mythology it's not going to be from this linear recitation of dates and spockian facts. Just my disappointed opinion. Maybe I Don't Know Much About Teaching Kids.

Very Basic

Sadly, I expected more from this book. It was written as if to a six year old, with inane questions to introduce the tales.

I was quite disappointed.

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Title: The Tale of Troy

Author: Roger Lancelyn Green

Narrator: Edward Lewis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

The Tale of Troy tells of the last great adventure of the Heroic Age. It is the story of Helen and the judgment of Paris; of the gathering of the heroes and the siege of Troy; of Achilles, reared by the centaur on wild honey and the marrow of lions; of Odysseus, his great strategy of the Wooden Horse, and of his many adventures on his long journey home to Greece.

These legends have been told again and again, passed down for over three thousand years. This masterly retelling makes them as vivid and exciting as they were all those years ago.

Critic Reviews:

"Roger Lancelyn Green's retellings are among the most accessible, particularly for younger listeners, while retaining the poetic quality of the ancient texts." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Heavy Armour

This is not truly the best subject matter for an audiobook, with far too many asides and footnotes for listening comfort. What was probably an interesting and stimulating book loses a lot in the audio translation.

The narrator fails to bring any excitement to the story and it is all read in a fairly flat monotone.

That having been said, it is a good story with some interest for the Troy fan. Perhaps better seen as an addition to a library rather than an introduction to the subject though.

An awesome book but a LAME READER

What disappointed you about The Tale of Troy?

This book really gives you the full detail of everything and I mean everything. But the reader is not exciting and the audio recording is DEAD.

There are no dramatical sounds to go along with a fight like this and once again the read is not even exciting.

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Title: Around the World in 80 Days

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: Jim Dale

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-05

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 993 votes

Genres: Classics, Kids & Young Adults

Publisher's Summary:

Combining exploration, adventure, and a thrilling race against time, Around the World in 80 Days gripped audiences upon its original publication and remains hugely popular to this day.

This recording includes an afterword written by Starr LaTronica, the Youth Services Manager of the Four Country Library System in Vestal, NY, and Tim Ditlow, Publisher of Listening Library, that explains the context of Jules Verne's cultural references since his story was crafted using the predominant opinions and biases of his time.

Editorial Reviews:

Why we think it's Essential: Let's face it: Jules Verne's book is pretty tedious in print. But I was in need of a listen for a family road trip, and was intrigued by what Jim Dale could do with Verne's "classic". To our pleasant surprise, my family and I were absolutely transported. Dale's brilliance takes what is essentially a lengthy travelogue and turns it into a glorious adventure. Steve Feldberg

Members Reviews:

Fabulous narration for Verne Classic

I have other versions of Around in the World in 80 Days from Audible and all are very good to excellent narrations, but Jim Dale's narration is the best by far! What an audiobook!

The production also enhances Mr. Dale's performance with very subtle moments of background music or locomotives that enhance the narration yet maintain this audiobook in its pure narrative form. Dale's characterizations are excellent and consistent.

Since listening to this version, I have searched for other audiobooks by Mr. Dale as well as other book productions by Listening Library and look forward to listening to these as well, so impressed was I by this version.

Outstanding audio production

Everything about this audiobook is superlative. Many audiobooks include incidental music, but few include ambient noise (rushing water, trains, crowds), and fewer still have used it in such an unobtrusive way, as a further aid to experiencing (and enjoying) the story. (Why don't more publishers do this?) Jim Dale's narration is wonderful. But one thing I haven't seen mentioned here -- in fact it is only confirmed in the last few minutes of the audiobook -- is that it uses the delightfully breezy and new translation by Michael Glencross (2004, Penguin). That in itself is reason to celebrate. I'm a big Verne fan, but never cared much for this one; but now I'd have to say it's easily one of my favorites. I expect to return to this recording many times.

Engaging adventure!

What a fun, escapist read (or listen) this is! The plot moves along breathtakingly. Jim Dale's narration was superb. I think that much credit should go to this particular translation into English from the original French. I compared some passages from this audio version with an e-book (in print) that was done by another translator. While the literal sense was the same, the language and nuance of this audio translation struck me as far superior.

Great audio production.... fun book

The best way to describe this audio book is good fun. Some of Verne's books have trouble keeping the modern day reader excited or even interested, but Around the World still accomplishes it. It's light, easy, adventurous, and comical. This recording is particularly good because of the amazing talents of Jim Dale. He is absolutely the best out there.

A True Classic

The narration made this an outstanding read.

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Title: The Histories

Author: Herodotus

Narrator: Bernard Mayes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 28 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-06-04

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 367 votes

Genres: Classics, Greek & Roman

Publisher's Summary:

In his love for the stranger, more marvelous facts of the world, he infused his magnificent history with a continuous awareness of the mythic and the wonderful. For more than a hundred generations, his supple, lucid prose has drawn readers into his panoramic vision of the war between the Greek city-states and the great empire to the east. And in the generosity of his spirit, in the instinctive empiricism that took him searching over much of the known world for information, in the care he took with sources and historical evidence, in his freedom from intolerance and prejudice, he virtually defined the rational, humane spirit that is the enduring legacy of Greek civilization.

Members Reviews:

Pater historiae: Latin, b/c who gets Greek jokes?

The narration was solid, but not top shelf. The Histories, however, is one of those books where an audiobook helps. Reading Herodotus, one can often get bogged down in the loops of geography, people, history, culture and meandre through miles of esoterica. The audiobook gives you a good pace and force-marches you through to the end. I enjoyed the audiobook, but utilized it more as a tool as I read the Landmark series. That is another aspect where the audiobook helps. When reading one translation and listening to another, similar translation, the reader/listener is often able to glean additional information.

Pretend the narrator is your favorite Uncle

Every few minutes the oblivious elderly narrator bumps into the microphone or some other object nearby, which is very distracting. If you think of the reading as a favorite uncle or prof telling you his opinion of the history of the known world up to that point, (and who just happens to bump into whatever is near him) that makes it more tolerable. I am surprised anyone thought this narration worth selling as a product or worth paying for; I should have previewed it first, obviously. That said, if you can ignore all that, then the stories are mind-numbing, in a good way. So many civilisations I had never even heard of before! So many tyrants being horrible in ways new to my imagination when I foolishly thought the current evil of humanity was surely the worst. Amazing perspective on human history, in other words, and very worth either reading or listening to. It would be useful to have a map of the ancient world handy, though, as it is hard to envision the rise and fall of all these kingdoms, tribes and empires.

Difficult but enlightening

At 29 hours long, this is at a times a difficult listen. The story can be dry and lacks the imaginative preoccupations of fiction. That being said, the narration gives the feel that you are hearing the stories from the mouth of Herodotus himself. Like an entrancing old man who rambles on and on, you half listen out of respect to him, and half in wonder at things you've never heard before. I enjoyed the story and narration, but the audio quality was a little lower than I would have liked.

For a fan of ancient history, this is a must listen which sheds new revelations into other pieces of classic literature and in many respects sets up the mental stage for them.

Fascinating and Well-Read History

I really enjoyed Herodotus' The Histories, about the background and main events of the epic wars between the ancient Persians and Greeks (translated by George Rawlinson).

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Title: The Chocolate War

Author: Robert Cormier

Narrator: Frank Muller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-15-04

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 198 votes

Genres: Classics, Kids & Young Adults

Publisher's Summary:

Jerry Renault ponders the question on the poster in his locker: Do I dare disturb the universe? Refusing to sell chocolates in the annual Trinity school fund-raiser may not seem like a radical thing to do. But when Jerry challenges a secret school society called The Vigils, his defiant act turns into an all-out war. Now the only question is: Who will survive? First published in 1974, Robert Cormier's groundbreaking novel, an unflinching portrait of corruption and cruelty, has become a modern classic.

©1974 Robert Cormier; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic Reviews:

"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity." (The New York Times Book Review)

"The characterizations of all the boys are superb....This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity." (School Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Superb in every way

I have friends who swoon at the late Frank Muller's voice; I've usually found him to be overeager. But I can't imagine anyone else reading this one.

"Chocolate War" is an elegantly written book. I especially like the moments when a bit of exposition suddenly makes you hit rewind while saying, "What was that?" because a significant plot point has suddenly, unexpectedly been laid in your lap.

This tale of a Roman Catholic boy's school is a sort of American "Lord of the Flies." It's about courage, cruelty, control and the chaos that occurs when the people who are supposed to be in charge just don't care. By turns amusing and appalling, I found it absolutely riveting.

A highlight is the introduction by the author. The worst part was the replacement of the usual "This is Audible" with four-year-old voices chanting "Audible Kids."

This is NOT a "kid's book." This is extraordinarily well-crafted fiction written for, and about, young people. Many parents need to hear it to understand that the occasional anachronisms in the story do not mean these issues have been left in the past.

Thanks, Robert. Thanks, Frank. Outstanding job.

Fell flat of my expectations

This book had so much potential. I liked the idea of a kid who went against the grain, despite all the peer pressure. Robert Cormier's writing was beautiful and poetic. But the story never left the ground. The opening scene shows you the school bullies plotting some scheme that has danger written all over it. Then you meet Jerry and think, "Oh, there he is. He's going to do something great." There's all this anticipation and then nothing happens. Nothing. They don't even announce the chocolate sales until halfway through the book. I could see right away Cormier's flaw in developing the story. In the intro, Cormier explains that the idea for Chocolate War came when his own son refused to sell chocolates. Unfortunately, that made the author too attached to his characters. So much so, that he refused to let them suffer. The bullies, instead of being violent and dangerous, had a "no violence" policy. Huh? If they don't beat anyone up, where's the threat? Jerry was represented as a great hero. But he didn't do anything except say "no" when his name was called.