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Title: The Modern Scholar: Tolkien and the West

Subtitle: Recovering the Lost Tradition of Europe

Author: Professor Michael Drout

Narrator: Michael Drout

Format: Original Recording

Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-06-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 246 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are quite possibly the most widely read pieces of literature written in the 20th century. But as Professor Michael Drout illuminates in this engaging course of lectures, Tolkien's writings are built upon a centuries-old literary tradition that developed in Europe and is quite uniquely Western in its outlook and style. Drout explores how that tradition still resonates with us to this day, even if many Modernist critics would argue otherwise. He begins the course with the allegory of a tower - a device which Tolkien himself crafted in one of the most famous academic works of all time - as a way to illuminate how Tolkien's works continue and build upon a tradition that goes back as far as Beowulf itself.

Drout's lectures take us on a literary journey that explores Tolkien's most celebrated writings: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. As he brings these works life, he explains Tolkien's technique and themes, which he shows reverberate all the way back though the Western literary tradition. In the end, Drout shows us how J.R.R. Tolkien crafted literary worlds that the reader cares desperately about and wishes to save. Those worlds, in turn, are allegories for a Western literary tradition - a tower - that is worthy of preservation.

Members Reviews:

The Professor Who Loves Tolkien As Much As You Do

I love Professor Michael Drout, perhaps because there are a lot of things he loves, especially very old and very new literature. He certainly does love Tolkien's work, and for any devotee of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, these lectures are a cheerful delight.

J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor of medieval literature, and he brought very old forms into his own writing, which was much influenced by the evils he experienced in World Wars I and II. Like Shakespeare and Churchill, Tolkien wrote from the very bones of English itself, and his language calls powerfully to modern English-speakers who can feel what he is doing. Tolkien's work has strongly influenced 20th and 21st century writing, and major movie epics have been made of his books. He is important, and this course tells why and how.

You can't go wrong with Professor Drout. I've listened to a number of his courses, and he has charm and youthful enthusiasm. It's a winning combination.

Recommended for Tolkien fans

Professor Drout already had an earlier lecture series ("Rings, Swords, and Monsters") that focused largely on Tolkien; do we really need another one? In my opinion, after listening to both of them, the answer is a definite yes. Drout has enough to say about Tolkien that he isn't just repeating himself here (plus, this newer series gives him a chance to comment on the Peter Jackson movies). And, as in all his lectures, Professor Drout is a joy to listen to, lecturing with plenty of enthusiasm, expertise, insight, and humor.

This "class" is a bit more advanced, so start with the earlier series if you haven't already listened to that one, especially if you're not a die-hard Tolkien enthusiast.

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Title: Nicholas Nickleby (Dramatised)

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Anna Massey, Sophie Thompson, Ken Campbell, Tom Baker, Alex Jennings

Format: Original Recording

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-10-12

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Left penniless by the death of his father, 19-year-old Nicholas Nickleby seeks help, along with his mother and sister, from Uncle Ralph Nickleby. The hard-hearted money lender takes an instant dislike to his nephew and gets rid of the boy by securing him a teaching position at Dotheboys Hall, where the evil Wackford Squeers presides. Horrified by the barbarity he sees there, Nicholas defies Squeers and is forced to flee. He is joined by Smike, who has been treated cruelly by Squeers, and the two become great friends.

Nicholas joins a travelling theatre troupe and enjoys great success, but with his mother and sister depending on him for their survival, he must find a way to make a decent living. His adventures are numerous and include some of Dickens' most comic characters.

Starring Anna Massey, Sophie Thompson, Ken Campbell, and Tom Baker, with Alex Jennings as the voice of Dickens.

Members Reviews:

A rather noisy production.

I did enjoy listening to this but all the screaming,crying, bellowing,yelling,yelping,and whining gave me a headache.

So in short I liked the story but I could have done without all

the very noisy melodrama. I especially liked the narrator,BTW.

Great story

The performance was okay but, some talked so loud I had to turn the volume down and others talked so low I couldn't hear what they said so I had to rewind and turn the volume back up. That is the only reason for the to stars.

Excellent story

Would you consider the audio edition of Nicholas Nickleby (Dramatised) to be better than the print version?

Although the dramatised version of this classic was excellent, the printed version is just that - a classic!

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

The more people who are cast in an audio classis's like this the better it gives more realism to the characters, something Dickens set out to achieve I think.

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

Like most of Dickens's books, you can't laugh without crying.

Excellent Dramatisation

What made the experience of listening to Nicholas Nickleby (Dramatised) the most enjoyable?

The characters were all very well acted and the voice of the narrator was the perfect blend of seriousness and humour.

What did you like best about this story?

All of it. The script and the cast brought the story to life without the inevitable Dickensian waffle. I loved it.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

Charles Dickens has a habit of going off on a tangent for pages and pages and although I did love the characters of Nicholas, Smike and Kate, the waffle got the better of me when I tried to read the original Nicholas Nickleby! This dramatisation is wonderful.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I think it's already been done and I don't think Dickens needs a tag line.

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Title: David Copperfield (Dramatised)

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, Sheila Hancock

Format: Original Recording

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-10-12

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 49 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

David Copperfield is the story of a boy growing to maturity in the affairs of the world and of the heart, surrounded by some of Dickens' most memorable characters: David's eccentric great-aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood; the ever-optimistic Mr Micawber; jolly Peggotty and her willing husband Barkis; the charming Steerforth; the ever so 'umble Uriah Heep; and the foolishly innocent Dora.

But will David finally find happiness with the faithful Agnes Wickfield, whom he has known since childhood? And is her own future secure, threatened as it is by Uriah Heep, her father's clerk?

This full-cast audio dramatisation of the Dickens classic stars Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, and Sheila Hancock.

Members Reviews:

Dramatised version is a treasure

I bought this version of the book on tape years ago and loved it. It's one of the few books I've listened to over and over. I've searched everywhere for a cd version and am thrilled to find it here on Audible. The voice actors, the presentation, the overall performance including sound effects and all is a treat. The characters come to life. Though the story is abridged, it doesn't feel like it has been shortened. It feels like it has extra depth.

Brilliant actors and great story

What made the experience of listening to David Copperfield (Dramatised) the most enjoyable?

What a treat to listen to Miriam Margolyes and Timothy Spall. They really brought out the humour and delightful (even if scoundrelish) characters

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

Yes hard to stop

Any additional comments?

Please get these actors to do more audio books. And you can't go wrong with Dickens

Loved it!

A beautiful story and a faultless performance by the BBC cast. Who can find fault with a wonderful Dickens novel like that?

Excellent introduction to David Copperfield

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

Definitely!!

Any additional comments?

I've always wanted to read thru David Copperfield, some day. Having the option to listen thru this brilliantly dramatised edition was all the enticement needed to get started. My 15yr old son & I think this is a brilliant way to whet the appetite for the unabridged version. Highly recommend starting here!

Marvelous!

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

This dramatization is the best I've ever heard done of any Dicken's books. The characters are perfectly cast, and the story is wonderful. If you want to enjoy David Copperfield at its best, listen to this one!

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Title: North and South

Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

Narrator: Diana Quick

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin Classics presents Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, adapted for audio and now available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by the actress Diana Quick.

'How am I to dress up in my finery, and go off and away to smart parties, after the sorrow I have seen today?'

Elizabeth Gaskell's compassionate, richly dramatic novel features one of the most original and fully-rounded female characters in Victorian fiction, Margaret Hale. It shows how, forced to move from the country to an industrial northern town, she develops a passionate sense of social justice, and a turbulent relationship with mill-owner John Thornton. North and South depicts a young woman discovering herself, in a nuanced portrayal of what divides people, and what brings them together.

Part of a series of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives. Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.

Members Reviews:

This was a fantastic abridgment!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of North and South to be better than the print version?

In some ways yes. The print version can weigh you down with strikes and things that add little to the main story. The editor to this version did a great job. They cut out so much and I honestly can't tell it's been abridged. If I hadn't known it was abridged I would have though it was the entire book. Well done.

What did you like best about this story?

This story is so complex and interesting that you don't really know what to expect. I like the characters and the history of Milton.

Any additional comments?

Well done. As always the ending seems too short, but great read!! One of my favorites. If like Jane Austen you should love this book too.

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Title: North & South

Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

Narrator: Jenny Agutter

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-12

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In this classic Victorian novel, Elizabeth Gaskell explores the themes of love and social justice in an industrial age. Set in the north of England, out-of-towner Margaret Hale finds herself simultaneously attracted to mill owner John Thorton, and repulsed by the way he treats his workers. Full of history, romance, and social commentary, North & South will provoke your mind and tug at your heart.

This production is read for you by the accomplished screen, stage, and TV actress Jenny Agutter, most famously known for her role in The Railway Children.

Members Reviews:

Beautiful narration on an interesting theme!

What made the experience of listening to North and South the most enjoyable?

Juliet Stevenson's narration was perfect for this story of class differences, labor vs. the masters, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Margaret Hale was a strong character who grows as the book evolves. She has almost every bad thing happen to her and she continues to do the right thing. She is a great heroine.

Have you listened to any of Juliet Stevensonâs other performances before? How does this one compare?

Any book she does is suberb.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end when Mr. Thornley and Margaret meet for what could be the last time...It has it all, humor and pathos.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful story, but I did find Margaret's father as the weakest character in the novel. If he leaves the church because he believes more in the reformers than the regular church, why does the family no longer seem to attend church at all? For a former minister to become a tutor but not attend church seems false to me. My only complaint on the book though.

An English pastor, his wife, and daughter leave the country and move to a factory town, experiencing many griefs, but learning to understand and love their unfamiliar neighbors.

There was a lot of emphasis on grief, particularly in grieving for the several principal characters who were claimed by death after their personalities were fairly developed. It seemed as though the author reveled in killing off as many characters as feasible! The introduction was detailed, the conflict was long and sad, and the happy denouement was quite short, and at the extreme end of the book. It was interesting to observe the changes of opinion and feeling of the hero and heroine, but I can't help feeling some of the events were unlikely, such as the heroine losing all her authorities and gaining wealth in the same year from a surplus of sickness-related deaths. Once the first third of the book is over, the action picks up. Business concepts are generally referred to, but lack technical detail. Much of the tension is built on a lack of communication, which could have been easily resolved very early on. An interesting read, but definitely not a pattern for lifestyle.

Worth a read on so many levels

I don't know why this book and movie aren't more well known. They are at least as good as Pride and Prejudice. Gaskell's writing is fabulous and the film adaptation, though varying somewhat from the book, is also well done.

The book follows a young lady through her difficult move from a home she loves in the south of England to the colder, harsher climate of a Northern England mill town.

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Title: The Screwtape Letters

Subtitle: Letters from a Senior to a Junior Devil

Author: C. S. Lewis

Narrator: Joss Ackland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-12-12

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

On its first appearance, The Screwtape Letters was immediately recognized as a milestone in the history of popular theology. Now, in its 70th anniversary year, and having sold over half a million copies, it is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil.

This profound and striking narrative takes the form of a series of letters from Screwtape, a devil high in the Infernal Civil Service, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior colleague engaged in his first mission on Earth trying to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian. Although the young man initially looks to be a willing victim, he changes his ways and is lost to the young devil.

Dedicated to Lewis friend and colleague J.R.R. Tolkien, The Screwtape Letters is a timeless classic on spiritual warfare and the invisible realities which are part of our religious experience.

Critic Reviews:

"The book is sparkling yet truly reverent, in fact a perfect joy, and should become a classic." (The Guardian)

Members Reviews:

The Best 'Available'

Would you consider the audio edition of The Screwtape Letters to be better than the print version?

This scintillating and idiosyncratic work of literary genius is abundantly more prolific when articulated with lexical dexterity, as is the case with this audiobook. However I make the subjective distinction that it is the best available to purchase, in contrast with the affluently more cultivated version preformed by John Cleese. If one can obtain the adaptation by Mr. Cleese I highly eulogize it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Screwtape Letters?

The letters in their entirety are brilliant at dramatizing, interpreted in Lewis' unique and rationalized way, the conflict of emotions and feelings, thoughts and convictions faced by Christians at all stages of our walk of faith.

Which scene was your favorite?

When screwtape metamorphosizes into a centipede, a totally unpredicted and amusing twist.

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

Absolutely. One can lose oneself in the linguistic brilliance and deep analytical thought to find the four hours the audiobook encompass have drifted by swiftly and with the residuum of satisfaction.

Any additional comments?

Praise be to God!

Amazing insight into the way the enemy operates

This book is quite heavy going, but thankfully divided into' letters' which are perfect sized! C S Lewis writes with such insight about how the devils might communicate and try to decieve, lure and coerce their 'patients' (humans!) into non-belief in God. It opens the reader's eye to the schemes the emeny has to trick us and to keep us from faith and all that is true in God's promises. The devils know how powerful God is and try to use all of their efforts to prevent humans from growing closer to God, using the person's own doubt and thoughts to their advantage. A beautifully written book which really makes you think about the dangers of the devil's coersion... but allows us to realise that the devil has NO power over us. God will conquer, God is true. We just have to have faith!

Those pesky spirits and their ways

Would you listen to The Screwtape Letters again? Why?

Yes. You will shake your head as you recognise yourself and others.

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Title: The Time Machine

Author: H. G. Wells

Narrator: Alan Munro

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-06-12

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1574 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The science fiction classic that coined the term "time machine" and is generally credited with the popularization of the concept of time travel. A must listen for any fan of science fiction!

Members Reviews:

Random Pauses in Speech. (Captain Kirk narrates)

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A different narrator. I love this book, but couldn't listen for more than a few minutes before I had a headache.

I'm not picky, I love listening to amateurs and friends read aloud. But this guy just makes it unbearable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Time Machine?

The final fleeing from the Morlocks, and the subtle implication of the girl who fell behind's fate.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Alan Munro?

The last audiobook I bought, which I quite enjoyed, was The Stand. The narrator was wonderful. He did a very good jo of being interesting without being jarring. Alan Munro, on the other hand, has random pauses in his speech. I forgot the beginning of the sentence before I hear the end.

One of the worst performances

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator would pause, frequently in the middle of a sentence, as if he needed more energy to continue. It was distracting and ultimately, greatly diminished my enjoyment of the book itself.

Great story. Terrible reader.

The story stands up to my childhood memory of reading it - hardly any visits from the racism and sexism fairies who have ruined so many childhood favorites, and an entertaining tale well told.

The narrator sounds like Captain Kirk on a very bad day. His... pauses and weird... stresses... make this story... harder to... follow, though it... is easy to fall... asleep... while listening.

Unless you are using it to fall asleep, in which case I recommend it 100%, having used it extensively for that purpose, you should find a different narrator for this classic and excellent tale.

Very robotic voice

I have read this book several times and love it. However, the reader is very robotic and monotone. Makes me go to sleep

Great story utterly ruined by horrible narration

What disappointed you about The Time Machine?

There isn't enough bad to say about this narration. The only way to get through it was at 3x speed, and even then.... Didn't anyone audition this guy before hiring to read anything but a phone book?

What did you like best about this story?

HG Wells is always interesting. He writes stories that work even for a modern audience. I was surprised at how relevant some of his social commentary was.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Alan Munro?

Anyone who proves they can really act rather than just read. Listening to this great story narrated in this drone turned out to be a chore.

What character would you cut from The Time Machine?

It's a classic novel. Why would anyone even consider cutting a character that an author-- who is still being read more than 100 years--later decided belonged in his story?

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Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray (Dramatised)

Author: Oscar Wilde, Jamie Glover

Narrator: Jamie Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Full Cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-02-12

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of Wilde's gothic masterpiece. When Dorian Gray gazes upon his portrait, he is struck by his own youth and beauty and makes a wish that they will last forever. Gradually, his simple good nature is corrupted with the help of his hedonistic friend Lord Henry Wotton. Dorian sinks into a life of debauchery and depravity yet keeps his innocent good looks. Only his portrait reveals the true corruption of his soul.

Starring Jamie Glover as Dorian Gray and Ian McDiarmid as Lord Henry Wotton.

Members Reviews:

A suspenseful, breathtaking ride...

I was expecting something a little stodgy but this is a fast-paced, compelling narrative that was splendidly acted. Not a wasted word and all the wit of Wilde is front and center.

Hauntingly well-acted.

Beautifully narrated, clear distinction between characters in their voice and manner. The best bits if radio drama (music, sound effects and characterisation) are blended with Wikde's story-telling. Gripping stuff and much more manageable length than the original.

Chilling

Would you listen to The Picture of Dorian Gray (Dramatised) again? Why?

A wonderfully atmospheric dramatisation. I was moved and chilled, finally touched by Dorian's distress at the end. Memorable.

Which character as performed by uncredited was your favourite?

The narrator.

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Title: Hard Times (Dramatised)

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Steve Hodson, Tom Baker, David` Holt

Format: Original Recording

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-01-12

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In the polluted and poverty-ridden Coketown, Louisa and Tom Gradgrind endure a cold and loveless childhood at the hands of their self-satisfied and unimaginative father, Thomas. Starved of affection, Louisa is forced into a miserable marriage with the self-made industrialist Josiah Bounderby, 30 years her senior, whilst Tom descends into a secret life of theft.

Into such squalor and misery comes Sissy Jupe, a child of the circus whose ailing father, Sleary, has deserted her. When she is adopted by Tom Gradgrind, the generous hearts of Sissy and her circus colleagues help combat the pervading gloom and offer the hope of redemption and eventual happiness.

This full-cast BBC Radio dramatisation stars John Woodvine, Tom Baker, and Anna Mass.

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Title: The Lost World

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: James Adams

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-11-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Before Jurassic Park, there was The Lost World.

This classic terror/adventure novel has set the standard for todays popular entertainment as followed by Michael Crichton and Steven Spielberg. Featuring the bold Professor Challenger, a character many critics consider one of the most finely drawn in science fiction, The Lost World is the account of a scientific expedition by four highspirited Englishmen - two scientists, a biggame hunter, and a journalist - deep into the Amazon jungle. In this region, cut off from the outside world by unscalable vertical cliffs and fetid swamps, they encounter a world where dinosaurs roam free and natives fight a murderous war with their fierce neighbors, the apemen. Trapped on the isolated plateau with only hunting rifles as protection the four must use savvy and intellect to escape from this primeval terror.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (18591930) was born of Irish parentage in Scotland. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, but he also had a passion for storytelling. His first book introduced that prototype of the modern detective in fiction, Sherlock Holmes. Despite the immense popularity Holmes gained throughout the world, Doyle was not overly fond of the character and preferred to write other stories. Eventually popular demand won out and he continued to satisfy readers with the adventures of the legendary sleuth. He also wrote historical romances and made two essays into pseudoscientific fantasy: The Lost World and The Poison Belt.

Critic Reviews:

Conan Doyles novel introduced his other great character, Professor ChallengerThis timeless adventure has inspired everything from King Kong to Jurassic Park and is still the best of the lot. Great fun. (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

A masterpiece!

This reading was most enjoyable. The pace of the narrator was excellent and allowed the imagination to flourish. The transition of voices was expertly performed and characters were distinctly brought to life. Highly recommended

Rollicking Tale

The Lost World is quite a departure from the ordered world of Sherlock Holmes. When you think of every dinosaur movie you have ever seen - you can see its origins in this tale of adventure. The language is not overly dated and is easy to understand but anyone not white and male is described as being more or less sub-human - so you will need to be able to get past that. The story was originally serialised and it certainly feels like it - with the story twisting and turning and cliff hangers abounding. This gives the story real pace and excitement. Worth a listen.

The ultimate brilliant adventure story

I love this story for its portrayal of the high Victorian adventuring explorers with their courage, swagger and soaring self-confidence. Add to that the pre-Jurassic Park dinosaurs plus quite a lot of humour and it is sheer escapism and enjoyment. Forget the modern wishywashy hero with issues and join Ned Malone and Professor Challenger as they plunge into the South American wilderness! I'd recommend The Lost World to absolutely everyone.

Loved it

Although it's old fashioned, it is still well paced, exciting interesting and engaging.