Get the Most Popular Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature Top Rated

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Title: An African Millionaire

Author: Grant Allen

Narrator: Peter Joyce

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-28-11

Publisher: Assembled Stories

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Set against the international background of the late Victorian rich and privileged The African Millionaire is a far-fetched and farcical romp in which gullible Sir Charles Vandrift MP is slowly but steadily parted from his vast wealth by a series of confidence tricks and deceptions. Many and varied are the disguises of the perpetrator, a man revered amongst the criminal fraternity and even admired by police authorities in several countries: the redoubtable Colonel Clay, so called for his ability to mold his persona and blend in to any background.

As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that Vandrift is not the pillar of probity or propriety that we expect of a knight of the realm and that he may, indeed, be of less moral worth than his worthwhile adversary who protests that his deeds are guided by higher moral principles and values. Should Clay be caught, will the jury find him guilty? Despite the proselytising of the author, a man of strong political conviction, the story has an inspired lunacy which keeps it entertaining as it moves swiftly to the close and we are prompted to reflect on the responsibility of our fiscal administrators, their subsequent substantial rewards and the misery they can sometimes wreak amongst poorer mortals.

Critic Reviews:

"Peter Joyce is the most remarkable one-man band in audiobook publishing. Joyce, an experienced actor, reads them all himself." (The Independent)

Members Reviews:

Good story

A very pleasant read with a nice moral. I was duped at the beginning and gradually swayed by the end as the author intended.

Okay Adventure Stories

Pleasant way to pass the time, but nothing special.

DISGUISED AS A COLLECTION OF MYSTERIES, THIS IS A BOOK WITH A MESSAGE

In QUEEN'S QUORUM (1951), Ellery Queen mistakenly listed Grant Allen's AN AFRICAN MILLIONAIRE (1897) among the 106 most important books of crime short stories published since 1845, and many other critics have praised it as the first short story collection that focuses on the adventures of a rogue. In actuality, this book is a novel with 12 chapters that add up to an indictment of a group of men that the author, a progressive writer of the late 19th century, strongly disapproved of.

Although several of its chapters have been anthologized separately by modern editors as if they are short stories, many other chapters would be very unsatisfying if read as stand-alones--some because Colonel Clay (as the confidence man is usually called) plays little or no part in them; others because they have to do with the capture and trial of the confidence man. When read in their proper order, the 12 chapters form a connected whole and, especially towards the end, thrust upon the reader a "message" about the class of people that the African millionaire (the supposed victim) represents.

Like many novels written by Allen's contemporaries, who included Thomas Hardy, this book is "didactic" in the best sense. Specifically, it is an example of what Aristotle called "forensic rhetoric," detailing chapter by chapter the petty, sleazy, shady, and unscrupulous sides of a typical wealthy businessman of the late 19th century. Colonel Clay, the confidence man, is used by Allen as a minor rogue to show readers what the really big rogues are like.

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Title: Persuasion

Subtitle: An Accurate Retelling of Jane Austen's Timeless Classic

Author: Jane Austen, Gill Tavner

Narrator: Sally Lewis

Format: Abridged

Length: 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-07-11

Publisher: Real Reads

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Persuasion is one of a series of retellings of classic literature by publisher Real Reads. True to the original plot, characters and themes, Real Reads also imitate the original author's style. An intelligent, lively and enjoyable introduction to this classic tale.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliott was persuaded that her family's honour was more important than her own happiness. She has suffered ever since. Now the man she turned away has returned. Can Captain Wentworth forgive Anne, or will he be charmed instead by the beautiful Louisa? Will Anne be persuaded to marry her cousin, or will she find the strength to follow her heart?

The extravagance of Anne's foolish father, the greedy plotting of false friends, and a near-fatal accident bring danger into Anne's safe world. Their hearts assailed by resentment, regrets and rivals, can Anne and Captain Wentworth now reach across the void that separates them to love each other again?

Critic Reviews:

The perfect introduction to the pleasures of Jane Austens work; pleasures which may well last a lifetime. (Caroline Sanderson, author of A Rambling Fancy: In the Footsteps of Jane Austen

As Gill Tavner points out in the footnotes to her Real Reads, Nothing can beat the originals; but where a novelist of Jane Austens calibre and formidable reputation is concerned, some introduction to the originals may be invaluable for the uninitiated. These lively, attractive little volumes are ideal. Charmingly presented and skilfully written, they capture something of the flavour and tone of Jane Austens peerless craft, while simplifying the narrative and dialogue. Even as a purist, I think these Real Reads are a Real Help for the younger, novice reader. (Josephine Ross, author of Jane Austen: A Companion)

Real Reads will appeal enormously to young people who have seen the adaptations and are looking for a book that fulfils the same function. We expect to sell a lot of copies. (Ann Channon, Jane Austens House Museum, Chawton)

Members Reviews:

It's One Heavy Book

So I just wanted to let others know that this collection is one giant book of all Austen novels combined. You can't tell from the picture, but I was actually expecting (and hoping for) individual books packed in one box like other book collections I have. So I was definitely a bit disappointed when I received this book. And while I am used to reading large books like David McCullough biographies, this compilation is by far the heaviest I have in my possession. I'm not sure I will be able to read this in bed or even hold it up in my arms for any long period of time. So beware. I would have chosen differently if had this information when I was contemplating purchase.

EMMA

A lot of water under the bridge since first reading this book many years ago. I do not know why I liked it so much them...possibly I was blinded by adolescents and want everyone to have a loving mate and played match maker myself thinking also I was above others..shame on me!! This book the second time around was so frustrating I could have screamed in parts. How dare Emma feel so superior in her small town and looked for others to make over in her image. How dare she play match maker with every eligible bachelor and made in the area thinking she knew best.

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Title: A Child of the Jago

Author: Arthur Morrison

Narrator: Peter Joyce

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-12-11

Publisher: Assembled Stories

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A Child of the Jago is both thriller and condemnation of social conditions in the East End slums at the turn of the century. Boy hero Dicky Perrott is at heart full of humane instinct but his environment ensures his down fall. "It was my fate to encounter a place in Shoreditch where children were born and reared in circumstances which gave them no reasonable chance of living decent lives: where they were born fore-damned to a criminal or semi criminal career. It was my experience to learn the ways of this place, to know its inhabitants, to talk with them, eat, drink and work with them."

Arthur Morrison The author, who rejected the label 'realist', doesn't minimise the violence of the community and A Child of the Jago is an exciting tale indeed.

Critic Reviews:

About Assembled Stories: Over the years the national press have reviewed Assembled Stories titles as "excellent", "remarkable", "entrancing", "superb", "magic for sure", "masterly", "wonderful", "a class act" and "a splendid example of audio at its best".

Members Reviews:

Great historically accurate read

If you could sum up A Child of the Jago in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, historical, dark.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Little Dicky of course followed by the priest.

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

When the neglected baby dies, it was heartbreaking and I think such a sad reminder of what people are capable of.

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Title: Riceyman Steps

Author: Arnold Bennett

Narrator: Peter Joyce

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-12-11

Publisher: Assembled Stories

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1919 shortly after the termination of the 1st European holocaust. Henry Earlforward, a middle aged North London Bookseller, courts and marries Violet Arb, a widow who has inherited the confectioners shop opposite his own premises in Riceyman Square. Henry and Violet engage the services of Elsie as charwoman. The marriage outwardly appears to be successful, although Henry has also inherited and is not an esteemed native of the district and Violet likewise - having been a nomadic traveller due to the demands of her late husbands employment, and her entrenched belief in class differences. But Henry has a monstrous passion which transcends his love for Violet, his resolute determination for thrift. This flaw will ultimately destroy him and his wife and has resounding implications for those within his immediate circle. Elsie, also a widow, stolidly maintains her love for Joe, a mental casualty of the recent conflict, despite his inability to surmount his personal torment.

This novel established Bennett firmly on a pinnacle of literary achievement with a foothold in both the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a brilliant, clinical dissection of a troubled marriage, in troubled times and, at its centre, an irritating scratch that will out.

Critic Reviews:

About Assembled Stories: Over the years the national press have reviewed Assembled Stories titles as "excellent", "remarkable", "entrancing", "superb", "magic for sure", "masterly", "wonderful", "a class act" and "a splendid example of audio at its best".

Members Reviews:

Riceyman Steps gives great view of 1918ish England and a few good laughs.

Riceyman Steps gives great view of 1918ish England and a few good laughs. Some loveable characters. Memorable enough to be able to put it down and pick it up weeks later.

My Fifth Reading Was the Best Yet!

Why do I return to 'Riceyman Steps' every six years or so? Who can resist it? Arnold Bennett has created a fascinating world, one that we as readers are privileged to enter. The basic story and characters grab you immediately; you NEED to know what will happen, you want desperately for it all to turn out well. Bennett understands how fragile we all are, and yet how our passions can drive us. His understanding of the human heart is as perfect as 'Riceyman Steps. Don't miss this one!

Bennett's attempt 'to invent a form to supersede Balzac'

Utterly engrossing tale of bookseller Mr Earlforward, who becomes taken with neighbouring shopkeeper Mrs Arb when he sees how prudent she is with money (she refuses to pay the full shilling for one of his books.) For the bookseller's grand passion in life is saving money in every possible way.

I loved the description of Mrs Arb having a nose round her suitor's shabby home prior to the wedding:

'Coming out of the bedroom, she perceived between it and the stairs a long, narrow room.

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Title: Around The World In 80 Days

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: Andrew Sachs

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-12-11

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Jules Vernes career as a novelist began in 1863, when he struck a new vein in fictionstories that combined popular science and exploration. In Around the World in Eighty Days, Phileas Fogg rashly bets his companions 20,000 that he can travel around the entire globe in just eighty daysand he is determined not to lose. Breaking the well-established routine of his daily life, the reserved Englishman immediately sets off for Dover, accompanied by his hot-blooded French manservant, Passepartout.

Members Reviews:

Around the World in 80 Days

Everyone knows the basic story, but reading the book was quite painful and not enjoyable for a middle schooler who chose it from the summer reading list. It's written in a stuffy, 19th century style, which is great if one enjoys such writing. As an adult, I love the stuff, but it really was hard to wade through the formal prose and starchy descriptions. I don't recommend modernizing it, although that would introduce it to a generation that will otherwise not make an effort.

Accompanies the Video Trip

Having seen this television series of Michael Palin's trip, this is a nice way to refresh the memory. I understand that the book follows the video series very closely. I intend to read it at some time. I got it for my late husband and he did enjoy reading it. Mr. Palin's observations of the world were very interesting.

David Niven was a perfect choice.

Wonderful book. It evoked my memories of the original movie I watched in younger days. It is also quite a lesson in changing perceptions AND realities. It was, after all, written 143 years ago, and the world has changed a bit. Now you can circumnavigate the globe without even an engine (solar airplane), but between Homeland Security, customs officials everywhere, infrastructure maintenance failures and other modern inconveniences, Mr. Fogg's record might beat yours if you attempted the same route. I wonder if TripAdvisor could set me up . . .

Good translation and nice themes

One of the more simple works of Verne in my opinion. Good translation and nice themes. The characters themselves didn't attract me a great deal. Fine quality book and a fairly easy read.

I Always Love This One

I give it five stars. It's always a favorite. I read it with my eleven year old in our homeschool. She said, "It's not my favorite book, but it's okay." I, on the other hand, love the beauty behind the message of Mr. Fogg's journey. It would seem as though there really are some things in life that mean more than glory and riches. ;)

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Title: The Thirty Nine Steps

Author: John Buchan

Narrator: James Fox

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-11-11

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Richard Hannay finds a corpse in his flat, and becomes involved in a plot by spies to precipitate war and subvert British naval power. The resourceful victim of a manhunt, he is pursued by both the police and the ruthless conspirators. The Thirty-Nine Steps is a seminal chase thriller, rapid and vivid. It has been widely influential and frequently dramatised: the film directed by Alfred Hitchcock became a screen classic.

Members Reviews:

... 39 steps was one part in particular that 'I' liked well as his mind began to grow back again ...

During a lot of parts of Hannay's thoughts in-side of the book and in reconstructing his thoughts to him self about the 39 steps was one part in particular that 'I' liked well as his mind began to grow back again to another bar of 'Annie Laurie; to the sound of 'Twisdon's as some kind of resemblance to the beauty of a black stone, the name isn't it,?' / And about Trafalgar Lodge the movie say's it's inside of the London Palladium. / And the movie also says that it was a woman that was skewered surprisingly with a kitchen knife in the back. When the book says that Hannay's imagination led us to believe that he had came back 4 hours past 10 and skewered the body of Scudder and then dressed Scudder into Richard Hannay's own pajamas when shooting him in the head as for Scudder was one of the guards men and the porter inside of Hannay's flat that was in-side of the new block behind Langham Place. Does this book relate to The Skin Game in 1916 (or) by any chance also the book Sabotage in 1914?? "I" enjoyed the book very much so that "I" could say that "I" loved the book, Thank You Kindly, MJQ Los Angles California.

An English Novel Pre-World War I

A good story with much detail and color to put the whole thing in a mentally visual context. Personally, I had a little difficulty understanding some of the local English vernacular, being an American. But I got the majority of the discussions and descriptions to keep the story flowing along to the end.

A racy spy thriller!

A short novella. A racy read!

The plot revolves around a political conspiracy and the attempts of a colonial Scotsman to thwart it, after his chance encounter with the person who first detected it. Although some events seem more contrived and less likely to help the protagonist escape (I didn't trust one person he did when he was a fugitive!), this is clearly seeing it as a person in 2016 and not in the 1910s when this book is based. In fact, I believe this book was one of the first in the spy thriller genre, and clearly worth a read for that. Lastly, hearing the characters speak in my head was lots of fun (the book goes to great pains to "vocalize" local accents).

If all this doesn't sway you, this little gem is free on Kindle! What more can you ask for?

The classic man-on-the-run page-turner

On merit, the book earns 3-stars, but for clarity of writing, pace and a publication date over one hundred years ago you have to award another star to Mr. Buchan. The plot has holes, but you don't really care. "The 39-Steps" is a quick read and highly entertaining.

I find Buchan to be a fine, fine writer

After reading Greenmantle, I realized that there were actually more books in the Hannay series.

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Title: Dr Wortles School

Author: Anthony Trollope

Narrator: Peter Joyce

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-11

Publisher: Assembled Stories

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Dr. Wortle's School... is Trollope's most merciless attack on the false moralising and hypocrisy of the Victorian age. When Dr. Wortle, in good faith, hires a couple as teacher and matron at his school, scandal about their marriage is subsequently brought to light. Will the doctor submit to the social pressures brought to bear on him by the gossip, the local newspaper and the bishop or hold true to his humanism, perhaps losing his respect, school and livelihood as a result? In this story Trollope invites discussion of the prevailing doctrines of English society in the late 19th century. It is one of his best works, truly a classic of literature.

Critic Reviews:

About Assembled Stories: Over the years the national press have reviewed Assembled Stories titles as "excellent", "remarkable", "entrancing", "superb", "magic for sure", "masterly", "wonderful", "a class act" and "a splendid example of audio at its best".

Members Reviews:

Fascinating

The narration was excellent. The story poses dilemmas that are universal but that are made more difficult by the times in which the story occurs. Of course the story is beautifully written and the prose just flows effortlessly. I really enjoyed this book even though it is not a major work, it is interesting.

One dimensional story, ho-hum

Let me start off by saying that I am a big fan of Anthony Trollope. This is the 10th book of his that I have listened to . Regretfully, I must say that I cannot reccommend it. The story is one dimensional in the extreme. One knows how it will end from the first chapter. Lots of rhetoric and re-hashing the same theme, which isn't all that compelling in the first place. Also, the narrarator must have felt the same way, because his voice is quite sing-song through many passages. There are far better Trollope titles than this one, don't waste your time.

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Title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Joanna Lumley

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-11

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Introduction and Notes by Dr Ian Littlewood, University of Sussex. Pride and Prejudice, which opens with one of the most famous sentences in English Literature, is an ironic novel of manners. In it the garrulous and empty-headed Mrs Bennet has only one aim - that of finding a good match for each of her five daughters. In this she is mocked by her cynical and indolent husband. With its wit, its social precision and, above all, its irresistible heroine, Pride and Prejudice has proved one of the most enduringly popular novels in the English language.

Members Reviews:

absolutely superb

I love this story and performance so much that I always return and listen to this tape repeatedly.I never get tired of it.

Just wonderful

I love P and P and I love Joanna lumley. It was very swift so in some ways this was good as no time to drift off and think of something else but in other ways it was over far too soon.

Almost perfect

What did you like most about Pride & Prejudice?

I love Joanna Lumley's narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator is actually my favourite, the fly on the wall who holds the story together.

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

I have listened to this book over and over - all in one sitting and over several sittings. Both are good.

Any additional comments?

The only thing that would make this perfect is if it weren't abridged.

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Title: Nicholas Nickleby

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 30 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-18-11

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Nicholas Nickleby serves as usher to the tyrannical schoolmaster Mr. Squeers, joins Mr. Crummles' extraordinary theatrical company and clerks for the ever-pleasant Brothers Cheeryble, always with the faithful lad Smyke in tow.

Members Reviews:

Like many of Dicken's novels

One must remember that this was written in the 19th century and can be a bit difficult to read, with extremely long and detailed descriptions of location, thought and action not found in today's works. Like many of Dicken's novels, the plot is convoluted and chronicles the tale of a young person and his family who have fallen on hard times and the people who both help and hinder their well being. Highly recommended for those who enjoy these old classics or just the patient reader who enjoys a good story with a happy ending.

Dickens shows sometimes in his earlier novels - this is ...

Dickens shows sometimes in his earlier novels - this is his 2nd - that he is getting paid by the word/installment. He can get a little wordy. Mrs. Nickleby had one-sentence that was three pages long, but Oh!, what a sentence, he is a magician with verbose characters and narration.

but still a great read (or listen)

Dickens as usual is a little hard to follow in places, but still a great read (or listen).

Five Stars

Great novel with pictures

Dickens was a genius.

Love this story! Dickens was an amazingly prolific writer. His books are challenging but great stories. Having lived in England for a year I enjoy reading about the familiar places there & the local terms & phrases.

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Title: Kidnapped

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-17-11

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A fiendish uncle plots to shanghai young David Balfour. Alan Breck, a Highland Jacobite, comes to his rescue and the two escape on a wild flight from the King's forces.

Members Reviews:

Brilliant

such an addictive story and performance! it's one of those can't put down stories that is pure escapism