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Title: The Moon and Sixpence

Author: Somerset Maugham

Narrator: Scott Diskin

Format: Abridged

Length: 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-08-08

Publisher: Listener's Digest Inc.

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Somerset Maugham, the author of Of Human Bondage, traveled to the South Pacific in order to write this memorable story based on the life of artist Paul Gauguin, a man who leaves his wife and children for the passion of art. This is a fascinating story of pride, self serving, and questionable intentions. One of Maugham's best.

©2007 Listener's Digest Inc; (P)2007 Listener's Digest Inc

Members Reviews:

the greatest short-story writer

Mr. Maugham was, perhaps, the greatest short-story writer, ever. If not, he was surely one of them and near the top. The book was captivating and very readable. My one criticism is the omission of Paul Gauguin's friendship with Vincent Van Gogh, a central issue in his life. However, who am I to criticize this fine writer.

Well written and thought provoking

The Moon and Sixpence was written as a sort of biographical fiction on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin. Gauguin was called Strickland in the book, and was cast as a disillusioned former stockbroker and family man. The narrator becomes obsessed with following his life and movements, due to Strickland's extraordinarily misanthropic and apathetic view of western society. The narrator struggled to grasp Strickland's motivations. It seemed his best explanation was that Strickland was possessed by a drive to find a sort of terrible primeval beauty in man and the world around him. Yet Strickland's genus as a painter was eventually recognized, contrasting greatly with the man himself. The narrator used Strickland as a sort of muse, to reflect upon the human condition. This was a book that started slow, but was hard to put down. Definitely worth the read.

Four Stars

Like it and made me get into life of W. Somerset Maugham...enjoyed the book immensely.

Strange Genius

Fascinating reading about a very talented painter who led a tortured life, emotionally and physically. I was unaware of his painful story.

the alchemy of writing

I have put this, not new, but still beautiful book, on the reading list for a class I am teaching, Into The Heart of Art. This book stirred a lot of controversy when it was first published, because it's a brazen and obvious portrayal of the life of the well known artist, Gauguin, borrowing so unmistakeably from his life and yet, not at all Gauguin, because the artist portrayed has a very same but different life. The beautiful old copy of this book, which I got from Amazon, has lovely prints of Gauguin's paintings within, and if you can get it, I heartily recommend this particular edition! Somerset Maugham is a wonderful writer. The book itself makes us all ponder the nature of the creative spirit that pushes a person to the extremes of giving up so much that is "comfortable" to pursue his or her art. The Gauguin portrayed in this book is not a sympathetic character, and yet, he is pursued by his Muse. There are beautiful, memorable quotes about art in this book. Purchase it. Find them. Enjoy!

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Title: The Bottle Imp and Other Stories

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrator: John L Chatty, Jim Killavey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-15-08

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Robert Louis Stevenson was best known for novels like Treasure Island and Kidnapped, but he also wrote a number of fascinating short stories, many dealing with the supernatural. Included here are some of his best:

(P)1985 Jimcin Recordings

Members Reviews:

A Grand Old Master

Stevenson is still one of the grand old master storytellers of all times.

Good tales. Well read. Most entertaining.

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Title: Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Narrator: Anthony Valentine

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-17-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Here is the most famous of all tales of vampirism and an enduring classic. Jonathan Harker journeys to Transylvania and the discovers the un-dead Count Dracula. Upon his return to England, Professor Van Helsing joins the dark struggle to overcome the evil Count. Only with a pursuit back to Transylvainia can the battle between good and evil finally prove decisive.

(P)2006 Horse's Mouth

Members Reviews:

Perfect for 31 October...

Christopher Lee: Great actor with creepy baritone voice.

Bram Stoker's Dracula: The quintessential Gothic horror story.

This audiobook: Priceless.

Normally, I dislike abridgements, but I couldn't resist hearing Mr. Lee reading Dracula, and you shouldn't resist, either. The abridgement is well-done...I read the book back in high school and, as far as I can tell, nothing significant is missing. Christopher Lee's reading is superlative for this work..his voice was made for Gothic horror.

"Dracula" is vampirism like Grandmother used to make: No abstinent vampires who resist a young girl's charms for her own protection. No teenager angst. Nobody compares the Count to Adonis or comments on his wavy hair. Nobody sparkles. Count Dracula is eerily charming but quite malevolent, the evil undead who has no qualms about draining the lifeblood from the innocents around him. His minions include fellow vampires and a lunatic asylum inmate. The story is told from the viewpoint of his pursuers, and to some extent, his victims.

As good as "Dracula" is, Christopher Lee's narration enhances the story. Lee is a great actor telling a powerful story in a cross between epic narrative and a campfire ghost story.

Next Hallowe'en, pop this onto your iPod and enjoy!

Fantastic

Really can't express how great this version is. First off, it's Christopher Lee reading Dracula!!! But what's even better is, beyond that movie geek attraction, he does a fantastic job reading this!!! Almost more like he's acting it out, and playing all the character!! I had to remind myself that it was the same man doing all these voices. Most of it is, of course, read in the deep commanding baritone you know from the movies, but he switches to the breathless voice of the dying Lucy, the slight German accented Van Helsing to the Texas drawl of Quincy Morris. I wish more voice talent would give their audience this much effort and show this much respect to the original text. It is abridged, not too bad, haven't noticed anything left out or condensed that's a distraction. Can't speak highly enough of this version.

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Title: Rudyard Kipling Tales of the Elephant

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Narrator: Robert Bethune

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-24-08

Publisher: Freshwater Seas

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Three stories by Rudyard Kipling, all about the marvelous nature of elephants. In "The Elephant's Child", we learn how the elephant got his trunk - one of the favorite tales from the Just-So Stories. In "Moti Guj, Mutineer", we learn what happens when an elephant has made a bargain - and humans have failed to do their part! In "Toomai of the Elephants", we learn how a special child and his relationship to a special elephant allow him to see something no one in the world has ever seen before. These marvelous stories, told with wit and wonder by Rudyard Kipling, are for young and old of all ages.

Members Reviews:

Women and elephants never forget

Three delightful stories, delightfully told. These are among my childhood favorites! Fabulous! The nicest thing about an audible book is being read to so very well.

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Title: The Turn of the Screw

Author: Henry James

Narrator: Carole Boyd, David Rintoul

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-13-08

Publisher: CSA Word

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

More than just a simple tale of the supernatural, James poses questions about childhood innocence, corruption, and hysteria.

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Title: Dickens Ghost Stories

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-29-08

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A macabre collection including: "The Lawyer and the Ghost", "The Queer Chair", "The Ghosts of the Mail", "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton", "The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain", "Christmas Ghosts", "The Ghost Chamber", and "Four Ghost Stories".

©1996 Audio Book Contractors, Inc.; (P)2007 Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Classic Dickens

These stories were a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The narrator's voice and inflection worked well for the stories. While she might have been a trifle slower, one soon got used to it all and it did not detract from the enjoyment.

Slow down !

I found this collection quite difficult to get into, as the narrator reads too quickly. However, by the third story, I was getting used to the pace, and started enjoying her funny accents and the way she seemed to relish what she was reading.

My iPod allows me to slow the narration down but unfortunately this resulted in some odd background noise. So, if you don't mind fast narration, and stories that, so far, aren't really that scary, you'll like this.

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Title: One Voice Chronological

Subtitle: The Consummate Holmes Canon, Collection 6

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: David Ian Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-19-07

Publisher: One Voice Recordings

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Adventure of the Three Students: To avoid a scandal at a prestigious school, Holmes must determine how and by whom the answers to an extremely difficult Greek exam, which will result in the award of a scholarship, have been copied.

The Adventure of the Gold Pince-Nez: A crime with no apparent motive, the murder of Willoughby Smith, invalid Professor Coram's secretary, puzzles the great detective.

The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter: Holmes and Watson arrive at Trinity college, summoned by an message that Cambridge Varsity rugby star Godfrey Staunton has disappeared after reading a note that has left him utterly stunned.

The Adventure of the Abbey Grange: A call comes for Holmes' assistance from Inspector Hopkins. The facts behind the murder of Sir Eustace Brackenstall during an invasion robbery seem simple enough, until a possible lie by his wife, and inconsistencies in the evidence, suggest her accounts of the crime may be disguising the truth for personal reasons.

The Adventure of the Second Stain: Holmes must recover a highly inflammatory stolen document, which may result in a world war if its contents become known to certain parties. Then a murder further complicates the desperate situation.

The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge: A visitor to Wisteria Lodge awakens one morning to discover everyone else has vanished.

Critic Reviews:

"The most incredible one-person audio you have heard. Has to be heard to be believed. David Ian Davies creates theatre in a book." (Charles Prepolec, one of the most respected Sherlockians)

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

magical

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Title: Blow Up with the Brig

Author: Wilkie Collins

Narrator: Phil Reynolds

Format: Unabridged

Length: 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-07

Publisher: Fantom Films

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Wilkie Collins was an early master of the mystery and detective story and the first English novelist to write in this genre. "Blow Up with the Brig" is a short story written in 1859, just a year before he wrote his famous novel The Woman in White.

© and (P) Fantom Films

Members Reviews:

Quirky Story, Catchy Title, Good Narrator

Phil Reynolds is a solid narrator who is just right for this little story with its catchy title, which I didn't understand at first. I knew it was going to be quirky because Collins is quirky. One never knows what comes next. It doesn't take long to figure out the narrator survives. How else is he able to tell us what happened? Even then, Collins manages to create suspense without music or moving pictures. Was it Yogi Bera who said he liked the book better because the pictures were better? Wilkie Collins is one of my pet exceptions to my general reading/listening habits. I don't know how he wormed his way into my required list but there he is right next to Trollope, Austen, the Brontes, Scott, von Arnim and a long list of notables. Maybe it was the title of the book he wrote immediately after this story which did the trick: "The Lady in White". There is romance in that title. Romance.

I'm very often amused at some comments made about my long dead authors, my authors. I have seen words like hackneyed, overused device, worn-out, boring and so forth applied to Trollope, Austen, Collins and others. These folks authored the trite phrases, themes and situations which have been copied and adapted thousands of times since. Austen's Sense and Sensibility was akin to Captain James T. Kirk boldly going where no woman or man had gone before. It was the first of its kind ever. Dittos for Wilkie Collins style of storytelling. No one, anywhere, ever, had done anything quite this way before. Austen, Trollope, Collins and many others struck out across a pathless wilderness leaving a trail for others to carry in packs of trites, hackneyes, and worn-outs. If I am to be bored, then let me be bored by the original rather than the tenth generation re-write of a copy.

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Title: Markheim (Dramatized)

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrator: Raymond Harris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-18-07

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

While Robert Louis Stevenson is most famous for novels like Treasure Island and Kidnapped, he also wrote a number of excellent stories of the supernatural. "Markheim" is one of his best.

© and (P)1977 Jimcin Recordings

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Title: The Cat That Walked by Himself (Dramatized)

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Narrator: Cindy Hardin Killavey

Format: Original Recording

Length: 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-18-07

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

This is a selection from Kipling's Just So Stories for Little Children. The "just so" stories are highly fantasized origin stories that are among Kipling's best known and, arguably, best works.

© and (P)1978 Jimcin Recordings

Editorial Reviews:

Rudyard Kipling, the English Nobel laureate best known for The Jungle Book, offers a delightful and whimsical story about how felines and humankind became friends in The Cat That Walked by Himself.

Kiplings childrens tale begins in a time when all creatures were wild. When "Man" and "Woman" invent fire in their cave, they soon begin to entice the dog, the horse, and the cow into sharing their lives with them. The wily and independent cat refuses at first to become domesticated. And when he does, its on his terms.

Cindy Hardin Killavey offers a lulling and wide-eyed performance of a story that will surely captivate children and animal lovers alike.

Members Reviews:

Great but...

Great story but it's done by more than the one reader listed.

There is a whole cast of wonderful characters.

Terrific

Wonderful dramatization of this classic story.