Listen to Best Sellers Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature Best Sellers

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Title: Parade's End - Part 4: The Last Post

Author: Ford Madox Ford

Narrator: John Telfer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Last Post, the fourth and final volume of Parade's End, is set on a single post-war summer's day. Valentine Wannop and Christopher Tietjens share a cottage in Sussex with Tietjens' brother and sister-in-law. Through their differing perspectives, Ford explores the tensions between his characters in a changing world, haunted by the experience of war, facing an insecure future for themselves and for England. The Tietjens' ancestral home has been let to an American, its great tree felled: those like Tietjens who have served in the war find there is no place for them in a demoralised civilian society. The celebrations of Armistice Day have been replaced by the uncertainties of peacetime. 'How are we to live?' asks Valentine, as a death and an imminent birth bring Ford's great sequence to a close.

Members Reviews:

Claustrophobic, intense yet rewarding

This was hard and sometimes frustrating to listen to as it is almost entirely a set of internal monologues. These deliver the plot in random parcels rather than carrying it along. This fourth book in the tetralogy hardly features Christopher Tietjens, the main character of the previous three books.

The book presents the social and historical dissonance of the Tietjens brothers. The internal monologue of Mark Tietjens, who is rendered mute and immobile either by a stroke or an unwillingness to accept the nature of post-war England, represents an almost autistic view of England in the 1920s.

The tone of the book is plaintive and it is full of both pain and insight, though the later must be mined with some effort.

Do not even think of reading Last Post if you have not read the other three books.

Another Telfer masterpiece

What did you like most about Parade's End - Part 4: The Last Post?

John Telfer makes a complex piece of writing so easy to follow. Just try reading out loud one of the conversations from this book to appreciate what is involved. The range of accents is very wide.

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

If you can sit for 36 hours (the complete tetralogy)

Any additional comments?

puts Ford up with the best writers of his generation

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Title: Parade's End - Part 2: No More Parades

Author: Ford Madox Ford

Narrator: John Telfer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

This is the second novel in the series of four, depicting the meeting, courtship and ultimate fulfilment of two modern heroes, Christopher Tietjens and Valentine Wannop, despite social condemnation, personal travails and World War I.

Members Reviews:

Continues...

Part one is excellent and full of events/characters. This one contains one event with in depth observation of war time characters and behaviours. Gonna start next part straight away.

Poetic, Complex and Very Moving

What did you like most about Parade's End - Part 2: No More Parades?

The book retains an intensity and a sense of tragedy throughout. The constant shifting of time and place within the narrative is disturbing in a way that adds to the story. The continued evocation of the phrase "no more parades" is an elegy. Ford can convey a comic and ridiculous side to his characters and their society without undermining the horror of war and its machinations.

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Title: Wilkie Collins Supernatural Stories: Volume 3

Author: Wilkie Collins

Narrator: Luke Harrison, Murray Melvin, Sean Connolly

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-11-12

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

From the pen ofthe author of The Woman in White and The Moonstone, comes a collection of lesser known yet equally magnificent supernatural stories! Volume three contains "Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman" (read by Sean Connolly), "Nine Oclock" (read by Luke Harrison), and "Who Killed Zebedee?" (read by Murray Melvin). Be prepared to be terrified and entertained as Wilkie Collins disturbing tales of ghosts, deadly visions, and family curses come to life in this fantastic new collection from Fantom Films.

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Title: Christina Georgina Rossetti: The Poetry

Author: Christina Georgina Rossetti

Narrator: David Shaw-Parker, Ghizela Rowe

Format: Original Recording

Length: 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-12

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Christina Georgina Rossetti remains one of the most important poets in the British tradition, both for her own work and those she influenced, most notably Virginia Wolfe. Rossetti is praised for her willingness to explore different genres and poetic forms within her body of work. Thematically, her poems run the gamut from frustrated love, to religion, to the Gothic, and beyond. Her choice of form is equally eclectic. Here, a reading of some of her best work by David Shaw-Parker and Ghizela Rowe.

Members Reviews:

Who wrote this again....?

I use Audible to help me sleep, and I thought "I'll download some lovely poetry." Christina Rossetti's poetry is indeed lovely, but the fact that they prefaced every poem with the poet's name was not. It was hugely irritating. I know who wrote it - I downloaded the bleeding thing! Irritation is not at all conducive to peacefully drifting off to Dreamland. Not recommended.

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Title: The Second Jungle Book

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-30-12

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The jungle boy Mowgli's adventures continue, culminating in his finding his mother and being forced to decide between a life in civilization or a life in the jungle. Interspersed are three stories: "The Miracle of Purun Bhagat", "The Undertakers" and "Quiquern".

Members Reviews:

A true classic.

You might know the jungle book by the Disney version, but have you ever wondered were that story came from? Well Rudy Kipling's tail is were the story begins. The book is not the disney version, I repeat it is NOT the disney version. This book is a collection of stories written by Rudy taking place in india. I very much enjoy this collection and also own the hard copy in addition to the kindle version. As soon as I downloaded this list night I couldn't help but dive in and re read a classic. So if you like short stories, grab your cat, dog, or teddy bear ( what ever is the most snugly ) and curl up for a entertaining read.

Fine Story and Active Table of Contents...

Also has an interesting short biography of the author at the close together with about a dozen photos of the man which was a definite plus. Very good book!

A book of delightful short stories and poem-song

'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling is a book of delightful short stories and poem-songs about talking animals. Five of the stories follow Mowgli, who as a human toddler was separated from his parents after Shere Khan, the tiger, tried to attack the family in the jungles of India. Instead of ending up as a meal for Shere Khan, Mowgli is raised eventually by two wolves who see him as one of their cubs. But first, a meeting was called and the ethics of adopting a manchild were debated by the pack. The matter is settled when Baloo, the bear, agrees to accept Mowgli as a student to teach him the Law of the Jungle; and Bagheera, the black panther, agrees to take the pack to a newly killed bull in exchange for Mowgli's acceptance into the pack. The wolf pack take the deal, but Shere Khan becomes Mowgli's mortal enemy.

Mowgli has a number of adventures which are not all entirely pleasant, but I have this strong feeling it was on the whole fun to be a feral child!

Other talking animal stories are included which showcase a variety of wild and domesticated animals who find Mankind and Nature directs them towards certain choices and troubles. Their personalities and inclinations direct their fates somewhat, but, gentle reader, I found them all to be wonderful creatures. However, I admit to favoring Rikki Tikki Tavi, the mongoose, most of all!

Mature children will adore this book, especially if they are able to get an edition with illustrations, but if you are familiar with the Disney movie version only, I must emphasize the unabridged book version has animal deaths, by hunting.

Classic tale with some unusual chapters

This is my first time to read this classic story and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. The first few chapters do remind you of the Disney movie and I thought it had a fun appeal for kids and adults alike. However, when we read the chapter "White Seal", I was confused. It seemed odd to jump from the jungle with Mowgli to a story about Kotick, the white seal. Even after reading the entire chapter, I have no idea why this was put into the book....a word of warning if you are reading with your kids (which I was), it does describe the beating of seals and skinning for their coats.

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Title: The Secret Garden

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-30-12

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

There is a special magic in Mary and Dickon's discovery of the hidden garden which spreads its wonders to the invalid Colin. This recording was selected as a "Notable Children's Recording of 1988" by the American Library Association.

Members Reviews:

A true classic

This story was always my wife's favorite. She forced us to watch the movie one day and both my daughter and I fell in love with the story with her. I'm not sure exactly what is so captivating about this story but it seems to draw you in. I guess it's the story of these children who are living in a shadow type of life and figure out on their own how to live in the sunlight. I don't want to say much more on the story or it may ruin it for some.

Well written story. Great for all ages.

What a wonderful job Burnett does bringing this book to life

What a wonderful job Burnett does bringing this book to life. Three children who needed each other came together and since I don't want to ruin the story for others who may want to read this book, I will not spoil it. The book made me laugh, cringe, happy, and sad. I couldn't put the book down.

I will say when life throws you lemons make lemonade. This book clearly demonstrates that.

Do not miss the chance to read this book. It is that good!

Wonderfully evocative children's tale.

One of my all time favourite childhood books, I have reread this so many times over 50+ years that I have lost count. The robin, Dickon, the garden, Ben Weatherstaff, the lingo, the house - all speak to me of my Yorkshire childhood. To this day I still want a walled garden of my very own. Sadly, this may be a book that will not appeal to this age's techy kids, but I hope it still gets read in some little corners, somewhere. Hopefully, classics like this will never rust and fade away.

Wonderful on so many levels that I thoroughly enjoyed it

A classic I had not read as a child. Wonderful on so many levels that I thoroughly enjoyed it, even as adult reading. The metaphor of the garden coming to life was beautifully crafted and the characters are well developed. One slowly starts to like even the least likeable ones, as they start to blossom and come to life, just like the garden. With the current research on neuroplasticity and our ability to change our brains and health by changing the way we think, the metaphysical use in Burnett's day of positive thinking no longer sounds like it is only part of the fringe element, instead it is proving to be a powerful tool for changing people's lives - just like it did for the characters in this book written at the turn of the century.

Read this again, you will cheer on the female characters!

I read this as the leader for a group of Middle/High School students who wanted to read classics during the spring/summer. I enjoyed the strong female characters and the entire story. We were able to have a great discussion about comparing lifestyles and classes. This was a fun read and I was glad this was on our classics list.

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Title: Great Expectations

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-20-12

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In Dickens' most beloved novel, encounters with an escaped convict, the mysterious Miss Havisham, the beautiful but cold Estella, and his ups and downs with the kindly Joe Gargery all influence Pip's expectations and inform his struggle for moral redemption.

Members Reviews:

TV and Movies versions were good, but the book is better. . .

One of my co-workers encouraged me to read this since I have only seen the TV/Movie versions. It was a quick read and very enjoyable. Fortunately, the TV/Movie versions weren't too far off the mark. Regardless, there were facets of the story that you would only get through the book, which is why reading the book will always be my favorite option.

BAH! HUMBUG!! "God bless Us, Every One"

A Christmas Carol is a beloved Christmas favorite. Nothing says Christmas like favorite Christmas stories. This timeless tale has been told in many versions. Iâve seen the movie and play but Iâve never read the book. I thought it was about time to finally read this tale.

The illustrations throughout the book were fun to look at. Not common to find illustrations in books today unless they are children stories.

Lots of great quotes come from this story but the most famous is BAH! HUMBUG! followed by:

"God bless Us, Every One!"

Standalone

As great to read vs as to watch as a production.

We've enjoyed many kinds of productions of this classic Scrooge story. The original makes us 'rise to the occasion' - or at least gets us to mentally take the time to step back in that era. Life was so different, so the real factor is (I think) a little richer, than already assembled viewables. Emotional, and the older language adds some incentive to digging into the story.

A must read!

Dickens has always intimidated me. Somehow, I made my way through high school and college without having to read one of his novels. Finally, a few weeks before Christmas, I decided to give this a try when I learned it is relatively short. I figured if it took some work, at least it wouldn't take all that long. I'm sorry I waited so long. It was impossible for me to separate this from the many versions of A Christmas Carol I've seen over the years. I loved it. I enjoyed the glimpse into the time and place of the story. The story and theme are, of course, legendary.

Don't be intimidated. This is a book everyone should read at least once.

Classic I Know

I have tried this one before and was distracted within the first five chapters but with the advise of a colleague I am going to attempt this one again. I am late 30's and sometimes have a tough time focusing for long spans of time unless the story is captivating from the get go, you have to appreciate writing for the sake of verb-age and description to get into this. So, because it is a classic and I think the classics should be read - I'll give it another go but not looking forward to it despite the wonderful reviews. Hated Pride and Prejudice too - just depends on personal taste I suppose. Loved The Divine Comedy....

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Title: The Pickwick Papers

Author: Charles Dickens, Mark Wormald (introduction)

Narrator: Dinsdale Landen

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-16-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The skilfully abridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Dickens; comic masterpiece, The Pickwick Papers, read by Dinsdale Landen. The Pickwick Papers began as a literary spoof centred around sketches of stock sporting fops by caricaturist Robert Seymour. Following the success of Sketches by Boz, Dickens was recruited to compose the words which would accompany the illustrations. Dickens quickly made the project his own and created some of his most popular characters: Samuel Pickwick, and his companions Winkle, Augustus Snodgrass, and Tracy Tupman.

At the height of its popularity The Pickwick Papers sold 40,000 copies a month and catapulted the 24 year old Dickens to fame.

Members Reviews:

A fun-packed romp

Where does The Pickwick Papers rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

A fine reading that I owned first on cassette tape. The reading is spirited and does a great job of bringing the range of characters to life.

If you know the book, this abridged production is edited in any interesting way: the story is presented without the ongoing Mr Jingle plot line. This works pretty well - it preserves some of the grab-bag feel of the book, and allows the audio to focus more on the central story of Pickwick himself. You do lose Mr Jingle, but if you haven't heard the story before, you won't feel that something is missing.

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Title: Barnaby Rudge

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Richard Pasco

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin Classics presents Charles Dickens first historical novel, Barnaby Rudge, adapted for downloadable audiobook and read by Richard Pasco. Set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge is a story of mystery and suspense which begins with an unsolved double murder and goes on to involve conspiracy, blackmail, abduction and retribution. Through the course of the novel fathers and sons become opposed, apprentices plot against their masters and Protestants clash with Catholics on the streets. And, as London erupts into riot, Barnaby Rudge himself struggles to escape the curse of his own past. With its dramatic descriptions of public violence and private horror, its strange secrets and ghostly doublings, Barnaby Rudge is a powerful, disturbing blend of historical realism and Gothic melodrama.

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

Members Reviews:

An action-packed historical novel

This is a well paced and fast-moving historical novel set during the anti-popery riots in London in 1780. Although not as grippingly exciting as Dicken's other historical novel, A Tale Of Two Cities, there is plenty of drama here to sustain the reader's interest.

The fictional characters are well woven into the historical setting, and the portrayal of these characters gives the book some of its best comic moments, from the suave Edward Chester, to the vengeful Simon Tappertit, to the spiteful Miss Miggs, to the devious hangman, Dennis. The hero of the book is Gabriel Varden, whom Dickens repeatedly describes, rather clumsily, as "the honest locksmith". Varden has to suffer constant friction in his own household between himself, his wife, his apprentice and his maid, and this agitation reflects the agitation of the masses in the streets.

One of the best features of the book is the way it successfully carries a number of plot lines. The main one of these concerns a murder committed many years previously for which no-one has been convicted. There are several other sub-plots such as the tension between the Catholic Haredale and the Protestant Chester, Joe Willet's love for Varden's daughter, the comical scheming of the apprentice locksmith against his master and the presence of a shadowy stranger who pursues Barnaby Rudge's mother. Some elements of the plot fizzle out a bit too easily towards the end, such as the attempt to kidnap Haredale's daughter, but the overall effect of the book is very satisfying.

This is one of Dicken's least remembered novels, but I think it is well worth reading and an excellent introduction to his work.

Dickens' Other Historical Novel

When one says "Charles Dickens" and "historical novel" in the same sentence, the immediate impression is of the French Revolution adventure "A Tale of Two Cities". But Dickens wrote another historical novel 18 years before, in 1841, the complex and colorful "Barnaby Rudge", set during London's anti-Papal riots of June 1780, when there was a reaction against the Catholic influence in Parliament. Populated by a large cast and activated by a plot of intrigue and danger, it is one of the best of Dickens in his early period. In fact, it is perhaps Dickens' most under-rated work. As usual with Dickens, the characters find themselves in a labyrinth of relationships.

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Title: Nicholas Nickleby

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Michael Siberry

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin classics presents the audiobook adaptation of Charles Dickens comic classic, Nicholas Nickleby, read by Michael Siberry. Around the central story of Nicholas Nickleby and the misfortunes of his family, Dickens created some of his most wonderful characters: the muddle-headed Mrs Nickleby, the gloriously theatrical Crummles, their protégé Miss Petowker, the pretentious Mantalinis and the mindlessly cruel Squeers and his wife. Nicholas Nichlebys loose, haphazard progress harks back to the picaresque novels of the 18th century - particularly those of Smollett and Fielding. Yet the novels exuberant atmosphere of romance, adventure and freedom is overshadowed by Dickens awareness of social ills and financial and class insecurity.

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

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.