Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature

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Title: The War of the Worlds

Author: H.G. Wells

Narrator: Alexander Spencer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 85 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of

The War of the Worlds has done much to obscure the original work. Written at the turn of the 19th century, before "science fiction" existed as a genre, H.G. Wells' creation was a new departure in literature. The author's deep devotion to social reform led him to use the idea of an extraterrestrial invasion to theorize about a possible violent upheaval in society - instead of "Martians" think "Bolsheviks." Wells' book is a social prophecy, and doubtless that humanistic concern contributed to it becoming one of the seminal classics of science fiction.

Editorial Reviews:

Alexander Spencer performs H.G. Wells's nineteenth-century science-fiction classic with precise, well-calculated pacing. At first, when the sighting of a meteor shower over London is reported, Spencers delivery is deliberate, matter-of-fact, and measured, but as the story progresses and the terror of the alien invasion grows, his account becomes appropriately intense. Spencer narrates descriptions of the Martians, their destructive, deadly weapons, and their unspeakable acts with growing horror. As the truth of what the invaders have in mind dawns on the speaker, Spencer becomes breathless, his voice rising in pitch and volume. Spencers spot-on storytelling skills enhance Wellss tale of intergalactic devastation and chaos.

Critic Reviews:

"To bring an entire novel to life without any dull spots is quite an achievement.¿" (Science Fiction Review)

Members Reviews:

Brilliant, tight and prescient.

Brilliant, tight and prescient. Wells is working about 3 themes right on top of each other. He makes us the rabbits, the ants, the colonized and is able to explore not just themes of technology and evolution, but colonialism and imperialism.

The Spencer narration, however, just doesn't seem able to carry the full weight of Wells. It was clear, but his clipped reading seemed unable to make the Wells words flow easily.

A measured but emotional reading

I debated for a long time whether I preferred this version of "War of the Worlds" or the one by Sean Barrett (also available from Audible). I've decided on this one. The pace is slower -- a more charitable description would be "measured" -- but Alexander Spencer registers a far greater range of emotion. In the course of the story, his voice goes from a hoarse whisper to frantic horror to tremulous heartbreak.

The story itself is a terrifying one. There's plenty of violent combat for anyone who wants that, but even more terrifying are the descriptions of the people of London in a panicked flight to the north and east; or the narrator's journey through a London devoid of life.

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Title: The Time Machine

Author: H.G. Wells

Narrator: Ralph Cosham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Findaway World

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

"At once, like a lash across the face, came the possibility of losing my own age, of being left helpless in this strange new world." In H.G. Wells's classic tale, a time traveler journeys to the distant future and finds the earth a lush Eden, populated by the gentle, pacifistic Eloi. However, he soon sees the dark side of this paradise when his time machine is stolen, trapping him in the future. To recover it, he must confront the Eloi's dreaded cousins and masters of the underworld, the Morlocks. Ralph Cosham's excellent performance of this classic distopian novella was the key in earning it AudioFile's Earphones Award.

(P) and ©1993 Commuter's Library

Critic Reviews:

"H.G. Wells's classic novella has never been better read." (AudioFile)

"The mind of all of us, and therefore the physical world, would be perceptibly different if Wells had never existed." (George Orwell)

Members Reviews:

Accessible and entertaining classic

The Invisible Man is one of those classics that has been on my TBR for ages, always getting posponed to read other titles instead. But after a mention that this classic was actually quite entertaining, I decided to finally pick it up. And they were right, because I actually found myself having a lot of fun while readingÂThe Invisible Man. Not only is the prose quite easy to read, but the plot itself is both intriguing and entertaining as things start escalating. The character development has been really well done and shows the effects being invisible can have on a man... If you are looking for an accessible and entertaining classic to read,ÂThe Invisible Man is the choice for you.

Insightful

Read this book for an English class and I thought it was very insightful. It gave very convincing theories on human nature and what possibly could lay ahead of us in the future. to me this book gave the illusion of mystery by not giving some people names. This mystery exemplified the imagery the time travler gave about the future. the ending heightened the mystery seven fold. I was left wanting more, wanting to know more, and wanting to go back to the future with the time traveler. Made me really think about how the time travelers theories are thought out and could potentially actually happen. Definitely a thought invoking read

A Great Old War!!

This is a good old fashioned yarn. I read the book through in one or two sittings. HG created a sense of menace and despair through the book, which I loved. His descriptions were evocative of the times, and I could almost visualize the destruction taking place, as the book weaved along.

The writing is, for our times, old fashioned, yet timeless. The almost forgotten craft of writing is something that was displayed through the book. I lost the part where the Martians were 'destroyed'. It would have been really nice to have had a nice description of this, but you can't have everything in life!

If you want a good book to read by the fireside, then this is one I can recommend.

Classic Still Has the Attraction and Impact of A Fresh Story!

The Time Machine, like all of H.G. Well's works, are classics. However, they still are enjoyable even after the umpteenth reading! I like the old (not the newer) version of the movie as well. This is a Victrorian story, keep it Victorian! Trying to update it in the newer movie was doomed to failure.

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Title: A Study Guide to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Author: Richard Kaye

Narrator: Julian Sands

Format: Original Recording

Length: 1 hr and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The classic story of 19th-century man's attempt to control nature through science has remained provocative to this day - the possibilities of science have developed to make Mary Shelley's terrifying vision seem less fantastic. This study guide includes background information on Mary Shelley's England, a detailed narrative guide to the novel, dramatic readings, and a critical analysis. Author Richard Kaye has written articles for The New York Times, Studies in English Literature, and other publications. This guide is part of the A+ AUDIO series from Time Warner, an innovative set of study materials that will help you to better understand, appreciate, and enjoy great works of literature. Look for other A+ titles from Audible in the Education section of Personal Development.

Members Reviews:

praises for julian sands work

in my opinion julian sands did a superb job in making this audio tape, i admit i've been a great fan of his for a long time but he has a wonderful speaking voice and can really tell a story very very well. i highly recommend this audio tape to anyone who considers buying it.

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Title: Collected Stories

Author: Oscar Wilde

Narrator: Frank Muller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Whether it's a 300-year-old ghost who's scared out of his wits, a tenderhearted statue with a mission of mercy, or the suave Lord Savile who cannot commit a crime, the characters in these stories by witty Oscar Wilde make the tales priceless delights. Absurd, ironic, poignant, or scathing, these small gems of the storyteller's art are sure to become favorites. This collection, narrated by Frank Muller, includes "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime," "The Canterville Ghost," "The Model Millionaire," "The Happy Prince," "The Nightingale and the Rose," "The Devoted Friend," and "The Remarkable Rocket."

(P) Recorded Books, Inc.

Editorial Reviews:

The late Frank Muller, one of the audio industry's most gifted narrators, sinks his talents into this collection of stories from the iconic playwright and storyteller Oscar Wilde. Muller brings his insightful delivery and spot-on English accents to these classic tales of suspense and intrigue. He knows just the right ingredients to put in this enjoyable concoction. Listeners who enjoy witty banter and hairpin plot twists should warm up their earphones, as Muller proves once again why he was one of the very best.

Members Reviews:

Very Poor Recording

I would read anything by Wilde, but listening to this poor recording was torture.

poor recording quality ruins a great read

Stories are fun, narrator is great, but the poor sound quality ruined it. I'll never read a format 1 again.

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Title: Kim

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Narrator: Margaret Hilton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 48 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Rudyard Kipling's classic adventure story, Kim, tells the tale of an Irish soldier's orphan son, who roams the back alleys and bazaars of British-ruled India. The young urchin learns the rules and language of the dirty streets, until he discovers his father's old army regiment. Suddenly, Kim abandons his former life and native customs, buys expensive European clothing, and begins a new career as a secret agent. Both an exciting adventure and a detailed look at a spy's inner conflicts, Kim is one of Kipling's most important and popular novels.

Members Reviews:

Transported by smells, vistas & atmosphere of Hind

This is one of those novels that I read and listened to and instantly regreted not reading earlier when I was a boy. I was able, however, to experience listening to this book with my two kids (one boy 12; one girl 11). It was perfect. I wandered into it expecting a well-written, more or less Empire-centric Colonial novel. It was way more than that. I get the whole Postcolonial Lit thing, but I'm not ready to abandon Kim to this debate or even the Colonial designation. It is so much more. It is an bildungsroman, an adventure story, a wild vibration of the whole of India (North and South, mountains and plains, rich and poor, rivers and roads, believer and unbeliever).

I was a tad worried at first that the specificity of the place and time would throw off my kids , but it was like driving through a country bazar in a foreign country. They didn't understand every sign or shout, but were transported by the smells, the vistas and the atmosphere of Kipling's last great masterpiece.

I liked Margaret Hilton's narration and for most of the novel she absolutely disappeared behind the prose - a task that isn't easy by Kipling's ability to float and bob between native Hind and English languages.

Great book if you can hear it

Kim is a great book, a fabulous story and a classic. I gave this a poor rating because the sound quality is so terrible it is almost impossible to hear even in the quietest of listening spots let alone in the traffic jam where I enjoy most of my audiobooks.

Problems with narration style

This is a great traditional classic with a wealth of information about a distant culture and context. Filled with information and adventure. But the narration is a big problem. The reader delivers every sentence with a very artificial and insensitive pattern of pauses, emphasis and speeds--as if it were all poetry. Much of the book is dialogue and each character has exactly the same intonation--you can listen to huge chunks and eventually only some feature of the content tells you who is speaking--and the content you need takes a long time to pick up because the sentences are all being broken down into little chunks by the unchanging style of reading. It makes an exciting story intolerably boring by the end.

Terrible audio quality

I had trouble listening to this version of Kim in the car. It's a great story but you should pick one of the higher quality versions.

very poor audio

What disappointed you about Kim?

I know the story, but I couldn't understand this version.

What do you think your next listen will be?

not sure

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Not understandable. Gave up after an hour.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No. And I love the printed version.

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Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrator: Alexander Spencer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-12-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 55 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Saintly Dr. Henry Jekyll is the epitome of dedication, while the frightening Mr. Edward Hyde commits murder. What strange secret binds these two men in the fog of London?

©1980 Recorded Books (P)1980 Recorded Books

Editorial Reviews:

Dr. Henry Jekyll is a pillar of the community. Edward Hyde is his antithesis. After Hyde becomes Jekylls houseguest, his friends grow concerned, for where Jekyll is virtuous, Hyde is evil epitomized. Alexander Spencer delivers a compelling performance of Stevensons shocking tale of human duality. He offers a variety of vocal characterizations, making Dr. Jekyll and his learned colleagues excellent examples of cultured and elegant nineteenth-century gentlemen. Spencers characterization makes Mr. Hyde a loathsome, brutal, diabolical fiend. Spencer starts slowly, inviting listeners into the story, and builds tension and horror as the sinister events unfold.

Members Reviews:

Good read

Narrator was near perfect. This is the first time I finished the book, or rather he did. I never knew how much different this book was from the movies. I can see why the movies had to improvise the story as it was told from the points of view of those around the antagonist. Of course the story goes almost entirely in reverse order. Well done.

Short and different

Any additional comments?

I remembered this story from watching Wishbone (a children's tv show going through some of classic books) back in my childhood, and finally decided to read the real thing. The story I remember was a bit more interesting than the real book but it's still a decent read. There isn't a whole lot of character development so it's hard to really get attached to any of the characters. There was a lot of missed potential to delve into the theory of the two halves of man, into morality, into internal perception, which this book just barely touches on. Still, it's fun to listen to the other characters in their confusion and waiting for them to realize who Hyde really is. If you want a quick and easy listen, something a bit different than the average, I would recommend this book.

A Classic

Everybody knows the story; Audible's version doesn't disappoint. Great story, great performance. It's worth your credit or your money.

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Title: Green Mansions

Author: W. H. Hudson

Narrator: Walter Zimmerman, Jim Roberts

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-07

Publisher: Jimcin Recordings

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

W. H. Hudson was born in 1841 in Buenos Aires and seems to have been a sort of permanently displaced person. He moved to London in 1869 and wrote a series of remarkable books, most with a wilderness setting. In 1904, when he was 63, he focused on an Indian legend for Green Mansions, a memorable romance of the jungle for which he is now chiefly remembered. His epitaph reads, "He Loved Birds and Green Places and the Wind on the Heath, and Saw Brightness of the Skirts of God."

(P)1980 Jimcin Recordings

Members Reviews:

Good, escapist story

The type of story that transports you to a totally different place. Reader was good but had a bit of a Northern accent. This didn't bother me but I suggest you listen to the sample to make sure it's ok for you.

Fascinating story

Fascinating story and well read.

Nasal Narrator

The book was recommended and I saw two high reviews and one low. I should have listened. The story was interesting but the narrator was so nasal and monotone that he made the story sound boring. It was hard to stay interested in the book with the narrator so flat. I spent good money so I stuck it out. Very disappointing to have spent this money.

Okay story, disappointing reading.

The story is good enough, but the narrator reads like a telephone robot. It seems he's not engaged in the story and his odd emphases make the listener flinch.

Audiobot.

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

I'm 45 minutes in, I have about 8 hours to go, and I want to give up. The reading is unendurable. It's flat, monotonous and rife with poor phrasing. Perhaps a different reader would help, but I'm really struggling to stay interested in the story so I can't offer an opinion on whether it's worth trying to save.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

At time the reading sounds like a computerised voice, I kept thinking of the "fitter, happier, more productive" voice from Radiohead's 'OK Computer.'

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Title: Sense and Sensibility

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-22-08

Publisher: Alpha DVD

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 217 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Startling secrets, unexpected twists, and heartless betrayals interrupt the marriage games that follow. Filled with satiric wit and subtle characterizations, Sense and Sensibility teaches that true love requires a balance of reason and emotion.

Members Reviews:

Interesting historically and literarily.

The novel is interesting for its characters and the intricate plot, but it's just as fascinating for the glimpse of late 18th century morals and mentalities. There are so many outlandish pronouncements on the superiority of good blood and the inferior character and intellect of common birth that it's hard to tell just how aware Austen was of the irony or sarcasm. At times you think she is deliberately sarcastic, at others you fear she may be serious. The same holds true of religion, gender, and other cultural issues. Whether Austen means to be as satirical as she comes across, I don't know, but the novel is worth it for the values that contrast so often with our ideals of egalitarianism.

The story itself is detailed and intricate and full of interesting characters with complex motivations and lots of situational twists. The characters try to solve issues of romance and morality in a culture of stifling gender and class constraints, and the author is brilliant at setting up conflicts and resolving them without stepping outside these constraints. The book in some ways seems to be a criticism of contemporary mores, and in other ways seems an argument for strict obedience to these mores. These constraints make the story even more complex, since many of the sources of conflict come from a society the narrator never wants to actually overcome. It could even be read as a primer on obedience to society's values, no matter the difficulties that causes. The ambiguity of the author's intent make the book even more complex and enjoyable.

The narrator is very good, and her straightforward authoritative style is perfect for the ambiguity of the author's message, since you can never accuse the reader of being sarcastic even when you believe she might be. Well worth the listen.

Okay

This is my second favorite Austen novel, after 'Pride and Prejudice'. It's a lovely story however I just felt the narrator wasn't the right choice. It's amazing how the narrator can make or break a novel. It's worth the price though if you've never read the story.

Good way to "consume" this book

I had trouble getting into the book, but the audiobook allowed me to follow and enjoy this particular Austen.

I much prefer Persuasion and had gotten stuck around 1/4 of the way through Sense & Sensibility in print.

Listen to this if you kinda like Austen. Reader was good.

Good book to listen to while getting other work done.

Best of Austen

This is my favorite Austen novel where virtue gets rewarded, and there's hope for even the most self-indulgently melodramatic twit. It's good to come back to the golden oldies now and then.

not a big fan of the narrator

I love Jane Austen, and I love book tapes. When I found Sense and Sensibility on Audible, I was excited. Although I listened to this book, I have to say the narrator verged on annoying at times.

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Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Sphinx Collection

Subtitle: Three Sherlock Holmes Mysteries in One Book

Author: Pennie Mae Cartawick

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-28-14

Publisher: catherine kimball

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Three Compelling Sherlock Holmes Mysteries In One Book. Narrated by the celebrity actor Simon Prebble who is also known as an award winner for the best voice in fiction.

STORY ONE: The Mystery of the Poisoned Tomb.

"Ah good morning, John, if we do not hurry then we shall miss the unveiling of the sarcophagus." He leaped up, feeling much better than I did, and chased me into my own room so that I could get changed. There was a large crowd who had come to see the tomb. Holmes and I made our way through. I noticed Ini intently watching us. Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax were standing in the tunnel with someone from the Department of Antiquities. They had been waiting for us. The five of us made our way through the tunnel and back to the tomb. I couldn't wait to see if there really was a Pharaoh in the next room.

STORY TWO: The Case of the Cracked Mirror.

The fireman had seen a skeleton, wearing a dress coat, whose head was aflame. I was deeply worried for the missing young woman. If she had been taken by the opera ghost, be he flesh or spirit, how would she fare if she rejected his 'love'? All worries were momentarily forced out of my head when a sudden squawk rang out across the opera house. "I cannot believe this! Me; a suspect."

STORY THREE: The Mystery of the Faceless Bride.

The bride carried no decaying roses but her bridal dress was torn and burnt. Her bare legs, starved needle points, staggered disjointedly. The veil hung low over her face. I had my pistol, however I could not shoot. If it was a ghost the bullet would surely pass through, if it was flesh then I would be shooting dead a woman. Her hands, the fingernails long and cracked, lifted up the veil. Her face! Even in the darkness I could see its ruin. The eyes had been snatched from its sockets, the nose sunken in; all that was left was the mouth. Thin, melted lips parted to reveal brown chipped teeth.

Members Reviews:

Are you kidding!

What did you like best about Sherlock Holmes: The Sphinx Collection? What did you like least?

I do not like being told that these are stories written by the author. The last time I looked this author did NOT write The Phantom of the Opera. This is a direct rip off.The other 2 stories were also vaguely similar to others.

Has Sherlock Holmes: The Sphinx Collection turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not at all I just will not listen to anything else by this author.

Which character as performed by Simon Prebble was your favorite?

He is a wonderful narrator for all the characters.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I did it was called The Phantom of the Opera. The other stories no.

Any additional comments?

Disappointed at the waste of time.

A little too far from the essence of Sherlock Holmes

The stories miss the mark. Not bad but not great in trying to further capture the characters and personalities of Sherlock Holmes and James Watson.

Mystery

What did you like best about Sherlock Holmes: The Sphinx Collection? What did you like least?

I liked the stories.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator was boring. He needed to put some drama in his voice.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes.

Nothing special

Simon Prebble's narration was fine, but didn't make these stories stand out at all ... they were just sort of ... there.

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Title: Good Lady Ducayne

Author: Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Narrator: Cathy Dobson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-24-16

Publisher: Red Door Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835-1915) was a British Victorian era novelist famous for her sensationalist writing.

'Good Lady Ducayne' is a sensational tale of a young woman, Bella Rolleston, who secures a job as a paid companion to a very elderly and wealthy aristocratic lady who offers her a handsome salary, a winter travelling on the Italian Riviera and the Italian Lakes and very little to do.

It all seems too good to be true. And when Bella learns that the old lady's previous two companions died under mysterious circumstances and she herself is becoming paler and sicker...it does seem as though something sinister is afoot.

Members Reviews:

A curious little tale

A simple little story I ran across in grad school - an interesting example of pre-Dracula vampire literature, though there is no supernatural presence in this story. The narration could be better - there is little inflection, no voice difference between characters, and some vocal oddities in cadence - but it is sufficient.