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Michael
Michael Walnut Creek, CA, United States Member Since 2002

I focus on fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, science, history, politics and read a lot. I try to review everything I read.

HELPFUL VOTES
1602
ratings
REVIEWS
1290
298
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWING
489
6
  • The George Bernard Shaw Collection (Dramatized)

    "Impressive Collection of Shaw"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I hesitated getting a long collection of plays in audio, concerned it might be too dry or boring. This collection of eight Shaw plays was performed wonderfully and was a joy to listen to. It turns out a collection of great plays is a really nice choice for a long drive with the family. These plays are still witty and penetrating. The casting is excellent with different enough voices to allow the characters to be clear. There are a few cases of stage-craft that you lose in audio-only; nevertheless the experience is well worth the time. This was the first collection of audible plays I have ordered, but having enjoyed it so much, I just ordered several more collections from the same theater company.

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    The George Bernard Shaw Collection (Dramatized)

    • ORIGINAL (13 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By George Bernard Shaw
    • Narrated By Shirley Knight, Anne Heche, JoBeth Williams, and others
    Overall
    (27)
    Performance
    (23)
    Story
    (23)

    Eight of George Bernard Shaw's most memorable plays in one splendid collection: Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Arms and the Man, Candida, The Devil’s Disciple, Major Barbara, The Doctor’s Dilemma, Misalliance, and Pygmalion.

    Michael says: "Impressive Collection of Shaw"
  • Swann's Way

    "Beautiful, BUT"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is the first book of an extraordinary seven part novel. I listened to the samples of all the versions available on audible, and as soon as I heard George Guidall’s narration I was hooked. With a narration the least bit pedantic or dry or florid or scholarly this could be quite tiresome. Guidall’s light touch and almost childlike tone was perfect for the story. This is less a story than ephemerally connected evocations, exploring the associations between memory and sense and time. The writing is introspective, complex and beautiful.

    The only downside that, after completing this first part, I found this narrator had not read the other parts on Audible. The samples by Rowe and Jason did not entice me. I hope Guidall will narrate the other parts.

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    Swann's Way

    • UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Marcel Proust
    • Narrated By George Guidall
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (11)
    Performance
    (10)
    Story
    (9)

    Swann’s Way is the first and best-known part of Proust’s monumental work, Remembrance of Things Past. Often compared to a symphony, this complex masterpiece is ideally suited for audio. Listening lets you appreciate anew the incredible beauty of Proust’s language and the uniqueness of his style. The novel’s narrator, Marcel, finds the true meaning of experience in memories stimulated by some random object or event.

    Michael says: "Beautiful, BUT"
  • To a God Unknown

    "My Favorite Steinbeck; Terrible and..."

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I love Steinbeck and this has, for many years, been my favorite and was not available on Audible until recently. This early Steinbeck has exceptional writing and numerous elements appearing in his later works, in a pure, condensed, and powerful form. This novel has potent mystical imagery which might not sit well with some religious folks. Perhaps that is why this novel does not get the attention I think it deserves. The excellently narration complements the intensely beautiful and terrible writing. Like the Grapes of Wrath, this is an intense read without a lot of fun but with a thoughtful concentrated unflinching examination of life and death.

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    To a God Unknown

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By John Steinbeck, Robert DeMott (introduction)
    • Narrated By Jonathan Davis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (6)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    Set in familiar Steinbeck territory, To a God Unknown is a mystical tale, exploring one man's attempt to control the forces of nature and, ultimately, to understand the ways of God.

    Darwin8u says: "Interesting minor, early Steinbeck novel"
  1. The George Bernard Shaw C...
  2. Swann's Way
  3. To a God Unknown
    4. .

A Peek at Joseph R's Bookshelf

Helpful
Votes
588
 
Joseph R
Dry Prong, LA, USA 113 REVIEWS / 300 ratings 56 Followers / Following 0
 
Joseph R's greatest hits:
  • The Warden: Timothy West Version
    The Warden: Timothy West Version

    "The Old Man & His Terrific and Single Daughter"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Along with some romance, this is a broadside of satire directed at the gentlemen of the press and of the law. Anthony Trollope beards the lion in its den with this story of the power of a self-important press to inflict great damage on individuals and institutions. Under the guise of public interest reform, a newspaper runs stories which result in the resignation of a decent and kind old man Mr. Harding, as well as the virtual shut down of a charitable, well run, old folk's home. While these are matters of no moment to the newspaper editor except as sensational stories which sells papers, there is real pain and damage inflicted on the innocent. One might conclude from this book: doing what is lawful is not always the same as doing what is right or just. I just love the way this gentle, easily guided, old man takes matters into his own hands and overturns the apple carts and plans of those who considered themselves better suited to guide him than his own principles.

    Timothy West's performance of this work cannot be praised enough. He somehow manages the trick of capturing Trollope's brand of humor and subtle jabs and making it accessible to the listener.

  • Lady Susan
    Lady Susan

    "Lady Susan, an Austen leading lady one cannot love"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I thoroughly dislike Lady Susan (the woman, not the book) from start to finish. Yet, every time I finish the book, I have to step back and give grudging admiration for this unprincipled, schemer. She got everything she wanted. Lady Susan got the much younger man she craved and got her daughter married into a family who at one time would have scorned to be associated with Lady Susan.

    The more I think about the matter, the more I become convinced that the daughter and Lady Susan were executing a clever plot to accomplish their ends. The tears and lamentations of the daughter and the fury of Lady Susan were just part of the scheme, all sound and fury, signifying nothing.

    This is a book one loves to hate.

  • Doctor Thorne
    Doctor Thorne

    "An Adult Cinderella Story"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Timothy West is absolutely perfect as narrator for Doctor Thorne, one of Trollope's very best. West dexterously highlights Trollope's subtle humor and warm stories in a way the printed page cannot. It is a pleasure to listen to his performance and...it is a performance. A love story is the heart of this work but by no means is its muscle and blood. Trollope takes a mighty comic poke at lawyers, business affairs, and politicians. In addition, human frailties and tragedy are important threads woven into the fabric of this tale.

    The title of the book could have been Mary Thorne after the heroine, an unusual one for the time: a girl who was born a (using the author's word) bastard, this in a era where birth, blood, rank and wealth was all. As the write up states, the hero, Frank Gresham fell in love with this unsuitable girl. One should point out that the imprudence and follies of his mother, Lady Arabella, had a great hand in reducing the family fortunes to its present state of poverty. Naturally, she had no concept she had any hand in the business and busied herself after the manner of Mrs. Bennet in making good matches for her children...and greatly to the complications of this story, in breaking up unwise ones.

    Trollope stories are soap operas no less than Days of Our Lives. There are dozens of major characters who drop in and out of the story as the spotlight falls on this one then that one. The objective is that the story is to continue, after all who wants the story to stop? Not the readers of the serialized Trollope stories or the viewers of today's soaps nor do the writers, sponsors or advertisers; one more installment means one more paycheck for everybody. For instance, Days of Our Lives has been in continuous production for 60 to 75 years since the days of network radio...and Trollope continues also.

  • Before Lunch
    Before Lunch

    "How Does a Body Get Into These Kinds of Scrapes?"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Nadia May does a terrific job with this glorious little story, at its heart a humorous romance peppered with Austenesque comic characters and I agree with the writeup that there is a dash of Trollope. It is a fun book and requires little thought-- great for coming off those more demanding works such as Middlemarch or Rebecca. My favorite between book of all time is Northanger Abbey with The Enchanted April and Elizabeth's German Garden coming in for close seconds. LM Montgomery and LM Alcott books also provide the same release. Books which are so familiar that only a few lines brings an entire chapter to mind are restful.

    The heroine (the youngest heroine) manages to make some really wrong assumptions about who is in love with whom and manages to say yes to the wrong man. The man who asked also belatedly realizes he had asked the wrong woman. How to untangle this mess? Well, Miss Jane Austen herself realized that she had said yes to the wrong man and had to gallop all the way to Bath to take back her yes so we lesser mortals can take comfort there are ways out of the most uncomfortable situations.

Ilana
Ilana Montreal, Quebec, Canada 04-03-12 Member Since 2011

Audiobooks have literally changed my life. I now actually ENJOY doing mindless chores because they give me plenty of listening time!

HELPFUL VOTES
195
ratings
REVIEWS
167
86
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWING
45
12
  • The Woman in White

    "A Suspense that Keeps You Guessing"

    16 of 16 helpful votes

    Walter Hartright, a young art teacher, is startled when he is overtaken by a young woman dressed entirely in white while walking on the road from Hampstead to London. Visibly distressed, the young woman begs him to show her the way to London, and he offers to accompany her there. The young woman accepts his offer on the condition that he allow her to come and go as she pleases. Once he's dropped her off in London, two men in hot pursuit claim that the girl has escaped a mental asylum and must be returned there at once, but Walter does nothing to help them in their search. The next day he arrives at Limmeridge House, where he has gained a position as a drawing master. There he meets his young pupils, half sisters Marian and Laura. In no time at all, her befriends Marian—no great beauty is she, but quick, smart and amusing—and falls desperately in love with the heavenly loveliness that is Laura. But the encounter with the woman in white will carry many consequences.

    I took absolute delight in discovering all the plot twists of this great classic mystery, so will disclose no more of the story nor of how it is told, but will say that it offers a wonderfully evil conspiracy and several highly memorable characters, not least of which the strange and compelling villain Count Fosco, who stole every scene in which he appeared, in my view. Also, the sublimely selfish Frederick Fairlie is one of the most memorable invalids I have ever encountered in a work of fiction. I must say that this version, narrated by Simon Prebble and Josephine Bailey, greatly increased my enjoyment of the tale, with wonderfully rendered characters. Now that I've listened to it and that there are no more secrets for me to discover, I still look forward to listening to it again for a fun romp with highly colourful characters and plenty of Gothic frissons.

    More

    The Woman in White

    • UNABRIDGED (25 hrs and 5 mins)
    • By Wilkie Collins
    • Narrated By Josephine Bailey, Simon Prebble
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (573)
    Performance
    (429)
    Story
    (424)

    One of the greatest mystery thrillers ever written, Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White was a phenomenal best seller in the 1860s, achieving even greater success than works by Charles Dickens. Full of surprise, intrigue, and suspense, this vastly entertaining novel continues to enthrall audiences today.

    David says: "Gripping novel, excellent production"

What's Trending in Classics:

Customer Favorites

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  • 4.8 (1282 ratings)
    The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
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    The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    UNABRIDGED

    The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1282)
    Performance
    (1130)
    Story
    (1155)

    The Two Towers is the second volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, The Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship has been forced to split up. Frodo and Sam must continue alone towards Mount Doom, where the One Ring must be destroyed. Meanwhile, at Helm’s Deep and Isengard, the first great battles of the War of the Ring take shape. In this splendid, unabridged audio production of Tolkien’s great work, all the inhabitants of a magical universe - hobbits, elves, and wizards - spring to life. Rob Inglis’ narration has been praised as a masterpiece of audio.

    Anna says: "Thank you, Audible! Tolkien at long last!"
  • 4.8 (1135 ratings)
    The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
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    The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    UNABRIDGED

    The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 18 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1135)
    Performance
    (993)
    Story
    (1014)

    The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron. In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director.

    Natalie says: "Finally!"
  • 4.8 (137 ratings)
    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Volume 1: The War of the Ring
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    Audiobook
    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Volume 1: The War of the Ring
    UNABRIDGED
    • J.R.R. Tolkien

    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Volume 1: The War of the Ring

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 28 mins)
    • By J.R.R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    Overall
    (137)
    Performance
    (63)
    Story
    (64)

    The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragon, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.

    Catherine says: "Inglis sounds like Tolkien!"
  • 4.8 (133 ratings)
    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Volume 1: The Treason of Isengard
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    Audiobook
    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Volume 1: The Treason of Isengard
    UNABRIDGED
    • J.R.R. Tolkien

    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Volume 1: The Treason of Isengard

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By J.R.R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    Overall
    (133)
    Performance
    (68)
    Story
    (68)

    Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin, alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.

    Catherine says: "third book of the series"
  •  
  • 4.8 (83 ratings)
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Play SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Audiobook
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    UNABRIDGED
    • William Shakespeare , Simon Potter

    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options)

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 9 mins)
    • By William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
    • Narrated By Joan Walker, Stephen Elder, Paul Clayton
    Overall
    (83)
    Performance
    (54)
    Story
    (54)

    The multi award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Universally accepted as Shakespeare's finest play, we peel back the layers of Hamlet to discover how and why it deserves such a place of honour in world literature.

    Jane says: "Great introduction to Hamlet"
  • 4.8 (55 ratings)
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Play SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Audiobook
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    UNABRIDGED
    • William Shakespeare , Simon Potter

    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 7 mins)
    • By William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
    • Narrated By Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Nick Murchie, Coralyn Sheldon
    Overall
    (55)
    Performance
    (28)
    Story
    (28)

    Combined for great value! The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play.

    "And nothing is, but what is not." Macbeth may be mystified by the Weird Sisters' words but this intense performance with incisive commentary cuts to the heart of Shakespeare's complex psychological tragedy.

    Philip says: "Shakespeare made easy to understand!"
  • 4.8 (33 ratings)
    A Christmas Carol
    Play A Christmas Carol
    Audiobook
    A Christmas Carol
    UNABRIDGED
    • Charles Dickens

    A Christmas Carol

    • UNABRIDGED (2 hrs and 54 mins)
    • By Charles Dickens
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (33)
    Performance
    (29)
    Story
    (29)

    A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens first published by Chapman and Hall and first released on 19 December 1843. The story tells of sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visitations of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

    Tad Davis says: "One of the best"
  • 4.8 (32 ratings)
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Play SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    Audiobook
    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
    UNABRIDGED
    • William Shakespeare , Simon Potter

    SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
    • Narrated By Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Chris Kelham, Sara Bowes
    Overall
    (32)
    Performance
    (15)
    Story
    (15)

    Combined for great value! The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. The poetry of Shakespeare's star crossed lovers is poignantly performed and expertly explained in this unique production: "Passion lends them power."

    Cheryl says: "Very Helpful"
  •  
  • 4.9 (13 ratings)
    Master i Margarita [The Master and Margarita]
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    Audiobook
    Master i Margarita [The Master and Margarita]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Mikhail Afanasyevich Bulgakov

    Master i Margarita [The Master and Margarita]

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By Mikhail Afanasyevich Bulgakov
    • Narrated By Vladimir Ivanovich Samoylov
    Overall
    (13)
    Performance
    (10)
    Story
    (10)

    Master i Margarita - "posledniy zakatnyy" roman M.A. Bulgakova, roman zaveshchanie, voskresshiy iz pepla unichtozhennoy avtorom pervoy redaktsii. V Mastere i Margarite fantastika natalkivaetsya na realizm, mif na istoricheskuyu dostovernost, teosofiya na demonizm, romantika na klounadu.

  • 4.9 (11 ratings)
    Beowulf
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    Beowulf
    UNABRIDGED
    • Seamus Heaney (translator)

    Beowulf

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Seamus Heaney (translator)
    • Narrated By George Guidall
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (11)
    Performance
    (10)
    Story
    (11)

    Written a thousand years ago, this long poem is the very first surviving piece of English literature. Join Beowulf, a young warrior, as he achieves glory by fighting and killing three fantastic monsters. This new translation, by the Nobel laureate poet Seamus Heaney, offers modern listeners an accessible, intensely dramatic text. It amply demonstrates why this epic has spread its influence over more than a millennium of literature.

    Tad Davis says: "Almost perfect"
  • 4.8 (10 ratings)
    David Copperfield (Dramatised)
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    David Copperfield (Dramatised)
    ORIGINAL
    • Charles Dickens

    David Copperfield (Dramatised)

    • ORIGINAL (9 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By Charles Dickens
    • Narrated By Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, and others
    Overall
    (10)
    Performance
    (10)
    Story
    (9)

    David Copperfield is the story of a boy growing to maturity in the affairs of the world and of the heart, surrounded by some of Dickens' most memorable characters: David's eccentric great-aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood; the ever-optimistic Mr Micawber; jolly Peggotty and her willing husband Barkis; the charming Steerforth; the ever so 'umble Uriah Heep; and the foolishly innocent Dora. But will David finally find happiness with the faithful Agnes Wickfield, whom he has known since childhood?

    lynley says: "Brilliant actors and great story"
  • 4.5 (4996 ratings)
    The Hobbit
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    Audiobook
    The Hobbit
    UNABRIDGED

    The Hobbit

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (4996)
    Performance
    (4467)
    Story
    (4519)

    Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all.

    Darwin8u says: "Victory after all, I suppose!"

Best Sellers

(More Classics Best Sellers) All Classics Best Sellers
  • The Great Gatsby
    Play The Great Gatsby
    The Great Gatsby
    UNABRIDGED
    • F. Scott Fitzgerald

    The Great Gatsby

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By F. Scott Fitzgerald
    • Narrated By Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (919)
    Performance
    (844)
    Story
    (850)

    F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel of the Roaring Twenties is beloved by generations of readers and stands as his crowning work. This new audio edition, authorized by the Fitzgerald estate, is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain). Gyllenhaal's performance is a faithful delivery in the voice of Nick Carraway, the Midwesterner turned New York bond salesman, who rents a small house next door to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby....

    Darwin8u says: "Simple, Beautiful, and Exquisitely Textured"
  • The End of the Affair
    Play The End of the Affair
    The End of the Affair
    UNABRIDGED
    • Graham Greene

    The End of the Affair

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 28 mins)
    • By Graham Greene
    • Narrated By Colin Firth
    Overall
    (1286)
    Performance
    (1178)
    Story
    (1161)

    Graham Greene’s evocative analysis of the love of self, the love of another, and the love of God is an English classic that has been translated for the stage, the screen, and even the opera house. Academy Award-winning actor Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, A Single Man) turns in an authentic and stirring performance for this distinguished audio release.

    Emily - Audible says: "Colin Firth Kills It"
  • The Hobbit
    Play The Hobbit
    The Hobbit
    UNABRIDGED

    The Hobbit

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (4996)
    Performance
    (4467)
    Story
    (4519)

    Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all.

    Darwin8u says: "Victory after all, I suppose!"
  • 1984: New Classic Edition
    Play 1984: New Classic Edition
    1984: New Classic Edition
    UNABRIDGED
    • George Orwell

    1984: New Classic Edition

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By George Orwell
    • Narrated By Simon Prebble
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2529)
    Performance
    (1204)
    Story
    (1214)

    George Orwell depicts a gray, totalitarian world dominated by Big Brother and its vast network of agents, including the Thought Police - a world in which news is manufactured according to the authorities' will and people live tepid lives by rote. Winston Smith, a hero with no heroic qualities, longs only for truth and decency. But living in a social system in which privacy does not exist and where those with unorthodox ideas are brainwashed or put to death, he knows there is no hope for him.

    Kate says: "Come one, Come all into 1984!"
  •  
  • Gulliver's Travels: A Signature Performance by David Hyde Pierce
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    Gulliver's Travels: A Signature Performance by David Hyde Pierce
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jonathan Swift

    Gulliver's Travels: A Signature Performance by David Hyde Pierce

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Jonathan Swift
    • Narrated By David Hyde Pierce
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (413)
    Performance
    (254)
    Story
    (261)

    A Signature Performance: Four-time Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce delivers an air of lovable self-importance in his rendition of the classic social satire that remains as fresh today as the day it was published.

    Lara says: "Timeless Humor"
  • The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    Play The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    UNABRIDGED

    The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2109)
    Performance
    (1853)
    Story
    (1889)

    The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume in the trilogy, tells of the fateful power of the One Ring. It begins a magnificent tale of adventure that will plunge the members of the Fellowship of the Ring into a perilous quest and set the stage for the ultimate clash between the powers of good and evil.

    Ellen says: "At last - The Definitive Recording!"
  • Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood
    Play Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood
    Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood
    UNABRIDGED

    Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Mark Twain
    • Narrated By Elijah Wood
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1588)
    Performance
    (1146)
    Story
    (1119)

    A Signature Performance: Elijah Wood becomes the first narrator to bring a youthful voice and energy to the story, perhaps making it the closest interpretation to Twain’s original intent.

    James says: "Worthy "signature" premiere"
  • Atlas Shrugged
    Play Atlas Shrugged
    Atlas Shrugged
    UNABRIDGED
    • Ayn Rand

    Atlas Shrugged

    • UNABRIDGED (63 hrs)
    • By Ayn Rand
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    Overall
    (4105)
    Performance
    (2140)
    Story
    (2133)

    In a scrap heap within an abandoned factory, the greatest invention in history lies dormant and unused. By what fatal error of judgment has its value gone unrecognized, its brilliant inventor punished rather than rewarded for his efforts? In defense of those greatest of human qualities that have made civilization possible, one man sets out to show what would happen to the world if all the heroes of innovation and industry went on strike.

    Mica says: "Hurt version decidedly superior"
  •  
  • The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    Play The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    UNABRIDGED

    The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1282)
    Performance
    (1130)
    Story
    (1155)

    The Two Towers is the second volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, The Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship has been forced to split up. Frodo and Sam must continue alone towards Mount Doom, where the One Ring must be destroyed. Meanwhile, at Helm’s Deep and Isengard, the first great battles of the War of the Ring take shape. In this splendid, unabridged audio production of Tolkien’s great work, all the inhabitants of a magical universe - hobbits, elves, and wizards - spring to life. Rob Inglis’ narration has been praised as a masterpiece of audio.

    Anna says: "Thank you, Audible! Tolkien at long last!"
  • The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    Play The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    UNABRIDGED

    The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 18 mins)
    • By J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated By Rob Inglis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1135)
    Performance
    (993)
    Story
    (1014)

    The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron. In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director.

    Natalie says: "Finally!"
  • Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]
    Play Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]
    Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Charlotte Bronte

    Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 21 mins)
    • By Charlotte Bronte
    • Narrated By Susan Ericksen
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (692)
    Performance
    (430)
    Story
    (441)

    After a sad and neglected childhood as an orphan, Jane Eyre was hired by Edward Rochester as governess for his ward. Jane was pleased with the quiet country life at Thornfield, with the beautiful old manor house and gardens, with the book-filled library, and with her own comfortable room. But there were stories of a strange tenant, a woman who laughed like a maniac, and who stayed in rooms on the third floor.

    Elizabeth says: "a book that can be heard/read again and again"
  • Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh
    Play Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh
    Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh
    UNABRIDGED
    • Joseph Conrad

    Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh

    • UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By Joseph Conrad
    • Narrated By Kenneth Branagh
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (823)
    Performance
    (624)
    Story
    (625)

    A Signature Performance: Kenneth Branagh plays this like a campfire ghost story, told by a haunted, slightly insane Marlow.

    Darwin8u says: "Conrad's Brilliant & Wild Novella"

New Releases

(More Classics New Releases) All Classics New Releases
  • The Diamond Maker and The Door in the Wall
    Play The Diamond Maker and The Door in the Wall
    The Diamond Maker and The Door in the Wall
    UNABRIDGED
    • H. G. Wells

    The Diamond Maker and The Door in the Wall

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 18 mins)
    • By H. G. Wells
    • Narrated By David Thorn
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Two short stories by H.G. Wells displaying his gift for creating thought-provoking themes. "The Diamond Maker" is a story about a chance encounter between two men who then must decide whether they can trust each other. "The Door in the Wall" is a fascinating tale about a successful politician who struggles to merge the beauty of his imagined world with the rationality of real life.

  • Prometheus Bound: Translated by F.L. Light
    Play Prometheus Bound: Translated by F.L. Light
    Prometheus Bound: Translated by F.L. Light
    UNABRIDGED
    • F.L. Light (translator)

    Prometheus Bound: Translated by F.L. Light

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 28 mins)
    • By F.L. Light (translator)
    • Narrated By Jack Nolan
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    After Zeus has learned that Prometheus stole his sovereign property, fire, and conveyed it to mankind, he orders Hephaistos, under the direction of Power and Force, to bind his adversary to an arduous crag of most difficult remoteness on the earth. As the Titan responds to this punishment, the reader is inspired with the fire of individual affirmation, devoted indomitably to life and liberty.

  • Twinkle and Chubbins
    Play Twinkle and Chubbins
    Twinkle and Chubbins
    UNABRIDGED
    • L. Frank Baum

    Twinkle and Chubbins

    • UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 1 min)
    • By L. Frank Baum
    • Narrated By Tavia Gilbert
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Twinkle and Chubbins is a collection of short children's stories written by L. Frank Baum, but published under the pen name Laura Bancroft. The stories included in the collection are: "Mr. Woodchuck", "Bandit Jim Crow", "Prairie-Dog Town", "Prince Mud-Turtle", "Twinkle's Enchantment", and "Sugar-Loaf Mountain".

  • Mary Louise
    Play Mary Louise
    Mary Louise
    UNABRIDGED
    • L. Frank Baum

    Mary Louise

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 29 mins)
    • By L. Frank Baum
    • Narrated By Cassandra Campbell
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Mary Louise is a young girl, very honest and wise beyond her years. This, at times put her at odds with her classmates at school, but she is mature enough to not be bothered by their attitudes for the most part. Mary Louise lived with her mother and grandfather, with whom she was very close. She is upset and then astounded to find out that her grandfather is running from the law. As the other children at school find out the circumstances surrounding her situation, they begin to relentlessly tease and trouble her.

  •  
  • White Fang
    Play White Fang
    White Fang
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jack London

    White Fang

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs)
    • By Jack London
    • Narrated By Peter Husmann
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Jack London's classic adventure story about the friendship developed between a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed dog-wolf he rescues from the hands of a man who mistreats him. White Fang is a companion novel and thematic mirror to London's best-known work, The Call of the Wild.

  • Shirley
    Play Shirley
    Shirley
    UNABRIDGED
    • Charlotte Bronte

    Shirley

    • UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Charlotte Bronte
    • Narrated By Silvia Cecchini
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Shirley è un “romanzo sociale” del 1849 pubblicato dopo il primo fortunato romanzo della stessa autrice, Jane Eyre (che peraltro era stato pubblicato, come questo, sotto lo pseudonimo di Currer Bell). Il romanzo è ambientato nello Yorkshire negli anni 1811-1812 e tratta della depressine industriale dovuta alla guerra Napoleonica, con la conseguente reazione operaia sfociante nel luddismo.

  • Malen'kaja hozjajka bol'shogo doma [The Little Lady of the Big House]
    Play Malen'kaja hozjajka bol'shogo doma [The Little Lady of the Big House]
    Malen'kaja hozjajka bol'shogo doma [The Little Lady of the Big House]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jack London

    Malen'kaja hozjajka bol'shogo doma [The Little Lady of the Big House]

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Jack London
    • Narrated By Denis Nekrasov
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Izdanie vydajushhegosja amerikanskogo pisatelja Dzheka Londona (1876-1916) vkljuchaet v sebja roman Malen'kaja hozjajka bol'shogo doma, odno iz samyh liricheskih proizvedenij pisatelja, v osnove sjuzheta kotorogo lezhit «ljubovnyj treugol'nik». Roman javljaetsja odnim iz samyh chitaemyh i ljubimyh proizvedenij Dzheka Londona.

  • Zheleznaja pjata [The Iron Heel]
    Play Zheleznaja pjata [The Iron Heel]
    Zheleznaja pjata [The Iron Heel]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jack London

    Zheleznaja pjata [The Iron Heel]

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Jack London
    • Narrated By Anna Kozhevnikova
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Roman-antiutopija Zheleznaja pjata (1908) vydajushhegosja amerikanskogo pisatelja Dzheka Londona s porazitel'noj tochnost'ju opisyvaet obshhestvo, pojavivsheesja vposledstvii v dvuh stranah Evropy, gde k vlasti prishli partii, nazyvavshie sebja rabochimi. On podvergaet unichtozhajushhej kritike amerikanskij imperializm, vlast' monopolij, izoblichaet sistemu belogo rabstva, ekspluataciju zhenshhin i detej, pokazyvaet uzhasajushhie uslovija sushhestvovanija bednjakov.

  •  
  • A Daughter of the Snows
    Play A Daughter of the Snows
    A Daughter of the Snows
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jack London

    A Daughter of the Snows

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 37 mins)
    • By Jack London
    • Narrated By Dmitry Tairov
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Roman Doch snegov - eto pervoe proizvedenie Dzheka Londona v zhanre romana, rasskazyvajushhee o zhizni i prikljuchenijah zolotoiskatelej vo vremja «zolotoj lihoradki» na Klondajke. Proizvedenie otnositsja k «severnoj» teme, odnoj iz samyh ljubimyh pisatelem, k kotoroj on ne raz vozvrashhalsja v svoem tvorchestve. Na pervom plane - sil'naja lichnost' i ee bor'ba s prirodoj, bor'ba, v kotoroj individual'nost' zakaljaetsja, terjaet svoju meshhanskuju ogranichennost', vozrozhdajas' fizicheski i duhovno.

  • Belyj Klyk [White Fang]
    Play Belyj Klyk [White Fang]
    Belyj Klyk [White Fang]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jack London

    Belyj Klyk [White Fang]

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By Jack London
    • Narrated By Ilya Bobylev
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Povest' Belyj Klyk - jeto uvlekatel'noe povestvovanie o zhizni volka po klichke Belyj Klyk. Mnogo ispytanij vypalo na ego dolju prezhde, chem on vstretil nastojashhego druga, cheloveka, kotoryj spas emu zhizn'. I za dobro i zabotu serdce volka otvetilo predannoj ljubov'ju.

  • Udvalgte fortællinger [Featured Stories]
    Play Udvalgte fortællinger [Featured Stories]
    Udvalgte fortællinger [Featured Stories]
    UNABRIDGED
    • Fjodor M. Dostojevskij

    Udvalgte fortællinger [Featured Stories]

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Fjodor M. Dostojevskij
    • Narrated By Karsten Pharao
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Udvalgte fortællinger omfatter fem mindre fortællinger fra forskellige perioder i Dostojevskijs forfatterskab. Samlingen indledes med En lille helt (1848), som Dostojevskij skrev i fængslet umiddelbart før sin 10 års forvisning til Sibirien. En smuk fortælling om en 11-årig drengs følelser, da han betages af og forelsker sig i den smukke og melankolske Madame M.

  • Edgar Allan Poe Audiobook Collection 10: Deus ex Machina
    Play Edgar Allan Poe Audiobook Collection 10: Deus ex Machina
    Edgar Allan Poe Audiobook Collection 10: Deus ex Machina
    UNABRIDGED
    • Christopher Aruffo , Edgar Allan Poe

    Edgar Allan Poe Audiobook Collection 10: Deus ex Machina

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 36 mins)
    • By Christopher Aruffo, Edgar Allan Poe
    • Narrated By Christopher Aruffo
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    From the spiritual to the mechanical, Deus Et Machina gathers many never-recorded stories and essays by Edgar Allan Poe. Included: The Facts In The Case Of M. Valdemar: By the power of a mesmeric spell, an invalid's soul is trapped at the exact moment of death. Von Kempelen and His Discovery: The legendary formula-- pursued by alchemists throughout the ages-- will finally be secret no more.