At the Mountains of Madness

By: H. P. Lovecraft

Narrated by: Richard Coyle

Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

At the Mountains of Madness tells the first-person tale of geologist William Dyer, a professor from Miskatonic University in the USA. He writes to disclose hitherto unknown and closely kept secrets in the hope that he can deter a planned and much publicized scientific expedition to Antarctica. For he has been there and seen the unimaginable horrors that lay beyond the mountains.

At the Mountains of Madness was written by HP Lovecraft in 1931, originally a serialised story published in Astounding Stories magazine in the US. While considered by fans to be part of the Cthulhu Mythos stories that HPL is most famous for, some academics argue that the author was actually ‘demythologising’ much of his earlier work.

Whichever it is, the story is massively popular, and there are talks of a movie adaptation by Steven Spielberg and Guillermo Del Toro in the offing. This 2010 adaptation comprises 5 episodes, originally aired on BBC Radio 4 Extra, and offered here in exclusive Extended Editions.

©2010 Ladbroke Productions (Radio) Ltd (P)2011 Spokenworld Audio/Ladbroke Audio Ltd

Amazing!

Absolutely loved it! The sound affects really made this version a cut above the rest. The voice actors were great too.

Riveting

Excellent portrayal and loved the post production! Biggest weakness have to be Lovecraft's troubles in writing. Coyle was absolutely awesome, I had to look into his other performances!

An essential to the cthulhu mythos.

Firstly, the readers performance in this and his reading of the shadow over innsmouth was outstanding. These audio books are also a perfect example of how an orchestral track should be used to improve a recording. the addition of radio static, and howling arctic winds during parts of the story made for a very immersive experience. As for the story itself, it contains important history regarding the old ones, as well as a first hand encounter with the thing that should not be, making this an essential listen for any fan of the cthulhu mythos.

The best abridged audio reading.

This is a stunning, brilliantly performed abridged reading. Richard Coyle is fantastic and the music, simulated radio transmissions and all other effects, make this a superb and horrifying experience. I can only hope there will be more done in this manner, preferably all with Mr. Coyle’s considerable talent giving them voice. Highly recommended.

perfect, exactly what I was looking for.

I loved this, it was exactly what I was looking for. the music, which gives it that eerie atmosphere. amazing. thank you.

Creepy As Advertised

This audio book was homework for me- preparation to run a Call of Cthulhu game for Halloween. I've long been fascinated by the game, and wanted to read this particular piece as it inspired the highly regarded Beyond The Mountains of Madness campaign book. It did not disappoint. The story is riveting, and presented as a first person narrative by a narrator who does manage to convey the urgency and horror of the tale while trying desperately to remain calm and believable by his listeners. I loved it.

Fear the Unknown

Good:

-The narrator is spot on. I now read Lovecraft's writings in his voice

-The atmosphere is thick and unnerving. The subtle background audio really helps with immersion

-Lovecraft, for the most part, has a clever way with words

Not so good (SPOILERS):

-Some of Lovecraft's vocabulary is hard to follow with. I'm not a big lit buff, but still, keep a dictionary handy

-(SPOILERS) I didn't really care for Lovecraft's in depth information about the Great Old Ones. It carried on for too long and broke up the pacing of the of the story. Also, it made the Great Oldies seem to relatable which kind of hampered their mystique and terror.

-Don't expect too much characterization as strong characters aren't Lovecraft's schtick


Conclusion: It's a solid read with all the things Lovecraft is admired for with great narration.

The Narrator crushes it.

Even though it was shortened it's worth your time. I loved it. Enjoy this Audiobook.

amazing

one of my favorite Lovecraft books and I will listen again for sure.
it will always be one of the best

An excellent, quick shot of eldritch horror

I don't normally like abridged productions, but this one was excellent. Richard Coyle is a fabulous narrator.