The Warden: Timothy West Version

By: Anthony Trollope

Narrated by: Timothy West

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

The first of six in Trollope's series of the Chronicles of Barsetshire introducing the fictional cathedral town of Barchester and the characters of Septimus Harding, the Warden, and his son-in-law Archdeacon Grantly.

The Warden concerns the moral dilemma of the conscientious Reverend Septimus Harding, who finds himself at the centre of a bitter conflict between defenders of Church privilege and the reformers of the mid-Victorian period.

His daughter's suitor, John Bold, is a political radical and passionate reformer who launches a campaign against Harding's management of the financial affairs of the charity, thus shattering the atmosphere of the once tranquil town of Barchester. The scandal is not improved when Harding's indelicate son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, leaps to his defence.

The audiobook is a charming social comedy and love story that portrays life in an English cathedral town whilst looking at the larger social and political issues.

The Warden was Trollope's first literary success which paved the way for him to later leave his career as a Post Office Inspector and become a prolific and much-respected author of the Victorian era. He eventually published 47 novels, many of which are still popular and well-loved today due to their timeless quality and parallels with contemporary society.

Narrator Biography

Timothy West is prolific in film, television, theatre, and audiobooks. He has narrated a number of Anthony Trollope's classic audiobooks, including the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and The Pallisers series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.

Timothy West's theatrical credits include King Lear, The Vote, Uncle Vanya, A Number, Quarter, and Coriolanus and his films include Ever After, Joan Of Arc, Endgame, Iris, and The Day of the Jackal. On television, Timothy has appeared in Broken Biscuits (BBC), Great Canal Journeys (across 3 Series), and the regular role of Stan Carter on EastEnders (BBC).

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Pure pleasure

I have not met Mr Trollope but I'm sure he would approve of Mr West. How does he do it?

Genius read by Genius

Would you consider the audio edition of The Warden: Timothy West Version to be better than the print version?

Reading a book is always better than listening to it. No question. But who has the time? I am thrilled to have discovered Audible.com because now I can go through the whole of the world's great literature - while I am doing other things I have to do! In the case of Trollpe read by Timothy West, it doesn't get much better than this.

What did you like best about this story?

I love Trollope's intelligent, natural dialogue. And of course his humor, and his morality.

What does Timothy West bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

West is a great actor, absolutely superlative.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Goodness and Folly

Any additional comments?

Not really. I'd love to have longer, better poetry selections to choose from. Josef Brodsky, Anna Akhmatova, Baudelaire. WITHOUT music and commentary!Thank you.

Love this book

I first encountered this book 40 years ago and return to it once in a while when I want to spend time with an old friend. It is the story of a minor cleric whose determination to do the right thing outweighs his desire for any creature comforts. Usually I find the narrator in spoken books irritating, but Timothy West does a superb job here. Trollope wrote roughly 70 books, and I have read most of them. This is the first volume I had the pleasure to read, and it remains my favorite.

Superb Story

Compact, concise, extremely well told tale that should be read or listened to in all times - especially ours. Those who think there are easy political solutions with only positive ramifications to what they want might be a little humbled. We all should be. If there are messages here, though, they’re subtle. And that’s part of the power. Also, it’s very well read.

Timothy West is the best!

I previously purchased this book narrated by Simon Vance., Who is a wonderful reader and I recommend him. HOWEVER I have to say that Timothy West is so outstanding, I prefer his version.
For me this is not one of trollops most interesting books but it’s the introduction to a series so on that marriage I say it’s worth a listen and move on to the rest .

Read All Barchester Chronicles, Beginning Here

I just finished a five-month long romp through the entire set of Anthony Trollope's Barchester Chronicles. Each one builds on the last, with earlier characters forming the background for the protagonists of the day. The final book (The Last Chronicle of Barset) is perhaps the best, as he has rounded out his style and he does not give everyone a happy ending. The Warden contains a good bit of social commentary about the power of the press, and in particular the power of a celebrity op-ed columnist. As with all of the books in this set, the characters are vivid and their conversations wonderful.

Hooked!!

I had not read any of Anthony Trollpe's books previously and now am hooked and working my way through them all... In my opinion, much better than Dickens. A thoroughly enjoyable "read" and Timothy West is outstanding. Recommended highly.

Short for Trollope; just as good

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! Timothy West is one of the best readers I've ever heard (going back to "Books on Tape")! Stories are leisurely and engrossing, and I both read AND listen. So much of mid-19th century events and culture resonate with today's world, and I see why Churchill is said to have always had a book by Trollope on hand. New to me, but so glad to have discovered his books. Get a feeling for them with the BBC movies or TV adaptations, then go to the books.
For me right now, Dickens has just a bit better writing, but stories are darker and more intense. Trollope has so many valid insights into different characters' personalities, a few laugh out loud moments, and vivid characters. I like reading them in order, and this is the first of the Barchester series and is one of his shorter novels.

What did you like best about this story?

Trollope descriptions of place and character are detailed enough (too much so, some say) to make you feel you're right there even though it's a long time ago. I liked this story especially because of the conflict with a newspaper and the "power of the press". Also, the dynamics of a small town and the relationship between church and its people is interesting.

Which character – as performed by Timothy West – was your favorite?

That's what's so great about Timothy West: he alters his voice just enough so that each character is distinct. He almost always reads as if he is finding it just as interesting as you will.

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

Too long for one setting, but because Trollope issued them in periodicals (as did Dickens), he recaps just a little of the previous chapter so you can continue easily where you left off.

Any additional comments?

I wish Audible would make it possible to find the BOOK'S chapters rather than the so-called chapters (really sections of the download because it was a long book). It's hard to find where I was or to find a previous chapter if I want to hear it again.

Well performed.

Timothy West does an excellent job in conveying the wit and satirical tone of Trollope.

Great Story... but....

This narrator has a tendency of practically whispering female characters then booming the male characters. I must have missed some dialogue due to this. But I still can't wait to start the next book.