Samson Agonistes

By: John Milton

Narrated by: David de Keyser, Philip Madoc, Matthew Morgan, Samantha Bond, Michael Maloney

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

Samson Agonistes, the 'dramatic poem' by John Milton, was published in 1671, three years before the poet's death. Written in the form of a Greek tragedy, with the Chorus commenting on the action, it follows the biblical story of the blind Samson as he wreaks his revenge on the Philistines who have imprisoned him. A powerful subject, with a personal resonance for the blind Milton, it is a perfect work for the medium of audiobook, where poetry and drama can be balanced equally.

This production, adapted for BBC Radio 3, broadcast in 2008 and directed by John Tydeman, features Iain Glen in the title role, with Samantha Bond as Dalila, Philip Madoc as Harapha and Michael Maloney as the Messenger.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2014 Naxos AudioBooks

Unbelievable

This is incredible. This is more than audiobook. This is a full-cast performance of Milton’s tragedy. And it honestly couldn’t be better. This alone would be worth my subscription to Audible.

Amazing

Great performances for a great piece, and the accompanying music is beautiful. Thank you

Underappreciated classic

If you enjoy Paradise Lost, you should check this out; similar high style and drama.

wonderful

A magnificent work and production , listened many times over the years .

most grateful

Milton is fabulous, Performance was great

Very good audio performance. Very enjoyable to listen to.
It will be fascinating to hear the context of all the Bible stories one day, and Milton provided an enjoyable literary opportunity in this life. Thank you, Milton, for how hard you worked in your own lifetime, giving your work all your strength and literally your eyesight, as the great protagonist of your story.

TURNING TRAGEDY INTO VICTORY

If you could sum up Samson Agonistes in three words, what would they be?

INTERESTING, INFORMATIVE, INTENSE

Who was your favorite character and why?

SAMSON- THE STORY IS ABOUT HIM

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

SAMSON

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

YES

Any additional comments?

AUDIO NEEDS TO BE CLEARER

Mighty!

Samson, blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines. Betrayed by his wife, Delilah, who revealed to his enemies the source of his superhuman strength.
The bitterness is of course Milton’s own loss of sight. And the ranting unforgiveness of Delilah? A lashing out, surely, for Milton chooses to bring her, contrite, into Samson’s presence, and the encounter is dramatic.
A dramatic poem, of much darkness - and light - as when his father describes his readiness to sacrifice all for Samson’s freedom, and lovingly paints the picture of his son, once again peacefully at home.
Without a fitting subject, of course, Milton’s language would not soar as it does; and, for me, it is the poetry which is the triumph, and reason enough to read this mighty work.