The Pickwick Papers

De: Charles Dickens

Narrado por: David Timson

The Pickwick Papers, Dickens's first novel, is a delightful romp through the pre-Reform Bill England of 1827. Samuel Pickwick and the rest of the Pickwickians are some of the most memorable of all Dickens's creations, and it is a joy to hear of their adventures in search of "interesting scenes and characters", and the repeated efforts of the quick-witted Sam Weller to rescue them all from disaster.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks

Bueno con un inicio confuso

Muy buen libro, aunque se sale mucho del relato contando historias breves que no tienen que ver con el tema del libro y en particular al principio que parece no ir a ninguna parte, aunque el ingenio y la forma en que retrata la Inglaterra victoriana es muy interesante y divertida

Dickens... Of course it's good!

Wonderfully performed, and a heartwarming story. Dickens is my favorite of the classic authors, and this, his first novel, is a great beginning.

No Better Way to Spend Your Time!

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Lovable, endearing, joyous.

What did you like best about this story?

Dickens' marvelous stream of inventive genius.

What about David Timson’s performance did you like?

I have listened to another audible version of Pickwick Papers--in addition to reading it when I was young. But David Timson's performance is simply incomparable. I am thankful to have it, and look forward to listening to it again.

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

Yes--but it would require me to go without sleep for several days.

Any additional comments?

I don't normally write reviews, but I was so shocked by the first review to be posted that I felt I had to respond. To condemn Charles Dickens on the charges of racism and sexism displays a sad failure to understand the purpose of great literature, which is to open our minds to the full richness of life, and certainly not to re-enforce our current notions of political correctness. Few books display the richness of life more radiantly than The Pickwick Papers and I urge anyone who wants to enjoy a romp through early nineteenth England to download David Timson's enthralling version of Dickens first masterpiece. It is cheaper than a trip to England, and a lot more fun.

Favourite Dickens

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Funny, thoughtful, timeless.

What did you like best about this story?

The wonderfully realized Dickensian characters.

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

He depicted each character distinctly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved it for its sympathetic view of human foibles. I have listened twice and will listen again in the future.

Any additional comments?

This is a feel good book for when you want something that is intelligent and well written, but not dark and sad.

Narrator David Timson is exquisite.

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful novel narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Pickwick Papers?

The election of Etonswarn in Chapter 12.

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

He uses a different voice for all characters, and never slips up.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's realism, but mostly a comedy.

Well worth the listen

A wonderful narration of a comedic masterpeice. Dickens's ability to recognize, satirize, and lionize human types is unsurpassed. Rollicking adventures and good, clean fun.

Family and Friends

Character development in this work of Dickins incites curiosity and surprise. Fidelity in human attachments is upheld and honored. Dickens explores family dynamics in a manner that introduces a variety of implications. Authenticity and noble character won’t always be rewarded with bliss, but earn the respect of fellow humans in this early journey.

A Wonderful Medley of Dickens Themes & Characters

Audible has given me the chance to fall in love with Dickens. I have now listened to all the great novels, my favorites being Our Mutual Friend and David Copperfield, but I have loved them all. I hesitated to download The Pickwick Papers, fearing that it would be too silly and tarnish my admiration for his wit and wisdom. But I didn't have many more Dickens titles left, and I love David Timson as a narrator, so I took a chance. It took me a long time to settle into the book -- indeed there are many silly characters and events and many digressions, and it took a while for Dickens to develop those characters that I always fall in love with -- the truly good people who are kind and generous in a selfish and often grim world. Dickens tries out lots of themes that dominate his later, great, novels -- ghost stories (including a Christmas tale), debtor's prison, the legal profession (scoundrels almost all), alcoholism, tight-fisted businessmen who treat their progeny badly, political battles, the gullability and venality of humankind, and so much more. There are some truly joyous moments and characters -- the wedding banquet followed by the Christmas eve celebration was marvelous, Sam Weller (Veller) and his hysterical father, and of course Mr. Pickwick himself. Stick with the early chapters and you'll be well-rewarded.

Ode to an Expiring Frog, Sir

“She dotes on poetry, sir. She adores it; I may say that her whole soul and mind are wound up, and entwined with it. She has produced some delightful pieces, herself, sir. You may have met with her 'Ode to an Expiring Frog,' sir.”

“Can I view thee panting, lying
On thy stomach, without sighing;
Can I unmoved see thee dying
On a log
Expiring frog!”


I agree generally with my friends' reviews that Dickens' first novel (published serially in 1836 and 1837), does not really hit its stride until after a couple hundred pages. This boost coincides with the introduction of Dickens' first humorous character, Samuel (Sam) Weller, Mr. Pickwick's personal servant and companion, and his hilarious cockney accent (who pronounces his surname as "Veller," with nearly all beginning W's and V's used interchangeably) and humorous sayings, such as "It's over, and can't be helped, and that's one consolation, as they always say in Turkey when they cut the wrong man's head off."

The novel primarily provides a sequence of loosely related comic adventures (much like Don Quixote), though it also contains Dickens' first blasts of sharp social satire, here directed at greedy lawyers and specious lawsuits.

I enjoyed it when considering it was Dickens' first and gave way to many more memorable characters and superior stories, such as those in David Copperfield and Great Expectations.

Best audio book reader ever!

Not only Charles Dickens but an amazing reader as well. True pleasure from beginning to end and highly recommended.