The Tower of London

By: Charles River Editors, Dr. Jesse Harasta

Narrated by: Phillip J. Mather

Length: 1 hr and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Tower of London is one of the most historic sites in all of England and still one of the most popular. All around is the modern city of London, one of the world's most prosperous and power financial districts, but the Tower is still a daunting structure that looms across the landscape. Not a single structure but a vast network of medieval and early modern fortifications, it anchors the southeastern end of the old city and controls access to the River Thames and, through it, London's connection to the sea. While the both the city and the Thames are often obscured by the walls once visitors are inside the Tower, they are inextricably tied to the building, giving the Tower its entire reason for existence.

Even today, taking a tour of the Tower can seemingly bring its history to life. Inside the visitor center are replicas of a crown, an executioner's ax, and similar artifacts, but for most visitors this is just the start. After they cross a small courtyard and approach the first gate, known as the Middle Tower, they come to a stone bridge over a now-dry moat and enter the castle itself through the Byward Tower. The Tower, like many fortresses of its day, was built in concentric rings, so inside the outer wall is a narrow strip of land before the inner walls. Long, narrow buildings line the inside of the outer wall, and to the left, along Mint Street, these structures once housed the operation of the Royal Mint, making all of the coins of the realm.

From there most visitors continue straight along, typically guided by one of the colorfully dressed Yeoman Guards (the famous Beefeaters).

©2012- Charles River Editors (P)2015 Charles River Editors

Very interesting.

What made the experience of listening to The Tower of London the most enjoyable?

Being British I have visited the Tower of London many times so it was very interesting listening to its history.

Have you listened to any of Phillip J. Mather’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I think Phillip J. Mather is the best possible narrator of British history audiobooks because he has a quintessentially English voice. I always think audiobooks sound better read from a person from the country it's about.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book was very interesting I could not pick a favourite bit.

Any additional comments?

Whether you love history, or are visiting the sites of London this book is a lovely way of learning about this popular tourist attraction which is steeped in history.

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating History Brought to Life

The history of Britain has always fascinated me. I've listened to many audiobooks on various subjects but honestly, when narrated by an American, it just lacks that authenticity that one expects. Phillip J. Mather brings not only his amazing vocal skills to this book, but presents a somewhat sensitive historical topic (the gory and infamous Tower of London) the respect it so deserves. Well done Phillip.

1 person found this helpful

AWESOME!!!

Would you listen to The Tower of London again? Why?

If you have free time, or even if you don't, this is an awesome ebook!

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING!

What does Phillip J. Mather bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings life to the story!

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

I felt the emotions from the story!

Any additional comments?

Loved it!

1 person found this helpful

Almost 1,000 years of History

Entertaining lecture on the background and development of famous historic monument - home to the Crown Jewels and Ravens

HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE

What disappointed you about The Tower of London?

I actually thought the reader was JOKING with a contrived accent that is . . . just bizarre. The performance was SO BAD, how could I attend to ANYTHING else?

Has The Tower of London turned you off from other books in this genre?

I love tour guides and non-fiction . . . so this was just aberrant.

How could the performance have been better?

ANY other reader would have been a necessary first step.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was just very confused.

Poorly researched and painfully inaccurate!

Do not listen to/read this book. I'm only 8% through and it claims that three of Henry VIII's wives were executed here - Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey. Any moron knows why that is inaccurate.

What an utter-piece-of-garbage publication.

3 people found this helpful