The Warden: Timothy West Version

De: Anthony Trollope

Narrado por: Timothy West

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.

Excellent and Enjoyable Classic

This is my second book by Trollope and definitely not the last. Each sentence is beautifully written and frequently witty. I find myself fascinated by the ability of this author to put in words the human condition with all it's excentricities and weaknesses as well as strengths. I often find myself smiling while listening when he not so subtlely describes a character's feelings, weaknesses, fears, whatever. He cuts to the chase and says it like it is but does so in the most beautifully written way. I just love listening to Timothy West. I believe he is reading these novels exactly as they were meant to be read. I intend to continue interspersing these books in between lighter reading of mystery, murder and mayhem!

Delightful Little Book

This is a nice, peaceful little book where not much happens but where you come to love the characters dearly. Trollope can make a chapter on a character stalling and wasting a day in London delightful and interesting though nothing really happens. The narration is wonderful.
I plan to continue on with the Barchester series and with this same narrator.

trollope and timothy west at their best

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

I was an English major and hadn't a clue when i read Trollope. Partly a problem of youth, no doubt. But a good reader always teaches me more about a novel than a lecture. Viva Timothy West!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Warden: Timothy West Version?

Grantley's set to with his wife in their dressing chamber!

Have you listened to any of Timothy West’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes! they're all divinely inspired.

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

"Listen to West's reading!"

Any additional comments?

Thanks Trollope, thanks West, thanks Audible!

Timothy West and Trollope

This is a perfect pairing. West and Trollope make for an engaging and memorable listen. You can’t go wrong here.

How it used to be.

A trip back in time in England. Beautiful language. A reminder that human nature does not change much. Going through Trollope’s novels for the second time.