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.

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!

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.

An enjoyable listen

I enjoyed the prose and style of this novel quite a bit. The reader gave good voice to the characters and I especially liked his bombastic style for the newspaper articles and political pamphlets. His characterization of the warden and his son-in-law were just perfect.

Made better by law or a lawyer

“Did you ever know a poor man made better by law or a lawyer!' said Bunce bitterly.”
- Anthony Trollope, The Warden

Such a lovely social novel. Trollope sets up a series of characters and a situation and you know that Warden Septimus Harding, Archdeacon Grantly, and John Bold are set to collide and that the reforms of Dr Bold or the conservatism of Archdeacon Grantly will help the Warden. I loved the Warden of this story. I love his morality, his humility, his simpleness. I love Trollope's criticisms of the Church of England (and its clergy) and the excesses of reform. I love his take on the press. But it is a gentle novel. There are no demons in Trollope's novel and no saints. There are men who make mistakes and overshoot the mark. Men who start a ball rolling and are unable to see where it will lead. There are women too. The women are fully formed and not just side notes.

The Warden

Would you listen to The Warden: Timothy West Version again? Why?

Would absolutely listen to it again, a wonderful story about mid Victorian life in an English Cathedral city..

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

Too many to count, was all great.. Sadness at the ending was well written and performed..

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

Loved the way it was all done but he made the Rev. Harding so much like I'd picture him, he made him seem really sympathetic and a truly Christian man..

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

It's long but yes I would.. Love it so much and am slowly getting the rest of the Barsetshire Chronicles as audiobooks read by Timothy West..

Any additional comments?

Nothing except I have found a new classic author to love :D

Timothy West narration

The narration for this novel was the best I've ever heard! Bravo Timothy West for making the story come to life!

Much Adu

Timothy West is so brilliant that he almost makes up for Trollope’s successful effort to prove that he could write a great novel with no plot whatsoever. Scott Stanley

A Good Period Piece with Relevance for Today

Would you try another book from Anthony Trollope and/or Timothy West?

I would like to read the rest of The Chronicles of Barsetshire The characters are interesting and the story and issues have relevance to current events. Although this book is fairly short, it was a bit long-winded, and I found that I had to listen carefully to capture all the nuances.