Treasure Island

By: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

Young Jim Hawkins lives a quiet life as the son of an innkeeper. This all changes when an ancient sailor takes up lodging at the inn. Jim is both horrified and fascinated by the captain's bloody stories. When the old man dies without paying his bill, Jim must search the sailor's one possession, a large sea-chest, for payment. He unknowingly pockets an old map from the chest. But Jim is not the only one interested in the sea-chest and has to flee when a group of cut-throats appears to ransack the few possessions of the old sailor.

The family doctor recognizes the map as the key to a fortune. This commences a Caribbean treasure hunt, with the pirates only steps behind! Seventeen set sail, how many will return? This novel launched Stevenson on his long and fascinating writing career, and was the beginning of the pirate genre, with peg-legs, parrots, pieces-of-eight and the original Long John Silver.

© 2002 Tantor Media, Inc. Originally published 1883

Critic Reviews

"With its dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this timeless classic." (Amazon.com)

Truly a pleasure to listen too.

The narrator really brought this classic to life. His changes in tone and speaking mannerisms truly has to be heard to be appreciated. I was engulfed once again in this classic tale of buccaneers. A must have!

11 people found this helpful

Yo Ho! Ho! and a Bottle of Rum

This one was a pure delight. Stevenson's brilliantly woven narrative makes a gripping storyline. It was also fascinating to understand how much popular culture borrows from his work. It was definitely a classic worth the time.

1 person found this helpful

Aye Matey, well done!

Who could not like "Treasure Island", Long John Silver, Jim Hawkins, the Admiral Benbow Inn? The quintessential pirate treasure tale, Stevenson's work is a better listen than read; I've found this true with much late 1800, early 1900 literature (like Huckleberry Finn). The reader does a great job. If your only experience has been printed, try a listen.

3 people found this helpful

Very well read

Narrator does an excellent job!!

1 person found this helpful

Good price, reasonable narration, poor conversion.

The biggest irritation of this audiobook is the fact that it was clearly harvested from a prior CD book. The phrase "This is the end of the CD. The program continues on the next CD." quickly becomes tiresome. When they merged the works, they could have easily dropped these lines.

The audio quality, at first, seems slightly better than marginal, but as the narrator progresses, these quips melt away. The story comes through and draws the listener in.

The work certainly would benefit from a fuller cast and better apparent sound quality, but the work succeeds at its current level.

The biggest plus is the price. This price allows the listener to enjoy the work despite its short-comings.

Overall, I'd recommend it while at the the same time acknowledging that I believe I would have enjoyed a more lively production. I still may.

2 people found this helpful

The very best audio recording of a great story

Nearly all of our pirates, buried treasure, and recovery stories come from the characters and story of Treasure Island.. The story is tight, moves fast along, and the characters even have depth and some complexity. Don’t be put off by stereotyped modern movie takeoffs..this is the real thing... and this is the best narration!

great book

really enjoyed this book. Took me a little while to get used to the queen's English.

Poor Quality Treasure for Treasure Island

Guys, this recording sounds like it came from a can. Poor quality, I am glad I used my FREEBIE to get it. I am cancelling my membership if this is the best audible.com offers.

1 person found this helpful

A classic

Treasure Island is THE classic tale of a treasure hunt. From treacherous pirates and marooned swash bucklers to buried treasure and battles on the seas you better not be caught off guard! The reader has a pleasant voice to listen to and a moderate pace to hold your interest. I highly recommend this "read" to anyone looking for a crack into the world of fantasy/adventure. There is a reason Treasure Island has withstood the test of time!

Good reading

Great story that is really well read. Excellent!!