Customer Reviews (3)

good for beginners and highly stressed undergraduates
I found this set to be highly entertaining to listen to. The 5 hour course on the whole span of 2500 years of history certainly leaves out a lot of good things, but it also covers almost all the important points that will actually appear in your exam if you are currently enrolled in such classes in college. Amazing, isn't it? But the set narrated by Jacobi is so engaging that very soon you will stop doing other things you normally do while listening to an audio book. It does require your full attention if you really want to get something out of it.
The material is succintly written, but you can always replay the part you do not fully understand. To students I would recommend this set to help them prepare for the exams. Too many times I've read answers that just keep avoiding the main points. This set, in my view, is very much like private tutoring. It will help you through your notes point by point, simple and straightforward! However you do need to check on your own spelling of names.:)
The approach is traditional. The basic framework revolves around literary materials as it brings you through mini-biorgraphies of major playwrights throughout history. Supporting these literary giants, the conditions of performance and audience are also briefly explained. It recounts all the cliches you will probably encounter in basic level history of theatre classes. Thus Greek theatres evolve from a full circle to a semi-circle and Medieval theatre naturally grows from simple to complicated forms... Excerpts from key plays or documents are read by radio drama actors/actresses, so they sometimes sound quite funny (or mildly absurd). But they are well chosen and representative.

A high-speed tour through European and US theatre
As a highly infrequent theatre-goer, I picked this up in the hope of plugging the many gaps in my understanding of what plays are all about.Visits to the theatre have left me frustrated and bored more often than captivated.Halfway through a performance, I'll be looking at my watch and thinking I'd be better off watching a video at home!Perhaps I'm simply re-living all those terrible plays I was forced to watch at school.

This audio CD has boosted my understanding and awareness of the theatre.Not only does it cover the history of playwrights, nicely giving name-checks to every author I've heard of, but it also lists the key achievements of many of the key directors, impressarios and actors.And it also covers the development of the physical stage from Greek tragedy to the modern era.And there's the odd bit of reasonably appropriate classical music (from the Naxos catalogue) to link some items.

In the course of five hours, this can only dip its toes in the water of each era, and it does have a bias towards the English theatre, but the main benefit to me is that it's got me wanting to go and see some plays again.A major achievement indeed!

Terrific for theatre majors and general public
Not since I played the Naxos book-on-tape "A History of Opera"have I so much enjoyed a recorded non-fiction treat like David Timson's (NA 419914), narrated by the venerable DerekJacobi on four audio tapes. \

The title is really misleading, sincethe text covers only Western theatre and even that not comprehensively,given the little over 5 hours of playing time. The author himself admitsthis in the notes provided with thetapes and can be forgiven. What thereis here would make an excellent review for a theatre major studying forexams and an even better introduction to one not all that familiar with thestory of our theatre as it progressed from the rites dedicated to Dionysusto what it is today. Of course, the important playwrights are touched upon(Shakespeare gets an all too brief treatment) and the English ones get whatis perhaps a somewhat disproportionate amount of attention. But as Englishspeakers, we will not carp at that.

An especially good feature of thisset is the use of professional actors--Carole Boyd, John McAndrew, TeresaGallagher and Caroline Faber--to give some short excerpts from major works.The booklet gives a brief"Glossary of technical terms not explainedin the text," a need created perhaps by the author's being anactor.

Once again, you will enjoy hearing this set even if you have noexams coming up; and it will give you a very nice idea of where our presenttheatre has come from, if not where it is going. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

DEREK JACOBI RETURNS AS "CLAUDIUS" TO BRING ANCIENT ROME TO LIFE!
There are certain people who, after creating a role on television based on a character in literature, make such an impression as that character that the mere mention of that character brings that actor or actress's name and face to mind ... and Sir Derek Jacobi's portrayal of Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus "this-that-and-the-other" in the BBC TV series I, CLAUDIUS based on the two novels I, CLAUDIUS and CLAUDIUS THE GOD by Robert Graves is in the forefront of such portrayals.In 1980, Dove Audio decided to bring the Graves novels to audiobook form, and the absolutely best idea they had for the narrator was to ask Sir Derek to recreate his role as "Claudius", which he does magnificently!Sir Derek has even remembered to include Claudius' stammer as he tells us Claudius' autobiography from his birth during the reign of Augustus Caesar up until the moment when he is elected (against his will) as the fourth Emperor or Rome.Sir Derek's wonderful voice and vocal inflections bring Claudius to life as he recounts all the details of the history of Rome behind the history ... all the things that the official historians either never knew, overlooked or deliberately buried!But Claudius, who managed to cleverly survive THREE reigns before he got stuck with the job, is deliberately writing for US, the people of future posterity, sees no need for secrecy and takes us the reader/listener step by step through the Roman military campaigns, the private lives of the Roman aristocracy, and the various plots and murders of those men (and women too!) trying to claw their way to the Imperial throne AND those who were already there trying to keep themselves there!

The only thing I have to complain about this audio version is that while it is extremely satisfying to listen to, it is an Abridged version, but in the slightly-more-than-two hours that the recording lasts you the listener will never be bored!You may miss the overtly sexual scenes and acts that the TV series showed, but Claudius never glosses over that partin his narrative, and Sir Derek's voice expertly conveys not only the professional historian that Claudius was (in the novels, anyway!) but also a great deal of Claudius' emotion, especially when he speaks of those near and dear to him whose lives end ... well, prematurely.Defintely a MUST for any audiobook collection! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

If ancient Rome had tabloids...
Not much is known about the life of Gaius Suetonius Tranquillis. He was probably born in A.D. 69--the famous 'year of four Emperors'--when his father, a Roman knight, served as a colonel in a regular legion and took part in the Battle of Baetricum.

Suetonius became a scribe and noted secretary to the military set, eventually ending up in the service of Hadrian, who was emperor from A.D. 117-138. He was dismissed for 'indiscreet behaviour' with Hadrian's empress, Sabina, but not before doing sufficient research to complete many books of a historical nature. His attempts at philosophy were much less well received, and most of his history has been overlooked by all but classical scholars, but this work, 'The Twelve Caesars' has held the imagination of more than just the scholarly set since it was first written.

Suetonius had the good fortune of speaking to eyewitnesses from the time of the early Caesars. Much of his information about Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero in fact comes from those who observed and/or participated in their lives. Suetonius is in many ways more of a reporter than an historian--he would record conflicting statements without worrying about the reconciliation (this set him apart from Tacitus and other classical historians who tried to find a consistency in stories and facts.

Suetonius has been described as the tabloid journalist of ancient Rome, because not only did he not appear to check facts (which in fact is not true--he did check, he just didn't try to smooth over the conflicting facts), but he choose to concentrate on the private lives, motivations and personality quirks of his subjects rather than their grand plans, policies and military/political victories. Thus, many details of the lurid scene appear. Suetonius, and this volume in particular, formed much of the basis for Robert Graves as he wrote 'I, Claudius' and 'Claudius the God', which in turn pulled up the popularity of Suetonius in this generation.

Suetonius had first hand knowledge of many of the Caesars who followed the Claudians, and ready access to the archives of the imperial family and the Senate, given his imperial posting.

This translation is not intended to be a faithful rendering of the language (which might well result in a stilted English construct) but rather a faithful account of the stories Suetonius tells. Graves has taken the liberty of changing monetary, date, and technical terms into standard English measurements of close kinship of meaning.

For the record, the twelve Caesars, about whom Suetonius writes, are:

+ Julius Caesar
+ Augustus
+ Tiberius
+ Gaius Caligula
+ Claudius
+ Nero
+ Galba
+ Otho
+ Vitellius
+ Vespasian
+ Titus
+ Domitian

Suetonius held nothing back in writing about the personal habits of the emperors and their families, nor did he hold back in his moral judgement of them. Of Tiberius, for instance, he wrote that Tiberius did so many other wicked deeds under the pretext of reforming public morals--but in reality to gratify his lust for seeing people suffer--that many satires were written against the evils of the day, incidentally expressing gloomy fears about the future.... At first Tiberius dismissed these verses as the work of bilious malcontents who were impatient with his reforms and did not really mean what they said. He would remark: 'Let them hate me, so long as they fear me!' But, as time went on, his conduct justified every line they had written.

Graves' edition of Suetonius is available under many covers, from hard-back study editions to Penguin paperbacks, including a wonderful, finely printed edition by the Folio Society. Take a step back into the seemier side of ancient Rome, the side most history courses overlook in favour of more traditional historical events, and hie thee to the bookstore for this work.

All the Dirty Laundry!
Seutonius did the world a great service when he wrote his "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars". This was one of the first primary sources that I read, and it remains a favourite of mine.

Seutonius tackles each of the first twelve Caesars in chronological order, with a section on each one. He claims he has used many sources, and has even included some hearsay or otherwise unconfirmed information. He certainly was not shy about airing their dirty laundry.

Unlike a lot of ancient authors that get translated into English, Suetonius' style is very relaxed and very easy to get absorbed into. Even in translation, the book maintains a brisk pace and has enough to keep one interested until the last page.

Suetonius' "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" is a fascinating book, written with access to sources long lost to us. This is a great book to read and enjoy, simultaneously being good for those interested in serious study of the period.

Fascinating insights into 12 first century leaders
Suetonius book covers the lives and works of the 12 leading Romans of the periode from ca. 70BC to 96AD: Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasianus, Titus and Domitianus. He describes their commendable achievements first an then goes in depth into their not so nice qualities too. The account he gives is lively and alive with quite private details of the 12 men. It's a fascinating read that also gives the reader an insight into Roman live in the first century AD

A must for advocates of democracy opposed to demagogues
I find this book essential not, as most readers see, a simple history of Rome, but rather as a grim example of the excesses possible when democracy fails and absolute power is contained in one human being(Rome beginning its career as a wonderfull Republic). Although most see Suetonius' vivid descriptions of lust and other deviant vices as mere gossip, I propose that is exactly what he is trying to elucidate for the ages to see. These same excesses gave rise to almost the entire fundamental ideas of the religion known as Christianity and their whole hearted opposition to orgies, torture, crucifictions, feeding to the lions and the like, all due to the whims of deranged monkeys who called themselves Caesar. Read for yourself, for example, the history behind St. Valentine's day.

Read your primary sources people!
In historical study there are two types of literature.Secondary sources are written based on the original writings which are known as Primary sources.If you want to lern about the earliest Roman Emperors this sourceis indispensable.True, some of it is not historical and Suetonius issomewhat of a gossip monger at times, seeing as he explains in detail thevarious sexual appetites of each Caesar as well as other deviant behaviour. Still, this is one of the foremost primary sources about those famousRomans and most of the history books written on the Caesars are standing onSuetonius' shoulders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

BROTHER CADFAEL ....heard but not seen, and heard well!
I have always believed that the BBC made the finest adaptations for radio and television, and indeed the BROTHER CADFAEL series is no exception; Bert Coules (who most recently adapted Sherlock Holmes for BBC radio) and the fine actor Philip Madoc brought Cadfael to life in three adaptations which are well worth listening to if you can: MONKS HOOD, THE VIRGIN INN THE ICE and DEAD MAN'S RANSOM.However, Sir Derek Jacobi was an excellent Cadfael for television ... even if some of the teleplays didn't quite follow the plot of the original novels.Acorn Audio did something quite extraordinary when they turned the audio tracks of the four teleplays of the first Cadfael TV series into an audio series, adding a narrator to fill in the gaps and adding some slight commentary on the action which could not be seen on an audiotape; in doing so, they tightened up the narrative to keep the stories moving at a good clip so that the listener would not lose interest, and Stephen Flynn's narrations are well-read and well-written. I am sorry that Acorn Audio hasn't adapted the rest of the televised Cadfael stories into this format, and the only grievance I have is that the cast of characters is not read out at the end of each story (all we get to know is that Sir Derek Jacobi plays Brother Cadfael, when there are some fine actors in each of the stories).This is something entirely new, coming somewhere in between actual radio drama and books-on-tape, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the Brother Cadfael series.The listener will not lose anything by not seeing the action on a TV screen, and the acting you will HEAR combined with the narration will definitely provide an ejoyable listening experience.

Cadfael
-Derek Jacobi takes the lead in the role of Brother Cadfael. In theCadfael box set, four television episodes are soundtrack recorded with anarrator. Vocally, these four stories are wonderful pieces of fiction.However, even with a narrator, it sounds as if we are missing something.The production values are excellent, since these are the Brother Cadfael TVseries which ran on PBS . . . But on audio, it sounds hollow . . . ... Read more

Book Description
With the same brilliance that characterized I, CLAUDIUS, Robert Graves continues the tumultuous life of the Roman who became emperor in spite of himself and his handicaps.

CLAUDIUS THE GOD captures the vitality, splendor and decadence of Rome just entering its decline. It is a superb re-creation of a colorful moment in history, and through the eyes of the bemused and wry Claudius, a compelling and ironic account of human nature.

"This book, with or without its predecessor, is amusing and illuminating to a high degree." (The New York Times) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Follow-up to My Favorite All-time Book!
This book is the sequel to "I Claudius" which is my all-time favorite book.Though not quite up to that first book in intrigue and overall flow, it is still a great book in its own right.

There is a lot of rich descriptions of battles undertaken by the now Emperor Claudius that stretch for many pages.Also, Claudius has to deal with the betrayal of his friend Herod as well as his scheming wife Messalina (along with her debaucheries) while Claudius' advisor Pallus is also trying to usurp him.

Claudius' grand scheme to eliminate the monarchy and restore the Republic spawns the evil Nero (though he is not quite as evil as Caligula).Should not be missed!

DEREK JACOBI RETURNS AS "CLAUDIUS" TO COMPLETE THE TALE OF ANCIENT ROME!
There are certain people who, after creating a role on television based on a character in literature, make such an impression as that character that the mere mention of that character brings that actor or actress's name and face to mind ... and Sir Derek Jacobi's portrayal of Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus "this-that-and-the-other" in the BBC TV series I, CLAUDIUS based on the two novels I, CLAUDIUS and CLAUDIUS THE GOD by Robert Graves is in the forefront of such portrayals. In 1980, Dove Audio decided to bring the Graves novels to audio book form, and the absolutely best idea they had for the narrator was to ask Sir Derek to recreate his role as "Claudius", which he did magnificently in the audio book I, CLAUDIUS and now returns (again even remembering to include Claudius' stammer) to complete Claudius' autobiography from his unwilling election (courtesy of the Roman Army!) to become the fourth Emperor of Rome to just before his death in 54 A.D. (at the hands of his fourth wife, although this historical fact is NOT contained in the audio book!), which he tells his audience that he expects at any moment. Sir Derek's wonderful voice and vocal inflections bring Claudius to life as he recounts all the details of the history of Rome behind the history ... all the things that the official historians either never knew, overlooked or deliberately buried! But Claudius, who managed to cleverly survive THREE reigns before he got stuck with the job, is deliberately writing for US, the people of future posterity, sees no need for secrecy and takes us the reader/listener step by step through the Roman military campaigns, the private lives of the Roman aristocracy, and the various plots and murders of those men (and women too!) trying to claw their way to the Imperial throne AND those who were already there trying to keep themselves there!

The only thing I have to complain about this audio version is that while it is extremely satisfying to listen to, it is an Abridged version, but in the slightly-more-than-two hours that the recording lasts you the listener will never be bored! You may miss the overtly sexual scenes and acts that the TV series showed, but Claudius never glosses over that part in his narrative, and Sir Derek's voice expertly conveys not only the professional historian that Claudius was (in the novels, anyway!) but also a great deal of Claudius' emotion, especially in this half of his story when he is faced with the ultimate betrayals by those nearest and dearest to him. Definitely a MUST for any audio book collection!

A cynical and sad tale, beautifully written
This novel, like its antecedent I, Claudius, will mesmerize those who love classical history, although casual readers may find it tedious. The two works together form a fictional autobiography of the Roman emperor Claudius, who - at least in this literary incarnation -is both an astute observer of first century Roman political society and an extraordinary character in his own right.Born into the Roman imperial family but repelled by the violence and treachery surrounding it,Claudius retreats from power for much of his adult life. He buries himself in obscure academic pursuits and hides, for what he believes to be his own safety, behind array of weird physical disabilities. When his nephew, the mad emperor Caligula,meets his just reward, the middle-aged Claudius is literally dragged against his will onto the Imperial throne.I, Claudius ends with this bizarre scene and Claudius the God takes up from there with the improbable emperor's own account of his reign up to point of his death.Much to everyone's surprise, Claudius emerges into the public eye as an energetic, able and just ruler. And while the great pride he takes in his enterprise is evident, both the style of his rule and the tone of his narrative is characterized by a wry and self-deprecating humor. Much of the book consists of a detailed recounting of the administrative, judicial and military minutia in which Claudius immersed himself.However, there is a deeper theme at work too, which is the inevitability that innocence in a corrupt world will be betrayed. Claudius's closest friend for much of his life is Herod Agrippa, the grandson of the biblical Herod the Great. Herod Agrippa is a charming rogue and schemer who, while genuinely fond of Claudius, teases him mercilessly for being a fool and warns him, as it turns out in all seriousness, to "trust no one". The irony in the admonition is apparent when Herod himself betrays Claudius, plotting militarily against him and almost succeeding.This is only a side story, however. The thematic climax of the book occurs when it comes to light that Claudius's beautiful wife Messalina, whom he adores with the intense innocence of a teenager in love, has been using him all along for the fool, taking lovers and mocking Claudius behind his back. He finally discovers the truth when she is foundto be conspiring with one of these paramours to seize the throne. She is executed for her treachery, but Claudius's spirit dies with her. He re-marries, but to a woman he cares nothing aboutand who, with his knowledge and acquiescence - for his death has been foretold by augury -begins amassing power on her own and conspiring to make way for her own son by a previous marriage. This son is later to enter history as the decadent fiddler Nero.The book closes with actual historical accounts by Tacitus and Dio Cassius of the real-life emperor's death at the hands ofhis ambitious wife, who poisons him. The last pages give us the final degradation, a bitterly satirical account Seneca, depicting Claudius - in death, once again the fool - trying to enter Olympus as the deified emperor but being banished mockingly to Hades by the other gods.The book is cynical and deeply sad. It's beautifully written and I recommend it, although it won't be to everyone's taste. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fascinating
The History of English Literature is an audio documentary presenting the finest authors England has to offer.From Chaucer to the present the narrator guides the listener on an audio journey telling him all about the different authors and styles of writing.In addition historical foot notes are given as well to give the listener an idea of what influnced a particular author during the time he or she was writing.In brief politics, the church and royalty not to mention social change all played major parts throughout the centuries to give each period a unique prospective.Dozens of authors and poets are covered here although in breif.Eliot, Austen, Dickens, Wolf, Wells, Blake, Woodsworth and so on.The list is quite extensive and it will give the casual listner a great overview of the written word.As stated each author or poet is presented briefly some merely only getting a mention while others are talked about more thoroughly and even have excerpts from their works read out.It is a great listening experience for one who wants to approach the topic casualy and learn as much about it in the least amount of time.I managed to get through the whole book in a matter of three days but I simply loved how it all was executed.So if you found your high school or college lit courses tiresome but still are interested to see how the novel of today was formulated or what the poets of years past had to say and how they shaped the literary landscape I highly recommend this audio book by Naxos.It is something you will want to refer to time and time again.A great audio documentary to add to your library.This audiobook contains four CD's.It is read by a single narrator but the excerpts are read by various other readers.It also has musical breaks between each section of the text. ... Read more

Product Description
In DWM 384, both DEREK JACOBI and JOHN SIMM speak exclusively about breathing new life into the Doctor's old nemesis... Ive tried to explain to my son that his dad is going to be, like, the epitome of evil, John Simm laughs, but if I say, I have a fight with Doctor Who, and ask him who he wants to win, hell say Doctor Who! Its one of those opportunities, though, to impress your son in a massive way, and that was just too good to turn down. Julie Gardner was trying to find something for me to do in it, and I kept saying, Look, Im not being painted blue! And then Julie and Russell T Davies said, What about the Master? As soon as they said that, I was like,Youre kidding? Oh yeah! I got really excited about it, but I just had to sit on the news. I wanted to tell people, IM GOING TO BE THE MASTER!!! But it was a secret. Hmft. Also this issue, there's a preview of the devastating climax to Series Three, Last of the Time Lords, as the Doctor, Martha and Jack struggle to save the Earth from the Master's clutches. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

BROTHER CADFAEL's 1st TV mystery ... heard but not seen!
I have always believed that the BBC made the finest adaptations for radio and television, and indeed the BROTHER CADFAEL series is no exception; Bert Coules (who most recently adapted Sherlock Holmes for BBC radio) and the fine actor Philip Madoc brought Cadfael to life in three adaptations which are well worth listening to if you can: MONKS HOOD, THE VIRGIN INN THE ICE and DEAD MAN'S RANSOM.However, Sir Derek Jacobi was an excellent Cadfael for television ... even if some of the teleplays didn't quite follow the plot of the original novels.Acorn Audio did something quite extraordinary when they turned the audio tracks of the four teleplays of the first Cadfael TV series into an audio series, adding a narrator to fill in the gaps and adding some slight commentary on the action which could not be seen on an audiotape; in doing so, they tightened up the narrative to keep the stories moving at a good clip so that the listener would not lose interest, and Stephen Flynn's narration is well-read and well-written. This story, ONE CORPSE TOO MANY, was the first of the TV Cadfael mysteries (despite the fact that the book it was based on was the SECOND in the series), and is a good way to introduce Brother Cadfael, played wonderfully by Derek Jacobi, and his soon-to-be comrade and best friend Hugh Beringar.I am sorry that Acorn Audio hasn't adapted the rest of the televised Cadfael stories into this format, and the only grievance I have is that the cast of characters is not read out at the end of each story (all we get to know is that Sir Derek Jacobi plays Brother Cadfael, when there are some fine actors in each of the stories).This is something entirely new, coming somewhere in between actual radio drama and books-on-tape, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the Brother Cadfael series.The listener will not lose anything by not seeing the action on a TV screen, and the acting you will HEAR combined with the narration will definitely provide an ejoyable listening experience. ... Read more

Book Description
This remarkable edition features a newly edited text of Richard III based on one of the earliest printed texts of the play, along with detailed notes and performance annotations. An integrated audio CD showcases the deeper understanding and enjoyment from the power of performance.

HearReadSee:
-- Hear recordings of great contemporary and historical performances of key scenes from the play.
-- Read and see how a modern cast approaches the play, from interviews with the actors.
--See inside the stage experience through production notes and photos from stage productions and movie adaptations

Narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi

Edited by William Proctor Williams
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best, and not-so best, of Ellis Peters
Ellis Peters has made the medieval mystery novel what it is today, setting high standards not only for historical accuracy but for believable characters, well-thought-out plots, and exquisite writing.Unfortunately, she doesn't always live up to these standards herself.
This package comprises some of the high points of the series:Monk's Hood, St. Peter's Fair (which has a far more satisfying conclusion than the rather simplistic TV movie), The Heretic's Apprentice, and especially The Potter's Field, which begins quietly but turns into a powerful tale of youthful idealism and middle-aged passion.
The Summer of the Danes has memorable characters and a beautifully described excursion outside the confines of Shrewsbury, and Peters cleverly links the fortunes of Cadfael et al. to significant events in Welsh history (which she has also made into a series of novels).But, a couple of chapters into the story, the author forgets that Brother Mark can't speak Welsh and Cadfael is supposed to be there as his interpreter (well, maybe it's a miracle, but in that case she forgot to credit St. Winifrid!).
Likewise, in Brother Cadfael's Penance, our hero unravels a murder using physical evidence plus a fishy explanation offered by the perpetrator;later on he discovers that the murder was avenged by someone who identified the murderer without access to any of the evidence!Again, the characters and the setting are vivid, the "real" history is an integral part of the story, and Brother Cadfael's conflict between his duties as a monk and as a father makes for an engaging tale -- but the implausibility of the "payoff" seriously weakens the novel.
I feel that, in general, this has the highest consistent quality of any contemporary mystery series.All the novels are worth reading, but some require tongue placed firmly in cheek first. ... Read more

Book Description
The popular unabridged recordings of The Chronicles of Narnia, previously released, are now repackaged and rejacketed with adult art in time for the first Narnia film coming from Disney at Christmastime 2005! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Odyssey of Narnia
The fifth book in the series finds Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace joining Prince caspian on a ship called The Dawn Treader, which is setting sail to little known Narnian territories where Caspians uncles have been exiled. Each island explores a different sin by which an uncle fell, and a different magical encounter for the voyagers to face and resolve.
The developement of the mighty mouse Reepicheep is an especially welcome treat for children, and the scene in which Eustace becomes a dragon and embodies his own foul heart, so gaining a sort of enlightenment and a definite change of character, is a particularly skillful use of symbolism.
The reaching of Aslan's kingdom is also a symbol of enlightenment, with the Kingdom of Aslan invoking the Kingdom of Heaven in the reader's mind. The islands can be seen as steps in the path to heaven, and the character developement along the way can be seen as an outline to the steps towards righteousness and spirituality. As a fantasy or as a religious writing, this is a hugely important book!

J. Lyon Layden
The Other Side of Yore
... Read more

Book Description
The definitive English version of the stories of King Arthur, Le Morte Darthur was completed in 1469-70 by Sir Thomas Malory, `knight-prisoner'.In a resonant prose style, Malory charts the tragic disintegration of the fellowship of the Round Table, destroyed from within by warring factions. Recounting the life of King Arthur, the knightly exploits of Sir Lancelot du Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Gawain, and the quest for the Holy Grail, Le Morte Darthur depicts the contradictions that underscore the Fellowship's chivalric ideals. A pervading tension cumulates in the revelation of Lancelot and Guenivere's illicit passion, and in Arthur's powerlessness to prevent a related outbreak of violence and revenge. This generously annotated edition is based on the authoritative Winchester manuscript and represents what Malory wrote more closely than the first version printed by William Caxton. Intelligently abridged from the original to make a single substantial volume, the translation is supplemented by a fine Introduction, a Glossary, and extensive NotesDownload Description
The legends of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table have inspired some of the greatest works of literature--from Cervantes's Don Quixote to Tennyson's Idylls of the King. Although many versions exist, Malory's stands as the classic rendition. Malory wrote the book while in Newgate Prison during the last three years of his life; it was published some fourteen years later, in 1485, by William Caxton. The tales, steeped in the magic of Merlin, the powerful cords of the chivalric code, and the age-old dramas of love and death, resound across the centuries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (65)

Always
I have always received the best service when I have placed an order from you. Outstanding!!!!!

Le Morte D'Arthur
Very handy and well done edition of the classic Arthurian legends.This book is not for the feint at heart as it is written in old english, but once you get through that roadblock there is a power to the tales that starts to shine through.

Free SF Reader
I have to say it took me quite a few sausage roll lunch hours to get through this one as a kid.There is no doubt it is very interesting and important for the whole Arthur thing.

Those interested should definitely check it out from that point of view, even if only having a browse, it is well worth the time to see the origins of a lot of this.

A classic
What a delight.I read this book as a child [over 50 years ago] and it was a wonderful trip back in time for me to read it again.I had forgotten how well produced and written it was.This Malory version captures the spirit of the era.

Well worth purchasing.

You need it if you are going to read Vol II
I purchased this book because my husband owns vol II and wanted to read vol I first.If you love epics, masonry, legends, and the like this is the book for you. ... Read more

Book Description
The most popular epic of Western culture springs to life in Allen Mandelbaum's magnificent translation.

Homer's masterpiece tells the story of Odysseus, the ideal Greek hero, as he travels home to Ithaca after the Trojan Wara journey of ten years and countless thrilling adventures. Rich in Greek folklore and myth, featuring gods and goddesses, monsters and sorceresses, The Odyssey has enchanted listeners around the world for thousands of years.

Mandelbaum's robust, romantic, lyrical translation has an openness and immediacy unsurpassed by any other. Read aloud, it is a wonderful way to experience this enduring classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

get the Lattimore instead
Although Mandelbaum's translation of the Divine Comedy is well-done and highly recommended, I don't think too much of his translation of the Odyssey:it reads stiffly and is very dense going.

If you're gonna read it, I would recommend the Lattimore translation (0060931957), which reads much more clearly and naturally.

This ain't just me:look at the difference in the Amazon reviews.

Hear the Sirens sing.
When I was a younger lad, I bought Richard Lattimore's translation, which is a grandiose bore.Then I had the good fortune to read Mandelbaum's Aeneid, which shines.This brought me to Mandelbaum's Odyssey. And it is the ideal Odyssey for scholarship and pleasure:

-The language is simple and strong.Mandelbaum knows his job--he tells the story simply and brings the ancient genius of Homer through with vigor and clarity.Occasionally Mandelbaum goes on a stint of rhyme and that's distracting, but overall the translation is beautiful.

-There's a well-drawn map of Ancient Greece in the beginning that really sets the scene for the wild sea adventures.

-One of the complaints I often hear about epics is that the many characters are difficult to keep straight. Mandelbaum solves this by giving us a comprehensive glossary in the back of the book that explains who everyone is and lists the page numbers of where they occur in the book.

-Another thing makes this a swift read is that, at the beginning of each book, Mandelbaum gives a quick summary of what's about to happen (a fantastic feature for reference and review).

Thus, with the book summaries, the glossary, and the map, you always know where you are in the epic--so while Odysseus wanders, you are never lost.

This Applies only to the Audio CD
Another example of employing a format without considering the means by which it will likely be used.The CDs have no internal "tracking" or programs.Thus, if you listen to the book in your car and don't finish the entire disk before turning the engine off, you'd better hope that you have a newer CD player than I possess.Otherwise, the player will default to the beginning of the last track that was played--in this case skipping back to where you were when you started the 45 minute drive.Even if you have a newer player, if the book is being listened too during a commute to your children's school, they would be unable to take the CDs with them to continue the book in another car on the way home.

Aaaarrrgghhh.

Note, however, that the translation and performance struck me as being well done (at least for the first 45 minutes!).

Jacobi's Narration As Brilliant As The Epic Itself!
I first read this beautiful epic as a little girl, held captive from start to finish, and then again in my tenth grade English class,so when I discovered it on audio tape, my heart danced for joy! I am also a great fan of Derek Jacobi, so it made perfect sense to purchase this literary gem for my growing collection. Jacobi's narration is as brilliant as the epic itself, and if you listen closely, you will begin to imagine yourself having the same adventures Odysseus had, as well as spending time getting to know Penelope, his wife, and their only child, a son named Telemachus. In conclusion, just likethe works of Shakespeare, this beautiful piece of literature was meant to be enjoyed by everybody! Get thee to Amazon.com or thy nearest bookstore and buy a copy!

Prose printed to look like Verse
Unlike many readers of Homer's works, I read this for entertainment purposes only.I did not cripple my enjoyment of the story by evaluating the structure or rythm of the verse although that is one of the marvels of the original. If you are one who is required to read the Odyssey for aclass assignment, I believe you will find that this translation (althoughprinted to look like verse) is extremely readable.However, to fullyappreciate the story-line, I recommend researching the Greek and Roman godsprior to reading the Odyssey (I found 'Mythology' by Edith Hamilton to bevery concise yet comprehensive.)Furthermore, tackling the Iliad prior tothe Odyssey is also desirable in order to understand the references to theTrojan War where Odysseus spent the first 10 years of his trials away fromIthaca.

Of the three major works that can probably be described as atrilogy (Virgil's Aeneid being the third), the Odyssey is the most readabledue to its 'traveling action'.The Iliad and Aeneid action scenes areprimarily battle fields with much description of each individual spearthrust/throw.The Odyssey is much more enjoyable since Odysseus travelsall around the Mediteranean with one adventure after another.

Anothernote is about the ending of this story.I will not give anything away, butas far as the three epic poems mentioned in this review, the Odyssey has avery conclusive end whereas the Iliad and Aeneid come to an end-of-sorts,but there is still much that is left unfinished. ... Read more