Essential Parker CD [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Dorothy Parker (Author), Christine Baranski (Reader), Cynthia Nixon (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2006

Author, poet, drama critic, book reviewer, screenwriter and outstanding member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, Dorothy Parker was known for her quick wit, keen observations, and remarkable insight into the human condition. Regarded as brilliant, but widely known to be an alcoholic and often depressed, Parker's work pushes all buttons at once: humor, anger, love, pity and everything in bewteen...she pulled no punches, writing with pure, unadulterated passion; her writing is timeless and as pertinent to today's society as it was to that of the time she wrote.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) wrote short stories for The New Yorker for 30 years. She was married to Edwin Pond Parker II, once, and to Alan Campbell, twice. Upon her death she left her estate to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She also provided that in the event of his death, her estate would pass on to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

From AudioFile

Dorothy ParkerÕs dry wit is well served by polished actresses Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski. Nixon reads the first story, ÒBig Blonde,Ó with sympathy and tender anguish for the title character. Baranski shines in her performance of ParkerÕs musings on Emily Post, perfectly enunciating each delicious bit of humorous sarcasm. Baranski skillfully reads another short story, ÒHorsie,Ó with the perfect balance of charm and exasperation. The skills of these two fine actresses and ParkerÕs notable talent for commentary on the human condition create a highly entertaining recording and a satisfying tribute to ParkerÕs gift for words. Only an hour, this recording will delight Parker fans and create new ones. R.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Caedmon; Unabridged edition (October 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061153524
• ISBN-13: 978-0061153525
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,350,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Two and a half stories is what you'll get, August 2, 2010

By 

Russell Cahill "rustynyc" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Parker CD (Audio CD)

In anticipation of a long boring 8 hour drive ahead of me, I got this CD thinking I'd have at least an hour of Dorothy Parker stories. But in fact, there were only two complete stories and half way through "Horsie" the recording company thanked the listener for listening. Now I've read Horsie and they definitely cut out in the middle of the story. Ridiculous! Why??? Don't waste your money.

4.0 out of 5 stars My first, April 19, 2010

By 

Margot Lambek (São Paulo, São Paulo, BR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Parker CD (Audio CD)

The Essential Parker is the first audiobook I heard. It's superbly read by Cynthia Nixon (Big Blond is a classic) and Christine Baranski.
When I heard Horsie, the last story, I found out it was incomplete - the CD ends in the middle of the story. Otherwise, it would rate more than 5 stars...