Customer Reviews

Rumpole and the Age of Miracles

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In "Rumpole and the Age of Miracles", John Mortimer has served up a veritable smorgasbord of short snappy tales that are the very best that British courtroom humour has to offer. Whether it's criminal trials in the old Bailey or civil trials in Chancery division, Horace Rumpole takes on all comers with a trademarked irreverent disdain for the sanctity of the law, the court, the judiciary and his learned colleagues at the bar. But, make no mistake, Rumpole's disarming attitude and appearance mask a razor sharp legal mind able to cut directly to the heart of the matter and an ability to draw on brutally cunning legal tactics which, for many American readers, will be reminiscent of the television detective, Columbo. He's portrayed as an acute barrister who's quite capable of thinking on his feet and taking full advantage of his opposition, the judge and, indeed, the jury with whatever tricks or twists of fate come his way.

Whether Rumpole is in court or lighting up a cigar and quaffing a glass of Chateau Fleet Street at his favourite after-hours haunt, Pommeroy's Wine Bar, Rumpole is accompanied by an endearing supporting cast that is an integral part of the amusing, indeed often hilarious stories that Mortimer has produced - Guthrie Featherstone QC MP, the stiffly starched and prissy (yet often philandering) head of chambers; Claude Erskine-Brown, the slightly looser barrister who is head over heels in love with the only female member of chambers, the eloquent and deeply feminist Phillida Trant; Rumpole's wife, Hilda, the imposing "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed"; and Percy Timson, the patriarch of a widespread London family of low-level criminals whose bumbling failures are destined to keep Rumpole supplied with a steady stream of defense briefs for as long as he cares to work.

Hilarious brain candy guaranteed to take you away from the worries of the workaday world for a blissful all-too-short few hours. Highly recommended and always delightful.

Paul Weiss

Mortimer never fails to delight, and this book of seven stories is just as entertaining as any of the others that I've read. As much as I love all the stories, I usually have one that stands out for me. Tbis book had two that were equally wonderful. I liked "Rumpole and the Tap End", and "Rumpole and the Quality of Life". Both are extremely funny, and totally "Rumpolian". Bring on lots more of these wonderful stories for me. Rumpole is truly one of the greatest British comic characters ever created! Grab any one of Mortimer's books, a cup of tea and some "bickies", and prepare to enjoy!

"My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you." -- Daniel 6:20 (NKJV)

John Mortimer's character, Horace Rumpole, junior barrister, has to be the greatest fictional legal figure of all time. He displays the wisdom of Solomon, the confidence of David facing Goliath, the perseverance of Job, and the charmed life of Daniel. It's all done with timeless wit, good humor, gaping displays of human foibles, and an open mind about guilt and innocence. To Rumpole, it's up to the judge and jury to discern innocence . . . but he doesn't have much confidence in QC's, judges, and those who have high opinions of themselves to avoid mucking things up. While he may win in court, he's bound to lose to Hilda, his wife, "She-who-must-be-obeyed."

Mortimer has a wonderful way of paring down a story into its key elements so that he doesn't need a novel to present a compelling and completely developed story. As a result, this collection is blessed with seven marvelous stories ably narrated by Patrick Tull:

Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation
Rumpole and the Barrow Boy
Rumpole and the Age of Miracles
Rumpole and the Top End
Rumpole and the Chambers Party
Rumpole and Portia
Rumpole and the Quality of Life

If you enjoy a good smile and an occasional giggle, punctuated with belly laughs, you've come to the right place. You couldn't possibly stay in a bad mood while listening to this audiobook.

Our public library didn't have this Rumpole book. Now that I've read it I'll donate it to the library. I'm a Rumpole fan.

Classic Rumpole. John Mortimer has become progressively better with time. (The late Leo McKern's acting in the teleplay based on the story that gives this book its title had John Mortimer and Diana Rigg in splits.)

What great material John Mortimer wrote, only to have some hack of a producer/director and the reader to "put Mr. Mortimer in the frame" for a truely poor listening experience.

Mr. Mortimer should recall every issue of this product before it produces irreparable harm to the Rumple image.

The reader speaks soo fast and with such slur that only one in four words can be understood. For shame.