Rumpole for the Defence [Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Frederick Davidson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1991

[This is the Audiobook CASSETTE Library Edition in vinyl case.]

[Read by Frederick Davidson]

Whether he's quoting Wordsworth or having words with a particularly obtuse judge, Horace Rumpole always knows what he's doing--even if no one else does. In this delightful collection of stories, Rumpole straightens everyone out in the shocking case of a ''bent copper,'' gallantly teaches a professor of moral philosophy about blackmail, consults with the dear departed when a will is contested, traces the path of true love when a doctor is accused of murder, and (in the name of duty, of course) drinks to excess with a teetotaling member of the prosecution. There is even a rare moment or two when Rumpole finds himself appreciative of ''She Who Must Be Obeyed'' (Mrs. Rumpole), when she inadvertently provides some essential clues that clinch his cases.

Stories in this collection include:
''Rumpole for the Defense,''
''Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail,''
''Rumpole and the Dear Departed,''
''Rumpole and the Rotten Apple,''
''Rumpole and the Expert Witness,''
''Rumpole and the Spirit of Christmas,''
and
''Rumpole and the Boat People.''

Editorial Reviews

Review

''These stories are well-written, interesting and clever. The wide variety of characters are . . . given life and entirely appropriate voices by Frederick Davidson . . . This is an excellent production, sure to be savored by listeners and good enough to listen to again.'' --AudioFile

About the Author

JOHN MORTIMER (1923-2009) was a playwright, novelist, and former practicing barrister. He wrote many film scripts, radio, and television plays, and his plays about Rumpole of the Bailey won him the British Academy Writer of the Year Award. He retired from the bar in 1984 and was knighted in 1998.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.; Unabridged edition (June 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786102365
• ISBN-13: 978-0786102365
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,506,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Rumpole for the Defence, April 8, 2007

By 

Greta Gebhardt "Greta" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rumpole for the Defence (Audio Cassette)

Rumpole for the Defence, as read by Patrick Tull, is great! Unfortunately Patrick Tull's readings no longer seem to be in circulation. The reader for this set of cd's has a grating voice which is hard to listen to. Ouch!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Old Bailey Hack is Back, September 3, 2006

By 

S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rumpole for the Defense (Paperback)

We again meet with the inimitable Horace Rumpole in this collection of seven short stories. We have our favourite old curmudgeon dealing with all kinds of things from blackmail to corrupt coppers to murder. I can't stress enough how enjoyable these Rumpole stories are. They are extremely funny, and Rumpole's dry wit emerges over and over again. And the other characters in each story are just as memorable. Even the villains are wonderfully unique. John Mortimer is a very talented writer, and I invite you to enter his wonderful world with Horace Rumpole "rising to his hind legs" for each of his orations in court "up at the Old Bailey".

5.0 out of 5 stars Irresistible and unforgettable, June 18, 2005

By 

Faye (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rumpole for the Defense (Paperback)

I couldn't put this book down. Rumpole's deprecating wit and touching cluelessness make him impossible to resist or to forget. This book actually made me scream with laughter, especially Rumpole's wry descriptions of one of his old school cronies who looks like a shrimp.