The History of English Literature (Naxos AudioBooks Histories series) [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

~ Perry Keenlyside (Author), Derek Jacobi (Narrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Perry Keenlyside tells the remarkable story of the world's richest literary resource. The book covers the story-telling, the poetry, the growth of the novel and the great histories and essays which have informed the language and the imagination wherever English is spoken.

From AudioFile

It takes some hubris to suppose that you can even sweepthrough 600 years of British poetry and prose in a 5.3-hour cassettevolume. The attempt has yielded a listenable and informativeproduction. Yet, it is not up to the high standard of the publisher'sother "History Of..." recordings. The narrative is inelegant andoccasionally off the mark. There are lapses, as when the narratormentions that a particular author admired a now obscure Italian, butneither tells us who this Italian is nor explains why he brought himup. Or when he says Jane Austen is the first woman author mentioned onthe tape when Mary Shelley is. Speaking of Shelley, author ofFRANKENSTEIN, one plus of this treatment is that science fiction isgiven its due, whereas it is frequently dismissed or not acknowledgedat all. Excerpts from works cited are delivered with varying degreesof skill by several artists. But it is Derek Jacobi's amiable,precise, and lyrical narration, always fresh and committed, that givesthe exercise distinction and renders it pleasurable. Y.R. ©AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (June 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9626342218
• ISBN-13: 978-9626342213
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #622,788 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, July 11, 2002

By	"honeydick" (Toronto Canada) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything your High School Teacher Should have Taught you about Literature...and didn't., July 2, 2008

By	Gerard D. Launay (Berkeley, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I love this book. I think about my time in high school listening to dreadful lectures on English literature, theater, and the great books. How things would have been different if I had listened to this glorious audiobook. Not only is it sharply written, but Sir Derek Jacobi narrates the story of literature with a sardonic edge, so that you can't wait to hear what he has to say next. He draws you into the story of the literature...what makes these great books or poems distinguished...what makes them interesting...what makes them new and exciting. Of course, we hear samples from the 1300's - Canterbury Tales (and) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight...to the present, over 100 samples to be exact. I want to go back and read these wonderful books he talks about. After experiencing this wonderful book, I want to sing about English literature. Truly, if you have a high school student who thinks that literature is dead or boring, look no further than this audio CD. I cannot give it enough praise.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Listening Experience, January 6, 2009

By	Katherine M. Orlopp "Kt." (Valley Springs, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This audiobook is really a performance rather than a book read aloud. It's wonderful - fun, educational, relaxing. Get it!