Product Description
[Library Edition Audiobook CD in sturdy Vinyl case.]
[Read by Simon Vance]
Book 2 in the 'Chronicles of Barsetshire'
This magnificent sequel to
The Warden satirizes the struggle for ascendancy among the clergy of a cathedral city as they contend for the newly vacant post of warden of Hiram's Hospital. The contest is between Archdeacon Grantly, favored by the outgoing church authorities, and the ambitious Mr. Obadiah Slope, championed by Mrs. Proudie and the newcomers. Each wishes to become the dominant voice in the quiet diocese of Barchester, but their antics reveal that their priorities are more social and political than spiritual or moral. These intrigues, entwined through the lives of many memorable characters, provide a humorous backdrop for an exploration of the clash between old and new ways in Victorian England.
Review
''This delicious sequel to
The Warden examines the antics within the Barchester Diocese through a satirical magnifying lens...[with] memorable and entertaining people whose exploits listeners will follow with glee... (audiobook narrator) Vance is a highly talented reader, as comfortable with the author's more subtle use of sarcasm as with his broad sense of the ridiculous. He gives each character a unique voice and sounds like he's enjoying himself into the bargain. Well done!'' --
Kliatt
''Trollope once said,
'In the writing of Barchester Towers I took great delight.' The listener gathers that, in the reading of it, (audiobook narrator) Simon Vance also takes great delight. Obviously, he relishes impersonating the dramatis personae . . . He delivers the fustian narrative with particular fluidity, verve, and grace.'' --
AudioFile
About the Author
ANTHONY TROLLOPE (1815-1882) grew up in London. His first novel was published in 1847 while he was working in Ireland as a surveyor for the General Post Office. He is most famous for his portrait of the professional and landed classes of Victorian England, especially in his 'Palliser' and 'Barsetshire' novels. The author of forty-seven novels, he was one of the most prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era.
From AudioFile
The second and best of the prolific author's six novels about the fictional Barsetshire satirizes ecclesiastical politics in rural Victorian Britain. Among the many superbly drawn characters, the risibly overbearing Mrs. Proudie and the feckless Ethelbert Stanhope particularly shine. Some of us may even recognize the central conflict from our own experiences as congregants. Trollope once said, "In the writing of BARCHESTER TOWERS, I took great delight." The listener gathers that, in the reading of it, Simon Vance also takes great delight. Obviously, he relishes impersonating the dramatis personae. One gets the impression that the more, the merrier, as far as he's concerned. In addition, he delivers the fustian narrative with particular fluidity, verve, and grace. Y.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
condition info: Library case included!