Seven Ages Audiobook By William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Ted Hughes cover art

Seven Ages

An Anthology of Poetry with Music

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Seven Ages

By: William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Ted Hughes
Narrated by: Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench
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This highly entertaining anthology of verse is the comic, tragic, tender, and telling story of life's seven ages, from childhood to old age. Within the framework of Shakespeare's speech, "The Seven Ages of Man," performed by Sir Ian McKellen, are 150 great poems from all ages, from Chaucer to Emily Dickinson to Walt Whitman and many others. The poem are presented by the finest cast ever assembled on one recording and includes Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Michael Caine, and more.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. Classics Collections & Anthologies Drama & Plays Poetry Shakespeare Funny Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
Excellent Poetry Selections • Emotional Performances • Expressive Readers • Captivating Readings • Background Music
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I really loved this disc, which was originally recorded as a tribute to the life of Princess Di. The readings are incredible, and my favorite was John Cleese's reading of Owl & The Pussycat. The poetry selections are perfect to follow the line of Shakespeare's ages of man and the readers were wonderfully chosen. High recommend.

Wonderful Readings

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It is really hard to go back to a specific poem with no index. It lessens the enjoyability since you have to guess if you want to go back to the beginning of a poem.

Nice but hard to handle

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Excellent narrations of many famous poems and many which aren’t typically anthologized. Highly recommend!!! No matter your level of poetic prowess.

One of my favorite audio poetry collections

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I bought this primarily for my Mom, who is great poetry lover, so she could listen to it in my car during long trips. I thought it would be short enough that I wouldn't be bored...I have never cared for poetry, or so I thought.

What a complete surprise....this is an absolutely outstanding piece of work!

I listened to it all in one sitting...I couldn't turn it off. I laughed, and I wept....and all of it made me think. This is a wonderful collection. I was so stunned at the depth of emotion I experienced listening it that I had to write this review immediately to inform other like-minded individuals of what they've been missing.

I was vaguely familiar with some of the poems, but I never quite understood them when reading them in print. What a difference HEARING them has made to my perspective! Listening to Michael Caine, and Judi Dench, and Ralph Fiennes and all of the others was a real pleasure. The emotions conjured up by these virtuoso readers has really opened my eyes to how powerful poetry can be. The order that they were presented was very appealing as well, starting with poems about birth and childhood, through those about romantic love and war and middle age, to those about old age and death. And managing to end such a collection on a hopeful note was truly inspiring. I just loved it!

I may never attempt to READ poetry again, but I fully expect that I will LISTEN to this collection many times in the future.

I'd like to express my thanks to another reviewer, ESK from Russia, for taking the time to list all of the poems, their authors and the name of the readers. Very helpful.

This is a treat to the soul....HIGHLY recommended.

I'd never understood poetry's appeal...until now!

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It reminds me of the poems I have learnt in university and the classes I have had with my British professor. Very inspiring.

Inspiring

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I was really not expecting so many favouites so well read.

Some not read or heard in many years.

Even if you are not so interested in the Seven Ages aspect, this is a very good selection.

Thanks reviewer 'ESK' , for the list.

Surprising

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Would you consider the audio edition of Seven Ages to be better than the print version?

I consider this a compliment to the print version and to be enjoyed with the written work.

Any additional comments?

I listened to the poems as a warm up for my own writing. I also listened to the poems while studying for a comprehensive literature exam. These works were helpful in successfully completing the test.

Life is poetry and poetry gives life

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Any additional comments?

I wish there was a Whispersync for Voice book so than it would be possible to read and listen to the poems in the same time.

Whispersync for Voice book:

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This is a wonderful collection of poetry about the stages of life and death. Many of the poems are classics, but some are unfamiliar. They are all read by different narrators who use expression and skill. Highly recommended for anyone looking for some good soul moving poetry.

Excellent Collection!

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This sparkling collection is delightful, absurd, heart-stopping. Thanks to whoever labored to pull together these astonishing readings.

This reminds why poetry can save your soul

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