
The Essential John Milton
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Narrated by:
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Anton Lesser
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Samantha Bond
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Derek Jacobi
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By:
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John Milton
About this listen
This thoughtful collection of John Milton's finest poetry marks the quarter centenary of the poet's birth in 1608. It is read by several of Britain's foremost classical actors, including Anton Lesser, Samantha Bond, and Derek Jacobi.
Milton's uncompromising views set him firmly on the side of Cromwell, putting his life in danger when the Stuart monarchy was restored. But he is now remembered for Paradise Lost and a strong collection of other poetry which influenced successive generations. This collection offers an ideal overview, including the complete Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, excerpts from other major works, including Comus and Samson Agonistes, as well as sonnets and famous shorter poems such as "On his blindness", plus a biography of Milton.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©2008 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2008 Naxos AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...
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By: John Milton
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- By: John Milton
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- Length: 1 hr and 51 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
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Performance
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Story
Samson Agonistes, the 'dramatic poem' by John Milton, was published in 1671, three years before the poet's death. Written in the form of a Greek tragedy, with the Chorus commenting on the action, it follows the biblical story of the blind Samson as he wreaks his revenge on the Philistines who have imprisoned him. A powerful subject, with a personal resonance for the blind Milton, it is a perfect work for the medium of audiobook where poetry and drama can be balanced equally.
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Unbelievable
- By Anonymous User on 11-06-20
By: John Milton
-
The Great Poets: Percy Bysshe Shelley
- By: Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Narrated by: Bertie Carvel
- Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
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Performance
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Story
Idealist, atheist, outcast, political radical and, of course, poet - Percy Bysshe Shelley was, in many ways, the epitome of the Romantic artist. His poetry was an outlet for his passionately held and highly unpopular beliefs, beliefs which resulted in social exclusion, exile, and possibly even his premature death at the age of 29. His work is a monument to his convictions and to the power of the human spirit, and today it is recognized as a key contribution to Romantic literature.
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- By ESK on 01-07-13
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The Metaphysical Poets [Naxos Edition]
- By: John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, and others
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Jonathan Keeble, Laura Paton, and others
- Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
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Story
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- By Amazon Customer on 12-05-24
By: John Donne, and others
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Sonnets
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Sir John Gielgud
- Length: 1 hr and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here are 154 poems performed by by the wonderful Sir John Gielgud in this Shakepseare collection of the Sonnets.
Shakespeare's sonnets deal with such themes as the passage of time, love, beauty, and mortality. All but two of the poems were first published in a 1609 quarto entitled Shake-Speares Sonnets: Never before imprinted.
-
-
Clear, rhythmical, beautiful
- By Discerning Customer 112 on 06-24-15
-
The Great Poets: The War Poetry of Wilfred Owen
- By: Wilfred Owen
- Narrated by: Anton Lesser
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No poet is more closely identified with the First World War than Wilfred Owen. His striking body of work, grim to the point of brutality yet, at the same time, majestic and awe-inspiring, defines the war for us. It is in each of these famous poems that Owen reflects on the four terrible months that he lived through; he conveys the experience of war, the death, the destruction and the filth, through a unique poetic language and a bold artistic vision.
-
-
OUTSTANDING
- By Kindle Customer on 04-26-23
By: Wilfred Owen
Editorial reviews
The incomparable Derek Jacobi is completely in his element when reading Milton. His performance of the sonnet "On Shakespeare" seems particularly well suited to his voice, which is so closely associated with the Bard. Samantha Bond is equally comfortable with Milton's verse, and the two work well together in the selections that call for two voices. While PARADISE LOST is, no doubt, Milton's most well-known masterpiece, this recording includes only brief selections from it, totaling less than seven minutes. This is a wise editorial choice as it leaves room for some shorter and more accessible poems that showcase the work of these outstanding narrators.
Critic reviews
Anton Lesser and Samantha Bond are absolutely fantastic. I would actually say perfect beyond belief. I've heard a number of prominent actors read Milton's poetry. But I have never heard the sensitivity, understanding, and dramatic intensity that Lesser and Bond provide. They are truly remarkable.
On the other hand, Derek Jacobi sounds like a one-dimensional pompous boor who shouts or sneers his way through every part he reads.
This title is definitely worth getting to hear the excellent performances of Anton Lesser and Samantha Bond.
2/3 of the performers here are absolutely great.
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