May 2005
Brit Lit
Three new audio books
At the beginning of the year, the Munich-based company der hörverlag added to its already extensive list of audio books. The new titles are all in English, and are produced by the BBC—perfect for those hoping to brush up on their English skills, and for Brits craving a taste of home. We have picked three of the best, although the other titles in the series are too good to go without a mention. The Lord of the Rings, Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, Paul Temple and the Spencer Affair and Ustinov at Eighty are already available to buy. At the end of the month, der hörverlag will release the next titles in its BBC audio book series, which will include Rebecca and The Hobbit. For more information, visit www.derhoerverlag.de.
UNDER MILK WOOD****
By Dylan Thomas
der hörverlag, 2005
2 CDs, running time: 102 mins.,
production: BBC, 1963
This poetic radio play is possibly the most famous in history. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas originally read the “play for voices” himself in a live performance just weeks before he died in 1953. This version is narrated by his admirer, friend and fellow Welshman Richard Burton. Thomas tells of life in a small Welsh fishing town, using vivid metaphors and sensual language. He introduces the inhabitants through their dreams, and gives the listener an idea of what will be important to them when they wake. For Dai Bread it is harems, for Polly Garter it is babies and for Nogood Boyo it is dreams of “nothing.” Under Milk Wood is a touching account of simple people dealing with the complexities of existence. Burton’s rich Welsh voice transports the listener to the town that has “fallen head over bells in love.” You will be unable to listen to this CD while doing other things. Burton’s compelling, booming voice and dramatic narration draws you in entirely. So you might as well settle back and enjoy!
THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY***
By Douglas Adams
der hörverlag, 2005
6 CDs, running time: 348 mins.,
production: BBC, 1978
Before Adams’ cult novel was published,
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was broadcast as a 12-part radio series. It was the success of this play that brought Adams’ overnight fame. The adventures of Arthur Dent and his cranky companions were brought to life in a fantastic and funny production. Join the ape-descendant Arthur, his friend Ford Prefect from somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse and others as they stumble upon the planet of Magrathea. They dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe and Everything. The narrators are all excellent, especially Peter Jones as “The Book.” Although the
Hitchhiker cult led to a TV series in the early 1980s, a computer game and several stage adaptations, the story was never translated into a visual equivalent that matched the success of this radio play. Adams’ wit, satire and science-fiction parody doesn’t seem to date, even after 27 years.
WINNIE-THE-POOH****
By A.A. Milne
der hörverlag, 2005
1 CD, running time: 65 mins.,
production: BBC, 1995
How could anyone not love Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends? Although advertised as being suitable for ages 8+, that doesn’t mean that adults will not enjoy this CD, too. Pooh’s status as A Bear of Very Little Brain belies his profound wisdom in the ways of the world, and the humor is actually very intelligent. This CD contains five of Pooh’s best adventures, from the occasion on which he and Piglet go hunting and nearly catch a Woozle, to the time Eeyore loses a tail and Pooh finds one. The narrator is Bernard Cribbins (known mainly for his roles in the
“Carry on…” series), and his lively, expressive voice—or make that voices—lends itself very well to the stories. He performs all the parts magically and brings the Hundred Acre Wood to life. The beauty of this production is that Cribbins manages to convey the linguistic playfulness of A.A. Milne’s writing. Winnie-the-Pooh is another literary classic that never seems to date. It is amazing to think that A.A. Milne first created Christopher Robin 79 years ago! <<<
