5 comments about The Iliad.

1. The action is gripping, and the passions of the gods and mortals move us in Fagels's fine translation. You feel as if you knew these people. This performances of Derek Jacoby and Maria Tucci has brought this tale to life.
   
   I know other versions of this story: Gustave Schwab's GODS AND HEROES, which was read to me when I was young and which I read to my daughter; Richard Latimore's translation, in the edition illustrated by Leonard Baskin, a beautiful book. Robert Fagels's translation is simply the best.
   
   Listen to this performance if you want to capture the mad rush and the rich human feelings of it all. I have listened done so six times, many of these while climbing stairs at the gym. Also buy and read the book. As reviewers note, the cuts made in this abridgment are extensive. Reading the book will give you the full picture.
   
   Robert Fagels's translation of THE ODYSSEY is superb as well, and the performance by Ian McKellen is very different from Derek Jacobi's ILIAD, though equally compelling.



2. This recording is an awesome presentation of THE ILIAD. Derek Jacobi does
   and excellent job. The Iliad is suppose to be heard, not necessarily read. This CD is well worth the price. I listened to half of it on a trip and it was enthralling! jdm



3. It skips, it's mislabled, it misses parts that it claims to include...otherwise the reading is excellent. Perhaps it was my copy...I don't know.



4. With many books, translations are negligible, with two obvious exceptions, one is the Bible, and surprisingly the other is The Iliad. Each translation can give a different insight and feel to the story. Everyone will have a favorite. I have several.
   
   For example:
   
   "Rage--Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles,
   Murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses,
   hurling down to the House of Death so many souls,
   great fighters' souls. But made their bodies carrion,
   feasts for dogs and birds,
   and the will of Zeus was moving towards its end.
   Begin, Muse, when the two first broke and clashed,
   Agamemnon lord of men and brilliant Achilles."
   -Translated by Robert Fagles
   
   "Sing, O Goddess, the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a heroes did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures for so were the counsels of Zeus fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles first fell out with one another."
   -Translated by Samuel Butler
   
   "Rage:
   Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage,
   Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks
   Incalculable pain pitched countless souls
   Of heroes into Hades' dark,
   And let their bodies rot as feasts
   For dogs and birds, as Zeus' will was done.
   Begin with the clash between Agamemnon--
   The Greek Warlord--and godlike Achilles."
   -Translated by Stanley Lombardo
   
   "Anger be now your song, immortal one,
   Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous,
   that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss
   and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,
   leaving so many dead men--carrion
   for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.
   Begin it when the two men first contending
   broke with one another--
   the Lord Marshal Agamémnon, Atreus' son, and Prince Akhilleus."
   -Translated by Translated by Robert Fitzgerald
   
   "Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son of Achilleus and its devastation, which puts pains thousandfold upon the Achains,
   hurled in the multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished since that time when first there stood the division of conflict Atrecus' son the lord of men and brilliant Achilleus."
   -Translated by Richmond Lattimore
   
   You will find that some translations are easier to read but others are easier to listen to on recordings, lectures, Kindle, and the like.
   
   Our story takes place in the ninth year of the ongoing war. We get some introduction to the first nine years but they are just a background to this tale of pride, sorrow and revenge. The story will also end abruptly before the end of the war.
   
   We have the wide conflict between the Trojans and Achaeans over a matter of pride; the gods get to take sides and many times direct spears and shields.
   
   Although the more focused conflict is the power struggle between two different types of power. That of Achilles, son of Peleus and the greatest individual warrior and that of Agamemnon, lord of men, whose power comes form position.
   
   We are treated to a blow by blow inside story as to what each is thinking and an unvarnished description of the perils of war and the search for Arête (to be more like Aries, God of War.)
   
   Troy - The Director's Cut [Blu-ray]



5. My daughter is listening to this while she is reading from the Homer, Iliad translated by Robert Fangles and she is totally upset that so much is skipped and it isn't labled will, so it is very difficult to follow along with a book. She is reading this book for school. (homeschool) I really wish that the CD's would lable what is on each one and what chapter they are reading.

5 comments about Billy Collins Live: A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space April 20, 2005.

1. This is a figure of speech of course - once upon a time... never mind, but you'd burn your dinner or if it's cooked, then the food on your fork will miss you mouth, if you try to cook or eat as you listen to Billy Collins read. It's a treat.



2. As always, Billy Collins is above and beyond in his poetry readings. Great humor, great heart and an accessibility rarely found in intellectual circles! You will fall in love with him and with poetry all over again.



3. I heard Billy Collins speak in Wellington early one chilly Sunday morning. He commented that he was amazed anyone would want to get out of bed and listen to him on such a cold day ...he wouldn't! Of course we all thought it worth the effort, nothing beats hearing a really superb poet reading his own work superbly.I heartily recommend this cd, it's always in the most played pile near my cd player and on my ipod,so that I can listen to him any time.
   A great selection of his work and interesting pre-ambles before each poem.



4. If you can get past an idiotic short introduction by Bill Murray, you'll enjoy a wonderful experience. Billy Collins has created true poetry that will make you think and laugh.



5. I am not a huge fan of poetry; it's not that I dislike it; it is just not something I look for while searching for a good read. However I was convinced to give Billy Collins a try. A former Poet Laureate of the U.S., Collins' collection of poems was a delightful revelation for me.
   
   This collection of about 20 of Mr. Collins poems is read by the author. The poems are very contemporary and speak of simple things we can all relate to. `The Lanyard' a poem about going to camp and making a lanyard to give to one's mother is charming, funny and touching. The poem about a dog that has died is also funny- but once again touching. In fact I loved all the poems in this collection and plan on getting some of Billy Collins books to read and keep - to read the poems again and again as needed.
   
   If you think you don't like poetry give Billy Collins a try-I think you will be surprised.

5 comments about Julius Caesar (Arkangel Shakespeare).

1. High School English students never loved Julius Caesar, and the dated movie versions that our school owns don't help any. This recording brings the emotion of the story to life, and I think my sophomores secretly enjoyed it (but would die before they admitted it.)



2. I have used this version in teaching Julius Caesar to sophomores in high school with great luck. The actual length of each scene shows on my computer (Windows Media Player), so I can plan lessons appropriately. The actors do an excellent job and my students enjoy listening as they follow along in the lit. texts. I whole-heartedly endorse this item.



3. These audio CDs were a valuable addition to my unit. Students were able to hear the text's tone, inflection, and nuances and then more accurately pattern their own oral readings after that of the professional actors on the CD. The CDs also aided students' comprehension. I used them with Acts 4 and 5, and next year I will play the key speeches in Act 3 for students before we engage in role play. Students read along in their texts while listening to the audio.



4. Like all the Arkangel Shakespeare, this production of "Julius Caesar" is great listening. I've listened to it many times and I never get tired of hearing it. I'd especially single out for praise the superb sound effects: the thunderstorm early in the play sounds so real you almost feel wet! Highly recommended.



5. This recording just about saved my life. Seriously. Although I have taught Romeo & Juliet to high school freshmen about a million times, this year I was tapped to teach a class of sophomores reading...gulp...JULIUS CAESAR! This was never my favorite of Shakespeare's plays, and most of my memories of it derived from my own dreadfully dull tenth grade experience.
   
   When I began reading the play with my own students, it didn't take any of us long to realize that their halting, stilted, first-time line-readings would make the play more difficult for them to interpret and enjoy. So, over a long weekend, I ordered Arkangel's recording. I had no idea that this recording would actually change my opinion of the play itself!
   
   My students and I became completely captivated by the characters of Caesar as performed by the brilliant actors involved in this recording. John Bowe as Brutus and Adrian Lester as Antony impressed us particularly--their famous speeches to the people of Rome following the death of Caesar actually had my class of sophomores on the edge of their seats!
   
   I highly recommend this fantastic recording to anyone teaching Caesar.

5 comments about Hamlet (Arkangel Shakespeare).

1. This wasn't as good as I was hoping. I needed more background sound effects--not just people with British accents.



2. I love this story! The CD audio is very good. It's very easy to get lost in the story.



3. As with most of the Arkangel Shakespeare, this is a very decently done performance, with some great acting. (The music, which is modern and a little sentimental, seems to me a mistake.) But as with all the Shakespeare, I'm a big believer in the Caedmon recordings from several decades ago, which feature simply amazing actors of the last generation: Sir Ralph Richardson, Paul Scofield, Sir John Gielgud, Hugh Griffith, Jeremy Brett, Sir Michael Redgrave, Cyril Cusack, Alan Bates, Vanessa Redgrave...the list goes on. The Arkangel recordings have a lot to offer, but we ought to have the option of listening to the classic recordings of these plays. Protest to Caedmon Music/Harper Collins today!



4. I started listening to the Arkangel series because of David Tennant (Doctor Who). Since then I've become addicted to this series, buying what I cannot borrow. The full cast of actors present the material in a very natural style, quite different from the respectful, poetic style that I was exposed to in school so many years ago. I've even gone through four of the histories, something that I never intended to do.
   
   Read all the other reviews for well-considered, thoughtful reviews, especially in comparison to other offerings. I just know that I am enjoying listening to these CDs just for fun.



5. Superior reading! I am using this in my classroom. It follows our text exactly and students understand it much better because of the expression the readers use. Excellent investment for instruction!

5 comments about At Blackwater Pond: Mary Oliver Reads Mary Oliver.

1. A wonderful collection from a wonderful career - and hopefully there are many more collections to come.
   Sound quality is generally extremely good, 'though one or two tracks seem to be down on level, but hearing the poet read her own work gives the listener/reader that added benefit.
   Essential listening.



2. Listening to Mary Oliver read her own poetry is a joyful, serene experience. "Wild Geese" is one poem that I could hear several times each day. I am grounded by listening to Mary Oliver.



3. The DVD itself is technically a little wanting -- the recordings of the poet reading clearly come from a variety of different events and are patched together with varying levels of care. However, the poems are beautiful and it is a joy to hear Oliver's voice speaking them.



4. This is an excellent CD. Mary Oliver's reading voice is very interesting and adds an addition dimension to her wonderful poems. They also don't mess up the simplicity of her reading voice with background music or any other distractions. It's about 40 poems, drawn from various books.



5. Great item Mary Oliver cuts through the fuzzyness of the mind and goes to what matters to the heart it is there for me in her poetry. This is for me 'language of the heart'
   I would say its for people who want to feed their soul. If you love nature, have some sense of spirituality that is your own, maybe her poerty will speak to you.I am already a fan of her poetry anyway. Hearing her on CD reading her own poetry adds a different dimention and connects you to her somehow that is not done through a book. I hope you enjoy if you choose to buy.

No comments about Many Miles: Audio.

5 comments about Romeo & Juliet (Arkangel Shakespeare).

1. I received this after my freshman classes had already started reading "Romeo and Juliet". Once I popped the CD in and pressed play, my kids were sold on it. Many of them said that this version made it much easier to understand and the emotional display is absolutely wonderful--I got goosebumps! The clarity is great and the sound effects help students (especailly those who can't seem to read the stage directions) to know what's taking place.
   All around . . .it's wonderful!
   
   May 13, 2009
   We recently finished "R & J" and I have to say that this production really was a huge aid. Students who missed a day would just have to listen to the CD and they would be caught up--no problem. While sitting in on one of our classes another freshman teacher (who has been teaching for 15+ years) said this was the best production he has ever heard and is getting his own set for next year.
   Again, it's wonderful, and I love it!



2. The acting is fine and very true to the script. However, the audio CD is unreliable. I oredered two copies of this CD and discovered that both copies had scenes (different scenes were flawed, not the same for each CD) that would not play. I tried both copies on different CD players, but had the same result.



3. I purchased these CD's twice. Both copies did not play. I tried several CD players to be certain that it was not a player malfunction.



4. This is a superb performance of Romeo and Juliet. It was produced in the manner of a radio play. The performances are dynamic, credible, and moving.



5. Whatever else you say about it, 'Romeo and Juliet' is certainly one of Shakespeare's most vivid plays, and here it is movingly brought to life. Romeo (Joseph Fiennes) is sensitive and poetic, without being effeminate, and Juliet (Maria Miles, in a beautiful performance) is shy and modest, yet full of strong emotion. Clive Swift, better known as Hyacinth Bucket's henpecked husband, does a good job as Friar Laurance. Words are enunciated clearly, bringing Shakespeare's meanings out to the fullest, in a performance outstanding even for Arkangel.

5 comments about Midlife and the Great Unknown.

1. A friend told me he was going to listen to David Whyte and it intrigued me enough to look him up and download this CD for a long drive this weekend. I find myself rather numb from the depth and breadth of it all. So very much to think about and what its implications are in my life that I'll be having to relisten many times I'm sure (I've already listened twice). He gives us his experiences with such clarity I can almost smell the Celtic grasses under his feet and feel the mists swirling around his vision, occasionally parting for a view of distant and promising lands. This wrapped up in his and others poetry that he reads and his reflections about it has caused me to further explore new poets, to talk about them with my friends, and to ask what can we do with this. David has obviously thought about such matters deeply and I can think of no higher tribute to a person than they made me think profoundly about profound matters.
   
   A NEW NOTE OF CAUTION: I purchased this as an introduction to David Whyte, thinking if I liked this "unabridged" version I'd buy his "Clear Mind, Wild Heart" (CMWH) audio. Long story short: this is actually CD 2 and 3 of CMWH. I think this is like taking all the odd chapters of a Tale of Two Cities, renaming it "Story of a Town (Unabridged)". It is misleading labeling. I will keep the five stars because it is an amazing foray into poetry and life in general but beware--if you're thinking you'll buy CMWH then go straight there. Fortunately the audio download server with a name almost identical to the publisher of this CD refunded my money so I could just buy the 6 CD set.



2. As awkward as it might be to consider oneself at mid-life, it is a genuine relief to have such a clear and open-hearted guide such as David Whyte help make sense of it all. This CD is profound and inspiring. I could listen to Mr. Whyte's voice all day long. He draws on not only poetry (his own and that of others), but on basic life observations and recollections. The only caution I'll give is that some material seems to be lifted directly from another of his CDs, entitled "Clear Mind: Wild Heart". It's possible that it's just the same words and themes...I haven't done a side-by-side comparison. The duplication is a bit disconcerting, but has more to do with the publisher than the author. Anyway, David Whyte's talents are amazing, and this material is one that I'll listen to again and again. Best wishes,



3. This CD is one that you will want to listen to over and over again, and with friends. It is not just for people in midlife, it is for anyone in life. Get it and you will learn what life is all about and how to live it.



4. I wish the "midlife" reference were not in the title as it made me hesitate and delay trying this product for way too long. It is such an exquisite treat and so powerful in way more ways than I can convey through words. David Whyte's uniquely powerful delivery adds further punch to his great insights that reach ever deeper the more one listens. Thus I found it amazing the first time I listened and keep being blown away by finding it ever more powerful every time I listen. In addition to the content, the place David Whyte speaks from is itself profoundly impactful. At the time I ended up deciding to buy this product I had greatly lamented Amazon not selling David Whyte's "poetry of self-compassion" as I had adored that tape. Although I still regret not having yet been able to find it on CD as it is even more powerful yet, I am so glad that it ended up pushing me into giving this product a try as both are invaluable and well worth owning and repeatedly listening to over the years as special treats that get ever better over time.



5. David Whyte is the author and poet of the soul, of the deep searching place within and of the wondering being.
   He refers with such modesty to the incredible work of others, and for that you get to know of poets and poems that you weren't familiar with before or at least did not recognize them untill seeing them in light of what he refers to.
   Like a true teacher, he helps you to dare to do what you already had within you. Like a genuine guide, he leads you to the realms you had unconsciously and conveniently forgotten or overlooked.
   David Whyte's writings are very deep and beautiful. But,when he speaks his expressions, his words could be more touching if he did not repeat himself over and over.
   
   Somethings get imprinted in your mind (not heart) forever because you've heard them repeatedly but memorizing is different from feeling.
   
   It is like someone holding a flower in front of you and insisting upon your looking at it, it is like each time you turn your face away, they bring you back to the flower(over and over). Yes, you'd remember the flower, its color, dimensions, fragrance and so on. But maybe it is when you are just passing by the flower and you intuitively/unknowingly turn around to look back and see the flower again because you wanted to because something touched you , is the moment that you are naturally receptive to the flower.
   
   Of course it matters how someone speaks, what words s/he uses. how their tone of voice is, how and when they emphasize on a word, how they flow as they speak and how sincere they are.
   
   David Whyte is excellent on all the above. If only he would give space to his listeners to absorb what he just read/said at their own pace. Words touch different people in different ways.
   
   All that said, this audiotape is very rich. It fills your backpack with amazement and inspiration on your personal journey through the Great Unknown.

5 comments about Macbeth (Arkangel Shakespeare).

1. I really like this series, but I have to nit-pick a little. Lady Macbeth sounds way too young, and the Scottish accents seem fake. Other than that, it's a good performance of a great play.



2. The CD brings the play to life especially for young people who may not be accustomed to Shakeaspeare's style. I am home schooling my 15 year old grandson and am a retired teacher who often taught literature in high school. I find that having the student read a few scenes, then discussing those scenes and then following in the text while playing those same scenes for them to listen, makes them realize the depth of the text as well as the beauty of the language.



3. I use this audio recording in my high school English classes. The acting is well done, and the music adds to the atmosphere in the classroom as we listen. A very good recording of Macbeth.



4. Like all of the Arkangel Shakespeare series, this production is super, but I'd especially praise the gatekeeper: he gives a truly amazing, Oscar-worthy performance, proof indeed that there are no small roles in Shakespeare.



5. This is a wonderful production of The Tragedy of Macbeth. I have used it to good effect in the classroom and find the Scottish accents to be authentic. This is worth a listen for anyone curious about the play, or for educators who want an authentic "Northern" version of the play.

5 comments about The Odyssey.

1. I teach English for a living, and this is, by far, the best translation of the Odyssey that is out there. The audio version brings it to life and gets students to actually listen and read along, which isn't bad considering the story itself is over 2,000 years old and still quite a challenge to read. We skip a few books in class to keep interest up (books 2,3,4 are more about Telemachus,and book 11 is easily passed over) but the balance of the audio recordings are stellar. This is money well spent considering how many cds are in this package.



2. I bought this for my son (8) and I to listen to on the way to school in the mornings. We loved Derek Jacobi's interpretation of the Iliad on cassettes; so energetic a reading and so well done. This one is excellent too, although it is a less energetic (but more subtle) reading. We also wanted the unabridged version, and I think this is the only one. I am very glad there are track breaks every few minutes so we can find our way back to where we were if the CD gets removed or changed to another vehicle. Well worth the money!



3. Without a doubt, fagles' is the best English translation of the Odyssey I have ever seen. The man has done a phenomenal job!



4. What a fantastic narration! If you have listened to many audiobooks, you will be amazed at what you have been missing. Listening to Ian McKellen's delivery, it's easy to imagine how captivating recited epic poems once were. I highly recommend this audiobook to everyone, but especially to any reader who is not confident in his or her resilience to complete the book. In no time, you will be hooked! Robert Fagles' translation is wonderful on its own -- but Ian McKellan's narration is well worth the extra investment.



5. The CD arrived without a case. The product description did not mention there was no case. It didn't play at all. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Not even a skip. I tried it in two other CD players: Same problem.