Charles Dickens has 115 audiobooks on Listento.it, narrated by 227 narrators, with an average listener rating of 4.2★ across 3,739 ratings. The most-rated is A Christmas Carol.
Barnaby Rudge
Summary
Jason Watkins, the award-winning stage and screen actor best known for his roles in The Lost Honour and A Very English Scandal, masterfully performs this brand-new recording of Barnaby Rudge; first published in 1841, it was Dickens’ fifth title and his first historical novel. Set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge reflects back on a time of revolt against the British parliament, following the Catholic Relief Act of 1778. Leading to the death of hundreds and the total destruction of Newgate Prison as well as various Catholic chapels, Dickens was deeply disturbed by this violent moment in British history. Paired with his continuing brushes with poverty and disaster, he decided to instil within the novel, both a sense out outrage at the politicians who recklessly endangered the lives of so many as well as a powerful and progressive moral code for future generations. About the book Barnaby Rudge follows the lives of three very different characters: the eponymous Barnaby, a kind albeit slow-witted young man; the romantic and overly idealistic Joe Willet; and the nobleman, son of a leading London politician, Edward Chester. Their lives, as well as the lives of those they love and despise, are interconnected in this thrilling, mysterious and wholly romantic Dickensian adventure. Opening with the threat of an unsolved double murder, the narrative quickly turns to blackmail, conspiracy, abduction and revenge. Set against the politically charged backdrop of the late 1700s, the three protagonists weave in and out of poignant historical events seamlessly, and the listener is taken on a dark, gothic and electrifying journey. About the author With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels and various articles, novellas and short stories. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit, Little Dorrit and A Tale of Two Cities. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man. About the narrator Jason Watkins is a BAFTA award-winning and Olivier Award nominated stage, film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for playing the lead role in two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, for which he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor of 2015. He recently appeared in A Very English Scandal, Line of Duty and Inside No 9. He played Simon Harwood in W1A, Herrick in Being Human, Gavin in Trollied and Gordon Shakespeare in the Nativity! film series. He plays Harold Wilson in the forthcoming Series 3 of The Crown.
Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd
Martin Chuzzlewit
Summary
This exclusive recording of Martin Chuzzlewit starts with a unique introduction written and narrated by William Boyd, author of Any Human Heart and A Good Man in Africa. First published in 1842, Martin Chuzzlewit is the last of Charles Dickens' picaresque novels. Despite poor sales at the time, Dickens considered it his best work, and it is now regarded as one of the most significant literary depictions of 19th-century America. Horrified by the ongoing use of slavery in the self-professed 'land of the free', Dickens returned home after his first trip abroad with an extreme distaste for American laws and, equally, their frequent use of spitting tobacco. Dickens turned to his pen once again and created a story which satirically centres around the selfish and greedy Chuzzlewits. About the book: Deeply distressed at thought of his singularly money-minded family circling around his inevitable death bed, when Old Martin Chuzzlewit comes across a young and kindly orphan girl, he immediately decides to take her into his employment. Offering her a comfortable living in exchange for her care and protection, Martin rests easy in the knowledge that her comfort will last only as long as he does; upon his death, Mary the orphan will find herself on the cold and dirty streets from whence she came. To his great dismay, Old Martin's plan is foiled when his own grandson and main heir, Martin Chuzzlewit Junior, declares his undying love for Mary and his consequent intention to marry her. This Audible Original dramatisation follows the Chuzzlewit household from this point on, as relationships are born and tested, old feuds are reignited and the ever-present vultures start to close in. A lesson in the dangers and consequences of looking only after number one, the narrative remains highly relevant to this day and is expertly narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi. About the author: With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels, various articles, novellas and short stories. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Barnaby Rudge, Little Dorrit and A Tale of Two Cities. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man. About the narrator: Sir Derek Jacobi is an English actor and stage director, best known for his illustrious stage career and his appearance in films such as The Day of the Jackal, Gladiator, Gosford Park and, most recently, Murder on the Orient Express. He is the recipient of two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony Award and a Primetime Emmy, and in 1994 he was knighted. Sir Derek has also recorded over 100 audiobooks, including Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine, Anthony Horowitz's Moriarty, and many works of classic fiction. A lifelong Dickens fan, Sir Derek is delighted to lend his dulcet tones to this recording of Martin Chuzzlewit as part of Audible's Definitive Dickens collection.
©2018 Charles Dickens (P)2018 Audible, Ltd
Nicholas Nickleby
Summary
One of Dickens’ earlier works, dating from 1839, this novel charts the fortunes of an honorable young man, Nicholas Nickleby, who has set out to make his way in the world. Dickens presents a remarkably vivid display of Victorian characters and the lives they lead, from the generous to the fated to the crushed. Hope springs eternal, however, and righteous persistence brings rewards.
Public Domain (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks
Love and War
Summary
The legend of Raistlin's daughter! A strange story that cannot be confirmed, yet it is whispered among the elves of Silvanesti, gossiped about by the kender of Krynn, and told here for the first time by Caramon, the enigmatic mage's surviving twin. A wondrous new novella journeying into secrets of the heart and rumors about the past that have bearing on the future of Krynn. Plus 10 exciting short stories - untold tales of chivalry and affection, heroic quests and foul villainy, magic in battle and transcendent defeat - featuring all the beloved companions and fantastical creatures of the best-selling Dragonlance Saga. The story that has enthralled over three million fans worldwide, as created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.
©1987 TSR, Inc. (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
Hard Times
Summary
This exclusive recording of Hard Times contains a unique introduction by Jeremy Paxman in which he takes us through Hard Times as his favourite Dickens title. To give it its full title, Hard Times - for These Times was Charles Dickens' 10th novel and the only one not to have any scenes set in London. It was first published in 1854 and depicts the struggles that were born as a result of the industrial revolution. About the book 'Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life.' So says Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy, utilitarian school board superintendent. Father to Tom and Louisa, he shapes the minds of all the young children, including his own, with the exception of only one: the circus-born Sissy Jupe. As the novel progresses, we see the lives of these three young children unfold, shaped by the beliefs and values they've been taught by their respective fathers and educators. Growing into a beautiful yet miserable young lady, Louisa is wed off to an associate of her father's. Tom, dulled by his strict upbringing, becomes a dissipated, hedonistic gambler, and Sissy, their imaginative, creative and selfless guiding light, seeks to repair the damage done to her friends by years of utilitarian training. About the author With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels and various articles, novellas and short stories. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became, unlike Josiah Bounderby, the ultimate self-made man. About the narrator Known for his versatility and for "making monsters and demons understood", Bertie Carvel has twice won the Olivier Award: for his performances as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and Rupert Murdoch in Ink. On television he was Jonathan Strange in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Nick Clegg in Coalition and the cheating husband in Doctor Foster. In this definitive audiobook of Hard Times, Carvel's presence and range shine through to gripping effect.
Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd
Great Expectations: Part 1
Summary
Great Expectations is hailed as Charles Dickens' masterpiece. A gripping tale of love and loss, aspiration and moral redemption, the story follows the young orphan Xiaomao (Pip) from poverty to a life of unexpected opportunity and wealth. In part one, Xiaomao (Pip) is raised by his short-tempered older sister and her husband who run a small repair shop in the outskirts of Shanghai. Xiaomao dreams of leaving his life of poverty behind after becoming playmates with the beautiful Bingbing (Estella), daughter of the eccentric Bai Xiaojie (Ms. Havisham). His prospects for the future are bleak, until one day a mysterious benefactor gives Xiaomao the opportunity of a lifetime. Mandarin Companion is a series of easy-to-listen-to novels in Chinese that are fun to listen to and proven to accelerate language learning. Every book in the Mandarin Companion series is carefully written to use characters, words, and grammar that a learner is likely to know. Level 2 is intended for Chinese learners at a low intermediate level, equivalent to roughly two to three years of formal study. Most learners who have been able to fluidly use Mandarin Companion Level 1 should be able to listen to this book. This series is designed to combine simplicity of characters with an easy-to-understand story line that helps learners grow their vocabulary and language comprehension abilities. The more they listen, the better they will become at understanding, reading, and grasping the Chinese language. Visit www.MandarinCompanion.com for updates on the newest titles and learning resources.
©2015 Mind Spark Press (P)2020 Mind Spark Press
The Big Book of Bedtime Stories
Summary
An enchanting collection of classic stories and rhymes for younger listeners. Warning - you may be tempted to stay up all night listening!"The Land of Storybooks", "Gold Tree and Silver Tree", "The Elephant's Child", "The Owl and the Pussy Cat", "How Beauty Contrived to Get Square with the Beast", "The Enchanted Pig", "The Beginning of the Armadillos", "The Embarrassing Episode of Little Miss Muffet", "The Frog Who Would a-Wooing Go", "The Cat That Walked by Himself", "Jack and his Comrades", "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", "Fair Brown and Trembling", "The Storyteller", "The Frog Princess", "The Magic Fishbone", "The Nettle Spinner", and "How Little Red Riding Hood Contrived to Be Eaten".
Public Domain (P)2011 Red Door Audiobooks
Timeless Tales for Kids
Summary
Timeless Tales for Kids is an enchanting compilation of children's classic stories read by an all-star cast. Olivia Colman reads E. Nesbit's classic novel The Railway Children, a masterpiece in children's fiction wonderfully evoking a bygone age, packed with fun, excitement and adventure. Bill Nighy reads a much-loved children's classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which continues to delight young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and magical shoes. Dominic Cooper reads Dickens' classic tale Oliver Twist. Dickens' timeless novel transports readers to a Victorian England filled with frightened orphans, grim workhouses and gangs of thieving children. Gemma Arterton reads Lewis Carroll's all-time classic, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Alice meets characters like the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat in a story that has delighted and entranced readers for more than a hundred years. Full story listing: Alistair McGowan reads The Jungle Book Olivia Colman reads The Railway Children Bill Nighy reads The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Luke Evans reads Treasure Island Russell Tovey reads Black Beauty Elizabeth McGovern reads Little Women Dominic Cooper reads Oliver Twist Jenna-Louise Coleman reads The Secret Garden Gemma Arterton reads Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Gemma Arterton reads Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd
Cuento de Navidad
Summary
Cuento de navidad narra la historia de Ebenezer Scrooge, un anciano miserable y tacaño, a quien durante una gélida Nochebuena, recibe la visita del espectro de su antiguo socio, Jacob Marley, quien hace desfilar ante Scrooge la visión de los espíritus de las Navidades pasadas, presentes y futuras intentando conmover su corazón. Tras esta visita y tras visionar la soledad y la muerte que le aguardan, Scrooge cambiará su modo de ver la vida. Un tierno relato que propone remover la conciencias y convencer de la necesidad de ser más bondadosos y de practicar la caridad en un mundo injusto. La inquietud social y el sentimiento conseguidos en esta narración lo harán conmover y disfrutar al mismo tiempo. Reconocido como uno de los mejores escritores de la era Victoriana, Charles Dickens es recordado por sus personajes icónicos, desde el pequeño e inocente Oliver Twist a el viejo y amargado Ebenezer Scrooge. Sus cuentos han sido adaptados a la pantalla grande incontables veces, y son leídos alrededor del mundo hasta el día de hoy. Gozó de una popularidad inmensa mientras vivía, y los más grandes escritores del siglo XX alabaron su estilo realista y cómico, sus personajes extravagantes y su crítica social.
©2020 SAGA Egmont (P)2020 SAGA Egmont
Victorian Anthologies: Ghosts - Volume 1
Summary
Few ghost stories are as chilling as the ones written by Victorian writers. Featuring work by M. R. James, Edith Nesbit, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Atherton and many more, this enhanced audio collection of eight enduring stories - some well-known, others less familiar - transport you to a candlelit fireside to hear tales of lonely coastlines, deadly rivers, dark, creaking corridors, horrific, everlasting love and unknown entities lurking in black velvet shadows. Listen if you dare!
©2020 B7 Media (P)2020 B7 Media
Sunday Under Three Heads
Summary
Charles Dickens, considered one of the greatest English authors of all time, wrote the essay "Sunday Under Three Heads" in 1836. It is a short piece expressing Charles Dickens' opinion on a bill being presented in the British Parliament which was meant to restrict pleasurable pursuits on Sundays. Dickens explains how this proposed act would negatively affect the poor people of Britain. Besides stating his opinion with eloquence, the essay provides a good description of life on an English Sunday in the early 19th century.
Public Domain (P)2020 Museum Audiobooks
The Old Curiosity Shop
Summary
The world's greatest classics retold for children. Why bless you, Little Nell! What if I had lost you? Little Nell Trent's childhood is over. Her grandfather's mind is failing, his dark secret makes him sad and distracted and he has nobody to care for him but Nell. The grotesque Daniel Quilp is out to cause trouble. What plans does he hatch with the dreadful Sampson and Sally Brass? What use can he hope to make of the foolish Dick Swiveller? Is Nell’s one true friend, Kit, a match for Quilp's villainous mind? Nell and her grandfather must disappear or be separated forever and so they begin their lives as beggars. When a mysterious gentleman arrives in London, determined to track them down, it becomes a race against time and against the evil of Quilp. Can Little Nell keep her grandfather safe? Who will protect Nell? Will the mysterious gentleman find them before it is too late?
©2012 Gill Tavner (P)2020 Gill Tavner
Horatio Sparkins
Summary
Der junge Textilkaufmann namens Samuel Smith nennt sich in Gesellschaft Horatio Sparkins. Er gibt sein Geld für elegante Kleidung aus und verbringt die Abende bei Zusammenkünften und Tanzveranstaltung. Dort gibt er sich als Dichter und Mann mit großem Einfluss aus. Auf einem Ball lernt er die Maldertons kennen, die ihn gerne als Ehemann für ihre in die Jahre gekommene Tochter Teresa sehen würden. Sie laden ihn ein und führen ihn in die feine Gesellschaft. Bevor es jedoch zur Hochzeit kommt, gehen Mutter und Tochter Malderton auf Einkaufstour und lernen in einem Kleidergeschäft den Textilverkäufer Samuel Smith alias Horatio Sparkins kennen. Teresa bricht in Hysterie aus und ihre Mutter überbringt diese schlimme Neuigkeit der Familie.
©1969 SWR (P)1969 SWR
Oliver Twist
Summary
Sicher habt ihr schon den weltberühmten Klassiker Oliver Twist gelesen oder als Film im Fernsehen oder im Kino gesehen. Doch nun könnt ihr Oliver Twist endlich auch als spannendes und ergreifendes Hörspiel erleben. Ihr seid Zeugen, wie ein Waisenjunge in die finstersten Abgründe der Londoner Verbrecherwelt gerät und die gefährlichsten Abenteuer zu bestehen hat. Gibt es noch Rettung für ihn?
©2020 All Ears GmbH (P)2020 All Ears GmbH
Classic Ghost Stories, Volume 2
Summary
Some of the greatest ghost stories of all time, here to send chills down your spine. This second collection of the world's best ghost stories includes: "The Hall Bedroom" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman "The Story of the Bagman's Uncle" and "The Haunted House" by Charles Dickens "The Familiar" by Joseph Sheridan LeFanu "Stacy Fleming's Hallucinaton" and "An Inhabitant of Carcosa" by Ambrose Bierce "The Old Nurse's Story" by Elizabeth Gaskill "The Philosophy of Relative Existences" by Frank Stockton "The Phantom Hag" by Guy de Maupassant "The Doll's Ghost" by F. Marion Crawford "Hertford O'Donnell's Warning" by Charlotte Riddell "Ghost Story" by E.T. Hoffman "A Ghost Story" by Mark Twain "The Canterville Ghost" by Oscar Wilde "The Phantom Woman", "The Spectre Bride", and "The Old Mansion", all three by anonymous
©1988 Jimcin Recordings
David Copperfield
Summary
La obra maestra de Dickens. El mismo Dickens consideraba a David Copperfield no solo su obra preferida, sino quiza la mejor de todas las que habia escrito. Quiza y en parte, se deba a que muchos consideran que esta es una obra autobiografica, aunque con muchos elementos de fantasia mezclados en la narracion, en la cual a trozos de aventura real, siguen pedazos conmovedores y escenas domesticas descritas con esa mano maestra del gran escritor ingles. Los personajes van desde los mas detestables villanos hasta figuras de gran dulzura y estan descritos con mano maestra y dentro de un argumento en el que el interes no se pierde un momento. Muchos han colocado a David Copperfield en la lista de las grandes novelas de todos los tiempos y por eso se presenta orgullosamente en esta coleccion.Many consider that this is an autobiographical work, although with many mixed elements of fantasy in the narration, where some moments of real life adventure are followed by harrowing descriptions and domestic scenes.
©2002 Disonex S.A. (P)2002 Disonex S.A.
A Warm Family Christmas
Summary
A charming, heart-felt collection of Christmas stories and poems that will delight the entire family. Includes F. Scott Fitzgerald's "A Luckless Santa Claus", "A Christmas Dinner" by Charles Dickens, O. Henry's classic Christmas story "The Gift of the Magi", the hilarious "Reginald on Christmas Presents" by Saki (H.H. Munro), and a tender scene exerpted from Little Women.
Public Domain (P)2006 PC Treasures, Inc.
Mitternachtsstories von Saki, H.G. Wells, W.F. Harvey u.a.
Summary
Von 1973 bis 1990 strahlte Sender Freies Berlin (SFB) die beliebte Hörfunksendung Nur für starke Nerven (ab 1987 unter dem Namen Die Mitternachtsstory) aus. Der Schauspieler Friedrich Schoenfelder las darin Grusel- und Kriminalgeschichten für Erwachsene zur guten Nacht vor. Bezeichnenderweise schlug er selbst 1972 der Unterhaltungsabteilung des SFB vor, eine Sendereihe zu starten, in der von ihm redaktionell ausgewählte Gruselgeschichten zu Gehör kommen sollten. Namhafte Autoren, von denen Geschichten zum Vortrag kamen, waren Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Bloch, E. A. Poe oder auch zeitgenössische deutschsprachige AutorInnen. Die Sendereihe umfasste mehr als 500 Folgen. Friedrich Schoenfelder konnte in mehr als 140 TV- und Kinofilmen, in mehr als 50 Hörspielen und als Synchronsprecher seine schauspielerische Leistung als distinguierter Gentleman aber auch als Charakterdarsteller unter Beweis stellen. In dieser Folge liest Friedrich Schoenfelder die Geschichten Augusthitze und Nacht über dem Moor von W. F. Harvey, Schicksal von Saki, Der schöne Anzug von H.G. Wells, Der Bahnwärter von Charles Dickens und Der Fluch der Feuer und Schatten von William Butler Yeats.
©1964 / 1969 /1961 Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb) (P)1964 / 1969 /1961 Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb)
The Signal-Man
Summary
Dicken's short story features a railway Signal-man who is haunted by a ghostly spectre that visits him each time prior to a tragic event. This is a classic ghost story that has even won favour by Doctor Who.
©2013 Ragamuffin Productions (P)2013 Ragamuffin Productions
Le fiabe del Mangiakilometri Vol. 4. Natale
Summary
Il Mangiakilometri: un'imperdibile collection con le più belle fiabe da ascoltare in auto con mamma e papà! Fiabe conosciute e nuove storie per scoprire un mondo di magia, ricco di avventure e sorprese. Nel volume 4: Canto di Natale, il racconto natalizio per eccellenza; le allegre peripezie di Belbaffo e della sua spensierata gang di amici; Babbo Natale esiste davvero, una favola che trasforma il sogno del Natale in realtà.
(c)2008 Good Mood