Try free for 30 days
-
The Warden: Timothy West Version
- Narrated by: Timothy West
- Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
The Warden: Timothy West Version
Buy Now for $21.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
Exclusively from Audible
The first of six in Trollope's series of the Chronicles of Barsetshire introducing the fictional cathedral town of Barchester and the characters of Septimus Harding, the Warden, and his son-in-law Archdeacon Grantly.
The Warden concerns the moral dilemma of the conscientious Reverend Septimus Harding, who finds himself at the centre of a bitter conflict between defenders of Church privilege and the reformers of the mid-Victorian period.
His daughter's suitor, John Bold, is a political radical and passionate reformer who launches a campaign against Harding's management of the financial affairs of the charity, thus shattering the atmosphere of the once tranquil town of Barchester. The scandal is not improved when Harding's indelicate son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, leaps to his defence.
The audiobook is a charming social comedy and love story that portrays life in an English cathedral town whilst looking at the larger social and political issues.
The Warden was Trollope's first literary success which paved the way for him to later leave his career as a Post Office Inspector and become a prolific and much-respected author of the Victorian era. He eventually published 47 novels, many of which are still popular and well-loved today due to their timeless quality and parallels with contemporary society.
Narrator Biography
Timothy West is prolific in film, television, theatre, and audiobooks. He has narrated a number of Anthony Trollope's classic audiobooks, including the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and The Pallisers series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.
Timothy West's theatrical credits include King Lear, The Vote, Uncle Vanya, A Number, Quarter, and Coriolanus and his films include Ever After, Joan Of Arc, Endgame, Iris, and The Day of the Jackal. On television, Timothy has appeared in Broken Biscuits (BBC), Great Canal Journeys (across 3 Series), and the regular role of Stan Carter on EastEnders (BBC).
What listeners say about The Warden: Timothy West Version
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Marilyn Evans
- 31-12-2021
So peaceful ..
How beautiful being 'read to' by Timothy West whos voice is so appropriately matched with such a story
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jill Moss
- 13-09-2023
Trollope’s modern concern
This beautiful prose and comedic characterisation ( thank you Timothy West) remind us that activism can lead to an undesired result, and can awaken change which was not sought and that internal conniving remains unattractive
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter
- 10-07-2016
The Reading
The use of words to express and convey the intricacies of human nature is exceptional.
rich descriptions with a dry wit makes for such an enjoyable book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- Denny R.
- 06-07-2020
A masterful novel read superbly by Timothy West
This gentle funny account of a kindly prelate in 19thC England could have been a saccharine affair in the hands of Dickens, but while Septimus Harding is generous and self-sacrificing to a fault, Trollope introduces some bemusement at Harding's willingness to sacrifice his comfort & income for no real gain. Most of the old men in the home are dead, those remaining have only a few years left. In a short time the home will be empty and the beautiful garden neglected. Trollope celebrates the benign, graceful & civilised. Timothy West's narration perfectly captures the essence of each character.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alexander Emslie
- 01-03-2015
Absorbing. Masterful.
The word picture painting and the language are the work of a true craftsman. Timothy West imparts a further beauty. He is a magnificent narrator. I am now firmly avowed to continue reading the remaining volumes and choosing the editions in which Mr. West tells the tale.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Taryn
- 04-10-2023
Funny and engaging
The heavy narration (of the author, not the narrator) is a bit irritating at times but the prose is witty and the characters are engaging.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 16-04-2022
Worth getting through the detail of first chapter
Even a committed admirer of Trollope found the opening couple of chapters handwork, a fair bit of detail about a legal arrangement now unfamiliar. It is not complex but requires more concentration that usual. Well worth it though. Still, a first time Trollope listener, or someone making up their mind whether to bother with him, would be better off starting with The Way We Live Now. Others should persevere but might consider listening twice to first two chapters. I rewound over and over but, knowing what I do now, would probably just listen to these first couple (of short) chapters right through twice. The narrator is perfect and Trollope splendid.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Elisa Bee
- 25-06-2024
The story and the telling
It’s a balm and a joy to listen to Timothy West read Trollope. Mild, kind Mr Harding faces a legal challenge to his position as warden of Hirams Hospital, a charity for 12 old men, for which he receives a generous stipend. The challenger is the ambitious John Bold, a suitor of Eleanor Harding. Thanks to Eleanor, Bold abandons the proceedings but Mr Harding, shamed (needlessly) resigns. He is sadly missed and the Hospital declines. All ends well and it was delightfully read. West is particularly good at reading Archbishop Grantly, a blustering, but likeable chap.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 23-12-2023
Powerful
What a powerful little piece of social commentary that still feels resonant today. It also offers up an aspirational character, a protagonist who acts for truth and honesty.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!