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The Warden: Timothy West Version

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The Warden: Timothy West Version

By: Anthony Trollope
Narrated by: Timothy West
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About this listen

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).

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Classics

What listeners say about The Warden: Timothy West Version

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So peaceful ..

How beautiful being 'read to' by Timothy West whos voice is so appropriately matched with such a story

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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  • Overall
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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.

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1 person found this helpful

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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