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Piers Plowman

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Piers Plowman

By: William Langland
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Piers Plowman, William Langland's visionary medieval work about one man's quest for the true Christian life, is an allegorical journey through dream visions and visions within dreams. During the course of his journey, the narrator (William Langland) meets Piers Plowman, who gradually reveals himself to be the son of God. Through Piers, William learns of the virtues in poverty, the temptations of wealth, and of the perfect society that is to come under the rule of Piers Plowman. Each vision and conversation is presented in buoyant, lyrical, alliterative verse that conveys the thoughts and rejoicings of 14th-century England, and comes alive in A.V.C. Schmidt's contemporary translation of the "B" text.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 A. V. C. Schmidt (translation) (P)2020 Naxos Audiobooks Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Collections European Poetry World Literature
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This rendering perfectly treads the line between creating the immediacy of an entertaining dramatisation and the continuity of thought and argument crucial to the text itself. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Excellent reading of a medieval classic

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Great story that is brought to life by the brilliant narration by Jonathan Keeble - thank you!

Brilliant narration

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Dis not expect a straight morality tale but felt there was merit in listening to the philosophical aspects.

Well told morality story.

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Jonathan Keeble's interpretation shows great intelligence and understanding of the text he is reading. He differentiates characters superbly and responds well to the various levels of seriousness and humour in the text.

The recording is clear and well focussed, though it might have benefited from some use of of music as in the excellent PARADISE LOST.

As the translator of this great medieval poem, I was delighted at the vigour and freshness of the reading, which provided an experience of the work I have never had before. I hope it will reach a wide audience, and many thanks for taking it on.

author's comment on this performance (AVC Schmidt)

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This is a first rate presentation of Piers Plowman. The volume of the recording is consistent throughout, and it is a masterful reading by Jonathan Keeble: He captures the subtleties in the narrative, as well as its changes of mood and pace. And no less impressive was his ability to produce appropriate accents for the diverse range of characters as they appeared.. A superb reading that brought the narrative to life, and that left me feeling certain, (long before I had finished,) that I will be returning to this reading, that truely does justice, to Langland's brilliant narrative.

Well Pleased

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