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  • The Picts & the Martyrs

  • Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 11
  • By: Arthur Ransome
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (187 ratings)

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The Picts & the Martyrs

By: Arthur Ransome
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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Summary

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome's unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old. Jibbooms and bobstays!

Those two Blackett sisters are back at it again, and Nancy is right there in the thick of it. Their mother (doubtless suffering from exhaustion) has gone off sailing in the North Sea with Captain Flint on a rest cure, but she has allowed her two daughters to stay a fortnight at Beckfoot on the lakeshore with their trusty cook. She's also permitted their two old friends, Dick and Dorothea Callum, to come up for a visit. But when their redoubtable Great Aunt (aka G. A.) hears of their abandonment, she's horrified and off on the next train. Arthur Ransome was a prolific writer of children's books.

Born in Leeds in 1884, it was his father, a nature-loving history professor, who inspired his love of the outdoors and nurtured a passion for fishing. As a child he enjoyed active, outdoor holidays: sailing, camping and exploring the countryside. He used many of these holiday settings for his children's stories, notably the much-loved Swallows and Amazons, a book that sits comfortably in the category of "timeless classic". In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for the sixth book in the Swallows & Amazons series, Pigeon Post.

©2013 Arthur Ransome (P)2013 Audible Ltd
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What listeners say about The Picts & the Martyrs

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Superb series of books.

Thoroughly enjoyed the fun plot and superb narration. The books are well written and beautifully encapsulate the innocence and playfulness of childhood.

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A hidden gem of a story

Not as long as other Arthur Ransom books, but wonderful characterisation. Wonderfully comic charactet in Great Aunt Maria. Love how Nancy Blacket has debeloped as a character.

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One of the best

Kept my attention from start to finish. Great storyline, great narration and great fun. True Swallows and Amazon's stuff.

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Good Adventure

As AlwAys another great yarn , nice gentle pace with a lot of fun as usual well read much enjoyed

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Better and better

It was circa 1958 when I first read this book - along with all of the others in the series. Having listened to them again now I think this is the best of the lot. I enjoyed it not only because of happy memories of childhood, but mainly because its a great read! The GA lives up to her reputation ans Nancy continues to live life dangerously. Marvellous escapism.

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Another great story

Great escapism from the trails of the current Virus situation. I love these stories even although I know them so very well

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Briliant

It’s a great book. The narrator is phenomenal especially his Great Aunt, who unfortunately appears a lot only near the end. She is quite a character brought to life brilliantly by the narrator.

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Well read

The insistence on this review being completed is highly irritating ands likely to influence any future purchasing

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Brilliant

Classic story excellently narrated, a pleasure to listen to, and plenty more in the series

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First class

I have enjoyed Swallows and Amazons stories for 60 years and it’s delightful to listen to Gareth Armstrong’s reading of the stories. All the voices are as I imagined them to be and I feel that he is enjoying the stories too.

Are there any more audio books narrated by him?

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