Audiobooks
This Sceptred Isle read by Anna Massie and Paul Eddington Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire read Philip Madoc and Neville Jason
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Now that heroes are back in force, history is high fashion. But Anna Massie, the anchorwoman on Radio 4's This Sceptred Isle (BBC, 3hrs, pounds 9.99), sounds too like Joyce Grenfell in a primary school; she is not helped by a script of unutterable banality. The extracts from Winston Churchill's History of the English-Speaking People are, predictably, better phrased, although the late Paul Eddington's reading of them is, sadly, lacklustre.
But Philip Madoc's splendid voice, full of importance, makes Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Naxos, 8hrs, pounds 12.49) quite mesmerising: like driving through history in a Rolls-Royce. It is also a timely reminder of the brilliance of its legendary author. Gibbon can analyse character, tell a love story, and describe practicalities with the same matchless lucidity.
Christina Hardyment
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments