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  • Swallows and Amazons

  • Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 1
  • Written by: Arthur Ransome
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (20 ratings)

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Swallows and Amazons

Written by: Arthur Ransome
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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Publisher's 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. Swallows and Amazons, the book that started it all in 1930, introduces the Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat Island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow, and the two intrepid Amazons, plucky Nancy and Peggy Blackett.

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

What the critics say

“Enchanting and escapist” ( Sunday Express)
“There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating” ( Times Literary Supplement )
“Thrilling not only to young readers fond of the sea, but also to older readers who remember how they enjoyed sea stories when they themselves were young” ( The Scotsman)
“All the thrills of Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe" ( Daily Telegraph)
“Absolutely fantastic” ( Daily Express)

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What listeners say about Swallows and Amazons

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Adventure, friendship and nostalgia

I listened to this book with my 9 year old boy, and we both loved it. I had never heard of this series before Audible recommended it to me (we love classics, especially Narnia), and it was a winner for us. It started off a little slowly, but soon we were drawn in to the children's sailing and pirate adventures on the lake. After listening, my son immediately planned a hiking adventure and camping trip his best friends sans parents, which ended up being a great success. I love books that foster this sense of independence and adventure in my kids. #Audible1

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved introducing to my 9 and 5 yr old

This was my favorite book series as a kid so I was thrilled to find it here to share with my own children. They both loved it and I thoroughly enjoyed reliving my youth listening to it again. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves stories of adventure, sailing, pirates and more.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Will listen to whole series...

Dated, disturbing RE: "savages", "natives", etc. Otherwise wonderful. Capable, independent kids. Great winter escape read!

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