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Paradise Lost
- Narrated by: Frances Barber, full cast, Ian McKellen
- Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
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Publisher's Summary
Sir Ian McKellen stars as Milton in this dramatised retelling of John Milton's epic poem about the fall of man.
Milton's biblical masterpiece, first published in 1667, is one of English literature's most seminal works. Straddling three worlds - heaven, hell and earth - it tells the gripping story of fallen angel Satan's rebellion against God, his temptation of Adam and Eve and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
Written to 'justify the ways of God to men', it aimed to show what caused mankind's fall and the consequences for the world, both bad and good. By reaching back to the beginning of time, Milton hoped to discover the events that had led to the political and societal upheaval of his own era - as well as using allegory to ask powerful questions about authority, government, tyranny and disobedience. In this brand-new dramatisation, Milton himself (Sir Ian McKellen) is the blind narrator grieving the loss of his wife, played by Frances Barber.
Also starring Simon Russell Beale as Satan, and adapted by award-winning poet and broadcaster Michael Symmons Roberts, this enthralling drama is a vital piece of storytelling with striking parallels to contemporary events.
Cast and credits:
Milton........................Sir Ian McKellen
Elizabeth........................Frances Barber
Satan........................Simon Russell Beale
Beelzebub........................Jonathan Keeble
Adam........................Ashley Margolis
Eve........................Emily Pithon
Christ........................David Seddon
Raphael........................Conrad Nelson
God........................Russell Dixon
All other parts were played by members of the company.
Written by John Milton. Dramatised by Michael Symmons Roberts. Produced and directed by Susan Roberts.
What the critics say
"Devilishly good...I urge you to give it a listen." (The Telegraph)
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What listeners say about Paradise Lost
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 2019-10-29
Narrated by Ian McKellan. Need I say more?
Very well done, 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone in love with poetry
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jim
- 2018-08-07
Fantastic!
A beautifully artistic take on Milton.
This dramatisation is fantastic!
Just keep in mind, this is not the poem in full. This is a dramatic take on the writing of the poem. It includes some of Milton's verses, but it is definitely abridged.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2019-08-07
Paradise Lost is a story you must read!!
From start to finish this epic and I mean epic poem grabs you up and take you on a journey unlike no other. If you have not read this book yet I highly recommend it for those who enjoy captivating books. This book will go on your list of favorite read I promise you!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Valbowski4186
- 2020-07-30
A literary masterpiece brought to life
As a pastor, I take issue with some of Milton's theology, but that's beside the point. This poem is a work of genius and the actors perform their roles magnificently! Whether as an act of religious devotion, intellectual curiosity, historical study, or literary appreciation, do yourself a favor and listen to this spectacular drama.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- chris
- 2018-09-20
great
love it well not a dull moment bit was superb very very very very good
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Sean Brady
- 2022-01-03
Clear approachable dramatization
This rendition seems to stay very true to Milton’s original text while McKellen’s portrayal of Milton draws the listener into the story and lightens an otherwise extremely dark mood. I’d recommend this to anyone who is interested in Paradise Lost but has been intimidated by more scholarly readings and versions.
