'Of Man's First Disobedience, and the Fruit Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal taste Brought Death into the World, and all our woe...' So begins the greatest epic poem in the English language. In words remarkable for their richness of rhythm and imagery, Milton tells the story of man's creation, fall and redemption - 'to justify the ways of God to men.' The tale unfolds from the aftermath of the great battle between good and evil to the moving departure of Adam and Eve from Eden, with human and eternal anguish intertwined in magnificent resonance. Here, unabridged, and told with exceptional sensitivity and power by Anton Lesser, is the plight of Adam and Eve, the ambition and vengefulness of Satan and his cohorts. The complete text is also included.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By DR
Format:Audio CD
I was expecting so much more from this recording of 'Paradise Lost' - largely based on what I had read from other customers' comments. I am still only half-way through, so perhaps my judgement is premature. Anyhow, I am disappointed by the light-weight, rather high-toned voice of the narrator. I feel that a more baritone voice would have been infinitely preferable. Also, there does not seem to be much distinction of character between the different voices adopted by the reader. I cannot help comparing this version with the BBC radio dramatisation that was done in the mid-1990s, which was utterly superb (with Dennis Quilley as the excellent narrator - so much more colourful and expressive in his reading, as were all the other actors). To be fair, the narrator on this recording does a decent and acceptable job - it is certainly listenable-to; but it is not gripping or impressive. As I said - it lacks gravitas and vocal beauty / power. Having said all this, I would still recommend it, as it seems to be the only audio version of this magnificent poem available, and the poem is so great - much more grand and imposing than anything Shakespeare ever wrote, in my opinion - that no opportunity should be lost to hear it (and it is indeed a poem that needs to be heard read out loud - it is so musical and sensuous in its language). My final verdict, then, is that it is worth having in want of anything better - but that you should snap up the BBC (abridged) version with Dennis Quilley if ever that is brought out on CD (that was spectacularly good). This one is middling and no more than acceptable, in my view.
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It would be difficult to overpraise this rendition of Milton's
great poem. The qualities of the original are brought out superbly - the magnificent structure - the varied moods - the wonderful use of language. There were moments when I wondered if the use of a group of actors and actresses would have been better - in particular having a female voice for Eve. This would have emphasised the essentially dramatic nature of the epic. However, by using the one actor throughout, a certain unity is achieved, and Anton Lesser manages to subtilely change his voice to suit each character. The use of music is discreet -
rounding off each section in a way that seems completely appropriate.
great poem. The qualities of the original are brought out superbly - the magnificent structure - the varied moods - the wonderful use of language. There were moments when I wondered if the use of a group of actors and actresses would have been better - in particular having a female voice for Eve. This would have emphasised the essentially dramatic nature of the epic. However, by using the one actor throughout, a certain unity is achieved, and Anton Lesser manages to subtilely change his voice to suit each character. The use of music is discreet -
rounding off each section in a way that seems completely appropriate.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is truly a superb recording. To hear the flow of Milton's verse and the full richness of his language - I only recently learned that he contributed more new words to the English language than Shakespeare - is a revelation, and has certainly added to my appreciation of the work. Somehow Paradise Lost is less forbidding, and the epic story it recounts is part of our Western cultural and religious heritage which should not fade into obscurity and inaccessibility. Hopefully Anton Lesser's recording will make Milton's work accessible to more people.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
I first came across Anton Lesser (who reads on these discs) a few years ago on a television documentary about Dickens. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by Simon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure Heaven
Undoubtedly the pinnacle of western literature, Milton's Paradise Lost is a work to be treasured, revered and celebrated. Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2010 by Steven Athwal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Paradise Lost, read by Anton Lesser
This was incredible. I would never have read it but the reader makes it come alive such that it was easy to understand and appreciate and so gripping that I had to listen to all... Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2010 by S. Hugg
2.0 out of 5 stars
Better than nothing
It's good to have Paradise Lost complete but what a wasted opportunity! Anton Lesser is a fine actor but his is certainly not the voice or temperament for Milton: he seems out of... Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2010 by Enobarbus
5.0 out of 5 stars
worlds and words
If you're considering buying this, my advice is, don't hesitate (in case Naxos decide one day to withdraw it)! This reading of the poem is simply a minor marvel. Read more
Published on 20 May 2008 by Paul Callick
5.0 out of 5 stars
paradise lost read by anton lesser
Made me appreciate why this poem is the pinnacle of english literature - the musicality of the language. Read more
Published on 19 Nov 2006 by C. phillips
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