The Warden (version 3)
Anthony Trollope
Read by Nick Whitley
The Warden is the first novel in Anthony Trollope's series known as the "Chronicles of Barsetshire", making fun of the Church of England of his time, together with the religious controversies, and the press. It was his fourth novel. The Warden concerns Mr Septimus Harding, the meek, elderly warden of Hiram's Hospital and precentor of Barchester Cathedral, in the fictional county of Barsetshire.
The story concerns the impact upon Harding and his circle when a zealous young reformer, John Bold, launches a campaign to expose the disparity in the apportionment of the charity's income between its object, the bedesmen, and its officer, Mr Harding. John Bold embarks on this campaign in a spirit of public duty despite his romantic involvement with Eleanor and previously cordial relations with Mr Harding. Bold starts a lawsuit and Mr Harding is advised by the indomitable Dr Grantly, his son-in-law, to stand his ground.Bold attempts to enlist the support of the press and engages the interest of The Jupiter (a newspaper representing The Times) whose editor, Tom Towers, pens editorials supporting reform of the charity, and presenting a portrait of Mr Harding as selfish and derelict in his conduct of his office. This image is taken up by commentators Dr Pessimist Anticant, and Mr Popular Sentiment, who have been seen as caricatures of Thomas Carlyle and Charles Dickens respectively. Summary by Wikipedia (9 hr 37 min)
Chapters
Reviews
a wonderful listening experience
Kristin P.
Mr. Whitley has read both The Warden and Barchester Towers so colorfully and engagingly, and I only wish we had his rendition of Dr. Thorne. I’ve so enjoyed my time in the world of Barchester, and sadly disappointed to have finished both these stories.
fantastic reading
darthlaurel
Very glad to have discovered this excellent reader! Thank you for reading this wonderful classic for us!
Perfectly read. The Archdeacon's voice was fun.
A LibriVox Listener
I love British books read by British. A story that satirizes the church, lawyers and the press can only be an enjoyable read. The political establishment must be next. Librivox is the best walking companion.
1st rate story and reader
Margaret87
Nick Whitley does a beautiful job on Trollope's stories. Calm, measured, paced, total understanding of what he's reading. I'm so looking forward to Framley Parsonage. Thank you very much.
Literary History posing as Literary Fiction
Winans
My first Trollope. Not my last by any measure. Read by Nick Whitley in fine fashion. A pleasant introduction to a prolific writer.
A LibriVox Listener
Excellent book and outstanding reader. A classic well worth reading. Trollope is able to describe his characters with precision, create delightful dialogue and a propelling plot.
Laurence Rosania
Brilliantly read by Nick Whitley who brings out all the humanity and humor of the book. Very well done.
good
C. Love
a little dry for the first few chapters... by the time it gets gets good its almost over