ROBERT BROWNING Poems

Sian Thomas narrates the biographical and contextual commentary preceding each of the poems and dramatic monologues included in this anthology. The poetry is read by an ensemble of distinguished artists including Douglas Hodge, David Horovitch, Derek Jacobi, Jeremy Northam, Diana Quick, and Prunella Scales. Brief musical segues allow for a natural shift between poetry and narration. The set includes a list of the contents on each disc, but it does not identify which reader is reading which piece. Browning's successes and failures; his romanticism; his feelings on life, love, religion, and politics are chronicled through poetry, verse play, and dramatic monologue, all made even more accessible to listeners by the stellar performances of the impressive cast. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]