Audiobooks by William Makepeace Thackeray

Vanity Fair: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Al Murray stars in this anarchic BBC radio reboot of Thackeray's groundbreaking satirical novel Comedian Al Murray plays his great-great-great grandfather William Makepeace Thackeray as the unreliable narrator in this radical makeover of his ancestor's celebrated satire on class, sex, money, hypocrisy and snobbery in nineteenth-century England. As the curtain rises on our 'story without a hero', moneyless Becky Sharp leaves school with her upper-class best friend Amelia Sedley. Clever, cunning and ambitious, Becky is determined to make her way in Regency society - and she'll trample on anyone who gets in her way. When her plan to marry Amelia's brother Jos falls through, she snares the aristocratic Rawdon Crawley - but her hopes of riches are dashed when the couple are disinherited by his wealthy aunt. Meanwhile, Amelia marries the dashing George Osborne, breaking the heart of her devoted admirer, William Dobbin. But war is fast approaching, and as Napoleon advances towards Waterloo, where will the winds of destiny blow our players? And will the ever-resourceful Becky succeed in achieving her desires? Pacey, contemporary, fresh and funny, this sparkling dramatisation features Ellie White as Becky, Helen O'Hara as Amelia, Blake Ritson as Rawdon, Rupert Hill as George, Thom Tuck as Jos and Graeme Hawley as Dobbin. Cast and credits Thackeray (narrator)........................Al Murray Becky Sharp........................Ellie White Amelia Sedley........................Helen O'Hara Rawdon Crawley........................Blake Ritson Jos Sedley........................Thom Tuck George Osborne........................Rupert Hill Dobbin........................Graeme Hawley Mrs Sedley/Mrs Bute/Aunty Crawley/Jane/Rawdon Junior........................Emma Gregory Mr Sedley/Sir Pitt/Lord Steyne........................Jonathan Keeble Mr Osborne/Bute/General Tufto........................Malcolm Raeburn Pitt........................Lloyd Peters Lady Bareacres/Miss Briggs/George Junior........................Fiona Clarke Written by William Makepeace Thackeray Dramatised by Jim Poyser, with additional material by Al Murray A BBC Radio Drama North production Produced and directed by Gary Brown First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 May-9 June 2019

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), , Al Murray (Narrator)

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The Art Of Fine Dining - A Short Story Volume

J.M.Barrie, Katherine Mansfield, William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Eve Karpf, Ghizela Rowe, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Theatre Royal - Becky Sharpe - Vanity Fair & The Overcoat: Episode 20

Theatre Royal. The very name summons up something of grandeur and eloquence. And it was. Hosted by Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier, these big-name productions also included the creme de la creme of acting talents from John Gielgud, Robert Morley and Orson Welles to Trevor Howard, Michael Redgrave and Olivier himself. They were based on works by the worlds' leading authors, among them Charles Dickens, Henry James, Oscar Wilde and Anton Chekhov. These are but a few of whose company we shall be keeping as we raise the curtain on our first instalment of theatrical history.

Nikolai Gogol, William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson (Narrator)

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William Makepeace Thackeray - The Short Stories

The Short Stories Of William Makepeace Thackeray. The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of William Makepeace Thackeray. The great author of Vanity Fair and The Luck Of Barry Lyndon was born in India in 1811. At age 5 his father died and his mother sent him back to England. His education was of the best but he himself seemed unable to apply his talents to a rigorous work ethic. After a few years of marriage his wife began to suffer from depression and over the years became detached from reality. He himself suffered from ill health later in his life and the one pursuit that kept him moving forward was that of writing and in his life time he was placed second only to Dickens. High praise indeed. In this volume we take some of his shorter works, they are perfect miniatures of the world as he saw it. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth.

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Ghizela Rowe, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Victorian Poetry - Volume 3

Victorian Poetry - Volume 3 - An Introduction. Victoria's reign was long and presided over the restless expansion of the British Empire and reams of creative genius. Within these volumes we can bring only a glimpse of the richness, beauty and words of their poets and their musings on this remarkable age. Many are world renowned - Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Kipling, Austin, Hopkins, Hardy and Swinburne. Some almost forgotten - Patmore, Newbolt, Synge. And some barely noted - Lyall, Meynell and Merdeith. But together they encompass a great poetical age. In Volume 3 we collect together Alice Meynell to WB Yeats. Among our readers are Richard Mitchley and Ghizela Rowe.

Alice Meynell, Augusta Davies Webster, William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Ghizela Rowe, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair

Thackeray's novel is a bitingly satirical depiction of the corruptions of Regency society. But it is also a splendidly readable tale, written in the manner of 18th Century novels. Few of the characters are noted for their virtue, but the zest and enthusiasm with which the narrative bounds along makes the reader overlook, if not forgive, the sins of its rogues and scoundrels. The novel's protagonist, Becky Sharp, goes her own wily way but wins the reader's admiration nonetheless for her resourcefulness and, above all, sheer daring. 1. INTO THE WORLD. Amelia Sedley and Rebecca Sharpe leaves Miss Pinkerton's academy with very different farewells: for wealthy Amelia, wine and a dictionary; for penniless Becky, nothing. At the Sedleys' house in Russell Square, Becky plans to marry Jos, Amelia's brother. The three of them, together with George Osborne (Amelia's beau) and his friend, Dobbin spend an evening at Vauxhall Gardens, Drunk, Jos speak of love to Becky, who expects him to propose. The next day he flees London and Becky has to make her own way in the world. 2. A GOVERNESS'S CAREER. Becky is to be governess to the children of Sir Pitt Crawley and is amazed by the vulgarity of her employer and the squalor of his home. But she soon makes herself indispensable to the family. The younger son, Captain Rawdon Crawly, falls in love with her but she appears to scorn him. When Miss Crawley, a rich maiden aunt, visits, Becky wins her over too. Meanwhile, Amelia is deeply in love with the feckless, if dashing, George. 3. SECRET MARRIAGES. Becky becomes Miss Crawley's companion. This upsets Sir Pitt, who wants her back - as his wife, if she wishes. But Becky has secretly married Rawdon and they flee to Brighton. Meanwhile, Amelia's father loses his fortune and George forgets her until the kindly Dobbin tells him she is heartbroken. Amelia and George marry but when George's father hears of the match, he disinherits him. George and Amelia also go to Brighton, where they meet Becky and Rawdon. There the four receive news of war. Later, George is killed at the Battle of Waterloo. 4. AFTER WATERLOO. Becky and Rawdon settle in Paris, where their son is born. Soon Becky's charm and beauty attract a circle of friends; but she and Rawdon run up debts and are forced to leave for London. Becky pretends that Miss Crawley has left money to Rawdon. In fact, his brother Pitt, married to Lady Jane, is Miss Crawley's heir. Amelia also bears a son and, as George's father refuses to help her, she goes to live with her parents on a widow's meagre pension. Dobbin, who has loved her all along, leaves for India. 5. IN SOCIETY. Becky makes her home in Curzon Street one of the most fashionable house - at least for men; society ladies refuse to meet her. She befriends important people, like the lecherous Lord Steyne, while neglecting her son, Rawdon. After the death of Sir Pitt, she also repairs relations with her brother in law, Pitt Crawley, who gives her diamonds. These she wears when he presents her at court. Meanwhile, Amelia's hardships are worsened by her father's repeated financial failures. 6. DEBT AND DISASTER. Lord Steyne sends young Rawdon to school and persuades Becky to dismiss her companion, leaving the house almost empty. When Rawdon is arrested for debt, Becky defers helping him and writes to his brother instead. In fact, Lady Jane comes to release him and he arrives home to find Becky entertaining Lord Steyne and throws out his gifts of money and jewels. Both Steyne and Rawdon abandon Becky. Even the maid leaves; Becky is ruined and alone. 7. WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Rawdon is made Governor of Coventry Island, a tropical outpost, and leaves England. He settles an annuity on Becky, who departs for Europe. Amelia struggles to make end meet and discovers that her father is utterly ruined. However, she continues to care for him lovingly after the death of her mother. Dobbin returns from India, encountering Jos on the journey home. Dobbin declares his long-enduring love for Amelia, who at last recognises his true worth and accepts his proposal of marriage. 8. JUST DESERTS. Becky is driven from Paris by old creditors, but enjoys leading an increasingly Bohemian life. She neglects her son, until he becomes the heir to the Crawley fortune. Finally she ensnares Joseph Sedley, who leaves her a substantial amount of money when he dies. Rawdon dies of fever on Coventry Island and his son is brought up by Pitt Crawley and Lady Jane, now close friends of Amelia and William. All refuse to have any contract with Becky, who is living a newly respectable life in Bath.

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Edward Petherbridge (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray is one of the best classic books of all time. Originally published in 1848, Vanity Fair is still wildly popular today. In 2003, VVanity Fair was voted by readers in the BBC poll The Big Read as the 122 best book of all time. Vanity Fair follows the rags-to-riches tale of the captivating and ruthless Becky Sharpe as she navigates her way through London society with fearsome determination and ambition. Filled with hilarious dialogue and superb characterizations, Vanity Fair is a richly entertaining comedy that asks the reader, 'Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?' Enjoy this wonderful tale Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray today!

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Group (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair: BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Stephen Fry narrates this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the famous Victorian comic novel. Orphan Becky Sharp and wealthy Amelia Sedley are best friends at Miss Pinkerton's Academy for Young Ladies. On leaving school, ambitious, social-climbing Becky looks for a rich man to support her, while the sweet-natured Amelia meets her old friend Dobbin, who is instantly captivated. Becky takes a job in the service of Sir Pitt Crawley, and uses her charm to hook his dashing son. However, marriage to Captain Rawdon of the Guards does not provide the fortune she seeks. Meanwhile, Amelia rejects the faithful Dobbin and becomes engaged to the handsome George Osborne – but destiny has some shocks in store for her, too. As time goes by, the girls' fortunes rise and fall. War, financial disaster and the ruin of her reputation leave the resourceful Beckyundaunted, but Amelia finds it harder to bear fate's blows. It will be many years before their story is played out, and their futures finally decided... William Makepeace Thackeray's classic satire of passion and ambition, first published in 1847 and 1848, is a deliciously ironic portrait of English society and its mores. This engaging 2004 radio production, published for the first time on audio, features a distinguished cast including Emma Fielding as Becky Sharp, Katy Cavanagh as Amelia and Toby Jones as Jos Sedley. Duration: 5 hours approx

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Emma Fielding, Stephen Fry (Narrator)

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Barry Lyndon

Like Tom Jones before him, Barry Lyndon is one of the most lively and roguish characters in English literature. He may now be best known through the colourful Stanley Kubrick film released in 1975, but it is Thackeray who, in true 19th-century style, shows the darker side of this 18th-century hero; hence it remains a startling novel. Following the death of an English officer, Barry flees his native Ireland and attempts to establish himself as one of England's aristocratic elite. Through backstabbing and scheming he reaches the level of society to which he always aspired. However, intent on criticizing the period's social order, Thackeray ensures that this success is soon followed by the hero's ultimate decline. Jonathan Keeble's energetic reading imbues the period with colour and illuminates the sheer inventiveness of Thackeray's literary and topical satire.

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Jonathan Keeble (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair

Penguin Classics presents William Makepeace Thackeray adapted for audio and available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by Robert Hardy. 'Vanitas Vanitatum! Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?' No one is better equipped in the struggle for wealth and worldly success than the alluring and ruthless Becky Sharp, who defies her impoverished background to clamber up the class ladder. Her sentimental companion Amelia, however, longs only for caddish soldier George. As the two heroines make their way through the tawdry glamour of Regency society, battles - military and domestic - are fought, fortunes made and lost. The one steadfast and honourable figure in this corrupt world is Dobbin with his devotion to Amelia, bringing pathos and depth to Thackeray's gloriously satirical epic of love and social adventure. Part of a series of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives. Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Makepeace Thackeray (Author), Robert Hardy (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair [With eBook]

Vanity Fair is a story of two heroines---one humble, the other a scheming social climber---who meet in boarding school and embark on markedly different lives. Amid the swirl of London's posh ballrooms and affairs of love and war, their fortunes rise and fall. Through it all, Thackeray lampoons the shallow values of his society, reserving the most pointed barbs for the upper crust. What results is a prescient look at the dogged pursuit of wealth and status---and the need for humility. Show Less

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Wanda McCaddon (Narrator)

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Vanity Fair

William Makepeace Thackeray, William Thackeray (Author), Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

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