Tolkien Audio Books

[Wormwood]

So nobody here has listend to the Silmarilian on audio?

*raises hand*

I've listened to it a few times, but I prefer dramatizations over readings.

Also, certain sections of the text can be rather dense---so much so that I often had to really pay close attention or I would become lost.

That says more about my level of intelligence than it does about the audio book, I'm afraid.

 

[Ranger REG]

So what audio dramatization of the LOTR should I look for, or ask my book store sales clerk?

Is there any good ones out there?

 

[Wormwood]

So what audio dramatization of the LOTR should I look for, or ask my book store sales clerk?

Is there any good ones out there?

Check out this thread

edit:

 

[Mistwell]

That says more about my level of intelligence than it does about the audio book, I'm afraid.

Everyone, including Tolkien's son himself, finds the Silmarilian a bit dense. It's just that some people around here don't like to admit it is difficult (despite some of it being written in a foreign language that does not exist in real life, and hundreds of names from that language many of which are virtually identical, and more crossreferences than most text books). That's why I wanted to hear about the audio version - to find out if consistent pronounciation of the names by someone else made the book easier to keep track of.

 

[Wormwood]

That's why I wanted to hear about the audio version - to find out if consistent pronounciation of the names by someone else made the book easier to keep track of.

My point was that when I actually read the book, I am able to pore over the more obfuscated passages until they make sense, aided by frequent page flipping and cross referencing. The audio-book's linear format means that you;d better be prepared to do some 'active listening' or you'll find yourself reaching for the rewind button.

On the other hand, the 'heroic' tales (the Fall of Gondolin, Turin, etc) *do* benefit from being read aloud. The stories are vocative and I find myself able to remember whole passages better having heard them.

I would recommend the series.

Everyone, including Tolkien's son himself, finds the Silmarilian a bit dense. It's just that some people around here don't like to admit it is difficult

Well, if you've ever seen a "What are your D&D stats" thread around here, you'll note that such a congregation of genius-level thinkers would find the Silmarillion to be mere child's play.

 

[Sulimo]

On the other hand, the 'heroic' tales (the Fall of Gondolin, Turin, etc) *do* benefit from being read aloud. The stories are vocative and I find myself able to remember whole passages better having heard them.

Probably most of Tolkien does in this regard...I certainly feel The Hobbit and LOTR do for example.

Well, if you've ever seen a "What are your D&D stats" thread around here, you'll note that such a congregation of genius-level thinkers would find the Silmarillion to be mere child's play.

I wouldnt call it childs-play, you just have to concentrate a bit and approach it from a different way than you would reading a novel. Its a bit like reading Genesis.

I love it...but then I'm a big Elf fanboy and fan of myths and legends.