John Donne: Poems (Highbridge Classics)

The most annoying thing about these cds is the intrusive and unnecessary intros to the poems which most listeners will not care to listen to more than once. The second most annoying thing about these cds is the intrusive, unnecessary and unattractive trumpet at the beginning or ends of many poems. The third most annoying thing about these cds is the poor reading, which at times doesn't follow either prosody or normal voice in its pitch patterns and emphasis. Apart from these three annoyances, these are fair cds. They might be useful in educational settings, where the intros might be appropriate and the trumpet might keep students awake. I gave this two stars rather than one because the poetry presented is immortal.

I've owned the cassette version of this recording for some time: it's simply superb, which is what you would expect from such seasoned British actors. Nathaniel Parker's readings of The Flea and To His Mistress are particular knock-outs.

The narrative between the poems is also excellent, putting Donne's work in perspective by placing it firmly within the historical and cultural context.

Highly recommended.

This set of tapes is a good way to begin a study of John Donne, or if already a fan, to be cradled by his words read aloud by melliflous English voices. There is a good biographical sketch interlaced with some of Donne's most famous works, giving the listener the historical background and influences behind some of the world's best poetry.