Alan Titchmarsh, England Our England
Alan Titchmarsh is best known as a gardener and TV presenter, and for being regularly voted one of the world’s sexiest men, but he is also a writer. He has written many gardening books, and some fiction. I enjoyed his light but rather charming novel Rosie (2004).
But my favourite of his productions is a CD, England, Our England. It’s a fabulous celebration of English traditions, landscape and weather, through the words of various writers. There are excerpts from Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Blake, Churchill, Alan Bennett, Kenneth Grahame, Laurie Lee, Shakespeare, and others. It is also available as a book, but the joy is in the fabulous readings (done by Titchmarsh, Judy Bennett and Charles Collingwood). Such a treat!
Do you have a favourite spoken word CD? Are there other books or CDs that strongly evoke England for you? Share your comments below.
Unfortunately this CD is out of production, however you may be able to borrow it from your local library, or purchase the online audio book format from Audiobooks.com or Audible.com. It is available in paperback or hardback.
England, Our England (paperback) by Alan Titchmarsh
Rosie (audio CD) by Alan Titchmarsh
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Rowena Eddy
I loved Miriam Margoles reading The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (via Audible). I’d only ever seen the movie, but the book is richer.
Susannah Fullerton
It is such a fabulous book and I will be discussing it in detail in one of my monographs later in the year. But I didn’t know that Miriam had done an audio version of it – I can just imagine that she does a superb genteel Edinburgh accent.
Cathy
I loved listening to Barack Obama narrating his “Dreams of my Father”. He was there sitting beside me as I drove.
Susannah Fullerton
Another one to add to my list. Was it read by Barack himself?
Ruth Williamson
His Janeite credentials have been further enhanced by his recent launch of the “Jane Austen” rose. I hope that variety makes it over to this part of the world!
Susannah Fullerton
I hope so too! It is a beautiful rose.