The Cloister and the Hearth: A Tale of the Middle Ages
About this audiobook
Written in 1861 but taking place in the fifteenth century, this picturesque historical novel by Charles Reade follows the story of a young scribe and illuminator named Gerard Eliason.
In order to escape persecution, Gerard sets out on a journey from Holland to Rome, leaving behind the woman he loves, Margaret. Along the road Gerard meets a colorful cast of characters—including various historical figures—and explores the conflict between a person’s obligation to family versus the church. Considered a literary classic, Reade’s novel has been hailed as one of the best historical novels of the English language.
About the author
Charles Reade (1814–1884), born at Ipsden, Oxfordshire, was a dramatist and author. His novels were popular, and he was among England’s highest-paid novelists. However, many libraries refused to carry his works on the grounds that they were indecent, such as referring to the pregnancy of an unmarried woman in his most famous work, The Cloister and the Hearth, now recognized as one of the most successful historical novels of the time.
AudioFile Earphones Award winner Antony Ferguson is a native of London, England. He is a classically trained actor and has appeared in numerous productions in London, Off-Broadway, and regional theater. As a voice actor, he has over fifty audiobooks to his credit and was recommended by the "All About Romance" Web site as one of the best male narrators at performing female characters. He lives in Los Angeles.
