The Tempest

William Shakespeare

Nov 2010 · Blackstone Audio Inc. · Narrated by a full cast, Sonja Lanzener, Ira Burton, John Glover, Brian Murray, Pat Terry, Nicholas Kepros, Barry Morse, Susan Osborn Mott, and Paul Sparer

About this audiobook

In The Tempest, long considered one of Shakespeare's most lyrical plays, Prospero, a sorcerer, and his daughter, Miranda, have been stranded on an enchanted island for twelve years. When a shipwreck-caused by the eponymous tempest-brings enemies to the island, the stage is set for comedy, romance, and reconciliation. The Tempest embodies both seemingly timeless romance and the historically specific moment in which Europe began to explore and conquer the New World. Its poetic beauty, complexity of thought, range of characters-from the spirit Ariel and the monster Caliban to the beautiful Miranda and her prince Ferdinand-and exploration of difficult questions that still haunt us today make this play wonderfully compelling.

Ratings and reviews

wow what a story

About the author

William Shakespeare (1564-1616), English poet and dramatist of the Elizabethan and early Jacobean period, is the most widely known author in all of English literature and often considered the greatest. He was an active member of a theater company for at least twenty years, during which time he wrote many great plays. Plays were not prized as literature at the time, and Shakespeare was not widely read until the middle of the eighteenth century, when a great upsurge of interest in his works began that continues today.

Yuri Rasovsky (1944-2012) was the leading writer, producer, and director of audio drama in the United States. Also a distinguished actor, narrator, and critic, his numerous honors include two Peabody Awards, eight Audie Awards, and a Grammy.

John Glover, most famous for his roles as villainous characters on television and in films, has performed many times on stage, winning a Tony Award for his role in Love! Valour! Compassion! He also appeared in the film version.