Product Description

These ten classic stories from four of America's greatest authors of the 19th and early 20th century were selected for their literary importance as well as their dramatic oral qualities. The stories include Mark Twain’s "The One-Million Pound Bank Note," "A Visit to Niagara," and "A Mysterious Visit;" Stephen Crane’s "The Blue Hotel;" Ambrose Bierce’s "The Eyes of the Panther;" and Jack London’s "The Love of Life" and "To Build a Fire."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12543 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-06
• Formats: Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 5
• Binding: Audio CD

Features

• ISBN13: 9781572703032
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Each of the excellent semi-voiced narrations conveys just the right tone and feeling for each of the ten stories." -- Kliatt, July 1995

"Short and captivating, this production is a good taste of some of America’s best authors." -- Sunday Patriot-News, April 3, 2003

"The oral qualities of these ten stories go virtually unmatched in the canon of American literature." -- Cosmik Debris, March 2003

"These gentlemen masterfully portray the words of their authors." -- VOYA, February 2004

"This is a solid production, reminding listeners of the power and beauty in the classic works of these authors." -- AudioFile, unknown date

About the Author
Patrick Fraley, a leading character voice actor in Hollywood, is also the author/producer of Read It Again! How to Read Aloud to Kids and Creating Character Voices (published by The Audio Partners).

From AudioFile
Ten unabridged stories by four authors make up this collection. Each author's work is read by a different actor. The strongest, both in terms of stories and narration, are the stories by Mark Twain, read by Patrick Fraley. His rendition of voices and accents is remarkable. Ross Holcomb conveys the eerie atmosphere needed for Ambrose Bierce's "The Eyes of the Panther" and "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Bruce Robertson provides straightforward narration of the Jack London stories, letting the stark harshness and danger of life in the far North speak to the listener. The classic "To Build a Fire" is so powerful that it almost overwhelms the listener. The Crane stories, "The Blue Hotel" and "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky," are the weakest material. Patrick Hogan does a good job with vocal characterizations nevertheless. Overall, this is a solid production, reminding listeners of the power and beauty in the classic works of these authors. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Successful Gift
I purchased this for my father along with a selection of other audio books. He reported that he liked this one the best. Apparently the selection of stories was excellent, and the reading was clear and expressive.

Great American Stories: Ten Unabridged Classics
Book Description
These ten classic stories from four of America's greatest authors of the 19th and early 20th century were selected for their literary importance as well as their dramatic oral qualities. The stories include Mark Twain's "The One-Million Pound Bank Note," "A Visit to Niagara," and "A Mysterious Visit;" Stephen Crane's "The Blue Hotel;" Ambrose Bierce's "The Eyes of the Panther;" and Jack London's "The Love of Life" and "To Build a Fire."

Wonderful!
I bought this and a few other books on CD for my husband who has a bit of dislexia (sp?) and has trouble reading. He was so engrossed in the stories that if he were near the end of one, he would sit in the driveway and listen until it was done. So then, by proxy, I know all of the stories and it seems like a wonderful 'read'. This is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys fine adventure literature by fine authors.