Castle Rackrent


Read by NoelBadrian

(4.1 stars; 27 reviews)

"One of the most inspired chronicles written in English" was the verdict of William Butler Yeats on the novel Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth which was first published in 1800. It is recognised as the first true historical novel in English as well as the first Big-House novel. Written at the time when there was much debate about the Act of Union which proposed to unite Great Britain with Ireland, the book satirised the mismanagement of their Irish estates by Anglo-Irish landlords. Maria Edgeworth's writing is wonderful - informative, entertaining and amusing by turns. Just before publication, extensive footnotes, a glossary and a preface were added, to counteract any negative impact that the Edgeworth family feared it might have on The Act of Union. This 1895 Edition includes a wonderful Introduction by Anne Thackeray Ritchie.
The novel is set in early 1780's Ireland and is narrated by Honest Thady, loyal steward to generations of the Rackrent family. These are: The generous Sir Patrick, the tight fisted Sir Murtagh (married into the Skinflint family), the cruel Sir Kit who locked his wealthy wife up in her room for seven years and the amiable spendthrift Sir Condy, who has no head for business and a fondness for whisky punch. Together, they have run the estate into debt and disaster. Jason Quirk, Thady's astute son sorts everything out in the end to his satisfaction but much to Thady's dismay.
- Summary by Noel Badrian (5 hr 7 min)

Chapters

Introduction - Part 1 22:19 Read by NoelBadrian
Introduction - Part 2 18:17 Read by NoelBadrian
Introduction - Part 3 23:48 Read by NoelBadrian
Author's Preface and Notes 14:19 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 1 - Part 1 24:59 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 1 - Part 2 16:28 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 1 - Part 3 22:30 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 1 - Glossary 28:12 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Part 1 22:03 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Part 2 21:26 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Part 3 22:01 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Part 4 26:32 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Part 5 27:30 Read by NoelBadrian
Chapter 2 - Glossary 16:36 Read by NoelBadrian

Reviews

impeccable reading. absolutely faultless. thanks Noel.


(5 stars)

knew W B Yates wouldn't be wrong


(5 stars)

An interesting story of how successive English landlords derelict their duty to care for a ' Big ' house in Ireland, its land and tenants. Probaby a common thing at this time. All the characters are well drawn and their views the cause of humour - mostly unintended. I look forward to listening to more of Maria Edgeworth's work. I was pleased to find she is highly regarded in Ireland. Imppecably narrated

damaged


(0.5 stars)

Downloaded multiple times. Audio skips around, back and forth on multiple tracks.


(0.5 stars)

Depressing colonial view and unconvincing characters. Rambling almost plotless.

interesting


(5 stars)

Many thanks to Noel Badrian for his narration.


(4.5 stars)

Great reader and really enjoyed this book. thankyou