The Cloister and the Hearth
Charles Reade
Read by Tom Denholm
'The Cloister and the Hearth', by Charles Reade, was published in 1861. It's a long and winding picaresque novel set in 15th century Europe, telling the story of the love between Gerard Eliason, an artist turned priest, and Margaret Brandt, the daughter of a poor scholar, and reflects the conflict between family and church which overshadowed the lives of so many in medieval times.
Its uniqueness lies in the way Reade, having meticulously researched his subject and the period, gives us insights more detailed than any other writer of fiction into medieval lifestyles and morals, combined with vivid descriptions of his characters – many based on real historical figures – and locations. He deliberately strays towards a medieval writing style, with many an archaic word to tantalise the reader or listener (an education in itself).
Until well into the twentieth century, ‘The Cloister and the Hearth’ was considered one of the greatest novels in the English language. Its popularity may have faded, but those who have read it will tell you of the enduring power of Reade’s tour de force. A revival is long overdue, and is deserved: it’s an exceptional book.
- Summary by Tom Denholm (36 hr 16 min)
Chapters
Chapter 1 | 36:08 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 2 | 36:45 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 3 | 25:43 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 4 | 14:34 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 5 | 3:55 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 6 | 8:37 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 7 | 23:10 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 8 | 14:38 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 9 | 25:53 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 10 | 31:37 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 11 | 13:20 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 12 | 11:37 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 13 | 9:05 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 14 | 11:51 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 15 | 6:01 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 16 | 3:19 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 17 | 10:29 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 18 | 2:38 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 19 | 15:50 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 20 | 17:03 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 21 | 5:02 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 22 | 3:55 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 23 | 12:48 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 24, Part 1 | 43:20 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 24, Part 2 | 43:40 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 25 | 35:01 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 26 | 34:37 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 27 | 18:46 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 28 | 14:41 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 29 | 3:02 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 30 | 16:32 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 31 | 10:05 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 32 | 16:23 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 33, Part 1 | 45:19 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 33, Part 2 | 40:50 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 34 | 20:06 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 35 | 4:10 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 36 | 38:04 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 37, Part 1 | 39:27 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 37, Part 2 | 38:42 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 38 | 29:54 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 39 | 21:04 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 40 | 37:31 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 41 | 8:25 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 42 | 31:02 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 43 | 11:15 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 44 | 6:08 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 45 | 7:06 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 46 | 33:54 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 47 | 26:52 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 48 | 6:08 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 49 | 15:32 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 50 | 47:42 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 51 | 7:53 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 52 | 10:19 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 53, Part 1 | 49:32 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 53, Part 2 | 46:46 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 53, Part 3 | 47:41 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 54 | 45:24 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 55 | 25:51 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 56 | 22:56 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 57 | 7:11 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 58 | 25:41 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 59 | 17:16 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 60 | 47:55 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 61 | 44:24 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 62 | 8:39 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 63 | 24:33 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 64 | 8:25 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 65 | 4:31 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 66 | 8:20 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 67 | 4:16 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 68 | 5:57 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 69 | 12:01 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 70 | 6:46 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 71 | 5:07 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 72 | 49:01 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 73 | 11:42 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 74 | 33:42 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 75 | 9:42 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 76 | 13:47 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 77 | 16:34 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 78 | 15:44 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 79 | 8:32 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 80 | 9:06 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 81 | 5:30 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 82 | 32:39 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 83 | 14:49 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 84 | 7:41 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 85 | 9:10 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 86 | 9:29 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 87 | 17:41 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 88 | 10:56 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 89 | 10:49 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 90 | 12:24 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 91 | 54:45 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 92 | 28:17 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 93 | 31:56 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 94 | 35:25 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 95 | 34:49 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 96, Part 1 | 41:23 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 96, Part 2 | 46:24 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 97 | 4:17 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 98 | 2:20 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 99 | 15:59 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Chapter 100 | 5:25 | Read by Tom Denholm |
Reviews
Superb !!
Susan
Excellently written tale of adventure, faith, goodness & romance. The narration was perfect !! The voice of the reader was made for this story ! I cannot imagine it better read by anyone else !
Great book great reader
joe
Love this recording
Granny G
Long but that's no criticism. Lots of historical detail and characters so drawn as to have me wondering about them when not centre stage. I regretted my lack of Latin and French; however, this didn't seriously mar the story. Fluent and expressively read. Many thanks.
Stephen Lowe
Laughter, angst, tears, love, treachery and betrayal are hallmarks of every age. This charming and exciting book is beyond a gem. Well read and content quite appealing.