Idylls of the King


Read by Elizabeth Klett

(4.7 stars; 62 reviews)

Idylls of the King, published between 1856 and 1885, is a cycle of twelve narrative poems by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson which retells the legend of King Arthur, his knights, his love for Guinevere and her tragic betrayal of him, and the rise and fall of Arthur's kingdom. The whole work recounts Arthur's attempt and failure to lift up mankind and create a perfect kingdom, from his coming to power to his death at the hands of the traitor Mordred. Individual poems detail the deeds of various knights, including Lancelot, Geraint, Galahad, and Balin and Balan, and also Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. (Summary by Wikipedia) (9 hr 20 min)

Chapters

Dedication/The Coming of Arthur 32:33 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Gareth and Lynette, Part 1 40:05 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Gareth and Lynette, Part 2 42:07 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Marriage of Geraint 42:42 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Geraint and Enid, Part 1 22:23 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Geraint and Enid, Part 2 27:21 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Balin and Balan 33:09 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Merlin and Vivien, Part 1 23:03 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Merlin and Vivien, Part 2 31:13 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Lancelot and Elaine, Part 1 44:20 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Lancelot and Elaine, Part 2 31:20 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Holy Grail, Part 1 19:37 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Holy Grail, Part 2 29:35 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Pelleas and Ettarre 33:31 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Last Tournament 41:43 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Guinevere 36:09 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Passing of Arthur/To the Queen 29:39 Read by Elizabeth Klett

Reviews

A Victorian Classic


(5 stars)

Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King” is, of course, a classic retelling of the Arthurian cycle. It’s at its narrative and lyrical best toward the end, as the tragedy closes in, the moral power of Camelot so weakened that it can no longer be sustained by Arthur and his handful of faithful knights. As interesting as what is in the poem, however, is what is not in the poem. The narrative elements Tennyson chose to leave out, and those he changed from earlier tellings—there are many versions of these stories—says much about the values of Victorian society. It is not a flattering revelation.

Excellent


(4 stars)

Ms. Klett does a very fine job reading this book. Her voice is clear and consistent from segment to segment, and she generally does a good job avoiding a flat/straight read. The recordings are good, not muddled with needless background noise. I give her four stars out of a possible five because I found, for my part, that I sometimes had trouble differentiating one character's dialogue from the next. But, as long as you're mindful of those dialogue transitions, this is a very fun, well made recording.


(5 stars)

Superb job in reading this magnificent classic poem by England’s Poet Laureate Tennyson. The way she altered her tone to reflect the stature and mood of the characters was wonderful. Thank you! Five stars and a comet or two!

WELL READ


(5 stars)

This work has always stood high among the masterpieces of literature, and I have read it many times. Elizabeth klett's interpretive reading perhaps takes it to an even higher plane.

Extraordinarily potent!


(5 stars)

I love King Arthur tales, and in poetry too! Ms. Klett reads it so well too! I could listen to the Idylls for hours!

well read


(5 stars)

Narrative poetry on audiobook can be a bit tough, but the combination of Arthurian legend and the excellent reading make this a good choice.


(5 stars)

Well, what can you say about this work. It’s Tennyson retailing the Arthurian legend. It’s pretty wonderful. Loved the reading.

Good epic


(5 stars)

It was a very interesting poem.The pronunciation was great.I enjoyed it a lot.