The History Of Titus Groan, Mervyn Peake
The History Of Titus Groan, Mervyn Peake
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The History Of Titus Groan

Author: Mervyn Peake

Narrator: Carl Prekopp, Full Cast, James Fleet, Miranda Richardson, Olivia Hallinan, Paul Rhys, Tamsin Greig

Unabridged: 5 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/01/2011


Synopsis

Paul Rhys, Miranda Richardson and Carl Prekopp star in this major six-part BBC Radio Classic Serial based on the writings of Mervyn Peake and Maeve Gilmore.

The life and times of Titus Groan, 77th Earl of Gormenghast - a vast stronghold of crumbling masonry steeped in immemorial ritual and inhabited by an extraordinary cavalcade of characters including the kitchen boy, Steerpike, who ruthlessly rises to the upper echelons of dynastic power through mischief and murder. Based on the novels written by Mervyn Peake and on the recently discovered concluding volume, Titus Alone, written by his widow, the six one-hour episodes chronicle Titus' life from birth, through childhood and adolescence to his decision to renounce his title and embark on an exploration of the alien world beyond the confines of his home. It is a journey in search of identity that eventually takes him to a distant island where he encounters the man who is none other than his creator.

The 'Gormenghast' trilogy is both a powerful and unique fantasy and a satirical allegory on the fancies, foibles and phobias of the world around us, and this BBC Radio production brings Peake's extraordinary imagination to vivid life. Featuring a star cast including James Fleet, Tamsin Greig and Olivia Hallinan, it was dramatised for radio by Brian Sibley. The series was produced by Jeremy Mortimer.

About Mervyn Peake

Mervyn Laurence Peake (1911–1968) is an author best known for his Gormenghast fantasy fiction trilogy. He also published illustrated verse and short stories for children, plays, short stories, and novels. He was awarded the W. H. Heinemann Foundation Prize by the Royal Society of Literature in 1950. He was born and raised in China until the age of eleven. He went on to study at the Royal Academy School in London, where he developed as an artist, designer, and writer. He worked as an artist on the island of Sark for several years and then returned to London to hold several exhibitions of his artwork.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Good Night To Read on February 04, 2022

Superlative. Such atmospheric & cinematic language, evocative imagery and Gothic Grand Guignol . Reminiscent of both Dickens & Shakespeare in places. Sepulchrave - what a name , wonderful alliteration & this line- superb[“lingering had become so lonely”]\ “The long shadowy galleries of the library a......more