A Child's Christmas in Wales & Five Poems

by Dylan Thomas

"A Child's Christmas in Wales" is the nostalgic recollection of Dylan Thomas' childhood that has become a classic among Christmas tales. With powerful grace, Thomas performs this renowned work, along with five of his most well-known poems. Features: "A Child's Christmas in Wales ""Fern Hill ""Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night ""In the White Giant's Thigh ""Ballad of the Long-legged Bait ""Ceremony After a Fire Raid" " There is so much music in his voice that it carries the listener along, enchanted by the sound of the words and the rich imagery." - The New York Times" The long, poetic, autobiographical 'A Child's Christmas in Wales' is, to use a cliche in its exact sense, an unforgettable experience in the listening: surely this Christmas story ranks (in its spoken form, at least) among the great expressions of the language." - Harper's Magazine" He reads his verse and his prose with such melodious power, with such subtly and ardently projected rhythms, that ones feels that, good as it is, his poetry on the printed page is dull in comparison."   - The Saturday Review   

Genres: Poetry, Christmas, Audiobook, Classics, Memoir, Holiday, Humor

Audio Cassette

Published November 1, 1985

About the author

Dylan Marlais Thomas (1914-1953) was a Welsh poet who wrote in English. Many regard him as one of the 20th century's most influential poets.

In addition to poetry, Thomas wrote short stories and scripts for film and radio, with the latter frequently performed by Thomas himself. His public readings, particularly in America, won him great acclaim; his booming, at times, ostentatious voice, with a subtle Welsh lilt, became almost as famous as his works. His best-known work includes the "play for voices" Under Milk Wood and the celebrated villanelle for his dying father, "Do not go gentle into that good night." Appreciative critics have also noted the superb craftsmanship and compression of poems such as "In my craft or sullen art" and the rhapsodic lyricism of Fern Hill.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The DVD version of A Child's Christmas in Wales (1987) is a perennial favorite and one of my Christmas traditions. This year, I decided to listen to the audio version and I am glad I did.

There's nothing quite like listening to a poet read their own words as they envisioned them. Listening in the quiet of early morning was truly a sublime experience. I loved the rich descriptions of the people and settings. Time stood still while I listened to Dylan Thomas' expressive voice.

A bonus with this edition is the inclusion of several other poems. Fernhill is one of my favorites, and of course the well-known, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, however, new to me, was the Ballad of the Long-Legged Bait, which I enjoyed discovering.

Some favorite lines from A Child's Christmas in Wales:

"Years and years ago, when I was a boy, when there were wolves in Wales, and birds the color of red-flannel petticoats whisked past the harp-shaped hills"

"With sprinkling eyes and wind-cherried noses"

"and cats in their fur-abouts watched the fires"

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I acquired this audiobook earlier this year, after seeing an excellent stage production of Under Milk Wood, which I reviewed here. I've saved it up to listen to at Christmas time. Recorded in 1952, Dylan Thomas narrates his memoir of a childhood Christmas in Swansea in South Wales, as well as five of his poems, including the one with which I am most familiar, Do not go gentle into that good night.

A Child's Christmas in Wales is a beautiful, gentle and humorous story of the elements of a Christmas day from long ago, seen from a child's perspective: the snow, the gifts, the food, the relatives, the friends, and indeed the town itself. Thomas narrates it with tenderness and warmth and the prose is infused with the lyrical quality of his poetry. As I listened, a snowy day in Swansea was conjured up for me by Thomas’ words, even though the childhood Christmases to which my memory turns are filled with sunshine, sand, the sound of waves and the smell of pine trees.

While I very much enjoyed listening to Thomas read his memoir, I enjoyed listening to his poetry somewhat less. That wasn’t because of the quality of the poems, but because Thomas favoured a rather declamatory style of poetry recital which doesn’t really appeal to me. I would have preferred a more understated verbal style, but as Thomas wrote the poems, I guess he could recite them as he thought fit.

While I may skip listening to the poems in future and just read them instead, A Child’s Christmas in Wales will probably become a Christmas listening tradition.

[Chrissie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am reviewing and rating the audiobook version of A Child's Christmas in Wales & Five Poems, written and read by Dylan Thomas. The recording is from 1952, and so I suppose it is not surprising that the sound quality is poor. The Christmas tale recounts Thomas’ memories of childhood Christmases in Swansea, Wales. Along with the short autobiographical piece are five poems. One is the well-known Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.

I do not recommend listening. As mentioned, the recording quality is poor. There is an annoying background noise. This makes deciphering the words difficult at times. Secondly, Thomas reads in a theatrical, high-flown, exaggerated manner. I favor a more straightforward, simple recital of the lines. The recording does not provide a pleasant listening experience.

The written lines of the Christmas story are sort of charming, switching between cute, humorous and ethically instructive. They are directed one minute toward a child and the next an adult. It speaks of Christmas through a child’s eye. There is a smoky interior and firemen must be called. A hint of excitement. Snowballs are thrown at cats. Childish pranks are spoken of. When the focus shifts to yuletide celebrations, food and candy and the importance of the un-useful but fun presents are emphasized. For the adults, it is their appreciation of alcoholic beverages that is emphasized. The humor is ironic, more critical rather than fun or sweet.

The additional five poems went in one ear and out the other. Something about death, traveling in a boat and fields and birds.

I did not get much from this. I recommend reading Dylan Thomas’ poetry instead. I am enthused by neither the writing nor the rendition of this short collection.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous production & poems but I need to listen to them 3-4 more times before I can rate them a 5. Likely due to me much more than Dylan Thomas.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s only one way to enjoy “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” and that’s with author Dylan Thomas reciting it in his lyrical voice. Yes, this audiobook also includes five of his poems — “Fern Hill,” “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,” “In the White Giant’s Thigh,” “Ballad of the Long-Legged Bait” and “Ceremony After a Fire Raid” — but we all know what the main attraction is, right?

Thomsa recalls a Christmas long ago, when wolves and pocket watches were much more common in Wales than automobiles. I love the description of the “useless gifts” — every child’s favorite gift, of course. Probably adults, too.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A recording of Dylan Thomas himself reading this book and poems ended out in my Christmas pile of reading this year, and how lucky was that???? The recording was scratchy, popped, and had odd starts and stops, like an old grandfatherly gentleman had been trapped out on the street and placed at a table with a beer and a tape recorder and teased into this task. An absolute treat. It is now on my list of "Do This Every Year at Christmas". . . .

It's not long, it's not the best, but it isn't to be missed.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having heard about this Christmas tale for so many years, it seemed fitting to let the author read it to me. I also had an illustrated print copy, so I could follow along, which proved to be a good idea. Without the book, I would have missed some (many?) of the words.

Another time. Another place.

[Pablito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking through my bedroom window, out into/ the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow,/ I could see the lights in the windows/ of all the other houses on our hill and hear/ the music rising from them up the long, steadily/ falling night. I turned the gas down, I got/ into bed. I said some words to the close and/ holy darkness, and then I slept.

- Dylan Thomas

[Ambrose Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

While decorating the tree, we listened to Dylan Thomas read. It was excellent. Some people do this every year. This was my first.

[Ericka Clou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Child's Christmas in Wales is great as are the 5 poems (especially Do not go gentle into that good night) but the collection felt randomly thrown together instead of organized on any particular premise.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

DVD library | I'm not entirely sure at this point whether I've heard this recording before, but I do appreciate hearing the poet's own reading of his work.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful narration of A Child's Christmas in Wales by the author, Dylan Thomas, recorded live at Steinway Hall, NY in 1952. Absolute treasure of this story captured with all the inflections and depth of the author's own intention as he brings to life, the charm of Christmas past. Delighted to discover and enjoy this audio version.

Various versions available at youtube including a wonderful movie I entirely enjoyed.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully done audio disk by Dylan Thomas. In addition to "A Child's Christmas in Wales" were also "Fern Hill", "Do not go Gentle into That Good Night", "In the White Giants Thigh", "Ballad of the Long-Legged Bait", and "Ceremony after a Fird Raid."

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is the first time I've read/listened to any of Dylan Thomas' works. I was looking for something short to listen to and came across this from my library. I really liked it and may look into more of his poems and stories.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful...read by Dylan Thomas a long time ago.

I enjoy it almost every year. The re-read is a delight of the holiday season for me.

The audio version is so lovely!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed A Child’s Christmas in Wales, it was a lovely series of recollections of childhood Christmases and it was enhanced by the picture book version which I also read. Of the poems, Do Not Go Into That Gentle Night and Fern Hill were my favourites. I found the others harder to understand but it was enjoyable to listen to Dylan Thomas reading them, while following along online with the text. Very poetic and song-like.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a book similar to "A Christmas Memory" (by Truman Capote, which I love), and found this one. I loved hearing the author read his poems and enjoyed the first one the best. It felt magical and a good seasonal opener (although pretty disjointed). The other poems, however, I just did not get. Maybe reading, instead of listening, to them would be helpful. Overall, just an ok book of poetry for me.

[Books, Brews & Booze]

Free to stream for a very limited time in December 2021: https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...

[joana ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the story is good but it was boring.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wistful and charming; made me smile

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of Thomas’s language and the power of his audio narration mesmerize … and echo in the memory.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy listening to the author as he read his story - he creates such lovely visuals. Recording also included several poems, which, I am not going to pretend I even begin to understand. I would have to study them and be part of a discussion. His language is beautiful, of course, and he paints very vivid scenes.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend introduced me to this gem a few years ago, as a Christmas present. I've listened to it every year since. Not only is the adjective mongering top-notch, but we get to hear Dylan Thomas deliver these sonorous delicacies in his own inimitable style. It's a great sampler of his work, including the very droll and funny marquee work, but also five darker, more mature poems, including "Do not go gentle into that good night". The only very minor quibble I have with the set is its brevity, and that none of the works have read titles, so I had to look up which each one was. All in all, an excellent anthology.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christmas Eve we gather to listen to this CD, and then I insist we also listen to Fern Hill. I weep at the uncles part, but it's that warm nostalgic lovely weeping, and then Fern Hill breaks my heart (though I sang in my chains like the sea) and then we sleep.

Thomas' voice is singular, the words are immaculate, the spell the two cast together is something unimaginable and otherworldly yet wholly human.

Recommended more than I can say.

[Reving · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say 3.5 because A Child's Christmas in Wales was wonderful. And hearing Thomas read it (I had the audiobook) was incredible. But the rest? Honestly I didn't understand it a all. Not bright enough, I guess! I understood Do Not Go Gently but I disagree with it whole-heartedly! Though it is great poetry. Just not what I would advise!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday tradition returns. My husband and I had a cassette of Dylan Thomas reading this Christmas poem, along with a beautiful picture book. I purchased this on Audible, and listened to them all. I love his description of snow and a boy's excitement at Christmas, plus the quirky adults including aunts who give the horrid "useful gifts".

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth listening to just to hear A Child's Christmas in Wales. Read by Dylan Thomas, a booming deep radio voice.
Not something I would normally pursue. The Christmas story was referenced in a mystery book set in Wales, that I recently read for a book group.
I was able to listen to this audio on one of my library's streaming services, but would like to read the text someday.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually an audiobook person, but I feel that this plus a wintry walk will be my new Christmas tradition. Thomas is a Welsh Jean Shepard with lush, thick prose and a resonant voice to match. The additional poems were difficult to follow in audio form but A Child’s Christmas in Wales is the meat and potatoes and nothing else is needed.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked at this to see if I wanted to add the story to our Christmas collection. It was charming, and if I find a version with an illustrator I like, I might do it. It was interesting to hear Thomas read his poems as well—somewhat overwrought as a reader, but those verbal textures swell and surge among themselves, so in some ways the reading was a good fit.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for an English essay, I didn't love it. It was too jumpy for me and I felt like there was no real story to it just random facts about his experience on Christmas with with family. Great use of personification though and lots of detail.