The Gunroom discussion
Patrick O'Brian audiobooks
I've had all 20 in unabridge form, read by Patrick Tull. He's very consistent, and I think he does a great job of bringing out the cadences in O'Brian's writing. His rendering of the more humorous passages is restrained, but I think that's the way I like it. I can't say I've heard Simon Vance or John Lee, since I got a great deal on my set, via an audiobooks subscription.
I have all 20 in unabridged form, as well, by Patrick Tull. I didn't know there was another version. After listening to the P. Tull version a few times, I have gotten so used to his voices for JAck and Stephen that I know who's talking without the "said Jack". My greatest delight was his "American" accent, which he pulled off extremely well! I will most definitly check out the other version.Any excuse to listen to them all over again!
I've already listened to three of the books read by Patrick Tull, and I'm now in the middle of listening to one read by Simon Vance (Desolation Island). I like Vance's narration better than Tull's - I think he's a bit clearer, easier to understand - but I don't like the voices he does for Jack and Stephen. In particular Stephen sounds effeminate, and when he's angry Vance makes him sound petulant rather than cold and vicious.I'll try to go back to Tull for the next book, although Vance's readings are easier to find. I can find his readings on CD-MP3, whereas I can only find Tull on Audio CD.
One more vote for Simon Vance! It may have to do with having access to more SV than PT at the local library, so I was imprinted first on SV (even though my cousin swears by PT) but I have listened to both and also find that SV is clearer in his narration.
I'm now in the middle of The Fortune of War narrated by Vance, and he's starting to grow on me. I've gotten used to his Jack and Stephen, but I'm still not crazy about his voices for women.
I hsve all 20 unabridged by Simon Vance and definitely like his rendering better that Patrick Tull. The women's voices are not that important to me. I do think his voice for Killick is a little over done.
I'm a Patrick Tull man myself. Got someone else by accident from the library and had to take him back and have get the Tull recording. (I've listened to all 20 unabridged and #21 read by Tull).
Oh horror! I purchased and listened to the first five Patrick O'Brian audiobooks narrated by John Lee, one of the finest voices in the world. He brought ALL the characters to living, breathing reality. He has the dialects, the drama, the intonations all down to perfection. Then, after The Fortune of War -- disaster. NO MORE narrations by John Lee! I finally went to Simon Vance -- and it was awful. He makes Jack sound like a bombastic jerk, and Stephen like a mincing prig. Diana sounds like a silly simpering ninny. And there is ZERO cadence or drama.Oh god ... what will he do with Babington or Killick?
I am in total despair.
I just wanted a place to mourn, and so here I am. I'll probably never visit here again.
Thanks for listening.
Patience - I know how you feel. I am working through the series in audiobook format after having read and loved the novels. I am alternating between Patrick Tull and Simon Vance as readers. I would recommend that you seek out the Patrick Tull readings. His range of voices is limited but, crucially, he gets Maturin and Aubrey spot on (for me).
I am also working my way through the series and I am up to Desolation Island so far. All, except HMS Surprise have been read by Patrick Tull. I think he is very good and I like his characterisations. HMS Surpirse was narrated by Simon Vance and while he is also good, I didn't like his Aubrey at all.I didn't know John Lee had done some of these. He is one of my favourite readers.
Hi All:Thanks for the input.
It seems selecting a preferred reader of the POB novels is a matter of personal choice. But my wife and I are new converts to audio books, so the pleasure of listening and choosing is still ahead of me. I'm also in the process of starting to select a reader for my novel, so there's an added benefit.
Tom Behr
Blood Brothers: A Novel of Courage and Treachery on the Shores of Tripoli
Of course it's a personal choice, and let a thousand voices roar! My guess is that Patrick Tull is more authentic because he sounds like he's speaking into a gale. O'Brian's sailors were not soft-spoken. But I like Simon Vance a great deal as well, especially in sly and sardonic passages.
My problem with Patrick Tull in many books is that he uses such strong accents, I can't understand what he is saying. Therefore I prefer Simon Vance. Fredrick Davidson, however, is my favorite of all narrators.
It takes a while. I find Davidson to have an irritating vocal tic. But maybe I shouldn't say that! Glad to hear from another O'Brian audiobook fan!
b
I totally agree with what Patience says about the readings of Simon Vance: "He makes Jack sound like a bombastic jerk, and Stephen like a mincing prig. Diana sounds like a silly simpering ninny." I've tried,(really!) but just can't stand to listen to him. Tull is consistently pleasing, and he transmits to us the pleasure he feels in reading these works. And we can hear Steven's Irish roots, the class-identifying accents of the characters, etc. Because of Patience's recommendation I've ordered the readings by John Lee.
I love Simon Vance (especially his Killick), but I admit I haven't heard Tull yet. I accidentally got Richard Brown's version of "The Truelove" and wanted to punch myself in the ears. I didn't get past the first paragraph.
I very much enjoy Tull's versions and disliked Richard Brown's. Haven't heard Vance or John Lee but really feel no need to do so because I think Patrick Tull is great. I hear his voice doing the conversations when I read the books...
One of my favourite things about having an iPod is having the entire Aubrey / Maturin collection on talking tape.Having a complete addiction to the series - it is great to pick up a favourite novel while travelling or working.
The rights issue is a problem - coming from the UK, it is much harder to find certain readers.
Like many of the above comments I love Patrick Tull's reading, but I think my favourite is Stephen Thorne who has done several of the early series.
Also Graham Roberts is a fabulous reader who has a couple of unabridged recordings.
Pete wrote: "I very much enjoy Tull's versions and disliked Richard Brown's. Haven't heard Vance or John Lee but really feel no need to do so because I think Patrick Tull is great. I hear his voice doing the co..."Categorically agree!
I realise I first posted on this subject over two years ago and I am still on the same voyage! All 20 novels read by Patrick Tull. I am up to The Commodore. I stand by my comments that Tull realy captures Aubrey and Maturin perfectly. He adds a real depth and emotion to the readings - the passage in which Stephen learns of the death of his Indian child servant Dil is superb - it had much more impact on me than when I originally read it. I get the feeling that he really enjoys the novels and understands the characters and likes bringing them all to life. On balance I would rather listen to Patrick Tull reading to me than reading the books myself. Of course reading the novels is better than reading most other fiction so you will appreciate how much I rate Mr Tull's work.
Steve wrote: "I realise I first posted on this subject over two years ago and I am still on the same voyage! All 20 novels read by Patrick Tull. I am up to The Commodore. I stand by my comments that Tull realy c..."You read my mind!!! His variation in dialects is a fascination.
I have the first three books by Patrick Tull, but my first audiobook was read by Simon Vance and Patrick's voice just seems wrong. I guess it's just who you get used to first.
Jerry - good call. I wonder if people's origins influence they we relate to the voicing? Being a Brit I find Simon Vance a little on the stereoptypical British accent side of things. Patrick Tull does employ a few more convincing accents to my ear - Irish (Maturin), cockney/London (Killick, Joe Plaice), west country (various Shelmerstonians and Tom Pullings) and posh (Blaine). These probably sound like stereotypes to folks from those parts too!
Wow! I had no idea there were two equally loyal encampments of Audiobook listeners divided by their preferred narrator. For my part, I came to the audiobooks as an already rabid fan of Simon Vance. When a job opportunity meant a 1.5 hour commute each way, I specifically looked to see what was generally available in an audio format read by Simon Vance. I was thrilled to discover not only that he reads the entire Aubrey / Maturin series, but that they are available to check out and download via Overdrive from my local library. Just finished Blue at the Mizzen. The journey is almost at an end. . .
BUT. . . based on the comments here about his dialectical prowess, I may have to start all over again with Patrick Tull at the helm!
I don't remember having listened to anything by Simon Vance so perhaps I've missed out on something special. My local libraries have the O'Brian books narrated by Patrick Tull who I very much enjoy and Richard Brown who I don't. I want to find something narrated by Vance and see what you enjoy so much. Thanks for the tip!
I am very fond of Patrick Tull's performances because of his easy authority with accents and his zesty reading of the action scenes. Simon Vance is very good too. He seems to have a way of bringing out the humor in the writing. At least I find myself laughing out loud more often when he reads.
I am currently listening to an abridged version of The Commodore read by David McCallum. In my estimation he is a clear step below the others we have mentioned, but then in this volume the characters spend far too much time on land for my taste. I have also listened to David Case read Blue At The Mizzen, and I can recommend him without reservation. His elocutions are more precise than Mr. Tull's, who nonetheless remains my favorite.
Jack wrote: "I am very fond of Patrick Tull's performances because of his easy authority with accents and his zesty reading of the action scenes. Simon Vance is very good too. He seems to have a way of bringing..."I laugh when I hear Simon Vance, too. But what I laugh at is his stuffed-shirt reading, making Jack sound like a pompous ass.
Does anyone know why the Books-on-Tape version of the Aubrey-Maturin series narrated by John Lee stopped at "The Fortune of War" and/or is there any information as to when/if they might resume producing the remainder of the series with John Lee narrating? Patrick Tull is my favorite, but I thoroughly enjoyed John Lee's narration of the first six books. Thanks!
I experienced the same frustration when the Patrick Tull narrations lapsed for a couple books. The library had Robert Brown narrations which I found really disappointing.
It's not easy to read well to others, but for me, Tull is perfect and Vance, Brown, etc., don't come up to his standard. Sort of like Michael Jayston reading LeCarre's Smiley series. Could anyone possibly do it better?
I am looking for a Patrick Tull set of either audio CD's or MP3 CD's as a gift. Does anyone know if there is such a thing? I hope so! BTW, my vote, for what it is worth is Patrick Tull. Love the accents!
Rjent wrote: "I am looking for a Patrick Tull set of either audio CD's or MP3 CD's as a gift. Does anyone know if there is such a thing? I hope so! "You can download the entire Tull set for free (BTW and the e-book set in .pdf as well) from any bittorrent site, and then burn the mp3 cds yourself.
W. wrote: "Rjent wrote: "I am looking for a Patrick Tull set of either audio CD's or MP3 CD's as a gift. Does anyone know if there is such a thing? I hope so! "You can download the entire Tull set for fr..."
I thought of that, but I was wondering about the legal and ethical implications. If they are in the public domain, I would do it in a heartbeat LOL. They don't seem to be commercially available anymore .... :(
Rjent wrote: "W. wrote: "Rjent wrote: "I am looking for a Patrick Tull set of either audio CD's or MP3 CD's as a gift. Does anyone know if there is such a thing? I hope so! "You can download the entire Tull..."
Audible has most if not all by Tull.
If you prefer the Tull readings, and they're not oommercially available I see no problem with opting for a torrent download. After all, torrents are from people who like the item and are willing to share it with you (and who receive no financial compensation for doing so). Do you think about the "legal and ethical implications" when you loan a book to a friend?
W. wrote: "If you prefer the Tull readings, and they're not oommercially available I see no problem with opting for a torrent download. After all, torrents are from people who like the item and are willing t..."Not at all, but a torrent is a copy not a lending. That is different. I will check out audible as a source. Thanks to all who helped, I appreciate it!
W. wrote: "If you prefer the Tull readings, and they're not oommercially available I see no problem with opting for a torrent download. After all, torrents are from people who like the item and are willing t..."Not if you purchased the book, rather than stole it.
Rjent wrote: "W. wrote: "If you prefer the Tull readings, and they're not oommercially available I see no problem with opting for a torrent download. After all, torrents are from people who like the item and ar..."I suppose it depends on your perspective. I see torrents as "sharing". And after all, no money changes hands.
W. wrote: "I suppose it depends on your perspective. I see torrents as "sharing". And after all, no money changes hands."It's copying: the "lender" still has her copy of the item, and it's being made available to as many people who want it (some of whom, I suspect, would otherwise have paid money for a copy). It doesn't matter that no money changed hands.
It is frequently a violation of copyright laws and individuals have been prosecuted for such "sharing."
Randall wrote: "W. wrote: "I suppose it depends on your perspective. I see torrents as "sharing". And after all, no money changes hands."It's copying: the "lender" still has her copy of the item, and it's being..."
Hey, you're right. I think someone is knocking on my door right now .... Don't let the The State cow you, my friend.
Randall wrote: "W. wrote: "I suppose it depends on your perspective. I see torrents as "sharing". And after all, no money changes hands."It's copying: the "lender" still has her copy of the item, and it's being..."
Your local library has books that you check out and and read rather than purchase. Does the library pay the publisher? You check out a tape of Tull reading O'Brian. Does the library pay Audible? I see no difference between getting a book or tape free from the library and getting one free off the internet.
Randall wrote: "W. wrote: "I suppose it depends on your perspective. I see torrents as "sharing". And after all, no money changes hands."It's copying: the "lender" still has her copy of the item, and it's being..."
Just so! :)
The library W is less one book (that was paid for) and will be less one book to lend until the book is returned to the library. There is no comparison. Are you legally allowed to check out a book and make a copy of it??? I think not ....
W. wrote: "Hey, you're right. I think someone is knocking on my door right now .... Don't let the The State cow you, my friend."I prefer to think of it as a respect for the property of others.
I've only heard the Vance version of the full books, I've heard a few snippets of Tull reading in videos and such online and from what I have heard I prefer the Vance. He is clearer and more distinct. One of the criticisms is that he makes Jack sound like a "bombastic jerk" but I think you have to admit he IS a bit of a bombastic jerk, at least at times. The way he gets into trouble on land by being so cocksure full of himself and the rather high-handed way he takes with women and others who aren't capital seamen.But listening to Vance I never got the impression that was all of Jack, and he very clearly expresses the warm, sanguine, ebullient Lucky Jack. He also catches the deeply hipped saturnine Captain Aubrey after a costly battle.
Vance's Maturin might be a bit more priggish than I think of him but not so horribly that I can't stand him and it does make a verbal approach to the aloof, autistic spectrum sort of drugged out prick maturin can be.
I know that O'Brian himself preferred Patrick Tull as a narrator, but I much prefer Simon Vance. Patrick Tull's voice has a breathy quality I dislike. It's easy to make a non-breathy voice sound breathy, but hard to get the excess breath out of the voice if it's there.
Simon Vance in the Blackstone Audio versions does a wonderfully hearty sounding Jack, a rather low-key Stephen, and this other characters--his foremast jacks/Killick/ Mrs. Broad/Padeen/Sethians--all sound authentic to my admittedly ignorant ears. His Diana is not great, but it's OK (although that is, of course, a real problem with male readers.) And he does a terrific Mrs. Williams.
Looks like Terri prefers Simon Vance, whereas Reading*Recluse likes John Lee (I have one with him and I think he's very good, too.)
Anyone else have a preference?