The Pickwick Papers

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: David Timson

Length: 32 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pickwick Papers, Dickens's first novel, is a delightful romp through the pre-Reform Bill England of 1827. Samuel Pickwick and the rest of the Pickwickians are some of the most memorable of all Dickens's creations, and it is a joy to hear of their adventures in search of "interesting scenes and characters", and the repeated efforts of the quick-witted Sam Weller to rescue them all from disaster.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks

Bueno con un inicio confuso

Muy buen libro, aunque se sale mucho del relato contando historias breves que no tienen que ver con el tema del libro y en particular al principio que parece no ir a ninguna parte, aunque el ingenio y la forma en que retrata la Inglaterra victoriana es muy interesante y divertida

Dickens... Of course it's good!

Wonderfully performed, and a heartwarming story. Dickens is my favorite of the classic authors, and this, his first novel, is a great beginning.

No Better Way to Spend Your Time!

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Lovable, endearing, joyous.

What did you like best about this story?

Dickens' marvelous stream of inventive genius.

What about David Timson’s performance did you like?

I have listened to another audible version of Pickwick Papers--in addition to reading it when I was young. But David Timson's performance is simply incomparable. I am thankful to have it, and look forward to listening to it again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes--but it would require me to go without sleep for several days.

Any additional comments?

I don't normally write reviews, but I was so shocked by the first review to be posted that I felt I had to respond. To condemn Charles Dickens on the charges of racism and sexism displays a sad failure to understand the purpose of great literature, which is to open our minds to the full richness of life, and certainly not to re-enforce our current notions of political correctness. Few books display the richness of life more radiantly than The Pickwick Papers and I urge anyone who wants to enjoy a romp through early nineteenth England to download David Timson's enthralling version of Dickens first masterpiece. It is cheaper than a trip to England, and a lot more fun.

Favourite Dickens

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Funny, thoughtful, timeless.

What did you like best about this story?

The wonderfully realized Dickensian characters.

What does David Timson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He depicted each character distinctly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved it for its sympathetic view of human foibles. I have listened twice and will listen again in the future.

Any additional comments?

This is a feel good book for when you want something that is intelligent and well written, but not dark and sad.

Narrator David Timson is exquisite.

If you could sum up The Pickwick Papers in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful novel narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Pickwick Papers?

The election of Etonswarn in Chapter 12.

What does David Timson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He uses a different voice for all characters, and never slips up.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's realism, but mostly a comedy.

Well worth the listen

A wonderful narration of a comedic masterpeice. Dickens's ability to recognize, satirize, and lionize human types is unsurpassed. Rollicking adventures and good, clean fun.

Family and Friends

Character development in this work of Dickins incites curiosity and surprise. Fidelity in human attachments is upheld and honored. Dickens explores family dynamics in a manner that introduces a variety of implications. Authenticity and noble character won’t always be rewarded with bliss, but earn the respect of fellow humans in this early journey.

A delight

One of my favorite books, by one of my favorite authors, read by one of my favorite narrators. Mr Pickwick and Sam Weller are the Don Quixote and Sancho Panza of 19th century English literature. A delight from start to finish.

Great narrator, Dickens ebbs and flows

What did you love best about The Pickwick Papers?

Dickens develops his characters wonderfully and he uses language to evoke humor and illuminate the human condition.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I like the serial format, but I prefer Dickens's other novels for reading straight through.

What about David Timson’s performance did you like?

Master of impressions. Consistent voices throughout for each character. A one-man dramatic performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed but not uproariously. Amusing.

Any additional comments?

I would definitely listen to David Timson again, and I wish I could hear him do more Dickens.

The Excellance of Dickens

after reading Dickins biography, I've could imagine him writing Pickwick Papers. it is pure genius and quite enjoyable