Benedict Cumberbatch reads Ian Kelly's Casanova

A BBC Radio 4 reading

By: Ian Kelly

Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Ian Kelly’s biography of one of the most beguiling and controversial individuals of any age.

In this fascinating biography of the notorious libertine, Ian Kelly draws on documents by Casanova, his friends and his lovers (male and female) in order to bring fresh insights to the man’s life and world. The sights and smells of Eighteenth Century Europe are brought keenly to life, as are the colourful incidents of Casanova’s life. As the young cleric he embarked upon a scandalous affair with a married woman, fleeing eventually to Constantinople. He created a stir at the French court of King Louis XV, began intrigues in London that led him to a soaking in the Thames, and sought to meet Catherine the Great at a ball in St Petersburg. His own memoirs ensured his lasting fame, and changed the way we think and write about ourselves and about sex.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock; The Imitation Game; Star Trek Into Darkness) is the reader of this abridged edition, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Great voice

There are too many Italian word in this book. But still the narration is great.

Casanova

Benedict Cumberbatch's voice is like butter. I could listen to that man read the phone book. He truly brought the story of this Casanova story to life. A truly brilliant performance.

Seductive Swoon Worthy

This audio book is amazing, an intriguing glimpse at a famous reducer and gentleman. Benedict's voice is deep, seductive and demands to be heard as he reads the steamy take it the well known lover.

The Man, The Women, The Legend--Well Done!

Any additional comments?

I just returned from Venice where I visited Casanova's prison cell, so I was eager to hear a brief version of his life in English. This book did the trick--outlined his main conquests in great detail and Cumberbatch's reading was definitely a highlight!

Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice!

I loved the telling of the story. Not gonna lie, him and his voice was THE reason why I bought this book!