Preview
  • Benedict Cumberbatch Reads Ian Kelly's Casanova

  • By: Ian Kelly
  • Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch
  • Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (267 ratings)

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Benedict Cumberbatch Reads Ian Kelly's Casanova

By: Ian Kelly
Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch
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Publisher's summary

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 18th-century Europe are brought keenly to life, as are the colourful incidents of Casanova’s life.

As a 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.

©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about Benedict Cumberbatch Reads Ian Kelly's Casanova

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great voice

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Benedict's voice does not disappoint!

Don't kid yourself. You got this audiobook to hear Benedict Cumberbatch roll his R's and talk about naughty things. He won't let you down. Go ahead and give a listen.

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35 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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!

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully Narrated

I could listen to Benedict read anything for hours and cherish every second of it.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great little history lesson.

Great little history lesson. But let's be honest, you bought this to listen to Benedict Cumberbatch read it. He does not disappoint. He literally reads a biscuit recipe and it gave me hot flashes.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not worth my audible credit

Of course you love his voice and accent. But the way he reads this is just that, he sounds like he is just reading a story. Maybe I got spoiled by Simon Vance but I found this to be dry and it did not keep my attention. It was also incredibly short. I finished it in three commuting days. IMHO it wasn't worth a credit.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not Bad, Just Not What I Expected

Overall, its just a biography of Casanova. Nothing more, nothing less. The biographer really didn't add much- it just felt like a list of events and not much color added. Benedict's narration was middle of the road as well- neither good or bad. compared to his other narration work, this wasn't as good in comparison. If you're not a stronger lover of history (such as myself), I'd pass on this.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous Story and narrator!

Mr. Cumberbatch tells this interesting story with his usual flair! I loved listening to this audiobook. I will download more narrated by him. Very entertaining!

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