Blood Meridian

Or the Evening Redness in the West

By: Cormac McCarthy

Narrated by: Richard Poe

Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Author of the National Book Award-winning All the Pretty Horses, Cormac McCarthy is one of the most provocative American stylists to emerge in the last century. The striking novel Blood Meridian offers an unflinching narrative of the brutality that accompanied the push west on the 1850s Texas frontier.

©1985 Cormac McCarthy (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“The authentic American apocalyptic novel…I venture that no other living American novelist, not even Pynchon, has given us a book as strong and memorable as Blood Meridian.” (Harold Bloom)

"McCarthy is a writer to be read, to be admired, and quite honestly envied." (Ralph Ellison)

"McCarthy is a born narrator, and his writing has, line by line, the stab of actuality. He is here to stay." (Robert Penn Warren)

Horrific Dissection of War & Cruelty

Find a credentialed literary critic’s review to get a glimpse of why this book is so important.

All I feel equipped to say is that this is a stunningly well-written masterpiece that explores the shocking nexus of human depravity, war and religion as it played out openly in the American West.

Expansive, poetic prose start to finish, skillfully narrated. This is as good as literary American fiction gets.

wow

two chapters in and not what I expected... not even close. I'm not a big fan of the narrator though.

Nihilistic, vivid, almost indescribable

This is my first book by Cormac McCarthy. I echo the general sentiment of most of the reviews already written. I'm not sure I have read a more violent novel. But, in the end, it isn't the violence that gets to you. It is the complete lack of redemption. It is a book full of vivid descriptions - McCarthy can describe things like no one else - and wanton, cruel violence. It captures, I understand, a not-so-well-known era of American/Mexican history: the story of the Glanton Gang of scalp hunters. It follows "the kid" and, most notably, "the Judge" as they travel as part of Glanton's gang scalping, raping, pillaging as if on a path towards doom that they cannot alter. To say I "enjoyed" the book isn't quite correct. I'm glad I listened to it. Someday, I will probably listen again. But not too soon....

The narrator, Richard Poe, also narrates Steinbeck's East of Eden and he is excellent.

eloquent universe

Amazing opportunity to listen to the mind of a genius. I find McCarthy fascinating and universal

Stronger Stuff for those strong enough themselves.

Truly masterful. I’m now finishing this rendition for the 3rd time in full, and I know for sure that I will do it all again. This is not for the faint of heart. This is not coming from a place of political correctness, but through an acknowledgment of life’s darker aspect, with little to no mind paid to offending some audiences. Humor and natural wonder abound, but are struck in balance, if not outweighed, by viciousness, horror and bloodshed. The descriptive language at play in this work is unrivaled, but, like the brutal violence, may be difficult to stomach for some. It verges into magical realism in the most cuttingly poetic fashion. The narration is incredible, and Richard Poe really must be commended. I couldn’t have it any other way - the command of the language and the tone brought forth to do this incredible story justice add so much - you really must listen if you’re up for a challenge. Philosophical, imaginative beyond description, brutal and hilarious. Completely fascinating.

My New favorite Novel

Blood Meridian captured my attention from beginning to end. A Wild West story that is romanticized yet brutal is something that Cormac McCarthy does well. It is my new favorite book!

Blood Meridian

A perfect blend of story, atmosphere, meaning, and reliance on reader (or listener) interpretation. A real work of art.

Top 3

One of my favorite audio books ever. It took a couple listens to fully understand and appreciate the story given the ultra descriptive nature of the writing, it’s beautiful and horrifying.

Mesmerizing visuals, old-west-intellectul prose

McCarthy has the visionary expanse of the classic literary masters with the added thrills and savagery of the most gritty pulp writers. I agree it is a masterpiece.

McCarthy's characters come alive

This story is violent, heavy, and hard to stomach at times. McCarthy is one of the only authors that has the ability to make me woozy while reading, but I love every minute of it. This book is a classic study of good vs evil. An internal battle that is absorbed into the surrounding 1800's Americana. A classic for sure. Must listen...