Rumpole of the Bailey [AudioGo]

By: John Mortimer

Narrated by: Robert Hardy

In these witty and comic stories, Horace Rumpole takes on a variety of clients and activities. He, of course, brings each case to a successful end, all the while quoting poetry and drinking claret.

©1978 John Mortimer (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

a great read

I remember watching Rumpole on TV as a child and these stories read just like the show. I can picture Leo Mckern as the book is read - a great treat

If you like law with a touch of england

If you could sum up Rumpole of the Bailey [AudioGo] in three words, what would they be?

This is what it should be. Learn of 'she who must be obeyed' Discover Pomeroy's best claret and the inhabitants of the old bailey. Love it or hate it but check it out!

What did you like best about this story?

it's a classic

Any additional comments?

you will love it or hate it, no half measures with Rumpole

Wordsworth in a Wig

My time at law school was punctuated most Sunday nights by another installment in the life of this less than glamorous, ever so cynical and brilliant Old Bailey "hack". I recall him being disparaged by many of my lecturers, many of whom had never steeped foot in a Courtroom save for the day they were Admitted. I laughed then as I laughed these last two days listening to the lovable old rogue weave his magic over juries and judges alike. Now a full quarter century later I can only marvel at the accuracy of the atmosphere Mortimer captures between the covers of these wonderfully entertaining books. I should not be suprised given Mortimer's pedigree (he was a Queer Customer after all, and it wasn't one gifted from the bottom of a Corn flakes packet). This was a perfect antidote for being banged up sick for two weeks. It filled the emptiness of being out of a Courtroom where I have spent half my life. I enjoyed it all over again, as I am sure that any person who has grown up in the common law system will, too. If you're in the US, then some of the niceties might strike you as odd. I confess that some of them strike me as odd, and I have practiced in a British-like system for nearly my whole life. Persevere with it, please. It is worth the effort.
Robert Hardy is an accomplished actor. He brought to the re-telling all that can be expected. There were occasions when I thought he was Hilda (SWMBO)! Of course he cannot truly be Rumpole because there was but one of him (Leo McKern), but he is a very suitable Junior indeed. It's hard to recall when a book made me smile and laugh out loud on such a regular basis. I recommend it to all, but particularly if you have a familiarity with the law (either side of it).

Wonderful material with a good reader

I am enjoying this book immensely. The stories are interesting and the reader seems to have a great feel for the material and the character of Rumpole.

fantastic British law room mystery / comedy

rumpole is the best! Great humor and the poetry quotes are fantastic! John Mortimer is a fantastic writer; he knows how to tell a mystery story with style and humor.