The 13 Clocks

By: James Thurber

Narrated by: Edward Woodward

The evil Duke of cold Coffin Castle fancies he has frozen time by stopping all of the clocks. He is fearful that one day a Prince may come and win away the hand of his niece, beautiful Princess Saralinda—the only warm hand in the castle. Several suitors have tried to court the Princess, but the Duke assigns them impossible tasks to thwart that fate. A few days before Saralinda's twenty-first birthday, a mysterious prince arrives to complete a seemingly impossible task and free Saralinda from the clutches of her uncle.

©2002 James Thurber (P)2002 Phoenix Books, Inc.

Great fairy tale

A wonderful fairy tale for young and old alike. The narrator brought the story to life. I highly recommend this.

Good short story

It is a good short story that is worth a listen. Children and adults can enjoy it.

As a Fairy Tale Should Be

James Thurber is, of course, delightful, and Edward Woodard is an absolute Wonder.

Try the Lauren Bacall and Peter Ustinov versions

Instead of this one's loud, horrible music, Google "Lauren Bacall 13 clocks" to find the Internet Archive version. Besides hearing her seductive, cat-like voice, it blissfully has NO music or sound effects. As a child, I absolutely loved Peter Ustinov's version, which I can't find online.

Thurber's story, humor, gleeful wordplay, and wisdom is timeless here. The 13 Clocks is one of my favorite works he ever wrote. Sadly, not enough people know it.

Audible, please get either the Ustinov or Bacall versions!

Engrossing and Witty Fable Beautifully Read

Gorgeous language, clever humor and irresistible plot makes makes this masterpiece a joy to read. The voice artist and the music are perfect. Outstanding production.