The Baron in the Trees

By: Italo Calvino, Ana Goldstein - Translator

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

A landmark new translation of a Calvino classic, a whimsical, spirited novel that imagines a life lived entirely on its own terms.

Cosimo di Rondo, a young Italian nobleman of the 18th century, rebels against his parents by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life. He adapts efficiently to an existence in the forest canopy - he hunts, sows crops, plays games with earthbound friends, fights forest fires, solves engineering problems, and even manages to have love affairs. From his perch in the trees, Cosimo sees the Age of Enlightenment pass by and a new century dawn.

The Baron in the Trees exemplifies Calvino's peerless ability to weave tales that sparkle with enchantment. This new English rendering by acclaimed translator Ann Goldstein breathes new life into one of Calvino's most beloved works.

©1957 Giulio Einaudi Editore S.p.A., Torino; 2017 Ana Goldstein (Translation) (P)2018 Recorded Books

Very odd

This was recommended to me as a funny book, but perhaps my sense of humor is not a match. The narration is excellent. I usually love a creative odd story but this one meandered and was tedious.

Unusual

This is a very creative tale. The narration is excellent. At times, however, I found the story a bit tedious.Although the book has been translated from Italian well, the French is not translated to English. That doesn’t ruin the story, but leaves the non-French-speaking reader in the dark at times.

What a fantastic story

Beautifully written story, with laughs and wonder. I felt transported. I recommend you listen or read. lots of French + Spanish.

peculiar story line. engaging

excellent reader and great evolution of the fantastic story
one can visualize the features of this tale readily departing from rationale world

An arboreal vocation

Italo Calvino’s The Baron in the Trees is a lighthearted tale of a man who ‘ran away’ from home due to an authoritarian father by living in trees. He never came down. What transpires is a series of adventures involving fruit thieves, pirates, and even an entire community of exiles living off the ground. He finds love, corresponds with intellectuals of his day and eventually succeeds his father as the baron of the estate.

Calvino offers a fanciful tale that depicts a true loner that rather than turning his back on humanity simply chooses to engage in a most atypical style, not only for the late 18th century, but for any period, making the tale timeless.

The narration is excellent with solid character distinction. Pacing is smooth.