The Great Poets: Gerard Manley Hopkins

By: Gerard Manley Hopkins

Narrated by: Jeremy Northam

A collection of the best-known poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889). One of the Victorian era's greatest writers, Hopkins' reputation has continued to grow since his death.

Our Great Poets series, launched in 2007, has proven very popular, offering many of the best-loved poems by popular poets, well read by leading actors. This collection includes "The Windhover", "The Caged Skylark", "Carrion Comfort", "Spring", and "Fall and Inversnaid".

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2008 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2008 Naxos Audiobooks

Excellent encounter with the poet.

What made the experience of listening to The Great Poets the most enjoyable?

The variety of moods achieved in selection and voice.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Irrelevant. It is not a story.

What does Jeremy Northam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It is not a story.

Any additional comments?

I found this a remarkable achievement of reading

Forever meaningful

A wonderful gentleman named Mr. Cook introduced me to this wonderful poet, and I will be forever grateful because of that

Beautiful

I have long, admired GM Hopkins, and read his poetry with much delight and comfort over the years. I’ve listen to other recordings, rather poorly done, and some rather better. This recording is the best of all. Jeremy Northam’s grasp of the rhythm and stress of Hopkins’ admittedly difficult lines, coupled with the depth and gravura of his voice does justice to the poetry. I can offer no higher compliment than that.

Beautiful poems, beautiful voice

Far better known for his film roles - Emma, Gosford Park, The Crown -- actor Jeremy Northam reads G. M. Hopkins so well! Also to remember, his father was a distinguished professor of English literature at Cambridge University. Hopkins is not an easy poet to understand: his poems must actually be rather difficult to read aloud competently because of so much alliteration, rhyme, etc. Mr. Northam does a wonderful job though, clear and yet warm. Wish he would record more poetry!

GMHOPKINS -what's not to love

There have been querulous, dowdy, unfeeling readings of gmh - this is not one of those. Jeremy Northam's reading brings richness to an already sumptuous repast.