Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 1: The Borgias and The Cenci
Alexandre Dumas
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Dumas's 'Celebrated Crimes' was not written for children. The novelist has spared no language--has minced no words--to describe the violent scenes of a violent time.
In some instances facts appear distorted out of their true perspective, and in others the author makes unwarranted charges. The careful, mature reader, for whom the books are intended, will recognize, and allow for, this fact. (from publisher's note)
The first volume comprises the annals of the Borgias and the Cenci. The name of the noted and notorious Florentine family has become a synonym for intrigue and violence, and yet the Borgias have not been without stanch defenders in history.
Another famous Italian story is that of the Cenci. The beautiful Beatrice Cenci--celebrated in the painting of Guido, the sixteenth century romance of Guerrazi, and the poetic tragedy of Shelley, not to
mention numerous succeeding works inspired by her hapless fate—will always remain a shadowy figure and one of infinite pathos. (from Introduction) (10 hr 16 min)
Chapters
Reviews
mafinokc
It mystifies me why some of these readers took this on. Barry Eads, for example, not only hopelessly mispronounces most of the Italian names, he flubs a lot of English words, such as "draught", which he fails to recognize as the British spelling of "draft," instead pronouncing it as if it rhymed with "naught."
A LibriVox Listener
These families are twisted monsters. It was interesting to hear all of the different versions and compare them to other books and documentaries. Very cool.
very well
bc
I listened to the second part concerning the Cenci. It's well written, detailed, and intriguing history. Reading is very well done being clearly and evenly spoken. TY Reader.
volunteers
dsd
can't stand unkind comments from people concerning readers. no need to be rude. if you don't like a certain reader, move on..plenty to listen to. or, volunteer yourself.
well worth the time.
Deborah
Although I truly enjoyed hearing these ancient tales of families long passed into history, I cannot overlook the fact that the quality of readers was quite diverse. some chapters would do well to be reviewed. when reading a story about Italian history it would be appropriate for the reader to have some basic aquaintance with the pronunciation of names of people and places. overall, well worth the time.
A LibriVox Listener
many words and sentences not read properly