Joseph Andrews--

[maxx02]

I don't know, but the choice of Rufus to read this has a certain delightful irony.

It's the story of a beautiful young man who is determined to maintain his virtue no matter how women ply him...

It's... well, Rufus is the perferct choice for more reasons than his great gift at this sort of thing...

I should probably also mention that Joesph Andrews doesn't quite get why women are chasing him either.

That said, I'm sure Rufus was much more circumspect than Joseph Andrews.

[etherealtb]

I need to order these. I haven't read Fielding since my 18th Century Novel class in (*gasp*) 1985, but I remember him being a hoot. But I'm sure I'll appreciate his naughty writting even more now than I did as a 19 year old nerd ...... now that I'm a mature and "seasoned" ....... nerd. ;D

[ree]

Darn it! This is torture. I can't get it to download properly.

[Terri Mac]

I realize I've posted some messages elsewhere that I really should have put here. I'll see if I can cut and paste them. (wait, I'll be right back)

[Terri Mac]

I haven't gotten too far yet; however I have to tell you to hear Rufus read this classic (which I had never read) is highly entertaining! I was listening to the first book when I drove home from work tonight and when I heard him doing the voices of the two old ladies in the first few chapters, named Mrs. Slipshot and Lady Booby, I could hardly stop smirking. (It was only the strange looks I was getting from the people in the car next to me while I was waiting for the red light to change that made me realize I better curb my enthusiasm!) If you can, definitely purchase it!!

[Terri Mac]

Here's a synopsis of JOSEPH ANDREWS from Dover Publications:
After the unfortunate demise of Sir Thomas Booby, Lady Booby begins to pay entirely too much attention to her handsome, innocent young footman, Joseph Andrews. When the virtuous young man refuses her advances, she discharges him, and Joseph--in the company of his old tutor, Parson Adams (one of the great comic figures of literature)--sets out from London to visit his sweeheart, Fanny. Along the way, the two travelers meet with a series of adventures--some hilarious, some heartstopping--in which, through their own innocence and
honesty, they expose the hypocrisy and affectation of others.
and, ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Henry Fielding (1707-1754) began his writing life as an author of plays, but that career was cut short by new censorship laws when he was 30--an event, according to George Bernard Shaw, that robbed England of its greatest dramatist, "with the single exception of Shakespeare," between the Middle Ages and the 19th century. Fielding turned to writing novels with AN APOLOGY FOR THE LIFE OF MRS. SHAMELA ANDREWS, a 1741 parady of PAMELA; OR, VIRTUE REWARDED by Samuel Richardson. JOSEPH ANDREWS, published the following year, started out as another parody of PAMELA (Joseph was Pamela's brother, and Lady Booby was the aunt of the Squire Booby who married Pamela), but soon left that purpose behind. Often regarded as the first realistic novel in English literature, it stands on its own as a masterpiece of sustained irony and social criticism, honestly portraying the manners and customs of early-18th-century England, and at the same time brilliantly satirizing the foibles and vanities of human nature.

[maxx02]

Thanks Terri--

I listened to half of the first book and Rufus was having as much fun as the characters. I haven't had time to listen to any more, but I'm with you. If you haven't done so, download it. It's worth the effort.

[Terri Mac]

Maxx,
Isn't it something that we can tell from his reading that he obviously enjoys doing all the voices so much! My favorites, however, are his impersonations of the "ladies."

[maxx02]

well Rufus is a rather transparent fellow when he's performing. That's one of his greatest strengths as an artist--he feels everything and you can see it in every gesture, every expression and every inflection of voice.

[maxx02]

Rufus reading Belamine makes me think he would make a splendid Scarlet Pimpernel. Now wouldn't that be fun for everyone including him.

[rufluvr]

Rufus would make a great Scarlet Pimpernal, with his penchant and talent for witty banter and double entandre's. Not to mention he always looks appropo as an aristocrat of any sort, because of his regal voice and bearing. Of course he would be outstanding, and we know he has the sensuality and athleticism required to do the role well. But the casting of the perfect female foil as his wife would be essential to a thoroughly wonderful piece, since their verbal jousting and emotional interplay is such a key part of the story. It's so hot that the spouses act so indifferent in public, but secretly adore each other!! Who do you think for the wife? Catherine Zeta Jones or Kate Winslet maybe?? Oooh, Angelina Jolie!!!

[maxx02]

Interesting, I was contemplating who might play Chauvelain. To me that would be the very most crucial casting.

As to who plays his wife? um, I don't know. I'm not keen on any of those particular actresses. They are all a bit too contemporary for my tastes in this particular role. Cate Blanchette would be the obvious choice I suppose. Good question... anyone else have any thoughts?

[etherealtb]

maxx02 said:

Interesting, I was contemplating who might play Chauvelain. To me that would be the very most crucial casting.

Hmmmm...that's a tough one. Give me a few days to ponder that one.

[catdishy]

I was so grateful to have all 11 hours of Rufus reading this when I had my eyeballs lasered recently to relieve eye pressure. I had extremely painful photosensitivity for 2 days afterward and couldn't read, watch TV , go anywhere bright.. this got me through a really bad couple of days...his agility in switching voices, tempos, moods is just astonishing to me.

[lotuspad]

I have accidentally deleted my downloaded copy. Me soooo stoooopid. I guess I'll have to go buy it again. Argh.