Audiobooks by Oliver Goldsmith

She Stoops to Conquer & The Vicar of Wakefield: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions

"Full-cast BBC adaptations of Oliver Goldsmith’s two most famous works Anglo-Irish author Oliver Goldsmith was one of the most accomplished writers of the 18th century. A novelist, playwright, poet and essayist, he came to fame with his novel The Vicar of Wakefield and comic play She Stoops to Conquer. Both those classics are included here, with star casts including Julia McKenzie, Amanda Root, Peter Jeffrey and Sunny Ormonde. She Stoops to Conquer – Misunderstandings and mistaken identity are at the heart of this funny, farcical comedy of manners, in which a London gentleman looking for love finds himself the butt of a mischievous prank. Shy young Marlow comes to court Kate Hardcastle at her father’s house in the Yorkshire Dales, but is fooled into believing that Liberty Hall is an inn and his prospective bride a barmaid. Luckily for both, while Marlow is tongue-tied in the presence of a lady, he can be his charming, confident self with a commoner – and the sassy, independent Kate is happy to pretend, if it means she can win his heart... The Vicar of Wakefield – Part morality tale, part satire of the sentimental novel, Goldsmith’s 1766 masterpiece recounts the humorous adventures of the naive, ever-optimistic Rev Charles Primrose, who lives contentedly in the countryside with his wife and six children. When he loses his fortune to a swindler, he sets off with his despairing family through storms and floods to embrace a life of poverty in a rural Pennine parish. But as disaster piles upon calamity, the vicar finds his faith severely tested – can he face up to adversity and come through unscathed? She Stoops to Conquer Mrs Hardcastle – Julia McKenzie Mr Hardcastle – Clive Francis Kate Hardcastle – Amanda Root Tony Lumpkin – Adrian Scarborough Sir Charles Marlow – Norman Rodway Young Marlow – Martin Ball Hastings – Jonathan Cake Constance Neville – Cathy Sara Landlord/Jeremy – Terry Molloy Diggory/Master Muggins – Ian Brooker Pimple/Barmaid – Naomi Harris Roger/Master Slang – Richard Neale Adapted and directed by Sue Wilson Music composed and performed by Anthea Gomez (piano) with Martha Ann Brooks (trombone) and Katherine Gittings (violin) First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 18 June 2000 The Vicar of Wakefield Rev Charies Primrose – Peter Jeffrey Deborah Primrose – Sunny Ormonde Squire Thornhill – Michael Cochrane Burchell – Anthony Pedley Lady Blarney – Tina Gray Miss Skeggs – Sara Coward Ephraim Jenkinson – Christopher Scott Olivia Primrose – Susan Jeffrey George Primrose – Iwan Thomas Arabella Wilmot – Lisa Kay Sophia Primrose – Laura Strachan Moses Primrose – James Richard Farmer Flamborough – Terry Molloy Actor/Innkeeper – John Webb Actress/Landlady – Gillian Goodman Gaoler – Kim Durham Adapted by Christopher Denys Directed by Sue Wilson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3-17 October 1999 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Adrian Scarborough, Amanda Root, Clive Francis, Full Cast, Julia Mckenzie, Michael Cochrane, Peter Jeffrey, Sunny Ormonde (Narrator)

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The Vicar of Wakefield

"The Vicar of Wakefield, a novel by Oliver Goldsmith, first published in 1766, has long been regarded as a literary treasure of 18th-century English fiction. Though often simple in plot and unassuming in its narrative style, the novel reveals the depth of Goldsmith's genius and the charm of his storytelling, which has captivated readers across generations. The novel recounts the trials and tribulations of Dr. Charles Primrose, the vicar of the title, and his family. A man of virtuous character, the vicar's steadfast belief in providence and moral integrity is tested through a series of misfortunes—financial ruin, deception, and personal calamity. Yet, it is through these trials that the narrative explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the essential goodness of the human spirit. Goldsmith’s portrayal of the Primrose family, especially the vicar’s unwavering faith, serves as both a reflection of the virtues of 18th-century morality and an enduring commentary on human dignity."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Simon Hester (Narrator)

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The Vicar of Wakefield (Unabridged)

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Step into a world of idyllic contentment, then brace yourself for a fall from grace. 'The Vicar of Wakefield' by Oliver Goldsmith is a timeless tale of a kindhearted country vicar, Dr. Primrose. His life revolves around faith, family, and the simple joys of rural living. But a twist of fate throws his world into turmoil. Will his unwavering faith and optimism survive a series of misfortunes? Can his family weather the storm? Listen and discover a story that explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of good in the face of adversity."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Digital Voice Matt G (Narrator)

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The Vicar of Wakefield

"The story revolves around the vicar's family, their trials, and tribulations, including financial difficulties, social challenges, and unexpected twists of fate. Despite the hardships, the vicar remains steadfast in his commitment to his principles and his love for his family. The novel explores themes of resilience, morality, and the importance of virtue in the face of adversity."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Jason Smith (male Synthesized Voice) (Narrator)

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She Stoops to Conquer

"In She Stoops to Conquer, or The Mistakes of a Night, a young lady pretends to be a servant in order to win the notice of a young man who is painfully shy around women of his own class. Hilarious misadventures and mayhem ensue before matters are neatly wrapped up at the end. This play, one of the great English comedies, was first performed in 1773 and continues to be very popular with audiences today. (Summary by LA Walden)"

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), LibriVox Volunteers (Narrator)

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The Vicar of Wakefield

"The lovable and innocent Dr. Primrose has lost his fortune. Forced into reduced circumstances, he takes his family on a journey to a new parish. Soon, they are all thrown into a tale of love, deceit, abduction, betrayal and humour. By turns comic and sentimental, Oliver Goldsmith’s story of the rise and fall of the Primrose family is a classic, satirical depiction of domestic life in the 1700s. The hugely successful 'The Vicar of Wakefield' from 1766 became one of the most popular novels of Victorian England, with direct references to it in the work of Austen, Dickens, Shelley, Eliot, Brontë, Goethe, Schopenhauer and many others. - Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) was an Irish novelist, playwright and poet. He is most famous for his novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield' (1766)."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Tadhg Hynes (Narrator)

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The Good-Natured Man

"Narrator: Katy Fossil Sir William Honeywood: ToddHW Jarvis: Larry Wilson Mr. Honeywood: Gloriousjob Butler, Bailiff: tovarisch Croaker: bala Mrs. Croaker: Michele Eaton Miss Richland: Charlotte Duckett Leontine: sdaeley17 Olivia: Amanda Friday Garnet: Kristen Gjerløw French Servant, Follower, Postboy: alanmapstone Lofty: Denny Sayers Servant: Richard Friday Landlady: Elizabeth Klett Editor: ToddHW"

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), LibriVox Volunteers (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Vicar of Wakefield

"Published in 1766 'The Vicar of Wakefield' was Oliver Goldsmith's only novel. It was thought to have been sold to the publisher for £60 on Oliver Goldsmith's behalf by Dr Johnson to enable Goldsmith to pay off outstanding rent and to release himself from his landlady's arrest. It is the story of the family of Dr Primrose, a benevolent vicar, and follows them through their fall from fortune and their ultimate rise again. The story provides insight into family life and circumstances in the mid 18th century and the plot has many aspects of a pantomime like quality: Impersonation, deception, an aristocratic villain and the abduction of a beautiful heroine. Goldsmith himself dissipated his savings on gambling whilst a student at Trinity College Dublin and subsequently travelled in Europe sustaining himself by playing the flute and disputing doctrinal matters in monasteries and universities. Later he worked as an apothecary's assistant, a doctor and a school usher (experiences shared in this story by Dr Primrose's son). (Summary by Martin Clifton)"

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Martin Clifton (Narrator)

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The Life of Richard Nash, Esq., Late Master of the Ceremonies at Bath

"Beau Nash (1674–1762), born Richard Nash, was a celebrated dandy and leader of fashion in 18th-century Britain. He is best remembered as the Master of Ceremonies at the spa town of Bath. (Wikipedia) This, the best of Goldsmith's Biographies, was published the year after Nash's death. It was at once popular, and went through two editions in the same year in which it was published. To the second edition (it never reached a third), Goldsmith made many important additions. Yet strange to say none of these have been attended to by the editors of his Works. The text of this reprint is that of the second edition, compared with the first. The text of previous editions has been that of a mutilated first impression. (Peter Cunningham, Editor)"

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), LibriVox Volunteers (Narrator)

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The History of the Man in Black

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Cathy Dobson (Narrator)

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The Vicar of Wakefield

"First published in 1766 and a perennial favourite since then, The Vicar of Wakefield is built around the naïve but loveable figure of Dr Primrose. He and his family live in rural bliss until disaster threatens to destroy their happiness: abduction, impoverishment and betrayal combine to lay them low, but a surprising figure brings hope when all seems lost."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Nicholas Farrell (Narrator)

Audiobook

She Stoops to Conquer

"A beautiful daughter of a wealthy man, Kate Hardcastle, is told that a suitor, Charles Marlowe is coming from London to the country to meet her. Her jealous step brother, Richard meets Marlowe in a pub in the village and directs Marlowe to his step-father's home for accommodations, telling him that it is a run down inn, about to go out of business. Kate goes along with the rouse and pretends to be a bar maid. And the comedic case of mistaken identity begins."

Oliver Goldsmith (Author), Johnnie M. Clark, Lynn Redgrave (Narrator)

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