Audiobooks by Robert Browning

Robert Browning: The Ring and the Book, The Pied Piper of Hamelin & more: BBC Radio dramatic reimagi

"BBC Radio dramatisations and readings of Browning’s most famous poems, performed by stars including Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and David Tennant, plus two bonus plays Victorian poet Robert Browning was renowned for his evocative dramatic monologues peopled with vivid, morally ambiguous characters. In 1846, he eloped with fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett, and they rapidly became Britain’s most famous literary power couple. This collection brings together four of Browning’s poetic masterpieces, juxtaposed with a play inspired by his work and a drama about Robert and Elizabeth’s romance. The Ring and the Book – In the aftermath of a triple stabbing, Rome is rife with speculation. Accused of murdering his young wife and her parents, Count Guido Franceschini is put on trial, and finds himself desperately fighting for his life. Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and Andrew Sachs star in this thrilling tale of of sex, lies, murder and justice. The Pied Piper of Hamlin – When a town fails to pay the rat-catcher who has lured all the rats away with his magic pipe, the piper takes a terrible revenge. Playing his music once more, he leads all the children from the town. Only one boy remains behind… David Tennant stars as the Narrator, with Bertie Gilbert as the boy. My Last Duchess – Based on Browning’s chilling poem about an aristocrat whose wife died young in suspicious circumstances, this intriguing dramatisation attempts to solve the mystery of what happened to the duchess, and who did the deed. Starring Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer and Tim McInnerny. Andrea del Sarto – Richard Pasco reads Robert Browning's monologue about the 16th-century Florentine artist known as ‘the faultless painter’, whose marriage was the source of deep unhappiness. The Contemplative Life – Brother James's loathing of oafish Brother Lawrence has led him to petty acts of destruction. As a punishment, he is forced to share a cell with him… Alan Rickman and Michael Aldridge star in this comedy inspired by Browning’s poem ‘Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister’. The Barretts of Wimpole Street – Starring Dorothy Tutin and Jeremy Brett, this radio version of Rudolf Besier’s celebrated stage play explores the secret courtship of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, which took place at No 50 Wimpole Street, her father’s forbidding household. First published 1842 (‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’, ‘My Last Duchess’), 1855 (‘Andrea del Sarto’), 1868 (‘The Ring and the Book’) Cast and credits Written by Robert Browning The Ring and the Book Cast: Anton Lesser, Roger Allam, Lou Brealey, Dominic Rowan, Andrew Sachs, Frances Jeater, Dan Starkey, Stephen Critchlow, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Joan Walker, John Rowe, Michael Maloney, Stephen Moore The Pied Piper of Hamelin Cast: David Tennant, Bertie Gilbert With music and songs written and performed by John Harle, lyrics by Joyce Harle, sung by Thomas Platts, head chorister at Canterbury Cathedral with the choir of Wingham School, Kent My Last Duchess Cast: Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer, Tim McInnerny, Robert Hands, John Hartley, Jacob Heringman Andrea del Sarto Read by Richard Pasco The Contemplative Life Cast: Alan Rickman, Michael Aldridge, David Garth, Brian Smith, Colin Starkey, David Sinclair, Trevor Nichols, John Webb The Barretts of Wimpole Street Cast: Dorothy Tutin, Jeremy Brett, Paul Rogers, William Eedle, John Rowe, John Samson, Robin Browne, David Valla, Christopher Good, Kate Binchy, Jane Knowles, Kenneth Fortescue, Helen Worth, Michael Kilgarriff, Rolf Lefebvre, John Ruddock, Sheila Grant © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Robert Browning (Author), Alan Rickman, Andrew Sachs, Anton Lesser, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Dan Starkey, David Tennant, Emily Mortimer, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Joan Walker, Louise Brealey, Roger Allam, Stephen Critchlow, Tim McInnerny (Narrator)

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Selected Poems for Children by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Caroll, Edward Lear and others.

"Delight in the whimsical world of childhood through the writing of some of the most beloved poets in English literature. Selected Poems for Children brings together works by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc, and Robert Browning—poems that brim with imagination, humour, and unforgettable characters. In this charming collection, Simon Hester's warm, engaging narration and evocative music bring to life timeless classics such as Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse, Lear's eccentric Nonsense Poems, Carroll's fantastical Jabberwocky, and the misadventures of The Hunting of the Snark. You’ll also enjoy Belloc's somewhat macabre Cautionary Tales and the tragic story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin—all narrated with the perfect blend of joy and intrigue that children (and the young at heart) will treasure."

Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc, Lewis Carroll, Robert Browning, Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Simon Hester (Narrator)

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Born in England – Exploring English Poetry - London

"Poetry. A form of words that seems so elegantly simple in one verse and so cleverly complex in another. Each poet has a particular style, an individual and unique way with words and yet each of us seems to recognise the path and destination of where the verses lead, even if sometimes the full comprehension may be a little beyond us.Through the centuries every culture has produced verse to symbolize and to describe everything from everyday life, natural wonders, the human condition and even in its more hubristic moments, the crushing triumph of an enemy.In the volumes of this series, we take a look at poetry through the prism of individual regions of England, or sometimes more quaintly known as ‘Albion’, or ‘Blighty’, through the centuries of its gloried history.England, despite its perception of reserve and under-statement has, in reality, strode the global stage at various time in many things, both good and bad, from Empire to long distance running. Here our focus in on its literature. Famed for its fiction and dramas, it is equally admired for its plethora of gifted poets and the dazzling verse which has added so much to its artistic legacy. These classic poets are wonders of their age and of their art. Genius is written in their names.In this volume the instantly globally recognisable city of London has, for century after century, dominated the country. Its rich history of art, culture and commerce interweave with generation after generation of poets to produce a supremely rich tapestry of undimmed brilliance. Our poets include Alexander Pope, Amy Levy, Edmund Spenser, John Keats, G K Chesterton and a host of others. Genius has many names."

Alexander Pope, Algernon Charles Swinburne, Ben Jonson, Charlotte Mew, Charlotte Smith, Christina Rossetti, Daniel Defoe, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edmund Spenser, Edward Lear, Edward Thomas, Elizabeth Siddal, G K Chesterton, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Donne, John Keats, John Milton, John Ruskin, Lord Byron, Robert Browning, Thomas Gray, Thomas Hood, William Blake, William Morris (Author), David Shaw-Parker, Ghizela Rowe, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Robert Browning's Dramatic Monologues: A Selection

"A selection of Robert Browning's dramatic monologues. In 'My Last Duchess,' an entitled nobleman shows off a portrait of his late wife. In 'Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister,' a frustrated monk dwells on a petty rivalry. In 'The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed's,' a dying man instructs his family in how to elevate his final resting place above that of his rival's. In 'Porphyria's Lover,' a sinister narrator considers how to preserve the pure beauty of his trusting partner. 'Bishop Blougram's Apology' is a lengthy reflection on faith, doubt, and the pursuit of contentment."

Adriel Brandt, Robert Browning (Author), Adriel Brandt (Narrator)

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A Rhyme A Dozen - 12 Poets, 12 Poems, 1 Topic ? Art

"'A dime a dozen' as known in America, is perhaps equal to the English 'cheap as chips' but whatever the lingua franca of your choice in this series we hereby submit 'A Rhyme a Dozen' as 12 poems on many given subjects that are a well-rounded gathering, maybe even an essential guide, from the knowing pens of classic poets and their beautifully spoken verse to the comfort of your ears. 1 - A Rhyme A Dozen - 12 Poems, 12 Poets, 1 Topic - Art - An Introduction 2 - An Art Critic by Ambrose Bierce 3 - Art and Heart by Ella Wheeler Wilcox 4 - Colors by Stephen Vincent Benet 5 - Jade by Edith Wharton 6 - My Last Duchess by Robert Browning 7 - On Mr Alcock of Bristol, an Excellent Miniature Painter by Thomas Chatterton 8 - On Seeing the Elgin Marbles For the First Time by John Keats 9 - Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley 10 - Rome - Building a New Street in the Ancient Quarter, April 1887 by Thomas Hardy 11 - Sonnet 13 - Summer Fruit by Rainer Maria Rilke 12 - Written Under a Portrait of Keats by John Boyle O'Reily 13 - Portrait d'une Femme by Ezra Pound"

Ambrose Bierce, Edith Wharton, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Ezra Pound, John Boyle O'reily, John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Rainer Maria Rilke, Robert Browning, Stephen Vincent Benet, Thomas Chatterton, Thomas Hardy (Author), Christopher Ragland, Ghizela Rowe, William Dufris (Narrator)

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A Rhyme A Dozen - England

"'A dime a dozen' as known in America, is perhaps equal to the English 'cheap as chips' but whatever the lingua franca of your choice in this series we hereby submit 'A Rhyme a Dozen' as 12 poems on many given subjects that are a well-rounded gathering, maybe even an essential guide, from the knowing pens of classic poets and their beautifully spoken verse to the comfort of your ears. 1 - A Rhyme A Dozen - 12 Poems, 12 Poets, 1 Topic - England - An Introduction 2 - Jerusalem by William Blake 3 - Home Thoughts From Abroad by Robert Browning 4 - The Lambs of Grassmere by Christina Georgina Rossetti 5 - Happy Is England by John Keats 6 - This England (from Richard II) by William Shakespeare 7 - Daffodils by William Wordsworth 8 - Lines Written Beneath An Elm in the Churchyard of Harrow On The Hill Sept 2nd 1807 by George Gordon Byron 9 - Beachey Head by Charlotte Smith 10 - A Shropshire Lad XXXI - On Wenlock Edge the Wood's in Trouble by A E Housman 11 - London After The Great Fire 1666 by John Dryden 12 - The Lament of Swordy Well by John Clare 13 - A Song - Men of England by Percy Bysshe Shelley"

A E Housman, Charlotte Smith, Christina Georgina Rossetti, John Clare, John Dryden, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Robert Browning, William Blake, William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth (Author), Eve Karpf, Jake Urry (Narrator)

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Rabbi Ben Ezra & Other Poems

Robert Browning (Author), Russell Stamets (Narrator)

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The Treasury of Victorian Poetry

"William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic fiction read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly abridged and remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. A collection of the greatest poetry from the Victorian era, read by some of the 20th century’s most renowned actors. Science, religion, and sexuality are played out in these timeless readings of poetry written during the Romantic period. Performed by Sir John Gielgud; Peter Orr; Gwen Watford; and David King. This collection includes poems from: • Robert Browning • Lord Alfred Tennyson • Christina Rossetti • Gerard Manley Hopkins • Dante Gabriel Rossetti • Algernon Charles Swinburne • Paul Edmonds • Matthew Arnold • Haldreyn (William Morris) • Arthur Hugh Clough"

Algernon Charles Swinburne, Christina Rossetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning (Author), David King, Gwen Watford, Peter Orr, Sir John Gielgud (Narrator)

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The Poets of the 19th Century - Volume 1

"This is a Century for the history books. The Chinese curse of living in interesting times could not be more suited.A small island continued its expansion across the globe bringing both good and evil in its march. Empires clashed. Revolution shook many. The Industrial Age was upon us.Poets spoke up against slavery bringing social and political pressure upon an abominable horror. It was also the Age of the Romantics; Shelley, Keats, Byron lyrically rapture. Tennyson, Arnold, Browning rode a century of sweeping change of dynamism and great verse."

Charlotte Bronte, Lord Byron, Robert Browning (Author), Eve Karpf, Ghizela Rowe, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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St Georges Day - A Holiday in Verse

"The United States has July 4th, Ireland St Patrick's Day and France Bastille Day.Most Nations celebrate a particular day as 'theirs'. That day is when they turn to themselves; to reflect on the past, to revel in the present and to look forward to the future.For England 23rd April is St George's Day.St George, a hero from bygone days, who slays Dragons and pursues other mythic deeds, is part of childhood. But for modern times, for modern Nations, a greater purpose is needed.For England St George is best now described as a principle. A small Nation grown large and respected for its brainpower, brawn and ingenuity and fighting for beliefs, misguidedly or not, that others can't or won't.Of course England's role has changed many times over the centuries but perhaps its basic tenets and desires haven't. Fair Play. A role for everyone on equal terms. Democracy. Tolerance. A safe haven for those oppressed. England 'expects' and sometimes succeeds."

John Keats, Robert Browning, William Wordsworth (Author), Ghizela Rowe, Jake Urry, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Narrative Verse - Volume 4

"Narrative Verse - Volume 4. Poetry can capture the imagination in a few short lines but Narrative Verse or Poetry takes the form of telling a story whether it be simple or complex in a longer form. Among the most ancient forms of poetry it has widespread roots through almost every culture. In Volume 4 we bring you the classics of The Eve Of St Agnes - John Keats, Flodden - Sir Walter Scott, The Ballad Of Agincourt - Michael Drayton, Tam O'Shanter - Robert Burns, The Pied Piper Of Hamelin - Robert Browning. They are read for you by the renowned actors Sean Barrett and David Shaw-Parker."

John Keats, Michael Brayton, Robert Browning, Robert Burns, Walter Scott (Author), David Shaw-Parker, Sean Barrett (Narrator)

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The Poetry of England - Volume 2

"English Poetry, Volume 2 - An Introduction. The English language has grown into the Worlds pre-dominant spoken language. It's estimated there are over one million words with which to do this. It's sources are rich and diverse, absorbing from other cultures and times without hesitation. It surely follows that when we add the talents of Shakespeare, Keats, Shelley, Kipling and Blake to a myriad of others that its beauty and reach entrance us with their thoughts and visions. In two volumes these remarkable poems present a wonderful companion through the long heritage of the English Language and its poets. The poems in volume 2 are; English Poetry - An Introduction; Bright Star - John Keats; La Belle Dame Sans Merci - John Keats; I Remember I Remember - Thomas Hood; Ballad - Thomas Hood; No! - Thomas Hood; If Thou Must Love Me - Elizabeth Barrett Browning; How Do I Love Thee - Elizabeth Barrett Browning; Ulysses - Alfred Lord Tennyson; Lady Clare - Alfred Lord Tennyson; from Pied Piper Of Hamblin - Robert Browning; Home Thoughts From Abroad - Robert Browning; The Jumblies - Edward Lear; Dover Beach - Matthew Arnold; Remember - Christina Rossetti; In The Willow Shade - Christina Rossetti; The Oxen - Thomas Hardy; Ah Are You Digging My Grave - Thomas Hardy; The Darkling Thrush - Thomas Hardy; Spring - Gerald Manley Hopkins; Epithalamion - Gerald Manley Hopkins; Loveliest Of Trees, The Cherry Now - AE Houseman; If - Rudyard Kipling; Tommy - Rudyard Kipling; The Way That Lovers Use - Rupert Brooke; Love - Rupert Brooke; The Old Vicarage Of Grantchester; Rupert Brooke"

John Keats, Robert Browning, Rupert Brooke, Thomas Hood (Author), Ghizela Rowe, Jan Francis, Nigel Davenport, Nigel Planer, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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