Discussing Francis Brett Young and his Mercian novels

Daniel Weyman on Isherwood's Prater Violet

Daniel Weyman, fresh from filming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series 3 in the role of Gandalf, has narrated Christopher Isherwood’s gem of a short novel Prater Violet. He talks with producer Neil Rosser about the process of making a film, which is at the heart of the novel, and other aspects of his own career, including his role in the much-loved Foyle’s War. More details about the audiobook can be found here: https://naxosaudiobooks.com/prater-violet-unabridged/

Narrating Ivy Compton-Burnett's Manservant and Maidservant

Ivy Compton-Burnett’s originality and powers of observation are set off by Naxos AudioBooks’s new recording of her extraordinary 1947 novel Manservant and Maidservant. It is narrated by Emma Gregory; here she gives an interview with producer Neil Rosser. Ranging from the upstairs-downstairs ‘Downton Abbey’ aspect of the novel to the art of creating characters for contemporary video games, it is a fascinating discussion.

Discussing Francis Parkman's The Oregon Trail

Producer Neil Rosser talks to narrator Justin Wilson about his work in audiobooks, in particular his thoughts on The Oregon Trail by Francis Parkman Jr. It is a superb introduction to Naxos AudioBooks's complete recording of the book, highlighting particular details and examining some of the harsh conditions endured by North American Indians. For more details about the full recording of The Oregon Trail go to: https://naxosaudiobooks.com/oregon-trail-the-unabridged/

Discussing Francis Brett Young and his Mercian novels

Producer Neil Rosser talks to narrator Justin Avoth about Francis Brett Young (1884–1954) and his rich, resonant ‘Mercian’ novels set around the Black Country, West Midlands – My Brother Jonathan, Portrait of Clare and The House Under the Water and Mr Lucton’s Freedom. Justin has felt a deep personal connection to the novels, having grown up in the area; several times he has been stunned to recognise remote places described and renamed as places he visited in his childhood. A fascinating discussion which serves as a small introduction to some very special works of fiction. For all the recordings mentioned, visit: https://naxosaudiobooks.com/young-francis-brett/

Discussing Talleyrand

Narrator Leighton Pugh and Producer Neil Rosser meet in London's Trafalgar Square, having just recorded Duff Cooper’s biography Talleyrand. Beneath the iconic Nelson’s Column they discuss the enigmatic diplomat, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, and his extraordinary manoeuvres at the centre of power in Revolutionary France. For more details about the full audiobook go to: https://naxosaudiobooks.com/talleyrand-unabridged/