Argonautika

The ARGONAUTIKA concerns the quest for the Golden Fleece. Of uneven artistic merit, it nonetheless broke new literary ground in the third century B.C. and influenced subsequent poets. Many listeners will find the material demanding, and enjoyment will be largely dependent upon their familiarity with Greek antiquity. Scholar Peter Green has composed the very speakable verse translation, smoothly abridged in this audio. British actress Juliet Stevenson reads with affectionate intimacy, as to an armchair companion. Unfortunately, she's only fitfully engaged and often insensitive to mood and atmosphere. Her cadences generally flat, sometimes faking her way through difficult passages, she's best when delivering impassioned speeches. This production is not for the casual listener. Y.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine