Paradise Lost

PARADISE LOST is a classic that requires slow, careful reading and rereading. Ralph Cosham's smooth voice is a fine match for Milton's blank verse epic. Cosham deserves praise for ably handling the phrasing and pronunciation of Milton's 12 books. However, there could be more clarity between the opening arguments and the beginning of each book. The scenes of wrath and dread are read at the same pace as the final scene of humanity's exile from the Garden of Eden. But these are minor quibbles as Cosham is consistent in his presentation of the text. His choice to read rather than interpret is a wise one. This high-quality production may inspire listeners to further exploration of this significant text. R.F. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


One could hardly hope for a more intelligent reading of Milton's epic poem, relating Satan's temptation of Adam and Eve and their fall. Anton Lesser's clarity, expressiveness, and careful weighting of each phrase deserve high praise. The dialogue comes across like Shakespearean drama, and while Lesser doesn't vary his voice much, he strikes the right note for each character. In Satan's soliloquies, when he whispers, Lesser's reading is thrilling; but when he thunders, his somewhat thin tenor makes him sound querulous rather than grand, so where we expect tympani, we get a snare drum. Still, Lesser provides so much else it seems small-minded to cavil at this flaw. He makes Milton exciting. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine