Pilgrim's Progress

Bunyan's classic allegory of the battle of good and evil is clearly delivered in grave, sepulchral tones. Edward de Souza's very British, judicial voice gives credence to court scenes. He depicts Christian as Everyman wading through the slough of Despond, where he meets Mr. Worldly Wiseman and the Evangelist, who hope to delay him on his journey to salvation. When portraying Beelzebub, Souza's voice engages the listener with imperious, commanding, and fearful tones. Funereal organ music provides breaks between scenes and adds to the sense of despair. This book was first published three hundred years ago; this rendition explains why it is ever popular. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

Nadia May's reading of this classic is too rushed for contemplative listening, and sometimes even for comprehension. While her high-pitched voice is distinctive, her quick pace prevents effective delivery of dialogue and description. As the story of a journey, an allegory for redemption, a more measured pace with moments of intensity would be better suited for conveying the struggle of progress. A final quarrel with this recording is that Bunyan's "apology," which traditionally precedes the story, is relegated to the final disc, making it seem an afterthought in the production. R.F. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine