2011 Mr Bliss (Derek Jacobi)

Release Date: 2011.09.29
Reader: Sir Derek Jacobi
Language: English
Translator: n/a
Organisation: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: See below
Duration: 43 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: UK
Licenced: Yes
Formats: CD, Digital

Sir Derek Jacobi adopts a more animated and “theatrical” tone here compared to his more gentle reading of Leaf by Niggle, for example. He gives distinct, often humorous voices to the eccentric cast.

Mr. Bliss is famous for its handwritten text and integrated drawings (e.g., the car crash or the bears eating dinner). Jacobi’s narration is particularly important because it has to convey the humour that is found in Tolkien’s drawings.

In the original 2004 CD release, the booklet included a small selection of Tolkien’s sketches to help the listener follow the visual gags mentioned in the narration. The digital version obviously lacks this

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