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 is a legendary British actor of stage and screen as a narrator, he brings a “grand old storyteller” energy to the poems. He manages to sound like a Shire elder recounting old rhymes by a fireplace. Jacobi adopts a more animated and “theatrical” tone here compared to his more sombre reading of Leaf by Niggle. 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

Release History: