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First Among Equals (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.00) - 5,037 listener ratings
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In Jeffrey Archer's bestselling First Among Equals, Charles Seymour, second-born son, will never be the earl like his father, but he did inherit his mother's strength-and the will to realize his destiny... Simon Kerslake's father sacrificed everything to make sure his son's dreams come true. Now it is Simon's chance to rise as high as those dreams allow...Ray Gould was born to the back streets but raised with pride-a quality matched by a sharp intellect and the desire to attain the impossible...Andrew Fraser was raised by a soccer hero turned politician. Now it's his turn for heroics, whatever the cost. From strangers to rivals, four men embark on a journey for the highest stakes of all-the keys to No. 10 Downing Street. Unfolding over three decades, their honor will be tested, their loyalties betrayed, and their love of family and country challenged. But in a game where there is a first among equals, only one can triumph.
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"I enjoyed this glimpse into British politics and its parliament. Archer's long experience as a MP makes this an accurate account of how the political machine operates in various parts of Britain. If you are interested in such things you will find this book informative and entertaining."
— Sherry (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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''First Among Equals [is]read by Martin Jarvis, who switched voices so quickly that not a beat is lost in th[is]fast-moving mystery.
— Patriot News -
There isn't a better storyteller alive.
— Larry King -
One of the top ten storytellers in the world.
— Los Angeles Times -
“Archer is a master storyteller.
— Time
First Among Equals Listener Reviews
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" Another masterpiece by the master storyteller "
— Chaitanya, 2/16/2014 -
" Inspire a trip to Parliament "
— Nancy, 2/11/2014 -
" Loved this book when I read it for school - a great way to learn the British political system, sort of soap-opera style :) "
— Allie, 2/10/2014 -
" Never read a Jeffrey Archer book I didn't like - they're all great! "
— Robbie, 2/7/2014 -
" Super read. The Suspense, tensions, characters, the plot, the fast pace. All Archer's trademarks. All exemplified here. Fabulous. "
— Adnaan, 2/1/2014 -
" This was my first Jeffrey Archer book. The book was just "ok." I wouldn't choose one of his books again. "
— Carolyn, 1/29/2014 -
" brilliant, such s good writer, so well written "
— Sally, 1/16/2014 -
" Loved the story. Really happy that Ray Gould was chosen. He is the most deserving among the three. "
— Jona, 1/13/2014 -
" I read part way through this book and just could not get into the book at all. This is one of Jeffery Archer's books I just couldn't get into or enojoy. "
— Robert, 12/18/2013 -
" I certainly learned a LOT about the British Parliament. And it was kinda fun to know this was written in 1984 and to see where the author predicted accurately and where not. I'd like to read the British version, which I gather has 4 main characters instead of 3. "
— Andrea, 12/13/2013 -
" Re-read it after quite a while and while it picked up slowly, it was fun near the end though my fav guy didn't 'win' ! "
— Fareeha, 12/10/2013 -
" Some how I feel Jeffrey Archer's book are becoming too predictable. "
— Parul, 11/16/2013 -
" It's like reading the description of the most boring breakfast ever. Boring plot twists designed to keep you guessing who will end up being the PM. Very dull prose. "
— Ben, 10/31/2013 -
" Even if I am not interested in politics, I must admit that the book was good. "
— Rudolfs, 10/31/2013 -
" Lots of information about Britain's Parliament. None of the three main characters were appealing to me so it was kinda hard to really get into the book. Also with all of the close votes it reminded me of Sons of Fortune. Probably shouldn't have read those books back to back. 2 1/2 stars "
— woody, 10/31/2013 -
" Read for book club...not my normal type of book or author to read. But was ok and kinda predictable. (2004) "
— Sue, 10/25/2013 -
" Pretty good one here. Takes the reader inside the world of British politics and the inner workings of the parliment. "
— Robert, 9/30/2013 -
" Most boring book I have ever read but I plan on finishing it. If I can "
— Cynthia, 7/30/2013 -
" Not my usual choice in stories (it was a sale book at B&N). I eventually got into the intrigue amongst the politicians along with the family storylines. Turned out to be a good read even though it was heavily political. "
— Beth, 6/26/2013 -
" One of the greatest inspirational books.... "
— Farhaan, 5/30/2013 -
" Should only be read by those who have an interest in politics "
— Oshin, 11/29/2012 -
" The book is only recommended if you are interested in politics. This one had a lot of characters that makes it a tough read too. The novel is subtle and intriguing till the end. "
— Rajat, 11/23/2012 -
" Quick and fun and satisfyingly catty read about fictional personalities in the British parliament. The dude may be a criminal, but he is not without talents! "
— Kate, 4/29/2012 -
" Well written, but would have been easier to follow the nuances with a deeper understa,ding of british politics. Interesting to see that political ambition is very similar regardless of the system, however! "
— Laura, 1/15/2012 -
" I learned a great deal about the English parliamentary system. "
— Ginnie, 12/1/2011 -
" I liked this book for the most part, but I did find it difficult to understand the British political system. I also found the book to be about 100 pages too long. It really held my interest for the majority of the book, but once I got to the last 100 pages, I was ready for it to be over. "
— Elizabeth, 8/23/2011 -
" This book I read it many years ago however will read it again if I can ever find a copy. "
— Sheila, 6/2/2011 -
" It had me with the title and didn't disappoint. "
— Sherry, 4/27/2011 -
" This is a complex story about 4 young men who via for the title of British Prime Minister. It takes a master to weave so many stories together into one coherent novel. Again, the ending will surprise most readers. "
— Marcia, 4/13/2011 -
" best political novel and best work of Archer "
— Nupur, 3/2/2011 -
" This is a definitely Holiday Reading book, but the story is plausible. I preferred the book to the TV adaptation. "
— Ice, 2/21/2011 -
" the plot is a little dragging.however, archer knows how to keep you interested.<br/>-love gargi<br/> "
— Gargi, 1/13/2011 -
" Everything Archer writes is wonderful. This is among the best. "
— Ann, 1/11/2011 -
" Sort of complicated, from my point of view, cos it talks too much of American politics. But I will finish reading it someday! :) "
— Ancie, 11/20/2010 -
" Lots of information about Britain's Parliament. None of the three main characters were appealing to me so it was kinda hard to really get into the book. Also with all of the close votes it reminded me of Sons of Fortune. Probably shouldn't have read those books back to back. 2 1/2 stars "
— woody, 11/1/2010 -
" A good insight into the world of Britishpolitics n the working of the parliament......albeit fictional... "
— Summi, 6/17/2010 -
" I certainly learned a LOT about the British Parliament. And it was kinda fun to know this was written in 1984 and to see where the author predicted accurately and where not. I'd like to read the British version, which I gather has 4 main characters instead of 3. "
— Andrea, 5/15/2010 -
" I have enjoyed most of Archer's books, finding them not only interesting but informative and entertaining. This is a clear exception. The book was tedious and boring with only momentary and fleeting episodes of interest or intrique. Overall, it was disappointing. "
— Matthew, 4/7/2010 -
" Story-telling at its best...as usual. "
— samwan, 3/17/2010 -
" Super read. The Suspense, tensions, characters, the plot, the fast pace. All Archer's trademarks. All exemplified here. Fabulous. "
— Adnaan, 12/29/2009
About Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer is an author of fiction, nonfiction, and plays, including numerous New York Times bestsellings, of which three made the #1 bestsellers spot. He was educated at Oxford University. He served five years as a member of the British parliament in the House of Commons and has served twenty-seven years as a member of the House of Lords. Now published in 97 countries and more than 37 languages, all of his novels and short story collections—including Kane & Abel, Only Time Will Tell and This Was a Man—have been international bestsellers.
About Martin Jarvis
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.