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The Talisman Audiobook
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(3.03) - 597 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Encamped in the Holy Land, the crusaders are torn by the dissensions and jealousies of their leaders. The army’s impotence is accentuated by the illness of their chief, Richard I of England. Meanwhile, a poor but doughty Scottish crusader known as Sir Kenneth, on a mission far from the camp, encounters a Saracen Emir. After an inconclusive combat, he strikes up a friendship with the Emir, who turns out to be Saladin himself. His alliance with the Moor will save him from more than one misfortune.
Carrying a mystical talisman, Saladin enters the camp of the crusaders in disguise and cures Richard. When Sir Kenneth is later falsely dishonored, Saladin is in a position to intervene in his execution and receive him as his slave. Presenting the knight with the talisman, Saladin then arranges a plot for Sir Kenneth’s vindication.
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"I have read this book a few times but it has been many, many years and I am due for a reread. I will give a more detailed review when that happens, but in the meantime, I will say this is probably my very favorite novel from the father of historical fiction. A must read for any HF buff!"
— Suzanna (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“[Simon Vance] excels at phrasing, which, accompanied by his pleasant voice and British accent, makes this tape pleasant listening.”
— AudioFile -
“[Vance’s] narration of The Talisman, a tale about King Richard I of England and the Crusades, is solemn…yet his serious rendering adds weight.”
— Booklist
The Talisman Listener Reviews
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Jeremiah Morley, 9/10/2024
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Layton McCurdy, 2/24/2024
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" This is a mighty classic, and the first time I've read it since I was small. "
— Ben, 2/13/2014 -
" Very interesting... But dreary to a young girl in these times..:/ "
— Anne, 2/5/2014 -
" If you like stories of chivalry and justice and honor and adventure, based on historical figures, this book rocks. "
— Frank, 1/13/2014 -
" Very disappointing. I used to love Scott as a teenager, but I've changed and maybe this isn't one of the best? "
— Pippa222, 1/6/2014 -
" This is a most marvelous book. But VERY difficult to read. Warning for 18th century sentence structure. Bring a hatchet! "
— Sandra, 1/5/2014 -
" Never judge others, you never know who or what they really are about. Treat all Gods children like Gods children! "
— Annieh17, 12/29/2013 -
" Most excellent book. Must read. "
— Julie, 12/29/2013 -
" I'm suspicious to talk about this book because it talk about the crusades in an romantic aspect. It is a dense story but an amazing tale :) "
— Ana, 12/26/2013 -
" Not my favorite of his - that would be Ivanhoe, which comes next and is one of my all-time favorites - but a nice suspenseful light-hearted romp none the less. Though a little windy at times. One wishes, like the jousters, that he would just get to the point! "
— Catherine, 12/21/2013 -
" Enjoyable, but not my favorite from Scott. Portrayal of Saladin a bit too gushing. "
— Kathy, 11/24/2013 -
" Eh, it was ok. Kind of long for what the story was. "
— Lauren, 9/18/2013 -
" Loved it!!! A great one! "
— Betty, 8/27/2013 -
" Reading aloud to kids Jan 2013 "
— K., 7/6/2013 -
" Says more about the Victorians/late Georgians than about the 12th century crusaders, I think. "
— Trish, 2/7/2013 -
" I'm actually only 4/5 done with this so it gets 4 stars. But I'm mostly loving it so it gets 4 stars. And it's well-written, only with some few boring paragraphs so it gets 4 stars. "
— Kari, 4/17/2012 -
" Very enjoyable. I have not read many books based on these events and period of time. "
— Kelly, 11/12/2011 -
" "I sleep - wake me not." What a great motto! "
— Ginny, 9/10/2011 -
" What an awesome book this is! "
— Ranita, 8/20/2011 -
" Eh, it was ok. Kind of long for what the story was. "
— Lauren, 3/25/2011 -
" I'm actually only 4/5 done with this so it gets 4 stars. But I'm mostly loving it so it gets 4 stars. And it's well-written, only with some few boring paragraphs so it gets 4 stars. "
— Kari, 1/5/2011 -
" Very interesting... But dreary to a young girl in these times..:/ "
— Anne, 6/26/2010 -
" Very little action, a lot of conversation, and quite good. A great depiction of courtly love in all its strangeness. It would have been better without all the disguise, methinks-- at least as concerns Saladin. And the title has nothing to do with the book, but that's fine. "
— Alexander, 4/1/2010 -
" Knightly honor is the underlying theme in this wonderful novel by Scott. Lots of action, a love story, all set with the Crusades as a backdrop "
— Rob, 1/20/2010 -
" Most excellent book. Must read. "
— Julie, 11/14/2009 -
" "I sleep - wake me not." What a great motto! "
— Ginny, 11/5/2009 -
" Ok, peguei no livro naquela do "Vai ser interessante...". <br/> <br/>Bastou ler o primeiro parágrafo para pensar "Oh Meu Deus, mas que livro!" <br/> <br/>E é verdade, o livro é fantástico e adorei! "
— Pedro, 5/9/2009
About Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world during his time. Scott was the first English-language author to have a truly international career in his lifetime, with many contemporary readers in Europe, Australia, and North America. Some of his more famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian, and The Bride of Lammermoor.
About Simon Vance
Simon Vance (a.k.a. Robert Whitfield) is an award-winning actor and narrator. He has earned more than fifty Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration thirteen times. He was named Booklist’s very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. He has narrated more than eight hundred audiobooks over almost thirty years, beginning when he was a radio newsreader for the BBC in London. He is also an actor who has appeared on both stage and television.