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  • Great Northern?

  • Swallows and Amazons, Book 12
  • By: Arthur Ransome
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (20 ratings)

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Great Northern? cover art

Great Northern?

By: Arthur Ransome
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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Publisher's Summary

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the 12 books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.

Great Northern? is the 12th, and final, book in Arthur Ransome's acclaimed series. Once again, the children set out on an adventure (this one off the coast of Scotland) with a minimum of parental advice and interference. Here, the story centers on a desperate race to thwart the efforts of pernicious egg collectors threatening the survival of a pair of rare birds not previously known to nest in British waters.

Arthur Ransome was a prolific writer of children's books. Born in Leeds in 1884, it was his father, a nature-loving history professor, who inspired his love of the outdoors and nurtured a passion for fishing. As a child he enjoyed active, outdoor holidays: sailing, camping, and exploring the countryside. He used many of these holiday settings for his children's stories, notably the much-loved Swallows and Amazons, a book that sits comfortably in the category of ‘timeless classic’. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for the sixth book in the Swallows and Amazons series, Pigeon Post.

©1947 Arthur Ransome (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic Reviews

“Enchanting and escapist” (Sunday Express)

“There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating” (Times Literary Supplement)

What listeners say about Great Northern?

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NEVER READ UNTIL NOW .... WHAT I MISSED

This book has always been one that "I'lll read later". Well here we are .... later, 70 years to be precise and as with the end of all the other Arthur Ransome stories I am left with intense pleasure. It was wonderful to have the story spread out in all its parts, our well known characters make their entrance, play their part to gradually weave together the most satisfying end.

Just the hint as the book evolves that time has passed since the earlier books and with it that era of Swallows and Amazons we know so well will, very sadly end with the book.

I found myself musing how Ransome 'found' little parts, amplified and included them to make a book which never loses its thread. I also now know a fair few things I didn't know about birds, in particular the Great Northern Divers and greatly regret my short timed egg hunting activities.

The fact remains the complete saga has had an imense effect on my life for which I am grateful to Ransome for.

I forgot to thank Gareth Armstrong for being the perfect 'Tusitala'

David


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Brilliant

Wonderfully read great voice actor does justice to a timeless classic. Great accents, highly recommended

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