One of the joys of good literature is the curious way we make friends of its author. When I was nine years old I began reading J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings every summer, and did so until I got married at 22. Years later, I find that Tolkien and I are old friends, having been through so much together. If you are a reader (I think you know what I mean; there’s readers, then there’s readers), you too have old friends that have been companions for you throughout your life.
As audio archives of authors and preachers from years past begin surfacing, we have the enjoyable opportunity to connect even more with wonderful authors and their writings, as we were their unique cadences, intonations, and emphases. So please, enjoy this short collection of audio recordings from some wonderful authors and speakers from years past.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Lloyd-Jones (1899 – 1981) was a prominent preacher for many years, and author of some rich books, including Spiritual Depression and Preaching and Preachers. The good doctor was the minister of Westminster Chapel in London, but surprisingly his doctorate was not in divinity or theology — he had previously earned his MD and practiced medicine.
The Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust has made available more than 1,600 sermons for free, and a mobile app.
Short documentary by Martyn Lloyd-Jones on George Whitefield
G. K. Chesterton
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was a literary renaissance man, and one of the most “larger-than-life” authors from the last two centuries. His wit was sharp, his pen profuse, and his hair a force to be reckoned with. He is author of such beloved works as Orthodoxy, The Everlasting Man, and the Father Brown stories.
Listen to G. K. Chesterton read a poem, The Woman in the Forest.
C. S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis (1898 – 1963) needs no introduction. Who has been more of a friend and guide for Christians in the last century than Lewis? He is not only a powerful figure on the pages of his books (and looming large in some wonderful biographies, including Alistair McGrath’s), but he was quite a striking person himself. Stories are told of his laughing of his three-beer breakfasts, and storming in and out of his classrooms, beginning his lecture as he opens the door and ending it as he walks out.
Listen to part of what would later be Mere Christianity: Beyond Personality: The New Men
An Introduction to The Great Divorce
Note: the links above will auto-download a .RAM audio file. If that doesn’t work for you, make sure you check out the Four Loves audiobook!
J. R. R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892 – 1973) — his audio and video recordings, when I first heard them, brought a smile to my face. His tumbling accent and simple way of communicating made this real-life hobbit even more endearing to me. Though you’ve probably read Lord the Rings, The Hobbit, and perhaps The Silmarillion, you may not know (who am I kidding, you probably do) that Beowulf was one of the chief centers of his study. You can buy his Beowulf translation and commentary on Amazon.
Listen to Tolkien read Sam Gamgee’s Rhyme of the Troll, and a beautiful poem in Elvish.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download