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Christian Poetry and Prose: Selected and Read by Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness
Christian Poetry and Prose: Selected and Read by Alec Guinness

Undoubtedly, preeminent British actor Sir Alec Guinness (1914–2000) is best known for the roles he portrayed in such classic movies as Oliver Twist, Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai (for which he won an Academy Award), and Star Wars (Obi-Wan Kenobi).

In this recording from 1961, he reveals another aspect of his talents, as he reads a variety of Christian poems (including two ballads) and prose. The selections span the centuries from the biblical period to the 20th century and include works by Edith Sitwell, T.S. Eliot, and St. Francis de Sales.

One particularly intriguing selection is from the “Gospel According to Thomas,” believed to date from the 4th century AD, although not discovered until 1945 in Upper Egypt, which claims to contain secret sayings of Jesus.

Liner notes provide background information on the selections and complete transcripts for many of them.

Track Listing

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101
Revelations of Divine Love Alec Guinness 01:50
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102
How Many Heavens Alec Guinness 01:41
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103
Journey of the Magi Alec Guinness 02:39
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104
Not Only Death... Alec Guinness 01:52
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105
Christmas Alec Guinness 02:18
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106
The Night Alec Guinness 03:20
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201
Parables Alec Guinness 01:30
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202
Lines from the Gospel According to Thomas Alec Guinness 01:46
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203
Letter to St. Jeanne Frances de Chantal Alec Guinness 03:37
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204
To St. Teresa Alec Guinness 01:00
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205
I Sing of a Maiden Alec Guinness 00:49
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206
The Cherry Tree Carol Alec Guinness 02:15
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207
MacCabees II, Chapter XV (From the Last Book of the Apocrypha) Alec Guinness 00:39