Spiritual and Religious Poetry and Prose

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

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