'It is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black...' Under Milk Wood tells the story of a Welsh village during one spring day. It is populated by some of the best-loved characters in British literature. Lyrical, funny, moving, it is rooted in place but with a universality that has spoken to generations of readers. A Welsh epic, a work of poetic genius, a modern classic. 'A tour de force of oral poetry which oozes word pictures and onomatopoeic musicality' Guardian
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'It is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black...' Under Milk Wood tells the story of a Welsh village during one spring day. It is populated by some of the best-loved characters in British literature. Lyrical, funny, moving, it is rooted in place but with a universality that has spoken to generations of readers. A Welsh epic, a work of poetic genius, a modern classic. 'A tour de force of oral poetry which oozes word pictures and onomatopoeic musicality' Guardian
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This unique recording of Under Milk Wood will bring back to life not only author Dylan Thomas, but others like Richard Burton -- the rich voices of mid-20th century theater -- reading Thomas's witty radio play.
DavidD
May 31, 2009
Under Milk Wood - Beneath the Surface of Comedy
An 'inspired' and excellent book, too often thought of as merely a comedy. It's a picture of life with so many characters - all different, and with a mixture of various 'imperfections' in one way or another! Almost all, in fact, with the exception of The Rev. Eli Jenkins who believes in the 'essential goodness of mankind', and says in his famous evening prayer:
'For thou,I know, wilt be the first
To see our best side
Not our worst.'
The simplicity of Rev. Eli's absolute belief that 'his Lord' will forgive the villagers is touching, and at the same time comforting to all of us who often feel that we must 'do something' about our 'imperfections'.
The book is essentially best read with the recording, and I would PARTICULARLY recommend 'Under Milk Wood, a Play for Voices' - Anthony Hopkins. It's magnificent - and to put it simply has a wealth of talent in its cast. (Rev. Eli is played by Sir Geraint Evans). Reading this book and listening at the same time will bring you untold joy.
Note Rev. Eli's reference to God's 'lovely' eye in the 'Evening Prayer':
'Oh please to cast thy 'lovely' eye
On all good creatures born to die
in contrast to what we all know from prayers and hymns (whether as active believers, or as people simply with memories of school 'assemblies'). The the play was actually finished under pressure, so was this a 'mistake' by Dylan? Should it not have been 'loving eye'? NOT a mistake at all, but a stroke of genius in being able, in just ONE word to give a brilliant overview of the 'lovely' character of The Rev. Eli and his simplistic belief (perhaps a wonderful kind of faith) in The Deity as someone not to be feared: both 'loving' and almost as a lovely person NOTE the stark contrast DIRECTLY after Rev. Eli's inspiring evening prayer, when the listener hears: 'Jack Black goes out to meet his Satan in the wood'. and what do Jack Black's sins/imperfections mean........well......they all mean...... nothing.....at all.....as, possibly, we are reassured, do ours? NOTE the wonderful use of unique adjectives - whenever did 'bible' become an adjective, until Dylan used it to describe black - not just black, but 'bible black' NOTE the superb use of alliteration throughout.
And to return to the beginning 'The end is where we start from': 'Under Milk Wood' is hilarious, but it is not just a comedy. Its underlying philosophy is just amazing. It's a masterpiece! Devote about an 105 minutes to it, read it, and listen at the same time. it'll sink into your very soul. (But do try to get the Anthony Hopkins version to listen to - it's the very best.)
Of all Dylan's work, 'Under Milk Wood' is, without doubt the one that best proves his true genius, his remarkable gift ....not only with the English language, but in revealing his philosophy on life. He believed in us. Our imperfections...mean nothing.......really....the village of Llareggub' where all this is set....reverse the letters of llareggub...for an insight into Dylan's philosophy....and his inspired sense of humour. Happy reading, AND listening, and every good wish to you all. David
