Audible has released an audio-recording of the Book Studio edition of the Gurdjieff transcripts.
It is professionally read by Brendan Somers who even reproduces the type of breathings a person will make in the cut and thrust of conversation. It provides a contrast to Anthony Blake’s more traditional style of reading Gurdjieff and the Gurdjieff literature. Over all, I would say that Somers’ style suits the transcripts very well indeed. It provides the illusion that one is present to a viva voce reading. Unlike some of the luckless voice-actors who have recorded Katherine Mansfield’s short stories, Somers unfailingly allows each word its correct weight – there is no unnatural emphasis on prepositions and pronouns. As a result, I found myself interested to see how he would interpret some of my favourite passages: the experiment was always worthwhile.
At more than 25 hours, it is value for money. Indeed, the real value of the recording is the remarkable contents. I had initially planned to write a review expressing my delight at discovering insights in passages which I must have read a dozen times but not appreciated as I do now. But then, I thought, that would tell you more about my inadequacies than anything else; and all have our own individual flaws; so that would not be advancing matters very far.
Sufficient to say, I am very glad indeed to have this recording. It is highly recommended.