The Bishop's Apron


Read by Lee Smalley

(4.4 stars; 56 reviews)

"Canon Spratte saw himself as he thought others might see him: mediocre, pompous, self-assertive, verbose." Maugham could have added ambitious, hypocritical, and vain. In this engrossing social satire, Theodore Spratte, a cleric, motivated by an obsessive desire to be elevated to bishop, embellishes his family history and intrudes upon his son's and daughter's courtships. A reviewer in 1906 wrote, "The whole book is an admirable blend of cynical gaiety and broadly farcical comedy; it is the smartest and most genuinely humorous novel that the season has yet given us." -- Lee Smalley (6 hr 35 min)

Chapters

Chapter I 19:43 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter II 23:51 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter III 8:01 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter IV 17:06 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter V 23:48 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter VI 38:54 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter VII 22:58 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter VIII 16:39 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter IX 23:14 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter X 13:23 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XI 27:06 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XII 22:58 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XIII 17:49 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XIV 28:20 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XV 18:56 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XVI 18:46 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XVII 13:39 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapter XVIII 8:43 Read by Lee Smalley
Chapters XIX & XX 31:07 Read by Lee Smalley

Reviews


(4 stars)

This was entertaining and witty. I enjoyed it overall but did not find it on the level of some of his other works I’ve read. Its certainly an interesting study in narcissism and entitlement, although a lovable character at that. One finds oneself wondering who to route for. The book is growing on me as I wrote this. The writer is certainly a huge talent and this was well read.

The Bishop's Apron


(4 stars)

This is a delightful, comical story about a self-opinionated would-be bishop. Somerset Maugham at his best. The reader read very well, but the sound quality is very soft.

Story and Reader = Five Stars


(5 stars)

Glad to aee another Maughm in the collection. He can tell a good tale! Reader Lee Smalley and sound quality first rate.


(5 stars)

As shown in this book, political intrigue in England at start of 20th century is much like today’s politics in Washington.


(5 stars)

this is my go to book. I love EVERYTHING about it. the narration is Superb. lol funny LOVE IT!

The main character leaves me wondering


(5 stars)

Did Maughm base this on an acquaintance? Pretentious and selfish, the main character is written brilliantly. Mr. Smalley's reading is as good as it gets, and this vehicle gave him a good range which made it so entertaining I didnt want it to end. A period piece, it gives glimpses into the challenges of the changing times. The supporting characters are bit players here, but between the writing and reading, they have enough substance to come to life. It is through them we see the class divisions and struggles. All in all I found it thoroughly engaging. I will return to it again and again.