I had to buy the audio when I saw that Christopher Lee was the narrator. It only took a couple minutes to realize I would need a text edition as well. The table of characters, maps, and genealogy charts were all very helpful if not entirely necessary. After reading, I went back to the audio and really enjoyed it. Lee's voice adds some balls to what is already an incredible story. It is truly epic; almost biblically so. I'll be listening to this one again.