The Great Auk

Discover the Tragic Tale of Extinction in Audible Detail

Written byTim Birkhead

Narrated byJohn Sackville

Length6h35m

Release dateMarch 13, 2025

GenreScience & Engineering, Science, Biological Sciences

Languageenglish

★★★★★ 5.0 (175 ratings)

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Quick Facts

Author	Tim Birkhead
Narrator	John Sackville
Runtime	6h35m
Published	March 13, 2025
Rating	★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 (175 ratings)
Categories	Science & Engineering, Science, Biological Sciences, Animals, Environment, Conservation, Nature & Ecology, Endangered Species, Natural History, Sports & Outdoors, Outdoors & Nature
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

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About This Audiobook

Dive into the compelling saga of the great auk, a once-abundant bird now vanished forever. Tim Birkhead’s insightful narrative weaves through the bird’s natural history and human impact with remarkable clarity. Narrated by John Sackville, this audiobook is not just an informative journey but a deeply emotional one, filled with vivid tales of nature and loss. The production quality is top-notch, ensuring every detail resonates, making it stand out in its genre.

Tags: extinctionbird conservationnatural historyscience storytellingaudiobook review

Why Listen to The Great Auk?

Expert narration by John Sackville brings every character and scene to life across 6h35m of immersive audio.
Bestseller-quality story from Tim Birkhead, rated 5.0 stars by 175 listeners.
Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.

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Editor's Review ★★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

John Sackville’s narration lends a poignant authenticity to the story, bringing the great auk to life with his rich, measured voice. Birkhead’s writing is both meticulous and evocative, painting a picture of a world where this majestic bird thrived before meeting its demise at human hands. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, making for a captivating listen. However, some sections on scientific details might be too dense for casual listeners, potentially slowing the flow. Overall, it’s an essential listen for nature lovers and anyone interested in the history of extinction.

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The Great Auk by Tim Birkhead is an immersive listening experience. Performed by John Sackville with a runtime of 6h35m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.