Two Types Of Audio Books Unabridged And Abridged

Unabridged versus adbridged audio book. How do you decide which type of audio book to purchase? Which will give you the most enjoyment? Before we answer this question, let’s go over the differences between the two.

Because of people’s busy lives and the costs of producing an audio book, most audio books are shortened, or abridged. Some of the book text is removed in the audio version to save time and money.

How does this happen? For a fiction book, oftentimes the back story is cut. Peripheral parts of the plot could also end up on the cutting room floor. In non-fiction books, content like examples and stories may be lost. Although most books are released in abridged audio book form, some popular titles are released in both abridged and unabridged.

What is an unabridged audio book? An unabridged audio book is an audio book where every word of the original text is read aloud. These books are especially of interest to people who have poor eyesight or are blind.

If a book is released with both versions, the abridged version will be cheaper than the unabridged version. For example, look at these examples of audio book CDs and notice the difference in price and reading time:

The 6th Target by James Patterson
Unabridged – $39.98 – 8.25 hours
Abridged – $29.98 – 6 hours 20 minutes

Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Unabridged – $36.95 – 11 hours
Abridged – $24.95 – 5 hours 9 minutes

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
Unabridged – $49.95 – 21.5 hours
Abridged – $29.95 – 7 hours

So, let’s explore the original question. Which is better, an unabridged or abridged audio book? It depends on your circumstances and preferences. If you want a shorter and cheaper version of the book, get the abridged audio book version. Want to experience the full text of the book the way the author intended? Pick up an unabridged copy.