The best choice depends on whether you want the four-part work in print or prefer to listen to one volume at a time. The hardcover translated by John E. Woods is a clear option for readers seeking a named translator, while another hardcover listing identifies the Lowe-Porter translation. The supplied audiobook listings cover Book 2 and Book 4 individually. Compare the format, translation information, and volume before choosing.
| Product | Format or scope listed | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| John E. Woods translation | Hardcover; four stories | Readers seeking a named translator |
| Lowe-Porter translation | Hardcover; complete work | Readers comparing translations |
| New-introduction listing | Unknown binding | Readers checking a particular edition |
| Joseph the Provider | Audible audiobook, Book 4 | Listeners seeking the final listed volume |
| Young Joseph | Audible audiobook, Book 2 | Listeners seeking the second listed volume |
John E. Woods Translation Hardcover
This hardcover listing presents Joseph and His Brothers as four stories: The Stories of Jacob, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph the Provider. It names Thomas Mann as author and John E. Woods as translator.
Best for: Readers who want a print edition identified with a specific translator and all four story titles represented in the listing. It is a useful starting point when comparing the complete work with single-volume formats.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not state the edition’s introduction, publication date, or physical dimensions, so check the listing if those details matter.
Complete Works Lowe-Porter Hardcover
This hardcover listing describes the complete work as comprising The Tales of Jacob, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph the Provider. It identifies Thomas Mann as the author and Lowe-Porter as the translator.
Best for: Readers who want a hardcover listing that explicitly presents the four-part work and are comparing it with the John E. Woods translation. Translation preference can be an important deciding factor when choosing a literary work in English.
Limitation: The listing uses a different translation attribution from the John E. Woods edition. The provided details do not describe other edition features, so verify the specific copy information before buying.
Edition With A New Introduction
The product title identifies this as Joseph and His Brothers: [a new introduction] by Thomas Mann. Its format is listed as “Unknown Binding,” rather than as a specified hardcover or another clearly identified format.
Best for: Readers specifically looking for an edition described as having a new introduction, or for shoppers who are willing to confirm edition details before selecting a copy.
Limitation: The binding is not specified in the provided information, and the translator is not identified there. If format or translation is essential, compare the listing details with the clearly attributed editions above.
Joseph The Provider Audiobook
This Audible audiobook is identified as Book 4, Joseph the Provider. The listing names Mark Elstob as narrator and Ukemi Audiobooks from W. F. Howes Ltd as publisher.
Best for: Listeners who want the fourth listed volume in audio format, particularly those already following the series in order. The title makes its position and subject clear.
Limitation: This is listed as Book 4, not as the complete four-part work. The supplied details do not identify a translator, so check the product information if you need translation details.
Young Joseph Audiobook
This Audible audiobook is identified as Book 2, Young Joseph. Mark Elstob is named as narrator, and Ukemi Audiobooks from W. F. Howes Ltd is listed as publisher.
Best for: Listeners looking for the second numbered volume in audio. Its volume label helps distinguish it from the complete print editions and from the Book 4 audiobook.
Limitation: It is one numbered volume rather than a listing for the complete work. The supplied product details do not name its translator.
Buying Guide
Do you want the complete work or one volume?
For a single print purchase that the listing describes as all four stories, compare the two hardcover options. The audiobook products here are individual volumes: Book 2 and Book 4. Do not assume either audiobook listing includes the other books.
Which translation should you choose?
The first hardcover names John E. Woods, and the second names Lowe-Porter. If translation is a priority, use that information to compare editions. The audiobook details supplied here do not identify a translator.
Does format matter?
Choose a hardcover if you want a print edition, or an Audible audiobook if you prefer listening. The third print listing says “Unknown Binding,” so confirm its format before ordering if you need a particular binding.
What should you verify before buying?
- Check whether the listing is for the complete four-part work or an individual book.
- Confirm the translator when that information affects your choice.
- Review the edition and format details, especially for the unknown-binding listing.
- For audio, make sure the numbered volume matches the part you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which listing describes all four stories?
The two hardcover listings describe the work as comprising four stories or books, though they identify different translators.
Which audiobook is Book 2?
The Young Joseph audiobook is labeled Book 2 and names Mark Elstob as narrator.
Which audiobook is Book 4?
The Joseph the Provider audiobook is labeled Book 4 and names Mark Elstob as narrator.
Which print listing names John E. Woods?
The hardcover listing titled Joseph and His Brothers: The Stories of Jacob, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, Joseph the Provider identifies John E. Woods as translator.
Is the edition with a new introduction a confirmed hardcover?
No. Its supplied format is “Unknown Binding,” so check the listing for the exact format.