Celebrating 75 years of Talking Books

Happy 75th birthday, Talking Books!

Julian Fellowes, chair of the Talking Books appealWhy we support Talking Books

Hear why Julian Fellowes, Sarah Waters, Ian Hislop and many more authors support RNIB's fantastic Talking Book service - including video and audio interviews revealing fascinating insights into their bestsellers.

Many soldiers were blinded in the First World WarHistory of Talking Books

75 years of Talking Books - from trail-blazing gramophone records for blinded First World War veterans to modern digital recordings, we're incredibly proud of this flagship service.

Book quiz

Calling all book geeks! Test your knowledge of book and Talking Books trivia with our fun quiz.

Celebrate 75 years of Talking BooksTalking Books 75th anniversary eCards

Join in the celebrations and help us mark this amazing milestone by sending an eCard to friends and family.

Last updated: 3 March 2011

Listen to a Talking BookListen to a Talking Book

On 7 November 1935, RNIB sent out the first Talking Books to blind and partially sighted people including 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie. Here you can listen to the extract discover how Talking Books has changed over the last 75 years

Fundraising Standards BoardFundraising promise

RNIB is proud to be a member of the Fundraising Standards Board.

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.

Watch our video


Talking Book users tell their story and describe the difference RNIB has made to their lives.

Talking Books bring laughter to LouieLouie's story

'I can hear him laughing through the ceiling' says Louie's mum. Watch our video and find out why Louie loves Talking Books.

Talking Books put Sue 'back in the land of living'Sue's story

'All of a sudden I had to stop doing the things I loved, things that I had done all my life. Talking Books was truly a lifeline for me'. Watch Sue's video.