Do you ever read abridged versions???????

I agree on a personal level about going for the unabridged versions of books. But I am an adult, and I think that some abridged classics can be a great starter for children, who can get a taste of the book, and carry on and read the full version if they liked it.

As for audio books, I think they are another great way of getting great literature across. I listen to them a lot, as when you work full-time, you don't have the leisure to sit and read. I can be catching up on my "reading", while catching up on my chores. In fact, I've just finished The Mayor of Casterbridge (again), and it doesn't preclude you from reading the novel too, which I have done. I would say listen to the unabridged versions though.
I am a school librarian, and I have started to buy more audio books, as not only do they get the children into the books, but we also have some visually impaired students. Why should they be denied great books?

Basically, I love reading, first and foremost, but there is a place for audio versions, for those who cannot physically read, and those of us who are so busy, they can keep up with their fix of books while doing the mundane stuff of everyday life.