Audio Books
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”Frost To-Night”
Edith Matilda Thomas (August 12, 1854 ? September 13, 1925) was an American poet who “was one of the first poets to capture successfully the excitement of the modern city.” This poem taken from the The Little Book of Modern Verse. 1917.; Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869?1948) – Summary by Wikipedia
”In Re a Gentleman, One”
Paterson lived and worked in Sydney for most of his adult life, but his poems mostly presented a highly romantic view of the bush and the iconic figure of the bushman. Influenced by the work of another Australian poet John Farrell, his representation of the bushman as a tough, independent and heroic underdog became the ideal qualities underpinning the national character. His work is often compared to the prose of Henry Lawson, particularly the seminal work, “The Drover’s Wife”, which presented a considerably less romantic view of the harshness of rural existence of the late 19th century. (In regard to this poem. When an attorney is called before the Full Court to answer for any alleged misconduct it is not usual to publish his name until he is found guilty; until then the matter appears in the papers as “In re a Gentleman, One of the Attorneys of the Supreme Court,” or, more shortly, “In re a Gent., One.”) – Summary by Wikipedia
”Mr Rowl”
Raoul des Sabli?res, a French parole prisoner in England during the Napoleonic Wars, becomes enmeshed in a complicated tangle where his honour conflicts with his parole, and is sent to prison. Juliana Forrest, for whose sake he broke his parole, does her utmost to save him, and in his adventures and misfortunes, Raoul eventually also finds help from an unlikely source. This is a fun adventure story and romance, written in a style similar to Georgette Heyer. (Summary by Elin) – Summary by Elin
”Tell It All”: The Story of a Life’s Experience in Mormonism
Fanny relates the experiences of a 19th century missionary as she and her young husband proselytize throughout Europe in search of converts to the new Mormon faith. Her religious zeal is sorely tested upon receipt of news from America revealing that their religion has adopted the practice of polygamy as the means to exaltation. The couple is summoned to Utah only to find themselves firmly ensconced in Brigham Young’s inner circle and called upon to practice plural marriage or risk a fall from family, friends, and faith. – Summary by Spiffycat
‘Co. Aytch,’ Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show
Samuel ?Sam? Rush Watkins (June 26, 1839 ? July 20, 1901) was a noted Confederate soldier during the American Civil War. He is known today for his memoir Company Aytch: Or, a Side Show of the Big Show, often heralded as one of the best primary sources about the common soldier’s Civil War experience….Sam?s writing style is quite engaging and skillfully captures the pride, misery, glory, and horror experienced by the common foot soldier. Watkins is often featured and quoted in Ken Burns? 1990 documentary titled The Civil War. (Introduction from Wikipedia)
‘Farewell, Nikola’
Farewell Nikola is the fifth and last novel of the Dr Nikola series. We are reacquainted with Richard “Dick” Hatteras, former South Seas adventurer and Roustabout who clashed with Dr Nicola in ?A Bid for Fortune”. He is now Sir Richard Hatteras and firmly married. He is taking a long sojourn with his wife and companions in Venice, where quite by chance (or is it ?) he bumps into Dr Nikola, who despite their stormy past, is the height of affability. He is still suave, cosmopolitan, cultivated and just as unscrupulous as he ever was. We discover that Nikola lives alone in Venice in a dilapidated palace with a macabre history. Hatteras is drawn once more into a tangled web spun by Dr Nikola who reveals something of his own past and presents a side of himself that we have never seen. He still regards himself above all laws, and follows his own strange code of conduct. If you thought that words like empathy, compassion, contrition would never have featured in the lexicon of Dr Nicola then be prepared for a surprise. – Summary by Peter Keeble
‘Tilda Jane
When spunky ‘Tilda Jane isn’t allowed to keep her beloved dog with her at the orphanage, she decides to set out on her own in search of a home where the inseparable pair will be accepted. Throughout her weary travels she encounters many people, both rich and poor, kind and cantankerous — but will she ever find family? Set in the Canadian wilderness and coast of Maine, ‘Tilda Jane is a story of true grit, forgiveness, and unlikely friendship. (Summary by Twinkle)
‘Tilda Jane’s Orphans
When the story of ‘Tilda Jane appeared serially in The Youth’s Companion in 1901, the original manuscript was very much condensed. When the time for book publication arrived nearly all the omitted matter was restored. However, some incidents were still left out, and they have formed the beginning of a new story written to please the many boys and girls who have expressed a wish to know something more of the fortunes of the orphan and her dogs. That the orphan’s old friends will follow with interest, her often groping and stumbling, yet never-wearying steps along the path of uplift for human beings and dumb creatures, is the earnest hope of the author. (Marshall Saunders – from the Prefatory Note)
‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore
One of the most shocking plays produced in England during the reign of Charles I, ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore chronicles the disastrous results of an incestuous affair between fatalistic Italian siblings, Giovanni and Annabella. As suitors vie for Annabella’s hand, various webs of deception and revenge intertwine, culminating in a bloody finale. (Summary by Elizabeth Barr) CAST LIST Bonaventura, a Friar/ Bergetto, Nephew to Donado: alanmapstone A Cardinal, Nuncio to the Pope AND Banditti: Algy Pug Soranzo, a Nobleman: tovarisch Florio, Citizen of Parma: Bob Neufeld Donado, Citizen of Parma: Arnie Horton Grimaldi, a Roman Gentleman: Ric F Giovanni, Son to Florio: Chuck Williamson Richardetto, a supposed Physician: Denny Sayers Vasques, Servant to Soranzo: Chris Marcellus Poggio, Servant to Bergetto: laurenburwell Annabella, Daughter to Florio: Elizabeth Barr Hippolita, Wife to Richardetto: Elizabeth Klett Philotis, his Niece: Charlotte Duckett Putana, Tutoress to Annabella: Amanda Friday Officer(s): Libby Gohn Servant: CaprishaPage Narrator: Kristingj
‘Twixt Earth and Stars
This is a volume of poetry by Radclyffe Hall. The poet and novelist led a highly scandalous lifestyle for the norms of her contemporary society, living openly lesbian in Germany and England. Some of the poems in this volume are also love poems to other women, a fact which was not generally known at the time the book was published. – Summary by Carolin
“Boy” The Wandering Dog
Another ‘dog’s-eye view’ book for children by this early activist for the American Humane Society. In this tale, we follow the travels and adventures of Boy, a loveable and loyal wire-haired fox-terrier in city and country. – Summary by Lynne Thompson
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”: the illuminating diary of a professional lady
In this comic novel written by American author Anita Loos, we follow the adventures of the fictional character Lorelei Lee who is a young blonde flapper. This story takes place in the hedonistic Jazz Age and is written in the form of a diary from Lorelei’s viewpoint as she shares stories of the men she entertains in New York City and Europe. ?Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? was an instant bestseller and has been declared as ?the great American novel? by Edith Wharton. – Summary by Jenn Broda
100%: The Story of a Patriot
“100%: The Story of a Patriot” dramatically recounts the adventures of a poor uneducated young man who lives by his wits and guile, as he becomes politicized during his involvement in the sometimes violent struggle between American ?patriots? and ?Reds?. The author wrote in the Appendix, which is not included in this recording: “Everything that has social significance is truth…. Practically all the characters in “100%” are real persons.” This exciting, polemical novel was published in 1920. Sinclair (1878-1968) wrote nearly 100 novels, many based on industrial abuse. One of his best known, “The Jungle”, was influential in initiating the regulation of food safety in the United States. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1943. (Lee Smalley)
1000 Things Worth Knowing
Part almanac, part encyclopedia, part dictionary, Nathaniel C. Fowler, Jr. gives us his idea of important, but sometimes obscure, facts that he thinks should be in our bank of general knowledge. He includes a large section on medical emergency and health. Items are arranged in alphabetical order, so there is no logical presentation, but reference is made easy. Or, it is just interesting browsing, and a glimpse into the world of the early twentieth century. – Summary by Larry Wilson
1001 Questions and Answers on English Grammar
A book for students interested in finding out how many things about the English language have changed, and how many have weathered the test of time. – Summary by jasonb
1001 Questions and Answers on General History
A book for students of history to test their knowledge and to direct their studies. As the title tells us, this is a book of 1001 questions, with answers, regarding world history. – Summary by KevinS
12 Creepy Tales
This is a collection of 12 creepy stories by that master of creepiness, Poe. The Black Cat; The Fall of the House of Usher, The Raven; The Tell Tale Heart, The Masque of the Red Death, the Premature Burial and six others that are a shuddering delight to read and listen to. Turn off the lights, settle down and hear these stories read to you as only LibriVox readers can perform them. (Summary by Phil Chenevert)
1601: Conversation, as it was by the Social Fireside, in the Time of the Tudors
Please note: this recording contains strong language. “1601,” wrote Mark Twain, “is a supposititious conversation which takes place in Queen Elizabeth’s closet in that year, between the Queen, Ben Jonson, Beaumont, Sir Walter Raleigh, the Duchess of Bilgewater, and one or two others … If there is a decent word findable in it, it is because I overlooked it.” 1601 depicts a highfalutin and earthy discussion between the Queen and her court about farting and a variety of sexual peccadillos, narrated disapprovingly and sanctimoniously by the Queen’s Cup-Bearer, an eyewitness at “the Social Fireside.” [Summary by Denny Sayers] Cast: Introduction ? Denny Sayers Narrator ? Jonathan Horniblow The Queen ? miette Beaumonte ? David Lawrence Lady Margery Boothy ? Kristin Hughes Lady Alice Dilberry, Ben Jonson, Lord Bacon ? Ruth Golding Lady Helen ? Philippa Sir Walter Ralegh ? Mark F. Smith Shaxpur ? Andy Minter
1601: Conversation, as it was by the Social Fireside, in the Time of the Tudors (Version 2)
Please note: this recording contains strong language. Also known simply as “1601”, this is a humorously risque work by Mark Twain, first published anonymously in 1880, and finally acknowledged by the author in 1906. (Summary by John Greenman & Wikipedia)
17th- and 18th-Century Poems by Women
This class project is a collection of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century verse by women, focusing first on women as writers. It has been coordinated by the students’ teacher, Tonya Howe.
1891 Collection
A look at the year 1891 through literature and non-fiction essays first published that year, including works by Mary E Wilkins, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sara Orne Jewett, and Oscar Wilde. (Summary by BellonaTimes)
1900 or The Last President
The year is 1896. The United States is rocked by the election of an unlikely president. On election night, riots broke out in the streets of New York. The city was paralyzed with dread. Mobs organized under the lead of Anarchists and Socialists. Farther South, people celebrated. This was a President elected by the working class and he was a President who followed through with his commitment to fight for the rights of the people. This president would fight to end the enslavement of the people by money lenders, big bankers, corporations and government overtax. But can he be successful in a society that is rapidly absorbing socialist ideologies? – Summary by CJ Plogue
1903 Collection
This is what people were reading in 1903, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction articles. (Summary by BellonaTimes)
1912: Short Works Collection
This is a collection of public domain works either published in 1912, or written in 1912 and published before 1923. The accent is on non-fiction but I will include short stories, poems, one-act plays, as well. (Summary by Bellona Times) Read and compiled by Bellona Times. Proof-listeners were Betsie Bush and Tricia G.
1914, and Other Poems
This is a volume of poems by Rupert Brooke, named after the famous poems “1914”, written during and about World War I. Brooke himself died while taking part in a naval expedition to the Dardanelles, and was buried in Greece. The poems he wrote during the war were published posthumously and are the poems for which he is best-known today. This volume also contains poems written during a journey around the Pacific, and a number of miscellaneous poems. – Summary by Carolin
1916: First Chapters Collection
These are first chapters to books first published in 1916. Readers, following is a tentative list culled from Wikipedia’s article on the year in Literature; most of the works are to be found on Project Gutenberg. – Summary by Matt Pierard
2 B R 0 2 B (Dramatic Reading)
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was a prolific and genre-bending American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat’s Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions. 2 B R 0 2 B is a satiric short story that imagines life (and death) in a future world where aging has been “cured” and population control is mandated and administered by the government. (Summary by Wikipedia and Laurie Anne Walden) This recording is done as a dramatic reading. Characters: Narrator: Denny Sayers Hospital Orderly: Mark F. Smith Painter: Alan Davis-Drake Leora Duncan: Laurie Anne Walden Dr. Hitz: Michael Yard Wehling: Julian Jamison Federal Bureau of Termination hostess: Kara Shallenberg
2 B R 0 2 B (version 2) & The Big Trip Up Yonder (version 5)
These two stories by Kurt Vonnegut were written over a decade apart but they are definitely connected. The Big Trip Up Yonder, published in Galaxy Science Fiction January 1954 is a comical yet scary description of what over population was going to do to society after aging was conquered and a simple daily dose of “anti-gerosone” would keep you forever the same age. Would Gramps EVER take ‘That Big Trip Up Yonder’, or would his hordes of descendants be stuck with him forever in a tiny apartment!? 2 B R 0 2 B, published in Worlds of If, January 1962 takes this basic situation many years into the future and a solution has been found. The population of the US has dropped from 80 billion to 40 million. Not what everyone would call a pretty solution, or the best solution, but nevertheless a solution to the population problem. I believe this is the type of story it is best to listen to, not describe, so enjoy. (Summary by Phil Chenevert)
20 Short Science Fiction Stories
Compilation of 20 Science Fiction Short Stories – Summary by Kirk Ziegler
3 Science Fiction Stories
These are three imaginative SF stories by an author I admire a lot, William Tenn. Venus is a Man’s World, (Galaxy Science Fiction, July 1951), Project Hush (Galaxy Science Fiction, 1954_ and Of All Possible Worlds. (Galaxy, Sept 1956) – Summary by phil chenevert
3 Science Fiction Stories by Frank Herbert
As the title indicates, here are three SF stories by Frank Herbert, Missing LInk, originaly purlished in Astounding SF, 1959; Operation Haystack, also published in Astounding SF 1959; and Old Rambling House, published in Galaxy SF 1958. – Summary by Phil chenevert
3 Science Fiction Stories by Gerald Vance
Three Science Fiction stories by the great Gerald Vance: Monsoons of Death is a very nice blend of horror story and a study of true bravery on the planet Mars. A newly commissioned lieutenant finds out a lot about both! In Larson’s Luck, Vance takes us on a lighthearted jaunt into hot shot space ship pilots, piracy and the good part of breaking the rules. The last story, Vital Ingredient, takes the listener far into the future when the sport of boxing still has two muscled opponents battling it out in a ring, but they are simply puppets, every muscle, feint and jab controlled by ring side ‘managers’; ex fighters who have moved up. The story asks the question: is this how champions are made? and answers it of course in a most satisfying manner. Summary by Phil chenevert
3 Science Fiction Stories by Lester del Ray
The quirky mind of famous SF writer Lester del Ray gives us three wonderful tales ranging from zombies (Dead Ringer), time travel (how do you convince your earlier self it is safe to get into the time machine, eh?)(…And It Comes Out Here) and eternal life (The Dwindling Years). Listen and enjoy.
3 SF Stories by Jack Williamson
Three classic SF stories by Jack Williamson: The Cosmic Express, The Pygmy Planet and Salvage in Space. All were published in Astounding Stories in the very early 1930’s. and all are fine examples of the far ranging imagination of science fiction writers of the day. – Summary by Phil Chenevert
3 Weird SF Stories by Fritz Leiber
These are three of the strangest stories I could find by the very talented Fritz Leiber. And by strange I mean odd, weird, kinda creepy and yet wonderful. Not your normal Science Fiction here but then Leiber had an amazing imagination and these certainly made me stretch mine. – Summary by phil chenevert
30 American Poems
This is a sequel of sorts to 37 American Poems, one of my first solos. Concentration here is on late 19th to early 20th Century works by US poets. (Summary by BellonaTimes)
30 Ghost Stories
17 short stories from the book twenty-Five Ghost Stories and 13 shorts from the book Indian Ghost Stories – Summary by Kirk Ziegler
32 Caliber
A suspicious accident reveals itself to be a murder! Our story is narrated by a lawyer who turns detective in order to uncover the real murderer, and leads us on a chase through Bolshevik headquarters, country clubs, and a dry creek bed, before the real clues come to light. Up-in-the-air excitement! (Summary by Brenda Price)
35 Sonnets
While Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa is internationally now known mostly for his masterpiece The Book of Disquiet, he was also an outstanding poet. 35 of his sonnets are collected in this volume. – Summary by Carolin
365 Foreign Dishes
Starters, main courses and desserts from around the world, one dish for every day of the year. From Turkey to China, from India to England, from Austria to Egypt, a wide variety of mouth-watering cuisines are represented. Each recipe is described in one short paragraph, making this book perfect for dipping into when you?re seeking inspiration on what to cook. (Summary by Lucy Perry)
37 American Poems
Here are 37 distinctively American poems, covering the mid-17th – early 20th Centuries, from Anne Bradstreet to Dorothy Parker’s sole PD work. (Summary by BellonaTimes)
4 SF stories by C. M. Kornbluth
Four nifty Science Fiction stories by the great C. M. Kornbluth. The Adventurer – The Altar at Midnight – With These Hands and The Marching Morons. All were first published in the 1950s – Summary by philc
4 SF Stories by Mack Reynolds
4 Science Fiction Stories by the quirky Mack Reynolds from the golden age of SF, the 1950s – Summary by phil chenevert
4 Stories by Louisa May Alcott
Here are four delightful short stories written by the famous author specifically for girls. As she says in the tiny preface “These stories were written for my own amusement during a period of enforced seclusion. The flowers which were my solace and pleasure suggested titles for the tales and gave an interest to the work. If my girls find a little beauty or sunshine in these common blossoms, their old friend will not have made her Garland in vain. L.M. ALCOTT.” The stories are An Ivy Spray & Ladies Slippers; Pansies; Water-Lilies and Mountain-Laurel & Maiden-Hair. They are all between 40 minutes and 55 minutes finished audio so they are not short but all four are typical stories from the talented pen of Miss Alcott. – Summary by Phil Chenevert and the author
5 Science Fiction Stories by Mack Reynolds
Five early stories by one of my favorite SF writers, Mack Reynolds. Medal of Honor is an intriguing look into the mind of someone who is above the law; who cannot commit a crime. How will he act? especially if he is a self centered drunk? Potential Enemy is story about the sad state of human minds that are ruled by fear and paranoia. Happy Ending is an SF story about the far future when the last solar system wide dictator has been finally defeated and what will he do? What will he do? This is also an exploration of mental megalomania and it’s effects. His happy ending is perhaps suitable, but probably not so happy. A Gun For Hire explores in a light-hearted but painful way, the fact that hired guns are just that: hired. The final story is the funniest of the lot the and is set in Tangiers in the present or very near future. UFO’s are a crackpot idea, right? Well, perhaps not. – Summary by Phil Chenevert
5 SF stories by Mack Reynolds
Five Science Fiction stories from the strange mind of Mack Reynolds. Always innovative and interesting, these were published in the early science fiction and fantasy magazines of the 1940’s and 50’s. – Summary by phil chenevert
813
As usual, gentleman thief Ars?ne Lupin finds himself wrongfully accused of murder, and must find the real killer to clear his coloured name. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)
A Birthday
LibriVox volunteers bring you 14 recordings of A Birthday by Christina Rossetti. This was the Weekly Poetry project for June 13th, 2010.
A Bit of Color
LibriVox volunteers bring you 14 recordings of A Bit of Color by Arthur Macy. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for August 23, 2020. —— Our Poet paints a colorful picture of Paris in 1896. – Summary by David Lawrence
A Bold Stroke for a Husband
“Plays, where the scene is placed in a foreign country, particularly when that country is Spain, have a license to present certain improbabilities to the audience, without incurring the danger of having them called such; and the authoress, by the skill with which she has used this dramatic permittance, … has formed a most interesting plot, and embellished it with lively, humorous, and affecting incident…. Here is contained no oblique insinuation, detrimental to the cause of morality?but entertainment and instruction unite, to make a pleasant exhibition at a theatre, or give an hour’s amusement in the closet.” (Mrs. Inchbald, 1831) Cast list: Don C?sar: Adrian Stephens Don Julio: Greg Giordano Don Carlos: Alan Mapstone Don Vincentio: ToddHW Don Garcia: Jim Locke Don Vasquez: James R. Hedrick Gasper: Jake Malizia Pedro: Wayne Cooke Servants: David Purdy Donna Olivia: Jenn Broda Donna Victoria: Sonia Donna Laura: WendyKatzHiller Minette: Matea Bracic Marcella: Anna Maria Sancha: Larry Wilson Inis: Lynette Caulkins Stage Directions: Joanna Michal Hoyt Editing: ToddHW