Audio Books
Showing 1801–1850 of 2033 results
The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night (Arabian Nights) Volume 12
This is a collection of stories collected over thousands of years by various authors, translators and scholars. They are an amalgam of mythology and folk tales from the Indian sub-continent, Persia, and Arabia. No original manuscript has ever been found, but several versions date the collection?s genesis to somewhere between AD 800-900. The stories are wound together under the device of a long series of cliff-hangers told by Shahrazad to her husband Shahryar, to prevent him from executing her. Many tales that have become independently famous come from the Book, among them Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and the voyages of Sinbad the Sailor. This collection comes from the twelfth of sixteen volumes translated by Richard Francis Burton and comprises a number of new tales and variants of earlier ones.
The Book of This and That
From the pen of the Irish poet and essayist, Robert Lynd, comes a collection of humorous and satirical essays on topics as wide ranging as stupidity, Christmas, spring fashions, and the beauty of statistics. – Summary by Larry Wilson
The Book of Werewolves
A survey of the myths and legends concerning lycanthropy from ancient times to the Victorian Era. (Summary by A. Gramour)
The Bugle Song and Other Poems
This splendid volume of some of the best poems from a fine selection of our greatest poets paints an ageless depiction of civilization’s interaction with and questioning of the natural world. Glorious imagery combined with introspection concerning the plight of mankind prevails throughout this excellent collection. However, amid the poems’ vivid descriptions of nature’s splendor runs a thread of another type of nature – the nature of being. This is a nature that brings into stark focus the ephemeral reality we share, it questions our direction, the paths we collectively tread and the destiny we all approach. Along our shared life paths we find ourselves surrounded by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, a rustic diversion from the remorselessness of a life that unremittingly approaches . . . who knows what. Whether it be the trepidation coupled with urgency of Moore, “The rapids are near, and the daylight’s past!”, or the contemplative comparison of Goethe, “Fate of man mortal, how art thou like wind!”, these five magnificent poems encompass common themes – the transitory quality of life itself and the uncertainty concerning that which awaits us; or in the words of Longfellow pondering the mysteries of “the Silent Land,” just who or what will be there, “To lead us with a gentle hand / To the land of the great Departed.” – Summary by Bruce Kachuk
The Conduct of Life
This is the best of Emerson’s later works, qualifying his earlier popular essays, series one and two, with the heavier hand of experience. The Conduct of Life ostensibly is a set of essays about how to live life, but also is an amalgam of what life taught Emerson. (Summary by Daniel Christopher June)
The Conferences of John Cassian (Part I)
The Conferences were written by John Cassian at the request of Pope Leo. They document the conversations that Cassian had with the elders living in Scetis (the desert of Egypt), and about principles of the spiritual and ascetic life. The work would go on to be a classic for both the Western and Eastern monastic world, and would frequently be read at mealtimes. – Summary by ancientchristian
The Confession
Mary Roberts Rinehart is claimed to have invented the “Had I but known” mystery genre. When Agnes Blakiston rented the old parsonage at Miss Emily’s request she soon came to regret it. Was the house haunted? Did Miss Emily have a secret so terrible she would rather die than reveal it? To find the answers you will need to listen. (Summary by Annise)
The Confession of a Child of the Century
In this autobiographic novel, an aging man reflects on his past. We are witness to the relationships he has along the way, his mistakes, and finally– in the most unexpected and honorable way– the sudden development of his belief in God. (Summary by Stav Nisser)
The Confessions (Pusey translation)
The Confessions outlines Augustine’s sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is widely seen as the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers throughout the following 1,000 years, through the Middle Ages. It is not a complete autobiography, as it was written in his early 40s, and he lived long afterwards, producing another important work (City of God). It does, nonetheless, provide an unbroken record of his development of thought and is the most complete record of any single person from the 4th and 5th centuries. It is a significant theological work, featuring spiritual meditations and insights. It begins: “GREAT art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man praise; man, but a particle of Thy creation; man, that bears about him his mortality, the witness of his sin, the witness, that ]Thou, O God, resistest the proud: yet would man praise Thee; he, but a particle of Thy creation. Thou awakes us to delight in Thy praise; for Thou madest us for Thyself, and our heart is restless, unless it repose in Thee.? (Summary from Wikipedia and Book I, Chapter I.)
The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade
The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade was the last major novel by Herman Melville, the American writer and author of Moby-Dick. Published on April 1, 1857 (presumably the exact day of the novel’s setting), The Confidence-Man was Melville’s tenth major work in eleven years. The novel portrays a Canterbury Tales-style group of steamboat passengers whose interlocking stories are told as they travel down the Mississippi River toward New Orleans. The novel is written as cultural satire, allegory, and metaphysical treatise, dealing with themes of sincerity, identity, morality, religiosity, economic materialism, irony, and cynicism. Many critics have placed The Confidence-Man alongside Melville’s Moby-Dick and “Bartleby the Scrivener” as a precursor to 20th-century literary preoccupations with nihilism, existentialism, and absurdism. (Introduction by Wikipedia)
The Congo
The Congo is one of the best-known poems by American poet Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931). It was revolutionary in its use of sounds and rhythms ? as sounds and rhythms ? and includes elaborate annotations to guide its spoken performance. Lindsay categorized The Congo as ?higher Vaudeville? and was famous for his exuberant performances of it. The poem?s imagery is racist, but Lindsay was a product of his time ? born 14 years after the end of the American Civil War in Abraham Lincoln?s hometown, he revered Lincoln and viewed himself as a friend and supporter of African-American culture. (Summary by Kathy Thile)
The Conqueror Worm
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism in the United States and American literature as a whole, and he was one of the country’s earliest practitioners of the short story. Poe is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. – Summary by Wikipedia
The Conquest
“This is the true story of a negro who was discontented and the circumstances that were the outcome of that discontent.” While considered a novel, this largely autobiographical story is based on the author’s experience as an African-American pioneer in South Dakota. (Summary by MaryAnn)
The Conquest of Bread
In this work, Kropotkin points out what he considers to be the fallacies of the economic systems of feudalism and capitalism, and how he believes they create poverty and scarcity while promoting privilege. He goes on to propose a more decentralised economic system based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation, asserting that the tendencies for this kind of organisation already exist, both in evolution and in human society. (Summary by Wikipedia)
The Conquest of Bread (version 2)
In this work, Kropotkin points out what he considers to be the defects of the economic systems of feudalism and capitalism, and how he believes they thrive on and maintain poverty and scarcity, as symbol for richness and in spite of being in a time of abundance thanks to technology, while promoting privilege. He goes on to propose a more decentralised economic system based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation, asserting that the tendencies for this kind of organisation already exist, both in evolution and in human society. He also talks about details of revolution and expropriation in order not to end in a reactionary way. (summary by AudibleAnarchist)
The Conquest of Canaan
Small town middle America in early 1900’s—Ne’er-do-well Joe Louden loves daughter of wealthy judge, from afar—leaves town, goes to law school–returns to scandalize all by defending impossible cases—wins over town. Story of small town mores, social inequity, changing times, honor and greed. Summary by Bob Rollins.
The Conscientious Deacon
LibriVox volunteers bring you 14 recordings of The Conscientious Deacon by Vachel Lindsay. This was the Weekly Poetry project for May 5th, 2013. Vachel Lindsay described this poem as “a song to be syncopated as you please”. According to Wikipedia he is considered the father of modern singing poetry (as he referred to it) in which verses are meant to be sung or chanted. His extensive correspondence with the poet Yeats details his intentions to revive the musical qualities in poetry as had been practised by the ancient Greeks. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)
The Conscious Lovers
As early as 1720 Steele spoke in the Theatre of “a friend of mine” who was lately preparing a comedy according to the just laws of the stage, and had introduced a scene in which the first character bore unprovoked wrong, denied a duel, and still appeared a man of honour and courage. This was clearly an allusion to the play eventually to be published as The Conscious Lovers. – Summary by G. A. Aitken. Cast list: Sir John Bevil: ToddHW Mr. Sealand: Algy Pug Bevil, Junior., in love with Indiana: Adrian Stephens Myrtle, in love with Lucinda: Adam Bielka Cimberton, a Coxcomb: alanmapstone Humphry, an old Servant to Sir John: Larry Wilson Tom, Servant to Bevil, Junior: Tomas Peter Daniel, a Country Boy, Servant to Indiana: Arthur Nascimento Mrs. Sealand, second Wife to Sealand: Sonia Isabella, Sister to Sealand: Kathryn Phipps Indiana, Sealand’s Daughter, by his first Wife: Rapunzelina Lucinda, Sealand’s Daughter, by his second Wife: Devorah Allen Phillis, Maid to Lucinda: TJ Burns Servant: Leanne Yau Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs Edited by: ToddHW
The Consolation
LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of The Consolation by Anne Bront?. This was the Weekly Poetry project for March 14th, 2010.
The Consolation of Philosophy
Consolation of Philosophy (Latin: Consolatio Philosophiae) is a philosophical work by Boethius written in about the year 524 AD. It has been described as the single most important and influential work in the West in medieval and early Renaissance Christianity, and is also the last great work that can be called Classical. Consolation of Philosophy was written during Boethius’ one year imprisonment while awaiting trial, and eventual horrific execution, for the crime of treason by Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great. Boethius was at the very heights of power in Rome and was brought down by treachery. It was from this experience he was inspired to write a philosophical book from prison reflecting on how a lord’s favor could change so quickly and why friends would turn against him. It has been described as ?by far the most interesting example of prison literature the world has ever seen.? The Consolation of Philosophy stands, by its note of fatalism and its affinities with the Christian doctrine of humility, midway between the heathen philosophy of Seneca the Younger and the later Christian philosophy of consolation represented by Thomas Aquinas. The book is heavily influenced by Plato and his dialogues (as was Boethius himself). (Summary from Wikipedia)
The Consolation of Philosophy (Version 2)
The Consolation of Philosophy was written about 524 A.D. and has been called one of the most popular and influential books ever written. The book is presented as a dialogue between Boethius, the author, and Lady Philosophy, his tutor. Through her teaching, Boethius learns the true nature of fortune, misfortune, wealth, good, and evil. This dramatic reading is an attempt to present this wonderful work in an audio format while maintaining the dialogic structure of the work. (Devorah Allen) Cast List Boethius, the Narrator: Larry Wilson Philosophy: Devorah Allen Headings and Footnotes: KevinS
The Consoling Thoughts of Saint Francis de Sales
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was a French priest and later bishop of Geneva who was revered as a master of spiritual direction and fondly remembered for his keen insights into the personal spiritual struggles of men and women of all faiths. His Introduction to the Devout Life, which he wrote especially for laypersons, and his Treatise on the Love of God remain fundamental reading for all earthly pilgrims who seek personal moral improvement and strive for spiritual perfection. Pere Huguet has gathered together in this one volume some of the more poignant insights and suggestions contained in the writings of Saint Francis de Sales and organized them under more than eighty chapters. They are sure to bring comfort to the weary and guidance to all of us who, from time to time, lose our way. (Introduction by dave7)
The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada
“The Conspiracy of Pontiac” was Parkman’s first history book and first published in 1851. It covers the Indian wars of 1763 to 1769. Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, put together a coalition of Indian tribes from around the Great Lakes region and the Illinois and Ohio Countries to attack the British under General Jeffrey Amherst. – Summary by Richard Carpenter
The Constant Couple
George Farquhar, the author of this comedy, was the son of a clergyman in the north of Ireland. He was born in the year 1678, discovered an early taste for literature, and wrote poetic stanzas at ten years of age. In 1694 he was sent to Trinity College, Dublin, and there made such progress in his studies as to acquire considerable reputation. But he was volatile and poor?the first misfortune led him to expense; the second, to devise means how to support his extravagance. In the year 1700 he brought out this comedy of “The Constant Couple; or, A Trip to the Jubilee.” It was then the Jubilee year at Rome, and the author took advantage of that occurrence to render the title of his drama popular; for which cause alone it must be supposed he made any thing in his play refer to that festival, as no one material point is in any shape connected with it. – Summary by Mrs Inchbald, a critic of that time Cast list: Sir Harry Wildair: John Burlinson Alderman Smuggler: Kristin Gjerl?w Colonel Standard: ToddHW Clincher Junior: KHand Clincher Senior: K. Adrian Stroet Vizard: technoauloin Tom Errand: Dillon McFarlane Dicky: alanmapstone Constable: Newgatenovelist Servants: Anna Simon Lady Lurewell: Availle Lady Darling: Elizabeth Klett Angelica: Sonia Parly: Jacqui Castle Tom Errand’s Wife: Leanne Yau Mob: Sonia Stage Directions: Gaby Edited and Coordinated by: ToddHW
The Constant Lover
Sir John Suckling (1609-42) was one of the Cavalier poets at the court of King Charles I of England. He took up arms in the conflicts of that era but was said to be more fit for the boudoir than the battlefield. He was a prolific lover, a sparkling wit and an excessive gamester and is credited with inventing the card game, Cribbage. Cavalier poetry was witty, decorous and sometimes naughty. The Constant Lover displays these elements as well as Suckling’s conversational ease and charm.
The Constitution of Athens
The Constitution of Athens (Greek: ???????? ????????) was written by Aristotle or his student. The text was lost until discovered in the late 19th century in Egypt. Topics discussed include Solon’s legislative reforms abolishing debt slavery and the rise and decline of democracy and tyranny in Athens. (Summary by Geoffrey Edwards)
The Constitution of the United States of America, 1787
This 1787 document defines the rights and responsibilities of federal government of the United States of America.
The Convict
As young Lord Hadley and his companion Edward Dudley travel along a dark, coastal road, they encounter a young girl pinioned by a fallen wall. They rescue her and alert her father, stationed on the cliff-top, apparently watching for something or someone, before continuing their journey to the home of Sir Arthur Adelon. What was the girl doing out alone at night? What was her father’s business on the cliff? Who is the sinister-looking stranger that young Edgar Adelon spots at the home of his beloved? And does Dudley have a chance with the beautiful heiress Eda, or have her affections been won by his wealthy patron? As tensions rise between Lord and tutor, tragedy strikes and the harsh reality of the penal system is laid bare. With the backdrop of political unrest and the growing Chartist movement, this tale has intrigue, romance and passion.
The Coo-ee Reciter
Recitation was a vital part of the curriculum in education in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It not only enabled students to gain practice in addressing groups in public, but also provided models for the study of accent and elocution ? vital skills in the days before public address systems were universally available. Accordingly, a number of ?reciters,? or collections of texts suitable for recitation, were published in this period. The Coo-ee Reciter, published in 1904, was one of the most popular of these collections in Australia. In the words of the anthologist it contains a variety of “humorous, pathetic, dramatic and dialect recitations and readings” by Australian, British and American authors. Inevitably, these collections featured many items that featured the events and attitudes of the period. While many of the pieces can make no claim to be great literature, they do have great value as windows into the experiences, expectations and aspirations of the people at the time. – Summary by Algy Pug
The Cooking Manual of Practical Directions for Economical Every-Day Cookery
Food is one of the necessities but also one of the greatest pleasures. Knowing how to cook a good meal is therefore extremely important for all of us. Maybe you can find some inspiration for tonight’s dinner in this 1877 cook book by Juliet Corson. – Summary by Carolin
The Copper Princess
The Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior Mines is an adventure set in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The delightful story features a brave and wholesome hero struggling for his rightful copper mining inheritance against smugglers and bandits. He also encounters a beautiful and mysterious maiden who is caught in her father’s secret crimes. [Summary by Brenda Price] Note: This book contains racial comments that may be offensive to modern listeners.
The Copyright Question
This is a letter to the Toronto Board of Trade regarding Canadian copyrights. Morang requested an appearance before the Toronto Board of Trade but was denied. This is his letter in response. He wished to make clear his position. Summary by Esther.
The Coquette, Or The History of Eliza Wharton
The classic early American epistolary novel about the seduction and ruin of a passionate young woman. Based on the true story of Elizabeth Whitman, whose lonesome death in childbirth in a Connecticut inn sparked widespread discussion and outrage, the novel went through many editions and innumerable printings in the century after its initial publication in 1797. (Summary by Jon Miller)
The Coral Island
Ralph Rover is a traveler at heart, and has always dreamed of shipping out to the South Seas islands. He finally convinces his aging parents to let him go and find his way in the world. But the islands that Ralph finds are not as idyllic as in his dreams. Shipwrecked on a large, uninhabited island, Ralph and his fellow survivors, Jim and Peterkin, discover a world of hostile natives and villainous pirates. Danger, high adventure, and wonders of the sea greet them at every turn. When all seems lost, they find help from an unexpected source. (Summary by Tom Weiss)
The Corner House
A deserted house with a troubled past. A mysterious countess who captivates everyone with her wealth and beauty — well, almost everyone. An equally mysterious derelict who holds a secret to the countess’s past. A fresh crime that threatens to ruin a promising young doctor. A plucky young governess determined to save him. Who will prevail? (Jacquerie)
The Corsican Brothers
Alexandre Dumas weaves the compelling story of Siamese twins who are separated physically but never in spirit. When one of the brothers is murdered, the other leaves Corsica for Paris to avenge the killing. Dumas brings this thrilling tale to life with his fascinating descriptions of Italy and France and his powerful portrayal of the undying love of brother for brother. – Summary by Wikipedia
The Cosmic Computer
Conn Maxwell returns from Terra to his poverty-stricken home planet of Poictesme, “The Junkyard Planet”, with news of the possible location of Merlin, a military super-computer rumored to have been abandoned there after the last war. The inhabitants hope to find Merlin, which they think will be their ticket to wealth and prosperity. But is Merlin real, or just an old rumor? And if they find it will it save them, or tear them apart? (by Mark Nelson)
The Cossacks
The Cossacks (1863) is an unfinished novel which describes the Cossack life and people through a story of Dmitri Olenin, a Russian aristocrat in love with a Cossack girl. This text was acclaimed by Ivan Bunin as one of the finest in the language. Additional proof-listening was done by mim@can & katzes.
The Cossacks: Their History and Country
One of the earliest histories of the Cossacks to appear in English, with an emphasis on the exploits of famous Cossack leaders and Cossack struggles for political autonomy. Originally published in 1919. From the Foreword: “It is the proudest boast of the Cossacks of today — as of their forbears of the Ukraine — that they have never been classed as serfs nor for a moment lost their freeman’s instinct for the principles of liberty. While the peasants of North Russia were bowed in shameful submission to the Great Princes of Moscow and later to the ‘dark forces’ of the Tsar’s court and the Baltic-German officialdom of the capital on the Neva, the history of the Cossack inhabitants of the southern steppes was (as we shall later see) a long epic of heroic resistance to the encroachments of autocracy.” – Summary by Kazbek
The Cottager to Her Infant
Wordsworth was a defining member of the English Romantic Movement. Like other Romantics, Wordsworth?s personality and poetry were deeply influenced by his love of nature, especially by the sights and scenes of the Lake Country, in which he spent most of his mature life. A profoundly earnest and sincere thinker, he displayed a high seriousness tempered with tenderness and a love of simplicity. (summary from Bartleby.com)
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo (French: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas, p?re. It is often considered, along with The Three Musketeers, as Dumas’s most popular work. The writing of the work was completed in 1844. Like many of his novels, it is expanded from the plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter Auguste Maquet. The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815?1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story. (Summary from Wikipedia) This book contains alternate versions of a number of chapters ? indicated by an alt after the file number. The Zip files contain both versions of these chapters. There are 2 versions of the M4Bs made , one containing the original files for these chapters (4 parts), the other containing the alternate files for the chapters (5 parts).
The Count of Monte Cristo (version 2)
The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815?1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story. (Summary by Wikipedia)
The Count of Monte Cristo (version 3)
Le Comte de Monte-Cristo is an adventure novel and one of the author’s most popular works. He completed the work in 1844. The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and in the Levant during the historical events of 1815-1838 (from just before the Hundred Days to the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). It deals with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness. The book is considered a literary classic today. (Summary by David Clarke, ref. Wikipedia)
The Count’s Chauffeur
When car-crazy George Ewart accepts employment as chauffeur to Count Bindo di Ferraris, an Italian aristocrat, he has no idea what he has just let himself in for. The opportunity to drive the powerful six-cylinder, 40 horsepower Napier open touring car provides happiness enough. The Count, however, has a secret agenda. Why is he always on the move? What mystery sees the Count Bindo rushing to the wealthy–and occasionally dangerous– hot spots of Europe? And why must he leave so quickly after? Eventually, Ewart catches on to the Count’s “mission.” What will he do now? – Summary by Steven Seitel
The Counterpane Fairy
A little boy, recuperating from a lengthy illness, is entertained by visits from the Counterpane Fairy, who treats him to stories associated with each of the squares in the counterpane (quilt) on his sickbed. She has him concentrate on one of the squares until it turns into something like a doorway into the story. Once inside the story, he becomes its lead character until it fades out as if he’s awakening from a dream. (Summary by Lee)
The Counterpane Fairy (version 2)
Teddy has been ill. Now, he is feeling better and is bored; and his exhausted mother needs to rest. He is befriended by the Counterpane Fairy, who entertains him with stories of which he is the hero. (Summary by Lynne Thompson)