BLAST No. 1

BLAST, edited by Wyndham Lewis and subtitled ‘Review of the Great British Vortex’, was the magazine of the short-lived Vorticist movement in British art. Influenced by Cubism and Futurism, and Imagism in literature, the Vorticists embraced all things modern and veered towards abstraction. The first issue of BLAST was published, with its distinctive puce cover and bold typography, on 20 June 1914, but within weeks war had broken out in Europe. The Vorticists held an exhibition at the Dor? Gallery in London in 1915 and a second issue of BLAST was published, but the movement did not survive the war. BLAST No. 1 includes the Vorticist Manifesto, with their blasts and blesses of all and sundry in British art, and several pieces by Wyndham Lewis, including his play ‘Enemy of the Stars’. Other notable contributions include ‘The Saddest Story’ by Ford Maddox Hueffer (later Ford Madox Ford), which would later become the first chapter of ‘The Good Soldier’, and a short story by Rebecca West, her first published work. BLAST No. 1 also published black and white illustrations of artwork by Wyndham Lewis, Edward Wadsworth, Frederick Etchells, W. Roberts, Jacob Epstein, Gaudier Brzewska, Cuthbert Hamilton and Spencer Gore. These include some of the first abstract paintings to be produced by British artists. ( Phil Benson)

Blazed Trail Stories and Stories Of The Wild Life

Thirteen short stories by a popular writer of the early 20th century (not to be confused with an earlier book Blazed Trail). White’s books were popular at a time when America was losing its vanishing wilderness. He was a keen observer of the beauties of nature and human nature, yet could render them in a plain-spoken style. Based on his own experience, whether writing camping journals or Westerns, he included pithy and fun details about cabin-building, canoeing, logging, gold-hunting, and guns and fishing and hunting. He also interviewed people who had been involved in the fur trade, the California gold rush and other pioneers which provided him with details that give his novels verisimilitude. He salted in humor and sympathy for colorful characters such as canny Indian guides and “greenhorn” campers who carried too much gear. – Summary by Wikipedia and david wales

Christmas Short Works Collection 2007

LibriVox?s 2007 Christmas Short Works Collection containing public domain short stories, essays, poems, and scripture passages recorded by a variety of LibriVox members. Section 09: A Cornish Christmas Play, a mummers’ play, was read by gathered members of the UK LibriVox chapter (Sarah O’Connor, Graham Redman, Cori Samuel and Peter Yearsley.)

Christmas Short Works Collection 2009

Librivox volunteers from around the world bring you Christmas stories, carols and poems in English, German, Hungarian, Latin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. A merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas Short Works Collection 2010

This multilingual Christmas Short Works Collection for 2010 contains public domain short stories, essays, poems and scripture passages recorded by a variety of LibriVox members in English, German and Portuguese.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2011

This year’s Christmas feast of short stories, essays and poetry is mostly English cuisine, with a little dash of French and Middle English seasoning. Here you will find many old favourites, and some festive treats which may be new to you.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2012

The worldwide LibriVox community brings you 26 Dutch, English, French, German and Japanese recordings of short stories, poems, non-fiction articles and even a short play – all with a Christmas theme. Cast of What Makes Christmas Christmas: Narrator: Pamela Krantz Christmas Gifts: Charlotte Duckett Money: Ruth Golding Christmas Tree: Amanda Friday Christmas Stocking: Snapdragon Plum Pudding: Rapunzelina An Old Man: David Olson A Child: Evie Marie The King’s Son: David Lawrence A Spirit: Lyn Silva Audio edited by David Lawrence Play co-ordinated by Annise

Christmas Short Works Collection 2013

A selection of poems, short stories and other prose for the Christmas season in English, Finnish and German.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2014

This year’s Christmas collection of short stories and non-fiction, a play, poems, and bible readings features readings in English, Bulgarian, French, German, Italian and Swedish. Cast list for The Christmas Dinner: Mother Goose: Bev J Stevens Grandfather: Ray Kasper Grandmother: Ronelle Spiegel Father: J Korth Mother: Maria Kasper Walter: Beth Thomas Gertrude: Kimberly Kraus Santa Claus: Phil Chenevert Narrator: MaryAnn Spiegel Edited by: MaryAnn Spiegel

Christmas Short Works Collection 2015

This year’s Christmas collection of short stories, poems and non-fiction features readings in English, French, German and Romanian – Summary by Ruth Golding.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2017

This year’s Christmas collection of short stories, poems and non-fiction features 29 readings in English, Lithuanian, Spanish and Romanian.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2018

A delightful collection of stories and poems, with several interesting selections discussing various Christmas and holiday traditions, and a lovely Christmas play, featuring a full cast. All selections have been chosen and narrated by LibriVox volunteers to commemorate Christmas 2018. Cast of Ola, or A Christmas Present for Mother: Alta Good: Devorah Allen Henry Good: TJ Burns Leon Good: Tomas Peter Mrs. Good: Foon Ola: Jasmin Salma Narrator: Maria Kasper

Christmas Short Works Collection 2020

Presenting the Christmas 2020 collection with many surprises and a few old favorites. Amongst other stories Santa is kidnapped, a basket of goodies brightens Christmas on a snowbound train and Aunts are appreciated. And a visit by 2 aliens has unexpected results.

Christmas Short Works Collection 2021

The 2021 Christmas collection has some old favourites and some new, some reflections. Shepherds with a difference from New Zealand, and hopefully everyone will find something to enjoy, Summary by Annise

Coffee Break Collection 001 – Humor

This is a collection of short (15 minute or less readings) stories suitable for a coffee break at work or a short commuter ride. Emphasis for this collection is Humor in various genres — fiction and non-fiction. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Coffee Break Collection 003 – Nature

This is a collection of short (15 minute or less readings) works in English suitable for a coffee break at work or a short commuter ride. The theme for this collection is Nature in various genres — fiction and non-fiction. Botany, geology, biology, astronomy; flowers, (meteor) showers, bugs, slugs, frogs, dogs, cats, bats — you name it, as long as it’s public domain and between 3 and 15 minutes long.(Summary by BellonaTimes)

Coffee Break Collection 004 – Hodge Podge

This is a collection of short (15 minute or less readings) fiction or non-fiction works in English suitable for a coffee break at work or a short commuter ride. The theme for this collection is Hodge Podge: humor, romance, science, long poems, biography, inspirational — you name it, as long as it’s public domain and between 3 and 15 minutes long.(Summary by BellonaTimes)

Coffee Break Collection 006 – Food and Drink

This is the sixth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for work/study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. The theme for Collection 006 is “Food and Drink”! [Summary by Rosie]

Coffee Break Collection 008 – Animals

This is the eighth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for work/study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. This collection about animals includes tales and essays about the many creatures of land, sea, and air! [Summary by Rosie]

Coffee Break Collection 009 – Autumn

This is the ninth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for work/study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. This collection is “Autumn”! – Summary by Rosie and WoollyBee

Coffee Break Collection 010 – War and Conflict

This is the tenth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for work/study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. The theme for this collection is “war and conflict” – From battles to pub brawls to divorce, studying human conflict has produced some of the most powerful pieces of writing. Summary by Rosie

Coffee Break Collection 013 – Weather

This is the thirteenth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. The theme for this collection is “The Weather”, where the weather conditions are significant. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry… this selection contains them all. (Lynne Thompson)

Coffee Break Collection 014 – New Beginnings

This is the fourteenth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. The theme for this collection is “New Beginnings”, where some kind of change or new start is significant. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry… we have them all.

Coffee Break Collection 016 – Crime

This is the sixteenth collection of our “coffee break” series, involving public domain works that are between about 3 and 15 minutes in length. These are great for study breaks, commutes, workouts, or any time you’d like to hear a whole story and only have a few minutes to devote to listening. The theme for this collection is “Crime”, where crime or criminals are significant. Librivox readers have chosen a combination of social commentaries, newspaper reports of true crimes and criminals, letters, fictional accounts of the life of the criminal and short ‘whodunnit’ mysteries. – Summary by Lynne Thompson

Coffee Break Collection 017 – Health and Fitness

This is the seventeenth Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is health and fitness… views on these, including physical activity, nutrition and sport, have changed drastically over the years. Readers have chosen selections on subjects ranging from judo and walking to advice for the nutrition and education of children, Summary by Lynne Thompson

Coffee Break Collection 018 – Pirates

This is the eighteenth Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is pirates… a rich source of material. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, essays… the romance of a life on the ocean waves and the danger posed by the ‘bad boys (and girls)’; but sometimes the law catches up with them.

Coffee Break Collection 019 – Plants and Flowers

The Librivox Coffee Break Collections are themed anthologies, selected and read by Librivox readers. Each short piece is fifteen minutes long, or less — perfect for coffee breaks, commutes and work outs. Essays, prose, fiction, non-fiction, poetry — who knows what gems will be uncovered? Spring is the time we see plants and flowers, dormant over the cold winter months, burst into life; and they make their appearance here. – Summary by Lynne Thompson

Coffee Break Collection 021 – Fairy Tales, Tall Stories and Scams

This is the twenty-first Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is fairy tales… traditional children’s tales, tall stories and notorious scams and the authors of thm may be uncovered! Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, essays… all are welcome here.

Coffee Break Collection 022 – Days Gone By

This is the twenty-second Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is Days Gone By. All pieces were of a historical nature at the time written (i.e. not enough that they are historical now!). Ancient Rome, Greece or Egypt, medieval Europe, the early days of the American colonies.

Coffee Break Collection 023 – Mysteries, Riddles and Conundrums

This is the twenty-third Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is Mysteries, Riddles and Conundrums. Short mystery fiction, puzzles that have baffled generations, whether solved or unsolved and anything our forefathers have struggled to explain. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, essays…who knows what you will discover?

Coffee Break Collection 024 – Ghosts, Ghouls and Spooky Things

This is the twenty-fourth Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is Ghosts, Ghouls and Spooky Things in honor of Halloween. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, essays… all chill and perplex.

Coffee Break Collection 025 – Water

This is the twenty-fifth Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is water, a subject that has attracted Archimedes, Shelley and Masefield, to name but a few.

Coffee Break Collection 027 – Sports

This is the 27th Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read poems, fiction and non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less. In honor of the Super Bowl, the subject for this collection is “Sports”.

Coffee Break Collection 028 – Hobbies

This is the 28th Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read stories or poems, fiction or non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less, suitable for short commutes and coffee breaks. The subject for this collection is “HOBBIES”… and the collection is full after 20 pieces have been submitted.

Coffee Break Collection 029 – Dogs

This is the 29th Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read stories or poems, fiction or non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less, suitable for short commutes and coffee breaks. The subject for this collection is “DOGS”… and the collection is full after 20 pieces have been submitted. – Summary by ~ Michele Fry

Coffee Break Collection 032 – Wilderness

This is the 32nd Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read stories or poems, fiction or non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less, suitable for short commutes and coffee breaks. The subject for this collection is WILDERNESS. The collection is full after 20 pieces have been submitted.

Coffee Break Collection 033 – Gardening

This is the 33rd Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read Public Domain stories or poems, fiction or non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less, suitable for short commutes and coffee breaks. The subject for this collection is “GARDENING”.