Book 5 - Mabel Lyndwood. The focus of the novels is on the events surrounding Henry VIII's replacing Catherine of Aragon with Anne Boleyn as his wife. During Henry's pursuit of Boleyn, the novel describes other couples, including the Earl of Surrey and Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a match Henry does not support. However, some of the individuals oppose Henry and his desires for Boleyn, including Thomas Wyat who wants her for himself and Cardinal Wolsey, who uses a maiden of mysterious birth, Mabel Lyndwood, to lure Henry away from Boleyn. [...] Intertwined with the Court is the story of Herne the Hunter, a spirit of Windsor Forest. He is an evil force that seeks to take the souls of various individuals, and Henry tries to stop him, but is never able to do so. (Summary by Wikipedia)Other books in the series:
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4
Book 6
7 episodes
Roman historique situé au 3ème siècle avant JC. La trame du récit raconte la guerre qui oppose Carthage aux mercenaires qu'elle avait employé lors de la première Guerre Punique, et qui se rebellent car Carthage tarde à leur payer leur solde.Le roman met en scène Salammbo, fille fictive du général Hamilcar ainsi que l'amour que lui portent deux chefs mercenaires. Ce roman se caractérise par la richesse de ses descriptions et il s'en dégage une atmosphère poétique toute particulière. Flaubert, ici, rejoint la veine des Trois Contes où il donne libre cours à son imagination romantique. Le roman connut un vif succès dès sa parution en 1862 malgré quelques critiques négatives, mais avec les encouragements de Victor Hugo et d'Hector Berlioz. A noter que certains, aujourd'hui, estiment que ce roman mythique et violent serait l'ancêtre de l'heroic Fantasy : il a notamment inspiré Philippe Druillet qui en a fait une bande dessinée, et un jeu video inspirée du roman est sorti en 2003. - Summary by Babylon5
18 episodes
Entry in the Rick Brant series by Goodwin under the name John Blaine, which began in 1947. 'Rick and Scotty travel to the Himalayas again, this time to stop nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands.' says Wikipedia. - Summary by BellonaTimes
20 episodes
Quinta novela de la tercera serie de los Episodios Nacionales. Primera Guerra Carlista. El general Ramón Cabrera participa en La Campaña del Maestrazgo. Don Beltrán de Urdaneta, noble aragonés, se topa con una serie de riesgos e infortunios, en medio de la guerra fratricida, cuando intenta recuperar un dinero de un campesino a quien vendió sus tierras, para pagar las deudas que ha generado su vida disoluta. En su intento de conseguir los fondos de que tiene necesidad, tendrá que enfrentarse a los criterios completamente distintos de la monja Marcela, que busca el lugar donde su difunto padre escondió las riquezas antes de morir, con objeto de donarlas a cierto monasterio. Don Beltrán ha perdido toda esperanza de recuperar el dinero, a pesar de las promesas que le hizo el padre de Marcela. En esto, el joven militar Nelet se cruza en su camino con el deseo de que Marcela corresponda a su amor por ella y... (Resumen de Tux)
31 episodes
This is a group of Imaginary Conversations by Walter Savage Landor. It is a series of dialogues of historical and mythical characters. Marcellus and Hannibal, Queen Elizabeth and Cecil, Peter the Great and Alexis, Louis XIV and Father La Chaise, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are just a few of the delights on offer. Plenty to choose from and some great reads. - Summary by Michele Eaton
Cast List:
Landor: pjmorgan
Marcellus: SirQueezle
Hannibal: bala
The Surgeon: CharlieOldfield
Gaulish Chieftain: ToddHW
Elizabeth: pjmorgan
Cecil: Martin Geeson
Tiberius: Joseph Tabler
Vipsania: Libby Gohn
Epictetus: Joseph Tabler
Seneca: MaryAnn
Peter the Great: ToddHW
Alexis: Ashur Gharavi
Chancellor: CharlieOldfield
Louis XlV: ToddHW
Father La Chaise: Larry Wilson
Henry Vlll: CharlieOldfield
Anne Boleyn: Availle
Joseph Scaliger: ismailuser55
Montaigne: AlanW
Old Woman: Michele Eaton
Boccaccio: ismailuser55
Petrarca: Michele Eaton
Amadeo: AlanW
Metellus: Brett G. Hirsch
Marius: AlanW
Bossuet: Larry Wilson
Duchess De Fontanges: Sarah Terry
John of Gaunt: Michael6230
Joanna of Kent: Amanda Friday
Lady Lisle: Frances Brown
Elizabeth Gaunt: Elizabeth Klett
Empress Catharine: Amanda Friday
Princess Dashkof: Sarah Terry
Leofric: ToddHW
Godiva: Savannah
Bishop: David Olson
Essex : Jack Albert
Spenser: Michele Eaton
William Wallace:Zee Martin
King Edward 1: Brett G. Hirsch
Archbishop Boulter: Kathrine Engan
Philip Savage: Tomas Peter
Lord Bacon: Michele Eaton
Richard Hooker: MaryAnn
General Lacy: TriciaG
Cura Merino: Mike Harris
Oliver Cromwell: Michael6230
Walter Noble: Tomas Peter
Lord Brooke: MaryAnn
Sir Philip Sidney: Tomas Peter
Southey: MaryAnn
Porson: Michele Eaton
Abbe Delille: Michael6230
Walter Landor: TriciaG
Diogenes: Larry Wilson
Plato: SirQueezle
Barrow: MaryAnn
Newton: inflected
Scipio: Michele Eaton
Polybius: TriciaG
Panaetius: MaryAnn
David Hume: Tomas Peter
John Home: Nicholas Rao
Alfieri: Michele Eaton
Salomon : Brett G. Hirsch
Rousseau: Tomas Peter
Malesherbes: Michele Eaton
Lucullus: TriciaG
Caesar: Brett G. Hirsch
Epicurus: Ted Delorme
Leontion: pjmorgan
Ternissa: Kristin Gjerløw
Father: David Olson
Daughter: Availle
Marcus Tullius: Michele Eaton
Quinctus Cicero: TriciaG BC, Editor, Narrator: Michele Eaton
Editor, PL: Kim
Editor, PL: Kathrine Engan
PL: Linette Geisel
36 episodes
Book 6 - Jane Seymour. The focus of the novels is on the events surrounding Henry VIII's replacing Catherine of Aragon with Anne Boleyn as his wife. During Henry's pursuit of Boleyn, the novel describes other couples, including the Earl of Surrey and Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a match Henry does not support. However, some of the individuals oppose Henry and his desires for Boleyn, including Thomas Wyat who wants her for himself and Cardinal Wolsey, who uses a maiden of mysterious birth, Mabel Lyndwood, to lure Henry away from Boleyn. [...] Intertwined with the Court is the story of Herne the Hunter, a spirit of Windsor Forest. He is an evil force that seeks to take the souls of various individuals, and Henry tries to stop him, but is never able to do so. (Summary by Wikipedia)Other books in the series:
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4
Book 5
8 episodes
A weary survivor of the Great War, Major Rane Smith wanders in a great ennui amidst the mystical beauties of the fjords of Norway after the War, seeking a spiritual renewal. Deep in the forest he stumbles fatefully upon the strange, almost elvish home of Karl Ingman, an iconoclastic old Ibsen scholar. There Major Smith meets Ingman's two beautiful young daughters and his eldritch wife Rosa, entering into long days of profound dialogue with each member of the family. A rare and exquisite gem of a novel, The Death of Society is one of the most remarkable books of the post-War era, showing Wilson's deep intellectual, artistic, and philosophical passions against the backdrop of a romantic passion just as profound. Fallen into a strange obscurity after her untimely death, Romer Wilson deserves a revival of reputation that was recognized in her lifetime when she was awarded the prestigious Hawthornden Prize for this novel. - Summary by Expatriate
23 episodes
Although titled The Possessed in the initial English translation, Dostoyevsky scholars and later translations favour the titles The Devils or Demons. An extremely political book, Demons is a testimonial of life in Imperial Russia in the late 19th century. As the revolutionary democrats begin to rise in Russia, different ideologies begin to collide. Dostoyevsky casts a critical eye on both the radical idealists, portraying their ideas and ideological foundation as demonic, and the conservative establishment's ineptitude in dealing with those ideas and their social consequences. This form of intellectual conservativism tied to the Slavophile movement of Dostoyevsky's day, called Pochvennichestvo, is seen to have continued on into its modern manifestation in individuals like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Dostoyevsky's novels focus on the idea that utopias and positivist ideas, in being utilitarian, were unrealistic and unobtainable. The book has five primary characters representing different ideologies. By exploring their differing philosophies, Dostoyevsky describes the political chaos seen in 19th century Russia. - Summary by Wikipedia
81 episodes
Set against the background of the Irish famine in the 1840’s, the novel tells of the tangled relationships between Clara Desmond, Herbert Fitzgerald and his cousin Owen Fitzgerald. Clara – whose previously ‘great’ family is almost bankrupt – is initially attracted to Owen, but whose dissolute lifestyle is a handicap. The matter is further complicated by the fact that Lady Desmond, Clara’s mother, is in love with Owen.
Meanwhile, Herbert supplants Owen in Clara’s affections. Herbert is heir to Castle Richmond and the name and property but this position is threatened for much of the book because of the possible illegitimacy of his parents’ marriage. - Summary by Simon Evers
44 episodes
Near Galway, young Florian Jones has just converted to Catholicism when he witnesses the deliberate destruction of his English father’s land by the Catholic Landleaguers. The Irish Land War has commenced, with the boycotting of wealthy landowners and a brutal chain of revenge killings. This is the story of Florian, his father, his two beautiful sisters, his adult brother Frank, and Frank’s beloved Rachel, an American singer working the London stage with her firebrand father. It’s also the story of the social order coming apart and then painfully coming back together in one Irish county. The Landleaguers was Anthony Trollope’s last book and was not completed before he died in 1882, but proceeds far enough to be a touching and engrossing story and to leave the reader pretty certain of the outcome. - Summary by Angie
49 episodes
Dixon lived through Reconstruction, and believed it ranked with the French Revolution in brutality and criminal acts. The Traitor (1907), the final book in his trilogy which also includes The Leopard’s Spots (1902), and The Clansman (1905), spans a two-year period just after Reconstruction (1870-1872), and covers the decline of the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina. Dixon, whose father was an early Klan leader, maintained that the original Klan, the “reconstruction Klan” was morally formed in desperation to protect the people from lawlessness, address Yankee brutality, and save southern civilization. Now, in this final installment, he portrays how and why the later Klan falls into disrepute. The story includes folk legends, haunted houses, secret passageways, and spectral apparitions as part of its complicated story, weaving fact, fiction and romance in typical Dixon style.
While defamed as a white supremacist by today’s multi-cultural society, thus falling far out of favor, Dixon was one of the most popular American writers of the period, faithfully depicting the wide range of racial/cultural opinions of 19th century America. (Summary by Michele Fry)
35 episodes
Lawrence’s first novel is set in Nethermere (his name for the real-life Eastwood in Nottinghamshire). The plot is narrated by Cyril Beardsall and focuses in particular on the relationship of his sister Lettie with two admirers, the more handsome and down to earth George and the more effete gentleman Leslie. She eventually marries Leslie although she is sexually attracted to George. George marries the conventional Meg and both marriages end in unhappiness.
The countryside of the English midlands is beautifully evoked and there is powerful description also of the impact of industrialisation on both town and country.
(Summary by Simon Evers)
26 episodes
A one-act play which describes the setting and writing of the Magna Carta, including the famous line "now is justice bought and sold" in the Prologue. - Summary by Beth Thomas
Narrator: Denny Sayers
King John: Rob Board
Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury: Beth Thomas
William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke: Larry Wilson
Robert Fitz-Walter, Castellan of London: Adele de Pignerolles
Henry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford: Esther ben Simonides
Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk: KHand
Saer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester: Shakira Searle
Eustace de Vescy, Northern Baron: Elizabeth Klett
Robert de Ros, Northern Baron: April Walters
William de Braose, Baron of Welsh Marches: Mark Nelson
Maud de St. Valerie, wife of William de Braose: Lydia
William de Braose, eldest son of the above: Zames Curran
Giles de Braose, Bishop of Hereford, second son of William de Braose: Kristin Gjerløw
Falkes de Breaute, mercenary of King John: Hamlet
Gerald de Athies, mercenary of King John: wish2bflying
Londoners: Dean Spilias and MaryAnn
Monks: Rachel and Zames Curran
A Canon of St. Paul's: Newgatenovelist
Messenger: Availle
Audio edited by Rob Board
1 episodes
A historical fiction novel set in Paris (1572) during Charles IX's reign and the French Wars of Religion. Marguerite de Valois, daughter of deceased Henry II, is the novel's protagonist set against the infamous schemes of the Catholic power player, Catherine de Medici. - Summary by Publisher
66 episodes
Christina is an ordinary girl who lives with her aunt and uncle. Life is normal until one day when her father appears and plans to take Christina away to live with him at a robber baron's castle. Her peaceful life has suddenly turned upside down, but this is only the first of many changes. How will Christina, gentle as a dove, survive in the violent eagle's nest? - Summary by Adele de Pignerolles
26 episodes
1870's rural Massachusetts communities became famous as “Oldtown” in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 7th novel and national bestseller. Based partially on her husband Rev. Calvin Stowe's childhood memories and other old timers' recollections, this story of growing up in rural New England just after the American Revolution is one of the earliest examples of local color writing in New England. Young Horace Holyoke, the novel's narrator, describes life during the early Federalist years, capturing its many rich ideas, customs, and family lore. Villagers wrestle with loyalties to the fledgling government, and with the new secular rationalism provoked by the young nation’s Founders. Clashes between Puritanism, Calvinism, and Arminianism abound. This book helped with the depreciation of Calvinism in that time. Summary by Michele Fry
51 episodes
Edward the Confessor is very weak and will die soon. But with no son to succeed him, who will gain the throne? The common folk and loyal Saxon barons in England want Harold, while the Norman barons and the people in Normandy, France want Duke William. They claim Edward gave William the throne. Who is right? Will Britain be Normanized? - Summary by Esther ben Simonides
Cast List
King Edward the Confessor: Beth ThomasHarold, Earl of Wessex: Adele de PignerollesGyrth, brother to Harold; Cecilia, daughter of William and Matilda: RachelStigand, Archbishop of Canterbury: Mike HarrisWilliam, Duke of Normandy: Esther ben SimonidesOdo, Bishop of Bayeux, half-brother to William: MaryAnnSRobert "Courthose", son to William and Matilda; Gytha, mother to Harold: SoniaWilliam "Rufus", son to William and Matilda; William Malet, a Norman Baron: Tomas PeterLanfranc, Prior of Bec: ApneiaWilliam Fitzosbern, a Norman Baron: Larry WilsonRoger of Montgomery, a Norman Baron: NewgatenovelistHugh Margot, a Norman Monk: ToddHWA Saxon Messenger: David OlsonTaillefer, a Norman Minstrel: John BurlinsonA Hermit: Joseph TablerQueen Edith, wife to Edward the Confessor, sister to Harold: Kristin GjerløwEdith, called 'of the Swansneck': LydiaMatilda, Duchess of Normandy, wife to William: GeorgiaMNarrator: KHandAudio Edited by: Esther ben Simonides
4 episodes
I am inclined to rank Count Tolstoy not among the realists or naturalists, but rather as an impressionist. He is often careless about accuracy. Numberless incongruities can be pointed out. He is as willing to adopt an anachronism as a medieval painter. I would defy an historian to reconstruct the battle of Austerlitz from Count Tolstoy's description. And yet what a picture of a battle was ever more vivid! It is like a painting where the general impression is true, but a close analysis discovers nothing but contradictory lines!What a succession -- a kaleidoscopic succession of life-views, he gives in "War and Peace!" One follows the other without confusion, naturally, with entrancing interest. "The court and camp, town and country, nobles and peasants, -- all are sketched in with the same broad and sure outline. We pass at a leap from a soiree to a battle-field, from a mud hovel to a palace, from an idyl to a saturnalia. As we summon our recollections of the prodigal outpouring of a careless genius, a troop of characters as lifelike as any in Scott or in Shakespeare, defile before our mental eye. Tolstoy finds endless opportunities of inculcating his favorite themes: -- the mastery of circumstance over will and desire, the weakness of man in the front of things, and the necessity for resignation." (from the Preface by N.H. Dole)Volume 1Volume 2Volume 3 (to be recorded)Volume 4 (to be recorded)
98 episodes
Zola's original French publication, Au Bonheur des Dames ("The Ladies' Delight"), published 1882, is the eleventh novel in his Rougon-Macquart series. This English translation by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly, was published in 1886. It's a glitzy, fast paced Parisian drama depicting life at the world's first department store, revealing its many innovative marketing concepts, fashion, glamour, lust, greed, courage, deception, human foibles, and the vision and financial risk-taking that led to a world transformation in shopping -- one that set all the little shop keepers on their heads. All this is contrasted by our heroine Denise, a young sales woman who struggles through financial hardship, back-stabbing friendships, and incredible temptations with a quiet courage that helps her rise to the top. As she passes through fire and emerges from it unscathed, we get Zola's masterful depiction of social upheaval and feminine resistance to evil.
In 2012 the BBC used the novel as the basis for an eight-part television series set in northern England titled The Paradise. A second season followed in 2013. The novel was also was adapted into a play, The Ladies' Delight, for BBC Radio 4, premiering in September 2010.
~ Solo by Kristinjg, Edited by Michele Fry, Summary by Michele Fry
34 episodes
Milkau e Lentz são dois jovens alemães que imigram para Porto do Cachoeiro, Espírito Santo. Trabalhando como colonos, desenvolvem uma relação de amizade e de competição, ao expressarem duas filosofias de vida diferentes.
Maria, filha de imigrantes que trabalha para a família Kraus, é seduzida pelo filho do patrão. Após muitas vicissitudes, dá à luz seu filho no mato, onde a criança é devorada pelos porcos. Maria, acusada de matar seu filho, é presa e resgatada por Milkau, que foge com ela para a sua Canaã, a terra prometida, em busca da liberdade. - Summary by Wikipedia
14 episodes
Doctor Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh is the first in the series of Doctor Syn novels by Russell Thorndike and inspired a Disney movie called the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh starring Patrick Patrick McGoohan. In this story we are introduced to the complex Christopher Syn, the kindly vicar of the little town of Dymchurch. Dr Syn seems pleasant, but is he much more than he seems? Although published first, this book is the last of the series chronologically. The town is located near the Romney Marsh, an ideal location for smuggling operations. Captain Howard Collyer, a revenue agent for the crown, arrives on the scene convinced that he can find and capture the smugglers that must be active in the area. The locals deny any knowledge of any smuggling operations, but warn of mysterious bands of witches and glowing demons that ride fire-breathing horses roam the marsh. Can this straight forward navy captain survive these supernatural foes as he investigates Romney Marsh and the disturbing events that begin to happen in Dymchurch? - Summary by Brett Downey
39 episodes
The sequel to "Chicot the Jester" and final book of the "Valois Romances." This story begins six years after the famed "Duel of the Mignons" between the favorites of the courts of King Henry III and Henry the Duke of Guise (somewhat allied with the King's brother, Francis, Duke of Anjou and Alencon). Dumas concludes his historical fiction on the War of the Three Henries while (1) detailing the formation of the Forty-Five Guardsmen (who were to become the Musketeers), (2) following Chicot the Jester as he stays loyal to the failing regency of King Henry III, and (3) continuing the story of Diana (a principal character in the previous book). - Summary by jvanstan
91 episodes
Een roman over dé ideale 'Nederlandse man' uit de 17de eeuw. Het boek is geschreven in de 19de eeuw als 'verzet' tegen de Franse overheersing. Ook voor de 21ste eeuw is het boek nog actueel, al zouden we dan 'Nederlandse man' beter kunnen vervangen door de term 'Wereldburger (m/v)'. In dit eerste deel wordt de jeugd van Maurits Lijnslager besproken en met name zijn liefde voor Maria van Vliet en zijn reis naar Italië. (Marcel Coenders)
21 episodes
Juan and Carlos Meñaya have longed to find their father ever since they were little. Their dream starts to get lost, though, as they grow up and go separate ways. Juan goes off to war and falls under the influence of a Huguenot prisoner while Carlos becomes a monk and begins to discover the Bible for himself. - Summary by Adele de Pignerolles
Dramatis Personae
Narration by Adele de Pignerolles and Rapunzelina
Carlos, read by Joseph Tabler
Juan Rodrigo, read by Aaron Rivera
Dolores, read by Sonia
Fray Sebastian Gomez, read by Jason in Panama
Don Manuel Alvarez, read by KHand
Don Juan, the penitent, read by Victor Villarraza
Student, read by David Purdy
The stranger, De Seso, read by Joe
Gonsalvo, read by Kristingj
Dr. Cristobal Losada, read by Patrick Saville
Doña Inez, read by Rachel
Those around Gonsalvo, read by Leanne Yau
Proverbs, read by MaryAnn
The tempter, read by David Purdy
Juliano El Chico, read by TJ Burns
The village cura, read by David Purdy
The landlord, read by David Purdy
Fray Fernando, read by Larry Wilson
Fray Cassiodoro, read by Esther ben Simonides
The aged monk, read by Esther ben Simonides
Servant boy, read by Esther ben Simonides
Doña Beatriz, read by Esther ben Simonides
Doña Sancha, read by Esther ben Simonides
Don Balthasar, read by Larry Wilson
Don Manuel the younger, read by David Purdy
Passerby, read by Rachel
Porter, read by Leanne Yau
Doña Katarina, read by Esther ben Simonides
Munebraga, read by Esther ben Simonides
Gaspar Benevidio, read by Rupert Holliday
The alcayde’s servant, read by Rachel
Promoter-fiscal, read by David Purdy
Notary, read by Rachel
Prior, read by Larry Wilson
Benevidio's daughter, a child, read by TriciaG
Maria Gonsalez, read by TriciaG
Don Alonzo de Munebraga, read by Rachel
A mother, read by Esther ben Simonides
Juanita, read by Joe
Page, read by David Purdy
Juan Gonsalez, read by David Purdy
Juan Ponce de Leon, read by Esther ben Simonides
Don Garcia, read by Esther ben Simonides
Jesuit, read by Amy Gramour
Attendant, read by Amy Gramour
Llorente, read by Esther ben Simonides
Juan Sanchez, read by Rachel
Don Domingo de Roxas, read by David Purdy
Herrera, read by David Purdy
God’s messenger, read by David Purdy
Jorge, read by David Purdy
Lord Inquisitor, read by Esther ben Simonides
Young monk, read by Jael Baldwin
Editing by Adele de Pignerolles and Rapunzelina
50 episodes
On a trip to Spain in 1830, our narrator recounts his encounters with two strange characters: a thief named Don José Navarro and a beautiful Romani woman named Carmen...little does he know that soon, these two will be entangled in a tumultuous love affair that spells out tragedy for both parties. This novella, written and first published in 1845, has been adapted into a number of dramatic works, including the famous opera by Georges Bizet. - Summary by Mary Kay and Wikipedia
13 episodes
Een roman over dé ideale 'Nederlandse man' uit de 17de eeuw. Het boek is geschreven in de 19de eeuw als 'verzet' tegen de Franse overheersing. Ook voor de 21ste eeuw is het boek nog actueel, al zouden we dan 'Nederlandse man' beter kunnen vervangen door de term 'Wereldburger (m/v)'. In dit tweede deel gaat Maurits met zijn Maria trouwen. (Marcel Coenders)
15 episodes
Een roman over dé ideale 'Nederlandse man' uit de 17de eeuw. Het boek is geschreven in de 19de eeuw als 'verzet' tegen de Franse overheersing. Ook voor de 21ste eeuw is het boek nog actueel, al zouden we dan 'Nederlandse man' beter kunnen vervangen door de term 'Wereldburger (m/v)'. In dit derde deel worden Maurits en Maria gezegend met een hele kinderschaar. - Summary by Marcel Coenders
16 episodes
This book tells the story of Micah Clarke's adventures. As a boy he follows his rather romantic notions of what it means to be a soldier and how to find adventure. But over the course of his career, adventure finds him, and it is not always quite as fun as Micah had pictured it to be - especially as he finds himself involved in a rebellion. - Summary by Carolin
41 episodes
The Fortune of the Rougons (French: La Fortune des Rougon), originally published in 1871, is the first novel in Émile Zola's monumental twenty-volume series Les Rougon-Macquart. In his introduction Zola indicates that this series is intended to demonstrate the interaction of heredity and environment along the lines of natural selection and evolution. While Zola's metascience is questionable, this novel is successful in its analysis of the interaction of momentous social and political events and the everyday lives and aspirations of a provincial society. In a satisfyingly intricate, vast and integrated plot, set in the time of Napoleon III's coup d'etat and establishment of the Second Empire, the fates and fortunes of the disparate descendents of one Provencal family are traced in detail. The novel ranges from idyll to cynical observation of base motives, and ends in a way that anticipates its many sequels. Summary by the soloist.
16 episodes
Een roman over dé ideale 'Nederlandse man' uit de 17de eeuw. Het boek is geschreven in de 19de eeuw als 'verzet' tegen de Franse overheersing. Ook voor de 21ste eeuw is het boek nog actueel, al zouden we dan 'Nederlandse man' beter kunnen vervangen door de term 'Wereldburger (m/v)'. In dit vierde en laatste deel gaat Maurits waardig de weg van alle vlees. - Summary by Marcel Coenders
16 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. Deel 1: Van de geboorte tot een ontluikende liefde - Beschrijving van Marcel Coenders
25 episodes
Młody Ramzes XIII obejmuje panowanie nad Egiptem, jednak jego wrogowie nie śpią, a jego sprzymierzeńcy chcą nim manipulować. Sam faraon też nie unika poważnych błędów, często spowodowanych słabościami swojego charakteru. Lekceważy też potęgę klasy kapłańskiej, którą postanowił sobie podporządkować nie zdając sobie sprawy z tego, jakimi środkami dysponują jego przeciwnicy. Za te błędy przyjdzie mu drogo zapłacić... ( Piotr Nater)
Faraon (tom 1)
Faraon (tom 2)
23 episodes
Hans of Iceland was written in 1821 and is the very first novel written by young Victor, years before he became the great Hugo. It has all the ingredients of a gothic novel: dreadful murders by the hand of a human monster, a young hero in love with the destitute heroine, royal court-intrigues and rebellious uprising, all set in dungeons, dark towers and the untamed nature of Norway.This audio-book has been recorded as Dramatic Reading with all the voices performed by one single reader, including laughs, sobs, groans, occasional screams and a lot of growls. I hope you will enjoy listening to this adventurous journey just as much as I enjoyed recording it. - Summary by Sonia
55 episodes
In this ninth book in the classic Elsie Dinsmore series, the family finishes their summer at the seaside and returns to Ion. The narrative turns from Elsie to Violet's family, particularly her step-children Max and Lulu as they adjust to life in their new family. - Summary by GabrielleC
25 episodes
The Black Dwarf is the first of the “Tales of My Landlord” series, which also includes The Bride of Lammermoor and The Heart of Midlothian. The third preliminary chapter depicts two horsemen arriving at the Wallace Inn in Gandercleugh, where one of the horsemen relates the tale. The story proper is set on the Scottish borders during the reign of Queen Anne. The Jacobite movement is in its infancy, but the inhabitants of this part of the country have enough to quarrel about without politics inciting them to it. Several families of high and low birth bear no good intentions to each other, and a weird, brooding dwarf, who wishes ill on all of humanity, seems to direct and perpetuate the mayhem from his lonely cottage on Mucklestane Moor. (tbragg)
20 episodes
A satire of middle-class complacency and artistic aspiration. It is the story of a strange bohemian upper-class love triangle, and of a mystic tract.
(Summary by Simon Evers)
41 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. Deel 3: In dit deel wordt Hillegonda weduwe. - Summary by Marcel Coenders
19 episodes
“His Masterpiece" (“L’Oeuvre”) is a fictionalized account of the Parisian art world in the mid 19th century, and the emerging Realism, Naturalism and Impressionism movements. Emile Zola and Paul Cezanne had been friends from childhood, and the main character of the novel is thought to be largely drawn from Cezanne, as well as from Eduard Manet and Claude Monet. Zola himself appears in the work, in the character of Pierre Sandoz, a novelist. The painter in this story, Claude Lantier, attempts to revolutionize the art establishment, where artists painted in the studio and concentrated on mythological, historical and religious subjects. Instead, Lantier paints outdoors, in natural light, and with commonplace subjects. He gained a small group of supporters and fellow-practitioners in art, literature, architecture and music, but he could never manage to break out, and the public persisted in misunderstanding his aims. Meanwhile the artist sank into obsession and depression. It is believed that the publication of this book, which documents the failure of the artist to realize his potential, led to a permanent rift between Cezanne and Zola. - Summary by Lisa Reichert
26 episodes
Subtitled "The Throne, The Tomb, and The Scaffold - An Historical Play in 3 Acts From the Celebrated Play of that Name by Alexandre Dumas" - How can you resist a play about English history - the doomed fifth wife of Henry the 8th - by the celebrated French author of The Musketeers?? - Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Henry VIII, King of England: Larry Wilson
Athelwold, Duke of Northumberland: Paul Simonin
Archbishop Cranmer: alanmapstone
Duke of Sussex: KHand
Duke of Norfolk: tovarisch
Grand Chamberlain: Tomas Peter
Lieutenant of the Tower: Sandra Schmit
Fleming, an Alchemist: Availle
Page: Lydia
Martin Krinkly, a Cordwainer: Tomas Peter
Simon Kreetnur, a Weaver: VivianWeaver
Captain of Guard: Bjorn V
Executioner: Kalynda
Princess Margaret, Sister to the King: Leanne Yau
Catherine Howard, his Fifth Wife: Beth Thomas
Dame Kennedy, her Nurse: Lydia
Winifred Krinkly, Wife to Martin: Sonia
Stage Directions: ToddHW
Edited By: ToddHW
3 episodes
The Philosophical Studies from The Human Comedy (La Comedie Humaine) are a series of works that are intended as a reflection on history in part through the use of fiction. 'Catherine de Medici' is one such 'study', and features, alongside detailed history (and even architectural) sections, elements of the 'story' are fictionalised. In particular, this happens through dialogue that describes the feelings of the characters and what they are doing, these parts in the manner of a novel. In particular, Catherine de Medici (apparently), was depicted by historians as a bad ruler. This book is an attempt to redress that misunderstanding. Catherine de Medici is shown as one of the most powerful rulers of her day, using the intricacies of court to enact measures to improve the situation of her peoples and herself. (Summary by Reader)
23 episodes
This historical novel is set in the 1100s in France and Jerusalem, following the First Crusade. Part of the story of Guy of Lusignan (a real historical character) is told through the eyes of his fictional sister, Elaine.
Guy travels to the Holy Land to reclaim it from the Saracens. Elaine follows afterward, finding upon arrival that her brother has fallen in love with Sybil, the sister of the leper king of Jerusalem. Queen Sybilla, a real historical character, is surrounded by political intrigue as she prepares to ascend the throne, which threatens her upcoming marriage to Guy of Lusignan.
The story, however, is not primarily about the history of the period, but about the spiritual journey of Elaine to repentance and saving faith in the era of the medieval Church. How will Elaine's frail peace of mind, which depends on earthly things, cope with the looming storms on the horizon? - Summary by TriciaG
16 episodes
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)
24 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. In dit 4de en laatste deel sterft Hillegonda. - Samenvatting door Marcel CoendersAlle 4 delen van dit werk zijn nu te beluisteren via Librivox.
19 episodes
The book follows a period in the lives of two friends, Rachel West and Hester Gresley. Rachel is a wealthy heiress who falls in love with the weak-willed Hugh Scarlett after he has broken off an affair with Lady Newhaven (which he does not originally realize has been discovered by her husband). Hester, a novelist, lives with her brother, the pompous vicar of the fictional village of Warpington.
The book caused a scandal when it was first published due to its themes of adultery, the emancipation of women and its satire of the clergy. (Wikipedia)
54 episodes
In this 1907 novel about the extravagant life of New York City’s high society, the author of The Jungle, presents a portrait of the wealthy elite.
Allan Montague, a lawyer of thirty, moves to New York City from Mississippi, along with his mother and cousin Alice, to join his younger brother Oliver, who had moved to the city few years before. Allan discover that Oliver has become a member of a fast-paced social circuit comprising some of the most powerful members of the business class. Oliver introduces Allan to this exclusive group hoping that it will help Allan’s business.
Sinclair describes the party life of the very rich, who spend vast sums of money on entertainment and new toys. Expensive cars, private trains, dinners attended by liveried servants, clothing costing thousands of dollars are described with attention to the enormous cost of it all. The author describing the alcoholism, marital affairs, malicious gossip, backstabbing, and shallow values of the wealthy of this Society. (Summary by Richard Kilmer)
21 episodes
New York City in the early 20th century, a boy with an angelic voice, his devoted mother, the great Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John The Divine. - Summary by david wales
6 episodes
Wagner is a poor, lonely old shepherd living on the edge of the Black Forest. In a devil's pact he gains youth and wealth for the price of transforming into a ravenous wolf once a month. This book contains everything from murder, kidnap, robbery, sadistic nuns and lust to war in sixteenth century Italy. Originally published in a serialised form, this penny dreadful is definitely not a piece of fine literature, but is hopefully entertaining.
This book contains racial and other prejudices that were once commonplace. They are retained, as originally written in this recording, because to do otherwise would be to deny they existed. - Summary by clarinetcarrot
71 episodes
One soft summer evening, when Woodville was crowned with the glory and beauty of the joyous season, three strangers presented themselves before the Grant family, and asked for counsel and assistance. The party consisted of two boys and a girl, and they belonged to that people which the traditions of the past have made the "despised race;" but the girl was whiter and fairer than many a proud belle who would have scorned her in any other capacity than that of a servant; and one of the boys was very nearly white, while the other was as black as ebony undefiled. They were fugitives and wanderers from the far south-west; and the story which they told to Mr. Grant and his happy family will form the substance of this volume. - Summary from Chapter 1 of text
Listeners, please be advised that this book contains material related to slavery which some may find offensive. These types of actions and language were common during the historical period during which this account is written.
Woodville Series:
Rich and Humble; or, The Mission of Bertha Grant
In School and Out; or, The Conquest of Richard Grant
Watch and Wait; or, The Young Fugitives
Work and Win; or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise
Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians
Haste and Waste; or, The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain
24 episodes
William Ashe, an up and coming politician, impulsively marries Kitty, a young, flighty and strange girl who, far from supporting her husband in his career, instead does exactly as she pleases. The book follows the course of their marriage to a rather unexpected conclusion. - Summary by Simon Evers
24 episodes
A Daughter of the Land follows Kate Bates, one of sixteen children, as she takes the wings of morning to try for independence and the life she's been denied. She dreams of a husband, children, and a farm, yet her actions have far-reaching consequences. This is a story of love and forgiveness, a picture of the brokenness around us, and it shows how God can make all things work together for good and shed hope and light in the midst of the valley of the shadow. - Summary by Patience Charles
28 episodes
