"Sometimes, in a mood of Spanish castles, there flits across my fancy the vision of an ancient city on a hill-top, with lofty battlements thrust upward from the rock and towers that stand on tip-toe…. Our stage is the square of this ancient city, seen dimly in the night.... The time of our play is remote and I choose to think the world is flat, that comets are of evil prophecy and witches still ride on the windy moon...." Published in the same book as "Wappin' Wharf: A Frightful Comedy of Pirates", this story is subtitled "A Frightful Comedy of Beggars". The play describes skulduggery at the tavern with The Sign of The Greedy Pig. Will the beggars be hung as vagrants? Will true love triumph at the end? - Summary by Author and ToddHW
Cast list:
Twist: Larry Wilson
Whimp: Nemo
Blat: Tomas Peter
Squeak: Sandra Schmit
Ballad Monger: ToddHW
Mistress Trencher: Devorah Allen
Syndic of the University: Phil Schempf
Surgeon: Roger Melin
Student: Eva Davis
Bombastes: TJ Burns
Jules: tovarisch
Watchman: alanmapstone
Apple Woman: Leanne Yau
Yank, the Hangman: alanmapstone
Bell-Ringer: Jim Locke
A Girl: Availle
An Old Woman: April6090
Another Old Woman: Foon
A Third Old Woman: Angelique G. Campbell
An Old Man: TriciaG
A Voice in the Crowd: Availle
Stage Direction: Sonia
Edited by: ToddHW
2 episodes
Published in 1908, this is a further collection of twelve humorous short stories about English school boys. The author wrote two other books in this series: The Human Boy (1900) and The Human Boy And The War (1916). Eden Phillpotts was popular with the reading public and wrote prolifically novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and nonfiction. - Summary by David Wales
12 episodes
The "Ideal Husband" of the title is Sir Robert Chiltern, with his equally upright wife Lady Chiltern. He has never committed a crime, never had a "past" and never bowed to corruption or influence, or so she thinks... The disreputable Mrs Cheveley is about to appear and try her hand at both politics and blackmail - can the Chilterns come through the encounter with both public and private honour intact? And what about Miss Mabel Chiltern's roguish beau, Lord Goring? What does he have to do with all of this?
Oscar Wilde's witty comedy of manners, trust and politics shows human nature in a typically merciless light. The main themes are blackmail, political corruption and the uses and abuses of power both in politics and in private life. Quote from the play: “It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.” (Summary by Beth Thomas)
Cast List: The Earl of Caversham: Alan MapstoneVicount Goring: Rob MarlandSir Robert Chiltern: Tomas PeterLady Chiltern: Beth ThomasMrs Cheveley: Eva DavisMiss Mabel Chiltern: Leanne YauLady Markby: TJ BurnsLady Basildon: FoonMrs Marchmont: Hope KVicomte de Nanjac: KurtMr Montford/Harold: DrPGouldMason: Zames CurranPhipps: NemoNarration read by: MichaelMaggsAudio edited by: Rob Marland
4 episodes
Jim, an axe-man for a sawmill, who is a hard-knuckled, two-fisted fighting man when he has to be, but is shy around women, longs to find a wife and settle down. Two women, one a mercenary widow of the country town, the other a classy city girl, both set their caps for Jim. Will true love triumph? Will Jim's dog ever get his dinner? Will Jim ever get his tongue untied? These and other questions are answered in this story in rhyme. - Summary by Son of the Exiles
12 episodes
Yes, it's been a couple of years since I quit the ring. . . . I slid into a quiet corner for a month or so, and then I dropped into the only thing I knew how to do, trainin' comers to go against the champs. It ain't like pullin' down your sixty per cent of the gate receipts, but there's worse payin' jobs.Course, there's times when I finds myself up against it. It was durin' one of them squeezes, not so long ago, that I gets mixed up with Leonidas Dodge, and all that foolishness. Ah, it wa'n't anything worth wastin' breath over. You would? Honest? Well, it won't take long, I guess. - Summary by Sewell Ford
15 episodes
The Problem Club is an infamous London Club which meets once a month to discuss a given problem. The problems have nothing to do with mathematics, but are social problems, in the broadest possible sense of the word. For instance, how does one manage to kiss ten young ladies on the cheek within the space of one hour without offending any of them? Would you be able to solve this problem? Watch the members of the Problem Club compete and find out how it is done. - Summary by Carolin
12 episodes
A ROLLICKING YARN FROM AN AUSTRALIAN LEGEND
Banjo Paterson is our best known and most loved bush poet. Less well known, but no less captivating, are his warm and funny novels about Australian life.
An Outback Marriage tells of a young Englishman on a tour of the colonies, who gets more than he bargained for when he sets out to find the heir to a fortune. This is the story not of one marriage but several, bringing the whole of colonial society - from the squattocracy to cattle rustlers - to vivid, unforgettable life.
No writer better captured the heart of early Australia better than Paterson - the landscape, the weather, the trials and the earthy humour that was the key to survival.
29 episodes
Mark Twain wrote these two diaries, or rather as he insists, 'translated them from the original manuscripts', late in his writing career. The freshness, wonder and excitement of exploring a new world permeates Eve's thoughts as she takes great joy in her very existence and loves everything about it. To me this is obviously a posthumous love-letter to Twain's wife Olivia Langdon Clemens, or Livy, who died in June 1904, but others may disagree. Adam's diary is different and he comes across as a somewhat surly person who just wants to be alone and think his thoughts. he is also not very bright. How the two finally come together is what makes these stories so wonderful and expresses the love between a husband and wife. They were written as two separate works but fit together so well I have combined them into one here. - Summary by phil chenevert
2 episodes
Young, self conscious, timid stenographer for a New York businessman with a beautiful daughter (the flapper). He emulates stronger types, but alas.....is not them. He grows up in this humorous volume from 1913. - Summary by joseph tabler
15 episodes
To My Buddies
Of the U. S. Army—some three million in number;
Of the 90th Division more specifically, and
Particularly to the 315th Engineers, to which
Regiment I was “attached for rations,”
Being a Liability of Company “E,”
This little Volume is Dedicated. - Summary by Author
7 episodes
In this collection of 17 short essays, Charles S. Brooks (1878-1934), with the usual panache and wit, which he also displays in his comedies, describes funny incidents that can happen to people on holidays or in everyday life.
His two "frightful" comedies, "Wappin' Wharf" and "At the Sign of the Greedy Pig", are already in our catalogue as full-cast stage plays. (Summary by Sonia)
17 episodes
This book is best described by its subtitle: “DETAILING the Adventures, Comic and Pathetic of one Jimmy Martin, Purveyor of Publicity, a Young Gentleman Possessing Sublime Nerve, Whimsical Imagination, Colossal Impudence, and, Withal the Heart of a Child.”
Jimmy, press agent extraordinaire, conjures up outlandish and truth-stretching publicity stunts for an amusement park, theaters and performers, often with unexpected and amusing results. Despite his foibles, Jimmy presses on in pursuit of career success and of pretty Lolita Murphy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The author, an American writer (and theatrical press agent himself) was a founding member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table and was reputed to have suggested the name for “The New Yorker” magazine. (Lee Smalley)
29 episodes
Uma das mais famosas obras de um dos mais famosos autores da Literatura Brasileira, Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas é considerado um marco na carreira de Machado de Assis, por apresentar de forma mais acabada o tom irônico e cáustico que viria a ser uma de suas principais características. A obra, narrada em primeira pessoa, é uma autobiografia escrita do além-túmulo, isto é, após a morte de seu autor. Por isso o livro foi também considerado um precursor do realismo fantástico. Citado por muitos autores famosos posteriores como inspiração, é título fundamental da Literatura Brasileira, atraindo uma nuvem de ensaios críticos e comentários teóricos, além de traduções para muitos outros idiomas. - Summary by Leni
32 episodes
Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. was a pseudonym used by Jonathan Swift as part of a hoax to predict the death of then famous Almanac-maker and astrologer John Partridge. In 1709, Richard Steele bolstered the release of his new satirical paper The Tatler by naming the fictitious Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. as editor. These are fictional essays/memoirs of Bickerstaff, written by Steele. Isaac writes from his time, and his personal things on what was going on. Bickerstaff, or rather Richard Steele, talks mostly about Mr. Bickerstaff's friends, his family, and the many different entertainments that Bickerstaff goes through. Bickerstaff also gets many opportunities to talk to people who are in trouble with their spouse or maybe looking for a partner, and so Bickerstaff plays the role of a father, giving advice to many characters throughout the book. (Summary by TriciaG & Elijah.)
28 episodes
This is a collection of twelve original and entertaining little romances. Literature is an important anchor that helps us understand society in the American Gilded Age in the late ninteenth century, and these stories allow us to understand the marriage market of the time. - Summary by Carolin"Miss Ticknor, well known as one of the most promising of the younger school of American writers, has never done better work than in the majority of these clever stories, written in a delightful comedy vein." - The Publisher
12 episodes
A Deal with the Devil is a classic tale with a humorous twist. We find that on the night preceeding his 100th birthday Grandpapa, a cantankerous yet loveable sort, has made a deal with the devil, which his granddaughter, in part, will pay. - Summary by Angelique G. Campbell
24 episodes
This 1912 collection of short stories is of lighthearted adventures of an irresponsible -- and irrepressible -- Frenchman in England and Paris. The author (1863-1930) was a popular British novelist, dramatist, and playwright, known especially for his short stories. Several of his works were made into London and Broadway stage plays as well as motion pictures (starring Mary Pickford, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and more). - Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales
9 episodes
Ellis Carleton, son of a rich and indulgent father, has enjoyed a wasteful and irresponsible young adulthood. But on reaching 25 it is time to grow up, so dad sends him off to dad’s ranch in outback Montana with instructions to the foreman to pay Ellis the same as the other hands, but only if he earns it. A disputed roadway, an old feud with a neighboring rancher, a new one with his desirable daughter, all drive Ellis to delightful distraction. (Tom Penn)
17 episodes
Николай Семёнович Лесков, русский писатель и публицист, из-за своих оригинальных и принципиальных взглядов был не принят по достоинству в литературных кругах ни при жизни, ни при Советской власти. Во второй том Святочных рассказов вошли рассказы и повести не включенные в отдельное издание 1903 г.
Nikolai Leskov (1831 – 1895) was a Russian novelist and short-story writer whose reputation suffered because of his non-conformist views. The second volume of the Yuletide Stories consists of the stories not included in the separate edition of 1903. - Summary by Mark Chulsky
18 episodes
Esta recopilación se publicó en 1865 bajo el nombre de Obras clásicas y en ella se incluye: El marido engañado de Giovanni Boccaccio (séptimo cuento del séptimo día del Decameron); La tía fingida de Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (autoría aún hoy discutida) y La casa de locos de amor de Francisco de Quevedo - Summary by Phileas Fogg
5 episodes
The complete collection of works using this title. Other versions, including the Project Gutenberg version, have been radically shortened. Mark Twain published several collections of his short stories and essays. This collection, like the others, dramatically demonstrates the eclectic nature of his work and the depth of his humanistic thinking. Each essay stands alone. Listeners will find many instances where modern times come to mind. (John Greenman)
21 episodes
As the title suggests we are treated to three humourous and curious psychical transpositions in the cases of "When Reginald was Caroline," "How Chopin came to Remsen," and "Clarissa's troublesome baby" . If you're looking for a break from more serious fare you can count on this one to amuse and entertain you. Summary by Celine Major.
17 episodes
Also known as "A Political History of the Devil"
This book is divided into two parts: first, the history of the devil from his fall from heaven up to the time the book was written and second about his private conduct. Partly funny, partly religious, and partly critical of what was written before, the book is purely delightful to read. This is a lesser known work by the author of Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders. ( Stav Nisser.)
28 episodes
Bealby is the comical story of the escapade of a thirteen-year-old boy when he rebels against his placement as a steward's-room boy in the great house of an estate named Shonts (his stepfather, Mr. Darling, is a gardener there) and flees—not, however, before thoroughly upsetting a weekend party where the nouveau riche couple renting Shonts is entertaining the Lord Chancellor. - Summary by Wikipedia
13 episodes
A stuffy class-conscious gentleman's valet is transplanted to the rough uncivilized American northwest, where the rubes and social climbers are duly impressed with his manners and style. Will the American freedom rub off on the Englishman, or will the churlish Americans acquire some high-class polish? Witty social commentary a la P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster. - Summary by Carol Pelster
23 episodes
Published in 1921 (Prohibition went into effect in January 1920), "Hail and Farewell" is a collection of poems in honour of alcohol, drunkenness, and all things related.In "The Old Soak", an old codger grumbles and connives to get alcohol in the age of Prohibition. Part is narrative, and part is installments from The Old Soak's papers.
“I'm writing a diary. A diary of the past. A kind of gol-dinged autobiography of what me and Old King Booze done before he went into the grave and took one of my feet with him. In just a little while now there won't be any one in this here broad land of ours, speaking of it geographically, that knows what an old-fashioned barroom was like. They'll meet up with the word, future generations of posterity will, and wonder and wonder and wonder just what a saloon could have resembled, and they will cudgel their brains in vain, as the poet says."“Have you got any of it written?” we asked him. “Here's the start of it,” said he.
We present it just as the Old Soak penned it. - Summary by TriciaG & from the text
51 episodes
Jimmy "Piccadilly Jim" Crocker returns to New York to repair his reputation and pursue his love-interest, Ann Chester. All he has to do is navigate imposters, explosives, spies, a rotten kid and his step-aunt Nesta while he pretends to be someone else pretending to be himself. What could possibly go wrong? - Summary by Mark Nelson
26 episodes
A melodramatic folksy Christmas story, a little like Dickens - with a Tiny Tim, but also with some romance. Tarkington's writings are very much set in his early 1900s American culture. We are meant to sympathize with the crippled child but not even notice the slights to the black servants. Still, Tarkington promotes kindness and uses a milder style of humor than many authors of his day. (Arnold Banner)
6 episodes
This is a collection of short stories written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Dostoevsky), who is arguably better-known for his lengthy, contemplative novels. Several of his trademark philosophical, political and religious themes are interwoven throughout these short stories, for example: "Dream of a Ridiculous Man" critiques European nihilism; "The Crocodile" has notes of Russian political commentary; and "Bobok" is critically acclaimed as top-rate Menippean satire. Dostoevsky also provides a Christmas story ("The Heavenly Christmas Tree") with a biting social commentary. - Summary by jvanstan
16 episodes
In einer Sammlung von Einaktern zeigt die Autorin ihr Gespür für menschliche Empfindungen, Regungen, Stärken und Schwächen. Sie skizziert diese in Gesprächen vortrefflich. Oft enden die Gespräche anders als erwartet. (lorda)
Mitwirkende:
Bernd Ungerer: Monsieur Gailhard
Boris: Anatole
Eva K.: Madame Savoncru, Madame Derle
Jonas Michel: André, Erzähler (4,5), Editor (4)
Karlsson: Erzähler (12), Editor (15)
Katharina Glowalla: Rémy, Célestine, Victoire, Emma, Germaine, Josephine, Erzähler (8), Editor (3,7,11)
Lissy Schneider: Lily, Paèle, Céline, Emily, Marcelle
lorda: Maxime, Monsieur Desclés, Erzähler (13,15), Editor (1,5,6,9,13)
Margot: Madame d'Alysse, Madame de Brauver, Luise, Madame Boisil, Achart, Mlle. Basles, Madame Leclère, Georgette, Madame Desclés, Madame Brou, Madame Verdyait, Erzähler (2)
Martin Harbecke: Erzähler (6), Editor (10,14)
merendo07: Envoix
schrm: Madame Mael, Bernale, Erzähler (7,10)
seito: Julien Loran, Henri, Erzähler (1,3,9,11,14), Editor (2,8,12)
Sonia: Madame Loursain, Martha, Folain, Lucien, Suzon,
15 episodes
A collection of prose, poetry, jokes, special orders, et cetera written by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps combatants of the Gallipoli Campaign (1915). - Summary by KevinS
80 episodes
This book is a story about "Being the Remarkable Adventures of a Boy with a Lively Imagination"
- Summary by John Kendrick Bangs
10 episodes
A humorous tale about a poor Irish charwoman living in the slums of Dublin, and her innocent teenage daughter, Mary Makebelieve, whose first forays into courtship and romance, and their desire to escape from drudgery -- provide us with a charming picture of youth's enthusiasm and a mother's devotion, amidst Dublin's many parks and shops. The chapters are filled with James Stephens' witty Irish observations on life, love, ignorance, the frustrations of the poor and the wishful thinking that sustains them . . . . told as jauntily as only a few authors can equal. ( ~ Michele Fry, Soloist)
16 episodes
Hailed as one of the funniest writers of the 20th century, P. G. Wodehouse cheerfully radiates humor that is both sophisticated and popular. In Bill the Conqueror, Wodehouse creates an array of entertaining characters who gallop around England and America in quest of love and money. Our far-from-perfect hero Bill is a dissipated American former football player and man of action, who tangles with odious relatives, bumbling gangsters, suave white-collar crooks, and even his exasperating but well-meaning friend Judson, as he seeks to become worthy of the woman of his dreams, whichever one she might be. As you might expect, the course of true love never did run smooth.
( Carol Pelster)
26 episodes
Humoresken von Hans Hoffmann. Im Anekdoten-ähnelnden Stil erzählt Hoffmann in diesem ruhigen Buch mit großer Menschenkenntnis und feinem Humor von verwirrten Gelehrten, Fehden, Streichen und Kunst. Durch das Hervorrufen von Schmunzeln und Verwunderung entwickeln diese langen Erzählungen ihren Charme. (schrm)
42 episodes
A book of poems and short stories. - Summary by Fritz
7 episodes
Smoke Bellew, or really Jack London, leaves his less than satisfying writing job in San Francisco for the opportunity to search for gold in the Klondike region while writing about his adventures there. Smoke Bellew is the collection of the resulting twelve essay / stories.
19 episodes
This collection of articles came from Mark Twain's travels and experiences abroad. While many had been previously published, there also were many that had never before seen the light of day...which one reviewer said had never been Twain's intent for them, having consigned them to obscurity. With introductory essays by Brander Matthews and Albert Bigelow Paine, the book paints a clear picture of the complexity and wide variety of Samuel L. Clemens' thinking, where it originated and how it developed.
38 episodes
El presente libro es un diccionario que tiene como finalidad enseñar a los varones a entender a las mujeres, una obra pequeña del autor con gran contenido, una obra bastante jovial y divertida. (Resumen por KendalRigans)
8 episodes
The Bachelors' Club is a sanctuary for an elite group of London's unmarried men to gather. To qualify as a Bachelor, each had to undergo a strict background check to ensure that they were not only unmarried, but a zealot in the movement that held marriage to be an undue punishment...upon women. As our story goes, we learn many revealing things about these men's convictions and pasts, as well as insightful commentaries on life and society in 1890 that is markedly similar to today. Summary by Keith Salis
21 episodes
