Random Audiobook Podcasts

H. P. Lovecraft’s name is synonymous with horror fiction. His major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: the idea that life is incomprehensible to human minds and that the universe is fundamentally alien. This collection contains 24 Lovecraft works that are in the public domain. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Collected Public Domain Works of H. P. Lovecraft, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, H. P. Lovecraft, Horror/Ghost stories, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Short stories

“THE study of history, like the study of a landscape, should begin with the most conspicuous features. Not until these have been fixed in memory will the lesser features fall into their appropriate places and assume their right proportions. The famous men of ancient and modern times are the mountain peaks of history. It is logical then that the study of history should begin with the biographies of these men. Not only is it logical; it is also pedagogical. Experience has proven that in order to attract and hold the child’s attention each conspicuous feature of history presented to him should have an individual for its center. The child identifies himself with the personage presented. It is not Romulus or Herecules or Alexander that the child has in mind when be reads, but himself, acting under similar conditions.”(Excerpt from the Preface of “Famous Men of the Middle Ages”) More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Biography, ebooks, Famous Men of the Middle Ages, free audio books, History, John H. Haaren, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction

At one time Race Cargill had been the best Terran Intelligence agent on the complex and mysterious planet of Wolf. He had repeatedly imperiled his life amongst the half-human and non-human creatures of the sullen world. And he had repeatedly accomplished the fantastic missions until his name was emblazoned with glory. But that had all seemingly ended. For six long years he’d sat behind a boring desk inside the fenced-in Terran Headquarters, cut off there ever since he and a rival had scarred and ripped each other in blood-feud. But when THE DOOR THROUGH SPACE swung suddenly open, the feud was on again—and with it a plot designed to check and destroy the Terran Empire. (Original book blurb)

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Marion Zimmer Bradley, science, science-fiction, Teen/Young adult, The Door Through Space

Bushido: The Soul of Japan written by Inazo Nitobe was one of the first books on samurai ethics that was originally written in English for a Western audience, and has been subsequently translated into many other languages (also Japanese). Nitobe found in Bushido, the Way of the Warrior, the sources of the virtues most admired by his people: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, loyalty and self-control, and he uses his deep knowledge of Western culture to draw comparisons with Medieval Chivalry, Philosophy, and Christianity.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Bushido: The Soul of Japan, ebooks, free audio books, Inazo Nitobe, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Philosophy

The foundations of modern skepticism and objective thinking are thought to be rooted in the philosophy of Rene Descartes, the French mathematician, philosopher and writer. This great sixteenth century thinker also gave us theories on mind-body dualism and the concept of ethics as the highest form of science. He is considered the Father of Modern Western Philosophy. His theories also led to the emancipation of humanity from the doctrine that the Church is the sole authority over Man and led to a more autonomous idea of the human condition. He also wrote extensively on subjects as diverse as music, the search for truth, geometry, discourse as a method of scientific investigation, philosophy, biology and psychology. He had a profound impact on the age he lived in and also on future generations. He was a teacher and counselor to several heads of state in Europe and guided them in their political and ethical actions. His most famous maxim, “I think, therefore I am” became the guiding principle of modern Western thought. Meditations on First Philosophy was first published in 1641. The original Latin title also had the subtitle: In Which the Existence of God and the Immortality of the Soul are Demonstrated. The treatise was translated into French in 1647. The work essentially consists of six separate meditations. In each one, Descartes abandons all belief in things that are not absolutely certain and then tries to replace these beliefs with those that are more certain. The book is designed as a series of meditations that took place over six days in his life, and in each one, he talks about “yesterday’s meditation.” It is important to remember that Rene Descartes was writing at a time of great scientific discoveries which were in conflict with the Church. Galileo’s fate was dreaded by all pioneering philosophers. Descartes’ Meditations follows a new yet cautious approach which would not be in direct confrontation with the powerful Catholic Church. In Meditations, Descartes seeks to go beyond Aristotle’s philosophy which dominated Western thinking till then. Here, the Greek philosopher posited that all knowledge comes via the senses, hence the outside world is but a mirror image of our inner thoughts. In the First Meditation, Descartes provides bizarre examples of our thoughts and questions whether we can assume that reality in any way resembles these. This forms the root of his skepticism and his ideas on the mind/body divide, the existence of God and human perception. Meditations on First Philosophy follows the tradition of St Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. For the modern reader, it is a thought-provoking and interesting read.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Meditations on First Philosophy, Non-fiction, Philosophy, René Descartes

Leo Tolstoy’s psychological novel Anna Karenina follows the life of the enchanting and rebellious Anna who seeks to break free from the shackles of society. Set in late 19th century Russia, Anna is portrayed as an ideal, cultivated aristocratic wife, mother and model for women alike. Although at first glance she seems to have it all in life, Anna yearns for love and affection- something her cold diplomatic husband cannot provide. She grows discontent of their loveless relationship, and is tired of the façade she has been putting up in order to sustain a positive social image. A chance encounter with the charming and irresistibly handsome Vronsky sparks Anna’s desire for love and consequently results in her entering the waters of infidelity. However, the honey moon stage of their relationship comes to an end, and things take an unsuspected turn of events, as the inescapable consequences of their affair come to surface. Scorn, exile, jealousy, isolation and suspicion are just some of the issues Anna must face in day to day life. Similarly her acquaintance, Levin, who is an independent and somewhat social misfit, is also struggling to find his place in society as he neither identifies himself as an intellectual, bureaucrat, rebel, nor socialite. He too is on the hunt for the promised fruits of life and individual happiness. His up and down union with Kitty and their inconsistent feelings towards each other acts as a contrast to the evolving relationship between Vronsky and Anna. Tolstoy’s classic depicts a clash between individual fulfillment and a respectable place in society. Despite remaining consistent in their search for happiness and self gratification, none of the characters are immune to the inevitable obstacles life can cruelly serve up. The clarification of mankind’s inexhaustible question on the true meaning of life, and the individual perception of happiness between the characters are what make Anna Karenina such a captivating novel. Its story of passion, adultery, betrayal, and self-discovery leaves readers mesmerized long after its conclusion. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Anna Karenina, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Leo Tolstoy, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, tragedy

If you’ve never heard the term “Mathematical Fiction” before, Edwin Abbott Abbott’s 1884 novella, Flatland can certainly enlighten you! Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions was published in 1884 and since then, it has been discovered and re-discovered by succeeding generations who have been delighted by its unique view of society and people. The plot opens with a description of the fictional Flatland. The narrator calls himself “Square” and asks readers to “Imagine a vast sheet of paper on which straight Lines, Squares, Triangles, Pentagons, Hexagons and other figures, instead of remaining fixed in their places, move freely about… but without the power of rising above the surface or sinking below it, very much like shadows…” This is a country where the “solid” or the three dimensional do not exist. The women are Straight Lines, while the men, depending on their status, are figures with three or more sides. The lowest class are the Triangles, while the highest class of all are the Circles. One night the Square has a dream about a world with two dimensions, but it turns out to be a nightmare, and Square is glad to return to the “reality” of Flatland. He has another strange experience, when he has a visitation. A strange presence enters his room. It is a Sphere. Square and his wife are shocked to see such a weird creature. But it begins talking to them and informs them that it belongs to a world called Spaceland. Square visits Spaceland with his new friend and once he realizes that more dimensions are possible, he undergoes a huge spiritual metamorphosis. However the rulers of Flatland are not about to accept such subversive views… Flatland is essentially a novel that uses satire to portray the rigid, unfair and oppressive social class system that pervaded Victorian England. Birth and status determined everything in a person’s life and it was almost impossible for people to move into the upper echelons of society. Flatland is also a virulent attack on the prevailing ideas about women, their role and status. Abbott portrays the unrelenting hierarchies that prevented people from achieving their personal goals. Readers may be reminded of other allegories and satires, notably Plato’s Cave and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. For modern day readers, Flatland is indeed an eye opener into concepts that seemed fixed and certain a century ago, but have been proven otherwise through scientific research. Knowledge is seen as a continuum and not a fixed goal; this is what books like Flatland teach us.

Categories: Arts, Comedy

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Edwin Abbott Abbott, fantasy, fiction, Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, free audio books, humor, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, satire, science, science-fiction

Opening with an introduction to the life of the most famous Englishman of all, William Shakespeare, Edith Nesbit captures the reader’s imagination in her inimitable way. Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare is a compendium of stories that re-tells some of his most famous plays. As the author of some of the best-loved children’s classics like The Railway Children and The Story of the Treasure Seekers, E Nesbit always felt that children should be introduced to Shakespeare in an easier and more enjoyable way. She has thoughtfully included a glossary of difficult names in the plays and a guide on how to pronounce them. Another useful inclusion is a collection of memorable quotations from the plays. In this Age of the Internet, very few people are able to, or even find the need to, memorize quotations from their favorite works of literature – but it is an art which gives much pleasure and keeps the memory of the book or poem alive in the mind. The plays retold here range across the Great Tragedies like King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello. One of the most appealing features of Nesbit’s retelling is that she retains the atmosphere and milieu of the plays while she makes the text simpler for children to understand. In Macbeth for instance, the witches, the crimes and the final tragic climax are superbly recreated. A lighter note is struck in plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night where all Shakespeare’s wit and talent for creating comic situations is brought out. Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare contains twenty stories and they are so attractively presented that both young and old readers alike can enjoy them. For younger readers, they would be a great stepping-stone to go on and read the magnificent plays in their original form.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare, ebooks, Edith Nesbit, fiction, free audio books, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Teen/Young adult

Sixteen year old Leslie Crane has come to the New Jersey shore as a companion to ailing Aunt Marcia, whose doctor has sent her there for a some quiet rest and recuperation. While the beach is lovely in October, Leslie quickly finds herself getting lonely with no one her own age to talk to. Little does she realize that she will not only soon make a new friend, but that they will both end up in the midst of a puzzling mystery centered around the closed up bungalow next door. Augusta Huiell Seaman is the author of over 40 historical fiction and mystery novels for older children most of which are currently out of print. The Dragon’s Secret was originally published in 1921.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Augusta Huiell Seaman, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, Teen/Young adult, The Dragon's Secret

A book of simple receipts for little folk with important cooking rules in rhyme together with handy lists of the materials and utensils needed for the preparation of each dish.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: advice, audio books, audiobook, Constance Johnson, Cookery, ebooks, free audio books, instruction, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, When Mother Lets Us Cook

Unabridged philosophy audiobooks including writing by Plato (Parmenides), Aristotle (Economics) and Cicero (On Moral Duties). Topics discussed include ethics, justice, law, logic, metaphysics, God, happiness, love and beauty. Each book has been streamlined by merging separate LibriVox recordings into a single seamless whole with no interruptions. Painting: La Perle et la vague by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: aristotle, art, astronomy, audiobook, beauty, cicero, economics, ethics, Geometry, God, Greek, happiness, justice, latin, law, logic, love, math, Metaphysics, morality, philosopher, Philosophy, physics, Plato, Politics, Psychology, religion, science, sex, sociology, Wisdom

Set in the small secluded valley of Sleepy Hollow, Irving’s short speculative story follows the rivalry between Ichabod Crane and Brom Van Brunt for Katrina Van Tassel’s hand in marriage. Mostly inhabited by descendants from Dutch settlers, the residents are known for their belief in superstitions and the supernatural, and have many stories to suffice their colorful imaginations. The story begins when the scrawny schoolmaster Ichabod Crane from Connecticut moves to Sleepy Hollow for a teaching job and rotates living with the families of his students. This type of living arrangement allows him to grow familiar with the stories circling the strange town. The most popular phenomena being that of the Headless Horseman, supposedly ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head during a battle in the American Revolutionary War. As Ichabod adjusts to his new home town, a visit to the rich farm of Baltus Van Tassel inspires him to win the hand of his only daughter Katrina. However, Katrina’s beauty and wealth have also attracted the attention of other bachelors in town including the exuberant Brom Van Brunt, or locally known as Brom Bones. Well in the habit of intimidating and scaring off Katrina’s suitors, mostly through physical confrontations, Brom instead turns to pranks as his main method of persuading Ichabod to give up on his love quest. A story torn between logic and superstition, the characters must determine what is real and what is not, or fall victim to local myths determining their fate. Other than being an intriguing story of greed, superstition and the supernatural, Irving also uses his main character Ichabod as a means of satire, mocking the seemingly refined culture of city dwellers. It is no coincidence that the educated Ichabod trades big city life for the small Sleepy Hollow, and is victim to the many pranks played on him. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of the earliest samples of American fiction which has remained a classic and favorite among its readers. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Horror/Ghost stories, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, Short stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving

A collection of podfics (audiobooks for fan fiction) for Destiel readers, by a Destiel reader.

Categories: Arts, Fiction, TV & Film

Tags: anthology, audiobook, deancas, destiel, fan fiction, fanfic, fanworks, shipping, supernatural

Charles Dickens is one of the most appreciated Victorian writers, his novels gaining worldwide recognition by both critics and readers. First published in 1850, David Copperfield begins with avid the tragedy of David’s brother dying when David is just a boy. After this episode he is sent by his step-father to work in London for a wine merchant. When conditions worsen he decides to run away and embarks on a journey by foot from London to Dover. On his arrival he finds his eccentric aunt, Betsey Trotwood who becomes his new guardian. Being witness to the formation of David’s character is quite fascinating. David begins as a strong child whose only aspiration is a better life. On the way to his adulthood, David sees how people enter and leave his life. Romanticism takes its place in David’s life as he gets married to Dora Spenlow who is not long for this world. Will David ever find stability and happyness? And what of his wife? Dickens proves to be a master in creating an autobiographical work that is a captivating page-turner.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Charles Dickens, David Copperfield, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com

More than two thousand years ago, the great Greek philosopher Socrates was condemned to death for making seditious comments against the city state of Athens. His followers and disciples were legion. Ranging from Xenophon, the mercenary warrior and historian of the Peloponnesian War to the scholarly Plato, Socrates was described as the conscience-keeper of the nation, or the “gadfly” who would not let the massive machinery of the state rest in complacence. The Apology of Socrates by Plato was thought to have been written following Socrates trial and death in 399 BC. It is one of many such accounts of this infamous trial. It is only through the Apology that we are today able to learn more about this most venerable Greek philosopher, Socrates, as he left very little written work himself. As a teacher and mentor to hundreds of young students, his thoughts and ideas were conveyed mostly through oral teachings. His method of teaching was though a series of dialogues with his students and he never lectured to them. One of his most famous quotes, “The unexamined life is not worth living…” forces us to introspect on our own motives and desires. In the Apology, Plato describes the trial in detail and also Socrates defense of his every word, deed and action. He describes how he was inspired to conduct his search for the truth by the Oracle at Delphi and the consequent discovery that there were no wise men in this city. He considered it his duty to awaken the conscience of those in power. Straddling the thin line between philosophy and literature, the Apology is a brilliant and thought-provoking work, which examines themes like freedom of speech that are still plaguing our consciences today. It also teaches us that knowledge and humility should go ever hand in hand. A deeply engrossing and inspiring work for every generation to read and ponder over.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Philosophy, Plato, The Apology of Socrates

A beautiful woman who is punished for the mortal sin of loving a man other than her husband, a cowardly lover, a vengeful husband, a rebellious illegitimate child and the oppressive and patriarchal morality of 17th century Puritanism in Boston. Together these form an unforgettable and thought-provoking glimpse of how much social attitudes have changed over the centuries. Nathaniel Hawthorne was the creator of such beloved works as Twice-Told Tales, A Wonder Book for Boys and Girls, The House of the Seven Gables and spine-chilling tales like Roger Malvin’s Burial. Scion of an old Puritan family from Salem, Massachusetts, Hawthorne was familiar with the old traditions of the area. He began writing in college and worked as a customs surveyor to earn his livelihood while pursuing his passion for creative writing. His friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson broadened his horizons considerably and he experimented with movements like Transcendentalism. The Scarlet Letter is a deeply disturbing novel about gender discrimination, women’s oppression, male dominated society and authoritarian religions. Set in 17th century Boston, its lovely heroine Hester Prynne, is accused of adultery and giving birth to an illegitimate child in the absence of her husband. The punishment mandated for this crime is to be paraded and vilified in public with a scarlet letter A affixed to her chest, signifying “adulteress.” She refuses to name her partner in crime. The missing husband arrives fortuitously at that very moment, but does not reveal himself to Hester or the public. Intent on revenge, he devises an elaborate plot to destroy his wife and her nameless lover. The book was an instantaneous hit when it was first published and touched a chord with readers all over the world, both men and women. It was the first book to be published on a mass scale in the United States. However, religious establishments were critical of the book’s attempt to countermand the rules of the Church and promote immorality. Generations of readers have been struck by its compassion, depth and deep human concern. The strong plot and memorable characters have rendered it uniquely suited to adaptations for stage, film, television and radio. The Scarlet Letter remains a masterpiece of wonderful story-telling, full of dramatic moments, secrets and mysteries and above all, for the modern reader, it’s an excellent read! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

A Free Trader rocket ship heads for the remote planet, Sargol, which is blessed with immense natural wealth and precious gemstones. The ship is manned by the heroic Dane Thorson and his crew of intrepid space traders. On Sargol, they enter into complicated negotiations with the inhabitants of this strange planet. These feline people, the Salariki, are reluctant to enter into a business partnership with the free traders till they discover that the ship carries a small amount of catnip on board which they’d obtained from another trading post. Completely overwhelmed, the Salariki agree to exchange the catnip for a valuable load of precious stones. Relieved and delighted, Dane Thorson and his crew begin their return journey. Suddenly, the crew begins to succumb to mysterious headaches and soon become semi-comatose. Just four young crew members and Dane himself seem to be immune. When the ship enters the vicinity of their own planet, Dane discovers to his horror that their spacecraft has been declared a “plague ship.” Can Dane and his young crew save the mission and their fellow crew members? Plague Ship by Andre Norton was first published in 1956. It is a sequel to the previous Dane Thorson story, Sargasso of Space and the second in the Solar Queen series, consisting of seven novels. Written in what is considered the Golden Age of Sci-Fi, the series presents the various adventures of Dane Thorson, a free trader and businessman who operates in the far reaches of outer space. Andre Norton is the pseudonym of Alice Mary Norton, who also wrote under the names Andrew Norton and Alice Weston. She was one of the first science fiction writers to be honored by being inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. After trying many careers, she began working as a reader at The Gnome Press, a tiny New York publishing house that specialized in sci-fi. This was where she discovered her interest and talent in both writing and sci-fi. She wrote hundreds of short stories and many sequential novels featuring certain main characters. Her books were extremely popular, well plotted and filled with great nuggets of scientific information. Her hero Dane Thorson is a likable, intelligent, fast thinking and well rounded character. Andre Norton’s fame waned with the reduced interest in lesser known sci-fi authors. However, her talent is undeniable and aimed mainly at the young adult reader. Though Plague Ship is a sequel, it’s still a fantastic stand alone read that could spur readers on to read the complete Solar Queen collection. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: Adventure, Andre Norton, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Plague Ship, science, science-fiction, Teen/Young adult

The Tragedy of King Richard II, by William Shakespeare, is the first of the history series that continues with Parts 1 and 2 of King Henry IV and with The Life of King Henry V. At the beginning of the play, Richard II banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke from England. Bolingbroke later returns with an army and the support of some of the nobility, and he deposes Richard. Richard is separated from his beloved Queen, imprisoned, and later murdered. By the end of the play, Bolingbroke has been crowned King Henry IV. Audio edited by J. M. Smallheer and John Gonzalez. Characters:Narration, Keeper, and Lord – read by Annie ColemanKing Richard II and First Servant – read by Peter YearsleyNorthumberland and Gaunt – read by ChipBolingbroke – read by Kayvan SylvanAumerle – read by John GonzalezHenry Percy – read by Michael SiroisYork – read by Martin CliftonMowbray – read by Mark F. SmithSurrey and Willoughby – read by Nikolle DoolinSalisbury – read by David BarnesBushy and Carlisle – read by Cecelia PriorBagot, Abbot, Scroop, and Exton – read by LintonGreen – read by deadwhitemalesQueen Isabel – read by Joy ChanDuchess of York – read by Kristen McQuillinBerkeley – read by RainerRoss – read by Mr. Baby ManFitzwater and Groom – read by Sean McKinleyMarshal – read by Lenny Glionna Jr.Captain and First Herald – read by Hugh MacDuchess of Gloucester – read by GesineLady – read by Maureen S. O’BrienGardener, Second Herald, and Second Servant – read by Kara Shallenberg

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Dramatic Works, ebooks, free audio books, History, King Richard II, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, play, tragedy, William Shakespeare