The title, “History of Holland,” given to this volume is fully justified by the predominant part which the great maritime province of Holland took in the War of Independence and throughout the whole of the subsequent history of the Dutch state and people.
Categories: Arts, Society & Culture
Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, George Edmundson, History, History of Holland, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction
Inspired by a true life story, Lady Audley’s Secret is the story of a woman’s overwhelming ambition and passion for social success. When the first book came out in 1862, Victorian readers were shocked and outraged by its portrayal of aspects like bigamy, insanity, yearning for social status and the will to commit murder to achieve one’s goals. The novel belongs to a genre that became very popular during that era. Known as “sensation novels” they can probably be equated to today’s pulp fiction. It was received with huge enthusiasm by readers and most critics of the day and the central theme of “accidental bigamy” was a popular one. But the author Mary Elizabeth Braddon took it to new heights, introducing several intriguing twists and turns to the plot. In fact the novel was so successful that it allowed the author to become financially independent for the rest of her life and its publisher to purchase a villa, which he christened Audley Lodge, with the profits gained from sales of this Victorian bestseller! In the story, the young, enchanting, doll like Lucy Graham marries a wealthy old widower, Sir Michael Audley. Not much is known about Lucy by people in the village, except that she was till recently employed as a governess. The couple enjoys a pleasant life together, with every comfort and luxury. Things take a turn when Sir Michael’s nephew and heir Robert Audley arrives with news of dear friend of his George Talboys. Talboys who had left England to seek his fortune gold prospecting in Australia is now suffering from a mental breakdown following the apparent death/disappearance of his wife whom he left behind. When Robert and George arrive at Audley Court, they’re warmly welcomed by the host, but of the hostess there is no sign. She completely avoids coming into Talboys’ presence. Her behavior begins to intrigue Robert and raise his suspicions and he sets out to uncover the mystery. But the truth is far more devastating and disturbing than anybody could imagine. Said to be based on events concerning the real life serial killer Constance Kent which had stunned the nation a few years ago, the book in fact explores many themes of Victorian morality, gender biases, stereotypes about the perfect mother and domestic goddesses who enriched the home and hearth with their innocence and purity. The author Mary Braddon’s own controversial personal life and her nonchalant attitude to prevailing morals also piqued readers’ imaginations. For modern day readers, Lady Audley’s Secret remains a gripping tale of the lust for power and wealth and of a woman’s descent into the misery of her own creation.
Categories: Arts, Society & Culture
Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Lady Audley's Secret, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, MYSTERY, romance
A sportsman who doesn’t hunt; a poet who doesn’t write; a lover with no one to love; all three are devoted to their cheerful and benevolent leader, Mr. Pickwick. Join him and his friends, Winkle, Snodgrass, and Tupman, as they tour the country in search of adventures, knowledge, and stories. Along the way, they have their share of mishaps, and meet plenty of interesting characters, both the good and the not so good. (Mr. Pickwick’s dedicated manservant, Sam Weller, is a scene-stealer sure to delight just about everybody.)You may shed a few tears along the way, but usually of the pleasant sort. This is a mostly lighthearted and humorous tale, with a number of subplots woven in, in Dickens’ incomparable style.(Introduction by Debra Lynn) More great books at LoyalBooks.com
Tags: audio books, audiobook, Charles Dickens, Comedy, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, humor, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, satire, The Pickwick Papers
On Architecture is a treatise on architecture written by the Roman architect Vitruvius and dedicated to his patron, the emperor Caesar Augustus as a guide for building projects. The work is one of the most important sources of modern knowledge of Roman building methods as well as the planning and design of structures, both large (aqueducts, buildings, baths, harbours) and small (machines, measuring devices, instruments). He is also the prime source of the famous story of Archimedes and his bath-time discovery.
Categories: Arts, Education, Society & Culture
Tags: Ancient Texts, art, audio books, audiobook, Classics (antiquity), ebooks, free audio books, History, instruction, Languages, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, Non-fiction, science, Ten Books on Architecture
Last Chance – a small town set on the edge of the far frontier. It is a place of gentle manners and common civility. After all, it should be since more than three quarters of its residents are women. However times change when a Talent Master runs rampant, savages threaten war, and an illegal militia from an alternate universe plans invasion and empire. A hero is needed. A Savior. Meet Aaron Turner, the small unassuming man who runs the Last Chance General Store. He is this town’s–this world’s–only hope. Unfortunately for the town, Aaron also happens to be a soldier and Militia spy whose job is to prepare the ground for the Militia’s invasion. To help him with this task, he has a cellar filled with advanced weaponry and the unique ability to teleport between the two worlds. However after a year of living within Last Chance, Aaron is no longer sure in which direction his loyalties lie.
Categories: Arts
Tags: audiobook, book, eller, fantasy, fiction, guns, Hell, Hellhole, hole, magic, militia, murder, novel, paranormal, psychic, science, scifi, Series, sex, slipstream, tavern, teleport, urban, war
Logan Marshall’s book “The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters” gives readers a first-hand account of the greatest sea disaster of all time straight from the survivors of the ill-fated sunken ship. Unlike many of the books about the Titanic that was written recently, Logan Marshall was fortunate that he was able to interview the survivors of the Titanic and access to all the important documents about the ship, including the diagrams, maps and actual photographs related to the disaster. With this, he was able to write the best book that has a complete and accurate account of the Titanic and its tragic fate. The Titanic as most people know was the biggest ocean liner during her time and was hailed as “unsinkable” by the company which made it. Officially known as the RMS Titanic, this mammoth ship can carry more than 2,000 passengers and owned by British shipping company White Star Line. The ship has a double-bottomed hull and watertight compartments which make her “unsinkable” according to her owners. But as we all know, this claim was proven to be wrong when she sank in the North Atlantic during her maiden voyage. Logan Marshall did well to make use of all the resources that were at his disposal. Not only was he able to make detailed descriptions of the disaster, he was also able to narrate them well from a human point of view without compromising any truth about the biggest sea tragedy of all time. This book is a must read for anybody who’s deeply interested in the Titanic and its unfortunate end. The movie “Titanic” is now considered as a timeless classic and so is this book. If you’re a fan of the movie which features Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet, you’ll also like reading this book. More great books at LoyalBooks.com
Categories: Arts, Society & Culture
Tags: art, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, History, Logan Marshall, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Sea stories, The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters
As wealthy financier, Hugh Mainwaring dictates his last will and testament to his private secretary, it would be impossible for him to imagine the shocking chain of events that he is about to set into motion. This best-selling mystery novel was first published in 1901 and remains an entertaining mix of detective work, courtroom drama and family intrigue.
Categories: Arts
Tags: Anna Maynard Barbour, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, That Mainwaring Affair
A collection of short stories first published in 1912, the book focuses on events occurring in the popular fictional village of Avonlea, which is notorious as the hometown of Anne Shirley. Comprised of 12 short stories, the Chronicles of Avonlea present a different view of the town, with the introduction of many new gripping characters, which prove to be just as endearing as their most renowned resident. Tales of everyday snippets of life proving to be humorous, identifiable, and heartwarming, the collection is an effective reinvigoration to the classic setting. Montgomery’s short stories are loosely related to the Anne of Green Gables series, incorporating the charming Anne as a minor role in one of the stories and briefly mentioning her in others. It also features some other familiar characters, although the plots are independent of the series and are based on the experiences on other Avonlea locals. One of the most gripping stories in the collection, which holds the power to enchant, is “Each in His Own Tongue” where Montgomery portrays the sacred nature of art and its hidden value. The tale involves a young boy who has a love and gift for the violin, but his passion is frowned upon by his grandfather who is a reverend, and frowns upon the idea of the boy becoming a musician. However, the boy’s talents are well known and appreciated by various residents, and although he is forbidden he still continues to play the violin. Much to the dismay of the minister, the captivating tune does in fact have the ability to serve a higher purpose and is even able to match the foundations of his own capacity as a church member. Nevertheless, each story portrays its own unique plot guaranteed to entertain with its colorful variety. Focusing on universal themes about mankind, the book conveys the flaws of critical behavior that is sure to leave a poignant mark later in life. In addition it deals with compassion, taking risks, and absolute dedication in order to attain one’s hopes and dreams, while serving as a reminder to not allow pride the luxury to govern one’s choices.
Categories: Arts, Kids & Family
Tags: audio books, audiobook, Chronicles of Avonlea, Dramatic Works, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Lucy Maud Montgomery, romance, Teen/Young adult