Random Audiobook Podcasts

  • The Real Mother Goose by Anonymous
  • David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Daisy Miller: A Study in Two Parts by Henry James
  • The Proposal by Anton Chekhov
  • The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
  • Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)
  • What Men Live By and Other Tales by Leo Tolstoy
  • Lifegasm Book I: Marshall’s Promise
  • The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
  • Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki
  • Last Days of Pompeii by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
  • Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe
  • Antigone by Sophocles
  • The Adventures of Sally by P. G. Wodehouse
  • The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells
  • The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas
  • The White Company by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell
  • Triplanetary by E.E. “Doc” Smith
  • Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit
Swipe left or right
  • Coming Up

    The Real Mother Goose by Anonymous

    The Real Mother Goose by Anonymous

    by

    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A heartwarming collection of nursery rhymes that will take you back to your childhood!

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

    David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

    by

    Since Oct 30, 2023 00:00 UTC

    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:

    Tags: , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Daisy Miller: A Study in Two Parts by Henry James

    Daisy Miller: A Study in Two Parts by Henry James

    by

    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Daisy Miller is an 1878 novella by Henry James. It portrays the confused courtship of the eponymous American girl by Winterbourne, a compatriot of hers with much more sophistication. His pursuit of her is hampered by her own flirtatiousness, which is frowned upon by the other expatriates they meet in Switzerland and Italy. Her lack of understanding of the social mores of the society she so desperately wishes to enter ultimately leads to tragedy.

    Categories:

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Proposal by Anton Chekhov

    The Proposal by Anton Chekhov

    by

    Since Jan 2, 2024 00:00 UTC

    The Proposal is a one act comic farce by Anton Chekhov. In Chekhov’s Russia, marriage was a means of economic stability for most people. They married to gain wealth and possessions. In this play, the concept of marriage is being satirized to show the real purpose of marriage – materialistic gain rather than true love.

    Categories:

    Tags: , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

    The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

    by

    Since Dec 24, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The work consists of ten books, originally separate scrolls, and is understood to be based on notes said to be from his lectures at the Lyceum which were either edited by or dedicated to Aristotle’s son, Nicomachus. In many ways this work parallels the similar Eudemian Ethics, which has only eight books, and the two works can be fruitfully compared. Books V, VI, and VII of the Nicomachean Ethics are identical to Books IV, V, and VI of the Eudemian Ethics. Opinions about the relationship between the two works, for example which was written first, and which originally contained the three common books, is divided. Aristotle describes his ethical work as being different from his other kinds of study, because it is not just for the sake of contemplating what things are, but rather to actually become good ourselves. It is therefore practical rather than theoretical in the original Aristotelian senses of these terms.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)

    Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)

    by

    Since Dec 15, 2023 00:00 UTC

    One of the world’s most valued scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture which is a part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Undeniably, it is also one of the most important texts in the history of literature and philosophy. The scripture offers a guide on how to achieve a self-sufficient life and clarification of Indian theology. Written in the form of a poetic dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, the piece is comprised of 700 verses. It depicts the relationship between man and God, a divine purpose, and the omnipresence of God that serves to reward good. The literary piece takes place on the eve of a great battle which promises to be violent and with definite casualties. On the scene of the battlefield, Prince Arjuna is inspecting the area while in doubt and morally insecure about whether or not to go ahead with the battle against his very own kin. In response to the prince’s indecisiveness, Krishna explains his duties as a prince as he proceeds to address certain philosophies using examples and analogies. For that reason, the dialogue has been presented as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and attainment of self-contentment. Most inspiring is the purpose of the sacred Hindu text, whose aims are not merely to enlighten and instruct on the scope of religion, but also try and reach out to humanity in general in order to incite a better life for everyone and promote coexistence. By means of its philosophies and knowledge, the document presents profound wisdom which is sure to leave an eternal impression through its powerful and perpetual message. A work offering comfort and enlightenment, the Bhagavad Gita is regarded with much respect and love as it directs its readers towards a fulfilling and joyous life. Translated by Sir Edwin Arnold, the book presents a translation magnificently written and true to the original, as it alluringly stirs up emotion and strong imagery within its audience.

    Categories: , ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    What Men Live By and Other Tales by Leo Tolstoy

    What Men Live By and Other Tales by Leo Tolstoy

    by

    Since Dec 30, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Although Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a wealthy landowner, in his later life he had what was considered a “religious awakening.” This experience went on to inform his writing and his lifestyle in profound ways. His views transcended the specifics of religion, as known in his day – so much so he came to be a helpful guide both to Mohandas Gandhi and to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The four stories in this collection ask profound questions and gently supply helpful, non-dogmatic hints to their answerings: What is the most important thing to do? Who is the most important person? When is the most important time? What is worth owning? What is the most profound religion? What rules should men live by? How much land does a man need? Who is God? What should we bother to discuss? How should we act towards one another? How should we respond to cruelty and violence? And many more. Wonderful stories written in a relaxed style. Summary by Alan Drake

    Categories: , ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Lifegasm Book I: Marshall’s Promise

    Lifegasm Book I: Marshall’s Promise

    by

    Since Mar 31, 2021 19:00 UTC

    In October, 2016 I looked death right in the eyeballs and the truth of the universe/ life/ love/ God/ infinity cracked open before me. Truth is the best news in the world (YOU CAN END YOUR SUFFERING RIGHT NOW!!!) (if your human rights aren’t being violated), and this book is my best effort to sing its sweet melody from the rooftops. ******************************************** During my journey, I ended my marriage (amicably). I explored my sexuality (enthusiastically). And I carried on my shoulder an enormous, colorful sugar skull named Maestro—which I’ll explain later. I lived transiently (voluntarily) for the better part of a year, which got me asking A LOT of big questions about private property and human rights and legal versus spiritual freedom. And yet, from the heart of the storm that was my new life, I was finally at peace. I was finally in balance. I was finally… a homeless divorcee with no marketable skills?******************************************** Marshall’s Promise is the first of a three-book series. Each podcast episode is a chapter read aloud, and I recommend you start with the introduction and listen through chronologically. Questions? Find me @evywallace across all social media platforms or send me an email.

    Categories: , ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

    The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

    by

    Since Nov 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    An old carpenter carves a little wooden puppet from a mysterious piece of wood that seems to have the ability to talk! He begins to love the little creature like his own son and names him Pinocchio. But the mischievous fellow runs away from his loving father as soon as he learns to walk. The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi follows the misadventures and naughty exploits of this delightfully “human” puppet who in his heart of hearts longs only to become a real boy. Carlo Collodi was the pen name of a gifted writer of children’s books, Carlo Lorenzini who lived in Florence, Italy, during the late 19th century. He was also a political activist and author of several novels, short novels, articles and sketches for adults. He began writing for children in 1876 and translated children’s literature from other languages into Italian. The Adventures of Pinnochio is meant to be an allegory and a cautionary tale for children. Through the adventures of this playful and headstrong puppet, Collodi provides many valuable lessons for young children. Wonderful characters like the Talking Cricket, the Fox and the Cat, the Fairy with the Turquoise Hair and old Gepetto himself are colorful, memorable and each one contributes to Pinnochio’s final transformation. With plenty of magical moments, fantasy and thrills, the plot provides enough excitement for children of all ages. Since it first appeared in 1883, the book has enjoyed immense fame and popularity. There have been innumerable translations into more than 250 major world languages, making it the most translated book in the world. There have been plenty of adaptations for stage, radio, television and film, including cartoons and merchandise. Pinnochio’s long nose has even become a metaphor for people who tell lies. As a pioneer in the field, Collodi’s works became instantly popular, as children’s literature as a genre was not very prevalent before the 19th century. His easy and engaging style caught the imagination of children instantly and became a benchmark for children’s writers ever since. There are some very endearing and thought-provoking moments and incidents in the story, which make it very memorable for both children and adults. Enduring values of love and loyalty, the essential contradictions that make us human and the transformation of a rebellious, thoughtless, uncaring and self-indulgent youngster into a mature young person are what makes this story so beloved and treasured the world over.

    Categories:

    Tags: , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki

    Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki

    by

    Since Dec 11, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Many of us are familiar with Grimm’s Fairy Tales, or children’s stories from France, England, China, India and Germany, but are less aware of similar folk tales and children’s stories from Japan. Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki captures the exotic flavor, traditions and customs of this ancient land. Published in 1903 entitled the Japanese Fairy Book, the title was changed in the 1908 edition to Japanese Fairy Tales. Theodora Ozaki was the daughter of a wealthy Japanese aristocrat Baron Ozaki, the first Japanese man to study in the West, and his wife, an American schoolteacher’s daughter. The couple separated after a brief marriage and Theodora lived with her father in Japan. She worked as a secretary and spent much of her spare time collecting traditional Japanese stories. She was encouraged to publish the collection by the Scottish writer Andrew Lang, who was himself an accomplished writer of children’s literature. The twenty-two stories contained in this volume include one of the best-known Japanese tales, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, which tells of a vengeful old woman who cruelly cuts off the tongue of her husband’s talking sparrow. The charming details in this story are indeed very interesting, as many of the architectural and cultural features of Japanese houses and traditions are provided in it. The Ogre of Rashomon is another macabre tale, while the delightful Adventures of Kintaro the Golden Boy is sure to charm young and old. An interesting feature is that the author often gives the meaning of Japanese words and terms and explains many of the customs for the benefit of non-Japanese readers. In the preface she states that her aim is to bring these beautiful tales to those outside her country so that they may love and enjoy them too. The original edition had some superb illustrations and wood-cuts by Japanese artists.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Last Days of Pompeii by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton

    Last Days of Pompeii by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton

    by

    Since Aug 11, 2020 00:00 UTC

    The Last Days of Pompeii, a novel by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton tells the love story of the Greeks Glaucus and Ione who were living in Pompeii when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the city. But aside from telling their romance, the book is also full of insights about the decadent lifestyle of the Romans during the later part of their empire’s history. The different characters in the story represent the different civilizations which they come from. Glaucus, the main protagonist in the novel was portrayed as a handsome Greek nobleman. His main love interest, Ione was a very beautiful Greek who ended up in Pompeii after being orphaned while she was still a child. Then, there’s also Arbaces, an Egyptian who was the guardian of Ione. He’s the villain in the novel and repeatedly attempted to seduce Ione but failed. Edward George Bulwer-Lytton interestingly set the story in Pompeii during the time when Roman society was already decaying. In the novel, Glaucus and Ione met and fall in love with each other. When Arbaces learned about this he cleverly devised a plan so that Glaucus will be convicted of a murder that he never committed. But as Glaucus was about to be fed to the lions in the amphitheatre as his punishment, the truth is revealed as to who really committed the murder. Don’t miss the end of this story to find how who the real culprit was and what the final fate of Pompeii would be. This book is definitely a good read for those who are looking for an interesting love story and at the same time to learn more about ancient Roman civilization. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

    Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

    by

    Since Dec 16, 2023 00:00 UTC

    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: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    Antigone by Sophocles

    Antigone by Sophocles

    by

    Since Jan 1, 2024 00:00 UTC

    This is the final installment in Sophocles’s Theban Plays, following Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. Oedipus’s daughter Antigone deliberately breaks the laws of Thebes when she buries her brother’s body and is sentenced to death. She clashes with Creon, the King of Thebes, over what constitutes justice and morality: the laws of the state or the laws of the individual.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Adventures of Sally by P. G. Wodehouse

    The Adventures of Sally by P. G. Wodehouse

    by

    Since Dec 16, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Pretty, charming, but impoverished Sally Nicholas’ humdrum life is turned upside down when fate decides to step in. In this breezy, romantic comedy, PG Wodehouse delights readers with his portrayal of a charming young American girl who unexpectedly inherits a fortune which changes her life forever. The story follows Sally’s fortunes and is told in Wodehouse’s typical humorous style and keeps the reader thoroughly entertained to the very end. First published in 1921 as a serial in Collier’s Magazine in the US and in 1922 in the Grand Magazine, UK it appeared in book form titled Mostly Sally in 1922. Sally lives with her brother Fillmore in a cheap boarding house and works as a taxi dancer to earn her living. She is on the verge of getting engaged to a budding playwright, Gerald Foster. The story opens with Sally throwing a party to celebrate her good luck. The guests are fellow boarders and each one of them has a suggestion on how to use the money. Fillmore, who has become even more proud and pompous after coming into wealth, is an unattractive specimen who is not above a bit of skating on thin ice in financial matters at the firm where he works. He also nurses theatrical ambitions. Sally decides to enjoy her good luck and spend her money on an extended holiday in France, where she meets a host of interesting characters. Among them are the bucolic yet steadfast pugilist, Ginger Kemp, and his debonair cousin, the suave Bruce Carmyle. How Sally finds true love and happiness forms the rest of the story, which takes some enjoyable detours to arrive at its conclusion. Filled with lots of confusion and mistaken identity, laughs and some tears, this is an entrancing read, especially for Wodehouse fans. The cute and vivacious Sally makes a memorable and lovable heroine and the reader is easily drawn into her adventures. This is a story that appeals to readers of all ages.

    Categories: , ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells

    The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells

    by

    Since Sep 23, 2020 00:00 UTC

    One dark and stormy night, a stranger arrives in West Sussex at a village inn. He is heavily clad in an overcoat and his face is wrapped in bandages. He takes a room at the inn, but refuses to socialize with anyone. He stays cooped up in his room all day and night, working with strange chemicals and apparatus. Suddenly, strange events begin to happen in the village. Mysterious burglaries and fires break out, culminating in a destructive rampage across the peaceful countryside. The stranger is the keeper of a terrible secret… The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance (to give the book its full title) by HG Wells was published in 1897. Written in novella form, this bizarre science fiction tale was first published in Pearson’s Weekly as a serial and later compiled into a single book. Based on scientific theories of optics and physics, this story instantly caught the imagination of readers and has been regularly adapted to film, television and radio since it first made its appearance more than a hundred years ago. Herbert George Wells’ writing career owes itself to an accident suffered in childhood. As an eight year old boy, he was once confined to bed with a broken leg. His father, a professional cricketer and failed businessman, regularly brought him books from the local library so that he could pass the time. His father’s financial troubles compelled his mother to go to work as a lady’s maid in a local mansion, while the children were put to work as apprentices with various local tradesmen. For Wells, this was one of the most unhappy, yet also the most profitable times in his life. The mansion where his mother worked had an enormous library where the child continued to read and educate himself. At eighteen, he went to work as a teacher in a residential school. His career flourished after that, and he won a scholarship to work under the great biologist, Thomas Huxley in London. He began writing science fiction stories in 1895 with the publication of The Time Machine, where he proposed the concept of selective time travel. Several other extremely popular Sci-Fi novels and short stories followed, interspersed with romantic stories, novels, ghost stories, film scripts, articles, satirical novels, historical and political treatises and non-fiction papers. Wells was an extremely prolific writer and continues to inspire generations of writers even today. The Invisible Man is a book that evokes great interest among readers of all ages and is an important landmark in the history of Sci-Fi writing. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

    Categories:

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

    by

    Since Oct 31, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas is part of the novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years After, published in serial form between 1857-50. It is also the last of the D’Artagnan stories written by Dumas and the three musketeers are the real heroes of the story, though the title is given to the man in the iron mask. The story opens with Aramis (one of the musketeers who is now a priest) taking the last confession of a prisoner who is condemned to be executed soon. His confession comes as a thunderbolt to the former musketeer. This mysterious person is actually the identical twin brother of Louis XIV. He was ordered to be killed by his own parents, Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, to prevent any future challenge to the throne. However, he is ultimately thrown into prison and has lived there ever since. Now that Louis has ascended the throne, he is condemned to die. Aramis is not one to let such a crime go unpunished. He enlists the help of Porthos. He feels that Phillipe being the older twin and thus entitled to reign should be restored to the throne and along with this, Aramis himself can also become the Cardinal of France. Devious plots are meanwhile underway, launched by the evil Superintendent of Finance, Fouquet. Aramis brings Phillipe to the palace, kidnaps Louis and substitutes one twin for another. And the story races to its gripping climax. In The Man in the Iron Mask, the final moments of some of musketeers is depicted very poignantly. Alexandre Dumas’ story is based on some interesting historical facts. A mysterious prisoner called Eustache Daugher was held in several prisons across France and Italy, for 34 years under the custody of the same jailer who moved with him constantly. The French novelist Voltaire was the first to speculate about the possible identity of Daugher. However, nothing has been proven conclusively, though the story provided rich material for many conspiracy theories and novels. As a fast paced Three Musketeers adventure, The Man in the Iron Mask is indeed an exciting and interesting read.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The White Company by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

    The White Company by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

    by

    Since Nov 26, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Set during the Hundred Years’ War with France, The White Company tells the story of a young Saxon man who is learning what it is to be a knight. Raised by Cistercian Monks and rejected by a violent elder brother, Alleyn Edricson takes service with one of the foremost knights in the country. When Alleyn falls in love with the knight’s daughter, he must prove himself to be a courageous and honourable knight before he can win her hand. Alleyn and his friends set forth with the other men-at-arms to join Prince Edward in Bordeaux, from where they will take part in the Prince’s campaign into Spain. It is in Spain that Alleyn and others must prove themselves to be very valiant and hardy cavaliers.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Coming Up

    The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

    The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

    by

    Since Dec 19, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Published in 1912, The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell is one of his most popular books. It renders philosophical issues and questions in a way in which they become relevant and accessible to the man or woman on the street, provoking them to devote time and effort into thinking about these aspects of life. Here, the great philosopher and humanist thinker Bertrand Russell examines the importance of empirical (that which can be verified by observation or experience rather than deduced from logic or reasoning) thinkers like David Hume and George Berkeley the Anglo-Irish philosopher and scientist. Both these men were proponents of empiricism and idealist philosophies. The book also holds great relevance for us in today’s world. Our education systems today focus largely on making us ready for employment. There are very few courses which delve into the inner workings of our minds and help us to engage with the fundamental aspects of our lives. In The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell presents readers with some of the issues that philosophers have grappled with throughout the ages. He then presents these through his own viewpoints and breaks them down to their core principles. Most Western and Eastern philosophical questions have been centered around the issues of personal and public experiences, identity, the consciousness of self and the awareness of others, time and space relationships and finally the question of knowledge itself. In The Problems of Philosophy, Russell describes in detail one of his most famous theories of knowledge, the distinction between “knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description.” He argues that anything which is known through means of a direct causal experience is fundamentally different (and perhaps superior) to knowledge gained through secondhand descriptions and through the reports of other people. In today’s Age of Information, knowledge by description is often mistaken for “true knowledge” and many of us proceed on the premise that such knowledge is indeed the truth. Russell was a philosopher who believed in the dynamism and evolution of thought. He frequently revised his positions on fundamental issues throughout his life, moving from liberalism to socialism. He was also a famous pacifist and prominent anti-war, anti-imperialism activist. Imprisoned for his views on the evils of World War II, he was also an outspoken critic of Hitler and Stalin. He strongly condemned the actions of the United States in the Vietnam War and lent his voice to support nuclear disarmament. The Problems of Philosophy examines the questions that lie deep in the hearts and minds of all human beings and provides a compassionate yet objective attempt at finding the answers to some of them.

    Categories: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more
  • Now

    Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit

    Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit

    by

    Since Dec 13, 2023 00:00 UTC

    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: ,

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

    + Read more

Other tags related to audiobook