Random Historical Fiction Podcasts

Medieval England in the 12th century. The evil Prince John rules England in place of his brother, the noble Richard the Lionheart, who is being held in an Austrian prison by Duke Leopold of Austria, while returning from one of his Crusades. Under the avaricious and Machiavellian John, the Norman aristocrats are in constant conflict with the native Saxon people. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott is set in these turbulent times. The eponymous hero, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the son of a Saxon nobleman has been disinherited by his father for following King Richard into war. Ivanhoe is in love with his father’s beautiful ward, Rowena, who is betrothed to a noble Saxon. Ivanhoe returns secretly to England and fights in a tournament disguised as a Knight. He wins the admiration and help of a mysterious Black Knight and together they vanquish their opponents. Meanwhile, Prince John and his nefarious coterie plot to usurp the throne, and Ivanhoe is unwittingly drawn into events that leave an indelible impact on his life. This historical novel by a master of the genre was first published in 1820. Filled with memorable characters including the legendary Saxon hero, Robin Hood (called Robin of Locksley here) and his band of Merry Men, historical figures like King Richard, Prince John and the Knights Templar and many others, the story takes some exciting twists and turns before racing to its unexpected climax. There are magnificent depictions of jousting and knightly tournaments, court scenes, portrayals of Saxon and Norman politics all of which bring to life a most interesting period in English history. Sir Walter Scott was famous for his Romantic novels, which in fact evoked great interest in the periods in which they were set. They also deal with conflicts between society and the individual, the ancient codes of honor and chivalry and are usually set in actual locations. Ivanhoe is set in South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, with various castles and monuments being mentioned. Our idea of Robin Hood as a laughing outlaw who robs the rich to help the poor is also based on what Scott has depicted in Ivanhoe. Several sequels have been attempted in later years, along with events and other works inspired by Ivanhoe. The novel has been adapted for film, television and stage since 1911 and has also been the basis of comics, animated films and video games. The book is an exciting read for all ages, full of atmosphere and transports the reader back in time to an age of valor, courage, honor and swashbuckling gallantry!

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, Ivanhoe, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, Sir Walter Scott

A modern day legend, Robin Hood is an archetypal hero of the common people who goes to great lengths to famously take from the rich and give to the poor. Luckily he is not alone in his mission, as his righteous views are shared by his band of Merry Men, a group of yeomen, and together they pursue an end to injustice and oppression. Set in medieval England, the tale begins with the introduction of a young archer, who is provoked into conflict and committing a crime against the formidable Sherriff of Nottingham and is immediately dubbed an outlaw. Whilst fleeing from retribution, Robin finds himself hiding out in Sherwood Forest where he meets a lively group of characters, each having their own story to be told. Thereupon, the adventures of Robin Hood, his right-hand Little John, Friar Tuck, the cunning Tinker and the other Merry Men have begun. In a clash against the self-centered Sheriff and his adherents, Robin and his men must figure out a way to help the peasants from mistreatment by the wealthy, and clear their names at the same time. Pyle has successfully recreated a medieval world by piecing together bits and pieces from old ballads and folklore, not excluding the noteworthy archery contests, a beautiful damsel in distress, battles of honor and furthermore adding his own touch to the excitement. Pyle most definitely outdoes himself as he illustrates an impeccable representation of the legendary adventures of the free spirited Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Being one of the first cohesive books about Robin Hood, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, is the most prominent version recognized by international audiences and a source for cinema adaptations. Filled with action, disguises and humor, the book does not leave anybody indifferent and it is no surprise that it has remained a household favorite throughout generations. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Howard Pyle, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Myths/Legends, Teen/Young adult, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

The infamous U boats deployed by Germany in the two World Wars have spawned several works of fiction and non-fiction. These deadly vessels were not just efficient and lethal killing machines, but they were also used very effectively in economic blockades. They were positioned primarily to obstruct the conveyance of fuel, food and other essential supplies which the enemy needed to sustain the war effort. In the Diary of a U Boat Commander, the author, Stephen King-Hall draws upon his vast personal experiences as a naval officer in World War I. Writing under the name of the fictitious narrator, Etienne, King-Hall presents the events in the story in the form of a diary that has been discovered aboard a captured German U boat. The diarist is a German nobleman of the rank of Captain in the German Navy. He is drawn in the almost clichéd pattern of German aristocrats of the time—young, handsome, wealthy and immensely arrogant. He is also cultured and skilled in several of the arts like music and literature. His career has been an illustrious one and on several occasions he has outwitted the English navy. On furlough in Bruges, he falls irrevocably in love with Zoe, the Polish mistress of one of his superior officers, and she reciprocates his feelings. However, extraordinary events interrupt their love story and Zoe’s terrible past comes back to haunt them both. William Stephen Richard King-Hall or Baron King-Hall of Headley to give him his full title, came from an illustrious family of artists and writers. At the end of World War I, he resigned from the Royal Navy and went on to become a full time writer. As the author of several successful plays, political and historical works and some children’s books, he gained popularity. He also wrote a scholarly thesis on submarine warfare. He was also a well-known advocate of parliamentary democracy, unilateral nuclear disarmament and non-violent defense against war. He wrote more than fifteen fiction and non-fiction books and was well regarded in his time for being an authority on naval subjects. Diary of a U Boat Commander portrays the excitement, challenges and heartbreak of the situation in a very authentic way. In fact, initially, the reader is almost beguiled into believing that this is indeed a real diary written by a real person—such is the author’s skill. For those who are passionate about sea-faring stories or war sagas, this is indeed a great addition to your bookshelf!

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Diary of a U-boat Commander, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Sea stories, Sir Stephen King-Hall, War stories

Wiki’d is a Wikipedia podcast hosted by Rob and Orr – your two favourite Irish yarn-spinners. Each episode one of us brings a Wikipedia article that the other has no knowledge of, through which we explore the strange quirks and endearing language of humanity’s greatest resource.

Categories: Comedy, Education, History

Tags: commute, curious, currency, Daredevil, economics, Empire, everest, facts, Finance, Frozen, Funny, gladwell, Historical Fiction, inflation, interesting, interesting facts, intrigue, Irish, knowledge, language, Military, military empire, millionaire, moon, mysterious, olympic, revisionist history, rogan, serial, Space, Technology, true-crime, wikipedia, world record, world war 2, wwii

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: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Last Days of Pompeii, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com

Whether it’s great lives or great tragedies, or just showing up for the adventure, history that is told without being felt is minimized. Like food that is eaten without being tasted. What’s the point? Tell the stories. Feel the people. Learn the lessons. Be a better you because of them. Don’t keep reinventing the wheel. Will you get some of the story wrong? Yes. Will the size of the fish increase each time? Probably. Will there be a different perspective? Of course. So what. When we stand on the shoulders of the past we can see with greater clarity into our future. True stories, well told, can inspire, caution, entertain, and instruct. If you judge the Yesterdays of history by today’s standards, then you deserve the same. If you erase it, you will repeat it.

Categories: Fiction, History, Leisure

Tags: Adventure, drama, Family history, Historical Audio Drama, Historical Fiction, History, Immersive Sound, romance, tragedy, true stories

Travel along as Mike Vendetti aka miketheauctioneer narrates an outstanding true account of a trip made in 1909 by Zane Grey and a plainsman, Buffalo Jones, through the Grand Canyon to lasso a cougar. That’s right lasso. Throw a rope around. That’s equivalent to catching one by the tail. As I narrated this book, I found fact to be as exciting as fiction. This part of the west was relatively wild and untamed at this time. Wolves, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife were quite prevalent, and the Indians were not that friendly. This adventure would never make it to “Animal Planet”, or as a National Geographic special, because there is quite a lot of what we would consider cruelty to animals, but this is a true story, and life as it was at the turn of the last century. Parts of this story will offend the sensibilities of some, but it is a glimpse into a world that no longer exists. I was definitely drawn into this story, as I hope the listener will be.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Teen/Young adult, The Last of the Plainsmen, westerns, Zane Grey

Join award-winning and best-selling fiction authors Sarah M. Eden, Traci Hunter Abramson, Esther Hatch, and Sian Ann Bessey as they gather around the figurative kitchen table to talk and laugh about books, writing, and life. Between the Lines: a podcast for readers and writers

Categories: Arts, Education, Fiction

Tags: Authors, book, Clean Fiction, fiction, Historical Fiction, Reading, Wholesome Romance, writing

“Harlem Queen” is a Black historical fiction audio drama based on the life and times of Black, woman, “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair during the Harlem Renaissance (the story takes place around 1926-28). Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educated, empowered and uplifted after hearing this amazing story! Written and independently produced by Yhane Washington Smith an A’ Lelia Bundles Scholar at Columbia University. You can follow on Instagram: @Yhane.Writes.Audio, Twitter: @AudioHarlem, our web site: HarlemQueen.org. HarlemQueenAudioDrama@gmail.com. or our newsletter: https://harlemqueen.substack.com/ Thank you for listening and reading!

Categories: Fiction, History

Tags: african american history and culture, bl, gangsters, Harlem, Historical Fiction, new york

“The wrongdoing of one generation lives into the successive ones and… becomes a pure and uncontrollable mischief.” Hawthorne’s moral for “The House of the Seven Gables,” taken from the Preface, accurately presages his story. The full weight of the gloomy mansion of the title seems to sit on the fortunes of the Pyncheon family. An ancestor took advantage of the Salem witch trials to wrest away the land whereon the house would be raised… but the land’s owner, about to be executed as a wizard, cursed the Pyncheon family until such time as they should make restitution. Now, almost two centuries later, the family is in real distress. Hepzibah, an old maid and resident of the house, is forced by advanced poverty to open a shop in a part of the house. Her brother Clifford has just been released from prison after serving a thirty-year sentence for murder, and his mind struggles to maintain any kind of hold on reality. Cousin Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon is making himself odious by threatening to have Clifford committed to an institution. And after all these years, the deed to a vast tract of land, that would settle great wealth on the family, is still missing. One bright ray of sunshine enters the house when cousin Phoebe arrives for an extended stay to allow unhappy matters in her end of the family to sort themselves out. While she lightens the lives of Hepzibah and Clifford, she also attracts the attention of a mysterious lodger named Holgrave, who has placed himself near the Pyncheon family for reasons that only come clear at the end of the story. The real crisis arrives when the Judge, who strongly resembles the Colonel Pyncheon who built the house so many years ago, steps up his demands on Hepzibah and Clifford and unwittingly triggers the curse.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The House of the Seven Gables

The events that shape our world, and our future, take many turns. What If World History? explores an alternative timeline to the events that molded our lives. Take a trip with us.

Categories: History

Tags: alternative history, Historical Fiction, History

Written by French author Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo follows the life of Edmond Dantes as he embarks on a journey of revenge after being wrongly imprisoned and set up by none other than his so-called friends. Set during the years after the fall of Napoleon’s empire, the story unwinds in several locations including Paris, Marseilles, Rome, Monte Cristo and Constantinople. A handsome young sailor and soon to be ship captain Edmond Dantes seems to have it all in life, as he returns to Marseilles to wed the love of his life and fiancée, the beautiful Mercedes. However, Edmond’s supposed friends have a hard time staying indifferent to his growing success, and their true jealous nature is revealed. Each has their own reason to envy Edmond. Danglers, who is a colleague of Edmonds, envies his career success, Fernand Mondego is in love with Edmonds fiancée, while his neighbor Caderousse is envious of his luck in life in general. Just as Edmond is about to pick the fruits that life has bore him, he is framed by the dangerously jealous trio, accused of being a traitor and unjustly sentenced to life in prison. As Edmond makes certain acquaintances in prison, he is determined to escape from his confinement and take the vengeance that is rightfully his. When Edmond does in turn return to the world of the free, he acquires a new identity and is motivated by his hunger for revenge. It is not said in vain that revenge is a dish best served cold. An intriguing novel of justice, vengeance, mercy and redemption, The Count of Monte Cristo follows its protagonist as he goes through his numerous masks shifting into several aliases including the Count of Monte Cristo, Sinbad the Sailor, Lord Wilmore, and Abbé Busoni. What makes the novel even more captivating is the fact that it is based on a true story. Captivating and keeping the reader at full throttle from beginning to end, it is no wonder the novel is a worldwide literary classic.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, Alexandre Dumas, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, The Count of Monte Cristo

Raising a glass to books and the past! Welcome to History, Books and wine where we chat about books and fun historical tidbits all while raising a glass of vino! Have a history, book or wine question you want us to answer in a future show? Email us! historybooksandwine@gmail.com

Categories: Fiction, History, Leisure

Tags: Authors, Books, Historical Fiction, historical romance, History, Reading, wine, writing

Kidnapped is the story of a 16-year old young man who is searching for his true birthright and is determined to make a fortune after the death of his parents. This timeless tale by Robert Louis Stevenson follows the life of David Balfour who leaves his home in Scotland after the death of his parents. First he meets his uncle for the first time in his life. His uncle is a very mean person who, at first, tried to kill David by devious means but then got him kidnapped onto a slave ship. In the ship, David makes friends with a Scottish rebel and together they successfully defeat the ship’s crew. The rebel, Alan, cherishes a dream to overthrow the British rulers of Scotland. Soon after the shipwreck, the two escaped but were later charged for being accomplices in the murder of a British supporter by the name of Colin Campbell. Although the novel’s adventures get a kick-start by this kidnapping, it is true that the hero of the story spends very little time as a captive. The character of Alan is very important as without his friendship the story would have ended very quickly. David would have been forced into slavery or would have escaped and met a poor fate due to starvation and want of money. On the contrary, David enters into new adventures with Alan on the ship itself. But after being charged with the grave crime of murder, readers are forced to ask two pertinent questions – Will these two escape from the hands of the British soldiers? Will David ever confront his sly uncle and fight to get back his inheritance? This is a very exciting and adventure filled story and all readers, old or young, will like the way the novel slowly unfolds. The setting of the story is very beautiful and there are vivid descriptions of the woods, waterfalls and streams which they jump over. The story is set in 1751 and the author has successfully narrated the story keeping in mind the history of the time. If you love adventure stories then you simply cannot ignore this fast-moving adventure which promises to keep the reader engrossed from start-to-finish. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, kidnapped, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Robert Louis Stevenson

The Last of the Mohicans is an epic novel by James Fenimore Cooper, first published in January 1826.It was one of the most popular English-language novels of its time, and helped establish Cooper as one of the first world-famous American writers.The story takes place in 1757 during the French and Indian War, when France and Great Britain battled for control of the American and Canadian colonies. During this war, the French often allied themselves with Native American tribes in order to gain an advantage over the British, with unpredictable and often tragic results.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, James Fenimore Cooper, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Last Of The Mohicans, War stories

The History of the Plague in London is a historical novel offering an account of the dismal events caused by the Great Plague, which mercilessly struck the city of London in 1665. First published in 1722, the novel illustrates the social disorder triggered by the outbreak, while focusing on human suffering and the mere devastation occupying London at the time. Defoe opens his book with the introduction of his fictional character H.F., a middle-class man who decides to wait out the destruction of the plague instead of fleeing to safety, and is presented only by his initials throughout the novel. Consequently, the narrator records many distressing stories as experienced by London residents, including craze affected people wandering the streets aimlessly, locals trying to escape the disease infected city, and healthy families forced to confine themselves behind closed doors. Apart from these second-hand accounts, the narrator also provides a thorough explanation on how quarantine was managed and kept under control. In addition, he seeks to debunk all squalid rumors which have produced a false interpretation of the bubonic plague. However, not everything is bleak in the account, as the novel offers some affirmative evidence that humanity is still capable of charity, kindness and mercy even in the midst of chaos and confusion. Although regarded as a work of fiction, the author engrosses with his insertion of statistics, government reports and charts which further validate the novel as a precise portrayal the Great Plague. Furthermore, Defoe offers a systematic approach to his depiction of the Great Plague as he presents a detailed assessment of the death toll, while also identifying specific locations heavily stricken by the epidemic, and analyzing sets of rumors and anecdotes relating to the disaster. Nevertheless, The History of the Plague in London is highly valuable due its direct treatment of the issues and its historical veracity, which absorbs and transports the audience to a haunting 17th century London. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Daniel Defoe, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The History of the Plague in London

The children of Colonel Beverley, a Cavalier officer killed at the Battle of Naseby are believed to have died in the flames when their house, Arnwood, is burned by Roundhead soldiers. However, they escape and are raised by Joseph Armitage, a gamekeeper in his cottage in the New Forest. The story describes how the children adapt from anaristocratic lifestyle to that of simple cottagers. The children are concealed as the grandchildren of Armitage. Eventually after Armitage’s death, Edward Beverley leaves and works as a secretary for the sympathetic Puritan placed in charge of the Royal land in the New Forest. He then joins the army of the future King Charles II and after the Royalist defeat at the Battle of Worcester, he escapes to France and lives in exile until the Restoration. His brother and siblings continue to live in the New Forest and they are reunited on the King’s return.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, Frederick Marryat, free audio books, Historical Fiction, History, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Children of the New Forest

Two sisters, one practical and full of commonsense, the other a passionate and emotional creature, an uncaring brother and his avaricious wife, a handsome rake and a faithful gentleman – these are some of the unforgettable characters who make Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility such a delightful, witty and timeless classic. The novel was published under the pseudonym “A Lady” by its shy and retiring nineteen-year-old author, Jane Austen, in 1811. She was the daughter of a country rector and lived all her life in the circle of her large and loving family in a little village in Hampshire, England. There is very little autobiographical material available about her, as her well-meaning relatives burned and destroyed most of her diaries and letters after her death. Sense and Sensibility is a charming story of two sisters who see life from two very different viewpoints. When their father suddenly dies, leaving his entire estate to their half-brother John, the sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, their mother and youngest sister Margaret are thrown at the financial mercy of John and his mean-minded wife, Fanny. Mrs Dashwood and her daughters soon realize that they are not welcome at their former home Norland Hall. Fanny’s brother Edward Ferrars, who is quite different from his greedy and graceless sister, arrives and begins to form an attachment to Elinor, which is violently opposed by Fanny. Mrs Dashwood is hurt and bewildered, but finally realizes that they have no option but to leave. They move to Devonshire, where Mrs Dashwood’s cousin, Sir John Middleton welcomes them and helps them to find suitable lodgings. While out walking one rainy evening, Marianne suffers a small accident and is rescued by the suave and dashing John Willoughby. She falls passionately in love with him. The story takes several interesting twists and turns, driven by the opposing natures of the two sisters. More than two hundred years after publication, this delightful tale still manages to capture the reader’s imagination as it echoes universal truths of passion, love, social status and ethics. Sense and Sensibility is a coming of age novel, marked by Jane Austen’s deliciously ironic and sharp wit and famously under-stated style that will certainly appeal to modern-day readers. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Dramatic Works, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, jane austen, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, play, romance, Sense and Sensibility