Random Loyal Books Podcasts

  • Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
  • Hymn Collection by Various
  • Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  • Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • Childhood (English trans.) by Leo Tolstoy
  • She by H. Rider Haggard
  • Essays, First Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The Story of the Middle Ages by Samuel B. Harding
  • Charles Dickens by G. K. Chesterton
  • The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci by Leonardo da Vinci
  • Hymns of the Christian Church by Various
  • Aesop’s Fables by Aesop
  • Stories of Great Composers for Children by Thomas Tapper
  • Common Sense by Thomas Paine
  • Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon
  • Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence
  • The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
  • Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
  • Chronicles of Canada — Dawn of Canadian History: Aboriginal Canada by Stephen Leacock
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    Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

    Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

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    Since Nov 17, 2023 00:00 UTC

    An early science fiction novel written by the second most translated author, French writer Jules Verne, the classic tale depicts an incredible sea expedition on board a state-of-the-art submarine. First published in 1870 and a part of the Voyages Extraordinaires series, the novel is regarded as one of the most thrilling adventure stories and one of Verne’s greatest pieces of work. Immersed in themes of exploration, avant-garde technology, and man’s insatiable desire for knowledge and scientific progression, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea has been an influence for many writers as well as an inspiration for numerous film adaptations. The novel kicks off when rumors spread about sightings of a mysterious sea monster, initially thought to be a giant narwhal. This instigates the United States government to organize an expedition in hopes of hunting down and destroying the ravaging creature. Consequently, French marine biologist Pierre Aronnax is invited to join the expedition, who takes with him his trusted servant Conseil, along with expert harpooner Ned Land, and accordingly the trio set about the search. Following a lengthy pursuit, the ship finally finds and attacks the monster but to no avail, as the impact hurls the three men into the water. In an attempt to grasp the hide of the monster, the men come to a startling discovery as they realize the supposed monster is in fact a submarine. The men are then captured and brought inside the futuristic vessel, which they later find out is named Nautilus, and meet its enigmatic commander and creator, Captain Nemo. So begins the journey on board the Nautilus, as its three coerced guests travel across all the world’s seas visiting different underwater locations while witnessing the most bizarre, yet gripping marvels of the oceanic depths. Shipwrecks, giant squids, sharks, lost cities, coral reefs, whirlpools and an eccentric captain are just some of the obstacles separating the trio from their freedom. An exhilarating subaqueous adventure through unseen wonders, Verne’s detailed and prophetic imagination propels the novel and secures its position as a literary classic and a pristine model for science fiction enthusiasts.

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    Hymn Collection by Various

    Hymn Collection by Various

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    Since Dec 14, 2019 00:00 UTC

    A selection of twenty hymns sung in this recording. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

    Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

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    Since Aug 17, 2020 00:00 UTC

    One of the most controversial novels written by Austen, Mansfield Park follows the life of the young heroine Fanny Price as she searches for her place in society. Set in early 19th century England, the classic novel depicts the social issues of the time including marriage, social mobility and morality. The classic centers on the life of the poor young girl Fanny Price, who is the oldest daughter of nine siblings. Her father is a former naval officer and a heavy drinker, while her mother has married beneath her and is undeniably the black sheep in the family when compared to her two sisters, Mrs. Norris and Lady Bertram who lead comfortable lifestyles. As a form of charity, Fanny is taken in to live with her wealthy aunt Lady Bertram and her husband Sir Thomas Bertram at their Mansfield Park estate. At her new home, Fanny is raised and lives beside her four cousins Tom, Edmund, Maria and Julia. Although sharing the same home, Fanny is never really considered their social equal. She is often mistreated by her aunt and treated as an inferior by her cousins. The only person who shows her kindness is Edmund Bertram, for whom she gradually develops feelings. However, Fanny is constantly reminded of her social status and grows up shy and humble, but nevertheless remains true to herself. As the years pass by, the Bertram children find themselves in love entanglements with the sophisticated Crawfords, while Fanny keeps her feelings for Edmund well hidden. As the novel reaches its climax, the true nature of morality and its fruits are revealed. A plot questioning the infinite dilemma of nature versus nurture, Fanny must decide whether she places a higher value on priceless morality or the expectations imposed on her by society. Because of its uniqueness, Mansfield Park has a love-hate relationship with its readers, due to its unconventional protagonist. Although it is known to have sparked many debates among audiences due to its subtle criticism of society and moral integrity, it still remains one of the most profound pieces written by its author. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum

    Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The “Little Wizard Stories of Oz” are six short stories written by L. Frank Baum in 1913. By all accounts, Baum intended to finish the Oz series with “The Emerald City of Oz,” published in 1910. Following that, he attempted to write non-Oz books, publishing “The Sea Fairies” in 1911 and “Sky Island” in 1912. But, (as Baum himself laments in the prefaces of many of his Oz books,) his “little tyrants” were only interested in hearing more Oz stories. So in 1913, he returned to writing about Oz, putting out both The “Little Wizard Stories” and “The Patchwork Girl of Oz” that year. The Little Wizard Stories were geared toward younger children and were originally published separately, “similar in style to today’s Little Golden Books.” The next year, they were published together as one volume. Each Little Wizard Story revolves around the adventures of two famous Oz characters, and their humorous adventures in and around the land of Oz.

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    The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum

    The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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    Since Dec 9, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Published in 1904, The Marvelous Land of Oz is the second book in Baum’s Oz series and follows the adventures of Tip, a young boy who travels the mystical Oz after running away from the terrifying witch Mombi. Furthermore, the novel reunites readers with familiar characters including the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Glinda the Good Witch, while also introducing bright new characters who deem to be just as memorable. Unlimited action, intense magic, captivating characters, and an unexpected twist, the adventure novel has remained a classic for generations, and has only strengthened the series appeal with its fresh intake on the familiar set. The novel begins with the introduction of young protagonist Tip, who after a failed effort to frighten the wicked witch Mombi is threatened to be turned into a marble statue as retribution. Feeling he has no other choice, Tip decides to run away from Gillikin Country and from the person to whom he has been both ward and servant as long as he can remember. Consequently, Tip sets out to Emerald City accompanied by his trusted companions Jack Pumpkinhead and the Sawhorse, who were both brought to life with the help of a magical powder obtained by Mombi from a sorcerer. However, as the group gets separated, Tip is caught up in a revolt organized by an all-girl army led by General Jinjur who plans to overthrow the current ruler of the Emerald City. After one event leading to another, the protagonist and his companions, who now also include the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, find themselves in a mission to overtake Emerald City. With the help of Glinda the Good Witch, the group must defeat the evil Mombi while also attempt to quash the rebellion and restore rule to its rightful heir. Baum cleverly weaves adventure, wit, endearing characters and suspense into one extraordinary piece, as he effectively depicts a broader view of the magical land and adds a bit of history, hence creating an original plot separate from its renowned prequel. Fortified by new literary elements, The Marvelous Land of Oz is the chance to rediscover Oz and reaffirm the author’s imaginative capabilities, as the novel is not to be taken simply at face value but admired for its hidden worth.

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    Childhood (English trans.) by Leo Tolstoy

    Childhood (English trans.) by Leo Tolstoy

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    Since Dec 16, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Childhood, published in 1852, is the first novel in Leo Tolstoy’s autobiographical trilogy, which also includes Boyhood, and Youth. Published when Tolstoy was twenty-three, the book gained immediate notice among Russian writers including Ivan Turgenev, and heralded the young Tolstoy as a major figure in Russian letters. Childhood is an expressionist exploration of the internal life of a young boy, Nikolenka, and was a new form in Russian writing, mixing fact, fiction and emotions to render the moods and reactions of the narrator. Childhood is Tolstoy’s first published work. Translated into English by C. J. Hogarth.

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    She by H. Rider Haggard

    She by H. Rider Haggard

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    Since Dec 5, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A timeless classic of fantasy literature, She is recognized as the groundwork for the lost world literary sub- genre. First published serially in The Graphic magazine from 1886 to 1887, the novel has reached critical acclaim with approximately 100 million copies sold and is regarded as one of the best-selling books of all time. Exploring themes of imperialism, lost civilization, female authority and psyche, the novel also serves as a mirror to reflect Victorian issues such as gender and race. Written in first person narration, the novel first introduces protagonist Horace Holly when he is visited by a colleague, Vincey, who is convinced that his death is nearing, and continues to tell an unbelievable tale concerning his family’s ancestry. Furthermore, he entrusts Holly with guardianship of his young son Leo, and gives him a mysterious locked iron box, which is not to be opened until Leo reaches the age of 25. Following the man’s death, Holly takes in young Leo and raises him as his very own, fulfilling his final wish. On Leo’s 25th birthday the pair open the inherited iron box in which they discover the ancient “Sherd of Amenartas”, that consequently triggers their journey to exotic Africa. Following the instructions on the potsherd, ape-faced Holly, his handsome ward Leo and their bigot servant Job travel to eastern Africa, where due to shipwreck are forced to continue on blindly through a treacherous and uncharted region of inner Africa. While on the move they are interceded by a group of native savages known as the Amahagger people who then capture them and take them into custody. The captives discover that the savages are ruled by a white queen, who is worshiped as “She-who-must-be-obeyed”, possesses vast knowledge of sorcery and is distinguished by her enchanting beauty. As a result, the group must endure and pass numerous trials in order to accomplish the initial goal of their journey, while simultaneously learning the secrets of the Vincey family. Haggard’s artistic approach throughout the novel, in terms of his language and his level of detail in his description of events, allows readers to relive the unique scenery in their imagination. An enthralling tale of a tenacious trio unearthing an ancient lost world and awakening an ancient fixation, She is the perfect pick for a unique adventure story which as a novel itself has defied the odds of time.

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    Essays, First Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Essays, First Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson

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    Since Dec 22, 2023 00:00 UTC

    “I do not wish to treat friendships daintily but with roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass beads or frost-work but the solidest thing we know….” is how Ralph Waldo Emerson saw the ties of friendship in one of his essays titled Friendship, more than a hundred years ago. This and other interesting essays are included in Essays First Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the distinguished American philosopher and writer. Apart from writing, he was also a very gifted and popular public speaker who toured the length and breadth of the country sharing his ideas with the larger public. A distinguishing feature of Emerson’s work in both lectures and writings was that he initially focused on religious and spiritual matters like many of his contemporaries, but in time, he moved away from such a narrow range and deepened and broadened the nature of his ideas. His friends included Thoreau, Oliver Wendell Holmes and through his works, he extended his influence to many thinkers, including those as widely different as Nietzsche and William James (who was also his godson.) His ideas were considered quite innovative and radical for the time. He was a staunch believer in individual freedom and equality of the races. As a strong supporter of abolitionism, he believed that slavery was a prime example of human injustice. Known as the “Concord Sage” Emerson’s thoughts influenced the politics and thinking of the age. His essays were almost all written for the lecture format initially and their almost conversational style makes them very readable. These essays cover a range of subjects including Prudence, Self-Reliance, Heroism, Art, Spiritual Laws, History and a host of other interesting topics. Today the art of essay-writing and reading has almost disappeared and Essays First Series written by a master of the form can indeed provide hours of thought-provoking and deeply philosophical reading.

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    The Story of the Middle Ages by Samuel B. Harding

    The Story of the Middle Ages by Samuel B. Harding

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    Since Dec 15, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Intended for children 11 to 14 years old, The Story of the Middle Ages relates a little known period of history in an interesting and entertaining way. The author terms the Middle Ages as that period in the history of Europe between the fifth and fifteenth centuries. Its beginning is marked by the decline and fall of the mighty Roman Empire and its end is generally thought to be the dawn of the Renaissance or the Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages are also divided by historians into the Early, High and Late Middle Ages. Both the Early and Late periods were characterized by war, outbreaks of diseases and epidemics, breakdown of law and order, civil strife and invasions. However, the High period of the Middle Ages saw the establishment of farming, the growth of trade, technology, intellectual movements and great artistic and architectural innovation. Samuel B Harding divides The Story of the Middle Ages into twenty chapters. Beginning with a brief introduction, the author traces the roots of modern Europe to the mingling of the Germanic people with others like the Slavs, the Gauls and the ancient Romans. He also goes further back in history and refers to the Aryan people as the ancestors of the Germans. Further chapters deal with the wanderings of the Goths and their establishment of civilizations in Spain, Greece and Italy. The early days of Christianity and the growth of the Church are depicted, along with the differences between the western and eastern churches. The rise of the Franks and their conflicts with the Mohammedans and the establishment of the Moorish civilization in Spain are told in an interesting and imaginative fashion. The Crusades, discussions on life in the village, town and monastery and finally the Hundred Years War, which effectively brought the Middle Ages to a close are well recounted. Though historians cannot put a specific date on the conclusion of this important period in Western history, it is generally thought that somewhere towards the end of the 1500s can be termed as the end of the Middle Ages. The rise of nationalism in England and France, the capture of Constantinople by the Turkish Ottoman sultans and the disappearance of the ancient centers of learning brought this period to an end. As both a historical text and an interesting read, The Story of the Middle Ages is a great addition to your bookshelf and will surely appeal to both children and adults.

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    Charles Dickens by G. K. Chesterton

    Charles Dickens by G. K. Chesterton

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    Since Dec 22, 2023 00:00 UTC

    G. K. Chesterton was a great admirer of Charles Dickens, and wrote a noted critique of Dickens’ works expressing his opinion in his own inimitable style.

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    The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci by Leonardo da Vinci

    The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci by Leonardo da Vinci

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    Since Nov 21, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The Notebooks of Leonardo Da VinciPREFACEA singular fatality has ruled the destiny of nearly all the most famous of Leonardo da Vinci’s works. Two of the three most important were never completed, obstacles having arisen during his life-time, which obliged him to leave them unfinished; namely the Sforza Monument and the Wall-painting of the Battle of Anghiari, while the third–the picture of the Last Supper at Milan–has suffered irremediable injury from decay and the repeated restorations to which it was recklessly subjected during the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries. Nevertheless, no other picture of the Renaissance has become so wellknown and popular through copies of every description. Vasari says, and rightly, in his Life of Leonardo, that he laboured much more by his word than in fact or by deed, and the biographer evidently had in his mind the numerous works in Manuscript which have been preserved t

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    Hymns of the Christian Church by Various

    Hymns of the Christian Church by Various

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    Since Sep 11, 2020 00:00 UTC

    A collection of classic Christian hymns spanning the centuries. Some of the hymns are read; others are sung. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Aesop’s Fables by Aesop

    Aesop’s Fables by Aesop

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    Since Dec 8, 2020 00:00 UTC

    As children, our first experience of the magic of talking animals, the conflict between good and evil, the battle of wits between the cunning and the innocent most probably came from Aesop’s Fables. These delightful, pithy and brief narratives are simple, easy to understand and convey their message in a memorable and charming fashion. Aesop’s Fables by Aesop consists of about 600 tales, some well-loved and familiar, others less known but just as entertaining and educative and help us map the perimeters of our moral universe. Fables have existed almost since the dawn of time. They hark back to a time when humans and animals lived in harmony and mutual respect. We humans could learn a great deal from the uncomplicated justice and the commonsense values of the animal kingdom. Animals are endowed with immutable personal traits like foxes being cunning, donkeys being patient, lions being proud and wolves being cruel. There is very little biographical information about Aesop. He is reputed to have been born a slave in Samos in ancient Greece in about 600 BC. He earned his liberty through his learning and wit and went on to become a respected diplomat and traveler. Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, historians like Plutarch and Herodotus mention Aesop’s fables in their works. Today, these immortal fables have come down to us, as fresh and pristine as they were when they were first told. Aesop’s fables were known at the time of Socrates in the 5th century BC, when they were recounted in oral form. However, they were systematically compiled sometime in 300 BC by a Greek philosopher Demetrius Phalereus. The fables gradually vanished from popular literature till the 14th century AD when they re-surfaced in Byzantine Constantinople. Since then, they traversed with traders and diplomats to Europe and then to the rest of the world. Generations of children have enjoyed old favorites like The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Bear and Two Travelers, The Hare and the Tortoise, The Hen who laid Golden Eggs, The Thirsty Crow, The Lion and the Mouse and many others found in this volume along with less familiar ones. Their charm lies in their simplicity and the plain, straightforward way in which they deliver universal values of honesty, compassion and justice and teach us to shun pride, greed, envy and other negative qualities. They provide an enduring foundation for inculcating values and ethics in children and are at the same time, amusing and entertaining. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Stories of Great Composers for Children by Thomas Tapper

    Stories of Great Composers for Children by Thomas Tapper

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    Since Dec 24, 2023 00:00 UTC

    This is a collection of ten short, entertaining, informative picture-book biographies of famous composers. Each book tells about the childhood and great achievements of a composer, and includes a short musical example.

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    Common Sense by Thomas Paine

    Common Sense by Thomas Paine

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    Since Dec 29, 2023 00:00 UTC

    First published anonymously due to its seditious content in 1776, the pamphlet argues for the need of American colonists to pursue complete independence from Great Britain, and not be driven simply by the urge to free themselves from unfair taxation. Paine provides argumentation for his revolutionary ideas, suggesting the unification of colonial forces to achieve this goal. Furthermore, Paine strengthens his case by clearly asserting the advantages that would come out as a result of independence, and further fortifies his argumentation with religious references. Written in a clear straightforward manner and comprehensible to the common people, Common Sense was immediately well-received after its publication, providing both inspiration and motivation to strive towards obtaining freedom. Consequently, the pamphlet was widely distributed and read at public events, while its ideas later earned Paine an important position in the country’s history. Divided into four sections, Paine begins his work by distinguishing between government and society, suggesting that the purpose of the government is to protect society from their flawed nature. Paine illustrates the balance between society and government through a scenario in which a group of isolated people eventually surrender to the need of introducing regulations, which later results in the formation of a government. By providing such a scenario, Paine effectively creates a model which he argues is a better option for the American colonists. Subsequently, Paine goes on to analyze the validity of monarchy and hereditary succession through a biblical and historical perspective, as he provides evidence that support his views including biblical citations and an examination of historical events. Following his theoretical approach, Paine shifts his attention to giving a detailed account of the current circumstance of America, as he concentrates on supporting his claims calling for unity and independence. Regarded as one the most influential pamphlets in American History, the pro-independence monograph pamphlet is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the American Revolution, as it was the most widely read pamphlet at the time. Needless to say, Common Sense gives an insight into the ideas and values that shaped the United States of America into the independent nation it is today.

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    Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon

    Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon

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    Since Nov 30, 2020 00:00 UTC

    He hosts an all expenses paid luxury cruise to Europe for fifty guests and showers them with expensive gifts. When he’s mugged in a dark alley, he insists that the thugs also take the $300 stashed away in his back pocket. He flies into a rage whenever one of his employees suggests cutting costs. Every time he places a bet, he wins, causing him even more despair! In Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon, a classic riches-to-rags tale, Montgomery Brewster is bound by the terms of an eccentric uncle’s will to spend one million dollars completely within a year so that he can lay claim to an even bigger fortune. Published in 1902 under the pseudonym of Richard Greaves, the book was actually written on the basis of a bet between the writer and his publisher! Best known for his seven novels set in the fictional East European country of Graustark, McCutcheon convinced his publisher that a good plot did not need a well-known name to become a best-selling novel. He accepted the $100 bet, wrote Brewster’s Millions in six weeks flat and submitted it under the name of Richard Greaves. The rest, as they say, became publishing history. In just two months, the book sold more than 150,000 copies and earned its author lifelong fame. The book also marks a shift from the British-centric literature that was popular in America in the early years of the 20th century. The plot is ingenious and racy. Monty Brewster is a young man in modest circumstances, who inherits $1 million from his grandfather. A few days later, a wealthy uncle also dies, leaving an even bigger fortune to Monty. However, there’s a catch. The late grandfather and uncle were sworn enemies and under the terms of the uncle’s will, Monty must spend his entire inheritance of $1 million within a year to claim his uncle’s fabulous fortune. This proves more difficult than Monty imagined. He cannot donate excessively to charity, give away too much to beggars or “lose” his money gambling. In fact, he has uncanny luck while gambling and manages to win every time he plays! With a romance woven into the plot, it takes readers on a merry ride to the unexpected climax. Brewster’s Millions has been adapted to stage, film and television round the world. Hollywood itself made its first movie based on the book in 1914 and the latest version in 1985. The book is indeed a fun read for all ages! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence

    Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence

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    Since Nov 22, 2023 00:00 UTC

    If you have read DH Lawrence’s The Rainbow, you’d certainly want to read the sequel, Women in Love. Published in 1920, the two books were originally meant to be a single work, spanning several generations of the Brangwen family, especially the women. However, a complicated publishing history, delays and editorial revisions, followed by the hostile reception and controversies that faced The Rainbow led to a gap of five years between the two books. Yet, by 21st century standards, Women in Love seems almost tame, and modern-day readers may well be bewildered by the amount of criticism it generated among the custodians of morals in an earlier age. The moral backlash prevented many readers from appreciating the true nature and depth of this insightful novel. The plot deals with the continuing saga of the Brangwen sisters, Ursula and Gudrun. Gudrun falls in love with a wealthy industrial tycoon, Gerald Crich while Ursula’s heart is captured by a school inspector, Rupert Birkin. However, Birkin is also a passionate and intellectual man, whose unconventional ideas attract Ursula. Spanning the time before and during World War I, Lawrence drew many of the characters from real life. Ursula was based on his own wife, Frieda, while Birkin is a close self-portrait of himself. His friend Katharine Mansfield comes alive as Gudrun and Gerald Crich, her husband John Middleton Murry. Hence, the book is also an invaluable biography of contemporary writers and their lives. Though the book examines physical and emotional love in a frank and fearless way, Lawrence’s critics suggested that it was also told from a male chauvinistic point of view. Lawrence was deeply influenced by Freudian psycho-analysis and also by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Victorian ideas of a woman’s role, her rights and her expectations were undergoing a sea-change at this time. Her desire to work at a job outside the home, earn an independent living and the blurring of social boundaries are other themes that Lawrence felt deeply about and depicts in this book. The conflict between society’s conventions and individual desires is another theme that runs through Women in Love. The dawn of the Industrial Revolution was about to change the structure of society forever and we find Lawrence’s characters, grappling with changing ideas and vanishing traditions. Women in Love also contains many of the characters who appear in The Rainbow, like Tom, Anna and Billy Brangwen. Tom Brangwen’s struggle with the ideas and ways of his unconventional daughters also forms part of the story. An interesting and absorbing read!

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    The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

    The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

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    Since Aug 20, 2020 00:00 UTC

    The Three Musketeers follows the adventures of the young Gascon nobleman, D’Artagnan and his three trusted friends who served as musketeers in the king’s regiment – Athos, Porthos & Aramis. Written by Alexandre Dumas, the book was a bestseller during the time of its publication and it remains so even today. It follows the timeless theme of friendship and bravery. The main protagonist of the story is D’Artagnan who travels to Paris to realize his dreams of becoming one of the musketeers for the king. But things start to fall apart from the very beginning when his cherished letter of introduction is stolen by a mysterious gentleman. D’Artagnon reaches Paris and becomes friends with the ‘The Three Musketeers’ and seems to settle down comfortably in accordance with the scheme of life that was prevalent in the 17th century Paris. However, as expected, the peace did not last long as D’Artagnan and his friends get embroiled in an intriguing web of conspiracy in the fight for power among the people of the upper echelons. The matter gets further complicated by the introduction of a mysterious woman who is very beautiful but is more than what she projects herself to be. The author employs well-crafted narrative skills to give this enthralling novel a dramatic yet gripping conclusion. But do the heroes of the story manage to escape the agents of the Cardinals? Can they protect the honour of the queen? You will soon find out as this adventurous tale will keep you hooked till you finish. The book is written from the perspective of D’Artagnan. It is a real classic and is perfect for light reading. The style of narration followed by Dumas is very light and leaves no space for any kind of philosophical subtext. No wonder, The Three Musketeers is one of the most popular historical romances. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Chronicles of Canada — Dawn of Canadian History: Aboriginal Canada by Stephen Leacock

    Chronicles of Canada — Dawn of Canadian History: Aboriginal Canada by Stephen Leacock

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    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Most readers of Stephen Leacock’s works are familiar with his witty and humorous writings, but few may be aware that he was also a gifted teacher, political ideologue, economist and fiction writer. Though he wrote six books on Canadian history, none of them attained the status of a standard text on the subject and were regarded more as opinion pieces without much academic foundation. Yet, the Chronicles of Canada series by Stephen Leacock remains an interesting and entertaining read. In this volume, Dawn of Canadian History: Aboriginal Canada, which is part of a thirty-two book series of short and simple essays, Leacock explores the little known origins of Canada’s past. Leacock begins with his theories on the geological formation of the country and the beginnings of the earth’s structures. The emergence of human beings and the original settlers of the North American Continent, the Native Americans as we know them today, is also well described, though in terms that may seem outdated to modern readers. The “Canadian aborigines” and their culture is also described in terms of the different tribes and their relationship to the Eskimos in the extreme northern part of Canada. The advent of the white races like the Vikings or Norsemen is also one of the important events in Canada’s history, as it changed the course of civilization in this country. Legends of Greenland and Iceland are well retold in the chapter entitled The Legend of the Norsemen. Another crucial event was the arrival of John Cabot of Bristol somewhere on the Labrador coast in the sixteenth century. Politics in the sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe and the rivalry between nations like Spain, Portugal, England and France, seeking to explore new worlds and enrich their own countries is also well described. Leacock ends his book with the arrival of French explorer Jacques Cartier, known today as the Father of Canada. In historical terms, this would be set in the seventeenth century, when another great French explorer, Samuel de Champlain was making the first accurate map of the country. For present day readers, Chronicles of Canada…, is a pleasant blend of facts with myths and legends. It is this quality which makes it much more entertaining than a pure historical account.

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