Random Loyal Books Podcasts

Set in 19th century Russia, The Brothers Karamazov (Russian: Братья Карамазовы) is the last novel written by the illustrious author Fyodor Dostoyevsky who died a few months before the book’s publication. The deeply philosophical and passionate novel tells the story of Fyodor Karamazov, an immoral debauch whose sole aim in life is the acquisition of wealth. Twice married, he has three sons whose welfare and upbringing, he cares nothing about. At the beginning of the story, Dimitri Karamazov, the eldest son who is now a twenty-eight year old war veteran, returns to his home town to claim the inheritance left to him by his dead mother. Fyodor is none too pleased to see him as he hates to part with money. The middle brother Ivan, a cold and unemotional man, is called in to settle the dispute but he fails. The youngest son, Alyosha, a gentle and learned soul is training to be a monk in a nearby monastery. He suggests that they consult the famous monastic elder Zosima who could work out a satisfactory solution. The plot winds through an amazing labyrinth of twists and turns, with the characters of the three brothers becoming more and more apparent to the readers. As different aspects of a human being, the three are completely different, yet bound by the irrevocable ties of common ancestry. The true hero of the story is the gentle Alyosha, whose spiritual journey and wonderfully humane qualities of kindness and compassion remain with the reader for ever. As one of the most compelling and fascinating explorations of the human heart, The Brothers Karamazov remains one of the world’s greatest literary creations. A novel of great length (it is divided into twelve volumes) and breadth, its sheer scale and scope captures the imagination of readers. The book has had an enduring influence on writers all over the world. It was admired and loved by renowned intellectuals like Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Sartre, Camus, James Joyce, Franz Kafka and a host of others. Pope Benedict XVI referred to it in his 2007 encyclical. It has been extensively adapted for stage, screen, TV and translated into many world languages. Dostoyevsky was one of literature’s greatest observers of the human mind. His writings were shaped by his own experiences of political activism, imprisonment, questioning of faith and finding spiritual enlightenment towards the end of his life. The novel is as relevant today as when it was published in 1880 and though it is deeply complex, it was also strangely prophetic as it foretold the events that would take place under the Soviet Regime.

Categories: Arts, Education, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Languages, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Philosophy, Psychology, The Brothers Karamazov

Famous Men of Greece is a series of biographical sketches written for the purpose of making the study of history lively and interesting by giving insight into the men who lived during this time. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Biography, ebooks, Famous Men of Greece, free audio books, History, John H. Haaren, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Myths/Legends, Non-fiction

A book that won the Newberry Prize in 1921 for an Outstanding Contribution in Children’s Literature, The Story of Mankind, by Hendrik van Loon is indeed a classic that has been enjoyed by generations of children and adults. The book is an engagingly written work, dedicated to the author Hendrik van Loon’s two young son’s Hansje and Willem. It was created to convey the history of the human race to young people in a way that was interesting, memorable and would spur them onto further research and reading into the subject. Tracing the origins of mankind from about 500,000 BC into the present era, The Story of Mankind encompasses anthropology, culture, sociology and history. This book creates a vivid portrayal of the development of the human race from the time of the caveman to the intelligent dominate species that it is today. Designed to be read by young readers and perhaps their parents and teachers along with them, it provides valuable lessons in a variety of subjects in a very readable fashion. Modern day readers may find some of the concepts politically incorrect or not quite enlightened. Some critics have also found that van Loon takes Biblical concepts and presents them as proven history. However, aside from these small blips, the book is indeed a treasure trove of information. It also describes the foundations of Western thought and culture. It traces the development of art, music, literature, culture and civilization itself in the Western World. Van Loon was motivated to select the areas of history that he would describe by apparently asking himself whether this particular person or event changed the course of civilization or not. After World War I, the author added one more chapter called “After Seven Years” and in later years, his children and other writers have added more chapters to make the book more contemporary and relevant for modern readers. The original illustrations by the author added to the appeal of the book as he was a talented artist and naturalist. The book was also adapted to film in 1957, in a quirky version starring the inimitable Marx Brothers. As basic reading for anyone interested in the history of the human race, The Story of Mankind provides a great launching pad from which to explore the deep and complex mysteries that are contained in the origin of our species on earth.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Hendrik van Loon, History, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Teen/Young adult, The Story of Mankind

Two stuffy English scientists, always looking to further their scientific knowledge, create a substance called Herakleophorbia, which in its fourth incarnation – known as Herakleophorbia IV – has the special ability of making things increase greatly in size. As the scientists begin experimentation on some chicks, the substance is misused by some “country folk” who don’t take it seriously and soon Herakleophorbia IV is running rampant throughout England and then across the globe, creating giant plants and animals that wreak havoc on the land and then the people. Then the first giant babies are revealed and for the first time humanity has to contend with the existence of a new race of giant people. How humanity deals with this shocking new creation is revealed in The Food of the Gods and How it Came to Earth.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, H. G. Wells, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, science, science-fiction, The Food of the Gods and How it Came to Earth

A shy and dowdy country girl, Berenice feels socially inept beside her vivacious and sophisticated cousin, Marjorie. But Marjorie decides to groom her and when Berenice turns out better than she expected, Marjorie is delighted, till Berenice catches the eye of one of Marjorie’s own faithful admirers. Will Berenice remain the timid and diffident country girl, or will her newfound success give her courage? Lois, a young girl engaged to be married, suddenly becomes unsure about the relationship with her fiancé Howard. She decides to visit Keith, her much older brother who has been a Jesuit priest for many years. In the church, Lois suddenly has an intense spiritual experience, which helps her make up her mind. Benjamin Button’s story is one that most readers would be familiar with, through the Hollywood adaptation. The strange tale of a child born to age backwards is both allegorical and fascinating. The last story in the collection, The Lees of Happiness is a poignant tale of love, friendship and the harsh realities of life. Selected Short Stories by F Scott Fitzgerald is a superb collection of stories that symbolize the Jazz Age (a term he coined himself) of the 1920s. He wrote more than 43 stories, some of which were adapted successfully for film, stage and television. His eternal appeal to every generation of youthful readers has been one of being able to relate to the universal problems of young people everywhere in the world – the problems of identity, the pursuit of happiness, the gradual dawning of responsibility and despair. Fitzgerald’s own colorful personal life, his problems with alcoholism and romantic relationships added to his mystique. Fitzgerald’s fundamental scholarship and knowledge are subtly displayed in the first story, Berenice Bobs Her Hair, where the heroine is named after the Greek myth of Berenice who sacrifices her hair to save her lover. A treasure trove for Fitzgerald fans! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, F. Scott Fitzgerald, fiction, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Selected Short Stories, Short stories

A journey that takes the hero, Christian, through the varied landscapes that constitute life and through the events that happen to human beings is the plot of The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Readers who have read and loved Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women would recall the many references to this 17th century work of religious fiction. The Pilgrim’s Progress is based on several values based in the teachings of Christianity. The importance of using the Bible as a guiding principle in life, of traveling not just geographically but also spiritually, the emphasis on community living and of the companionship of fellow people and many other themes. The story begins with a detailed explanation by the author in which he explains his beliefs about misconceptions in people’s minds about religion and fiction. He examines the role of stories and parables in the Bible and how they are used to teach us certain lessons about life. The narration goes on to portray a dream that the narrator has once when he is wandering in the wilderness. In the dream, a man named Christian is visited by a spiritual guide called Evangelist who urges him to leave his home in the City of Destruction and embark on an arduous journey to the Celestial City. Christian’s family and friends refuse to go with him and he finally leaves alone, carrying a heavy burden. The rest of the book describes the strange and laborious journey, punctuated by grief, disappointment, fear and many difficulties. Each of these incidents are portrayed as different people or places that Christian has to pass or overcome before he can continue on his journey and reach his final glorious destination. Written in the period between 1677-84 by writer/preacher John Bunyan whose own life was as eventful, fraught with suffering and misfortunes, The Pilgrim’s Progress was written during one of his terms of imprisonment for violating religious laws. The book received enormous acclaim and went on to become one of the most popular religious texts in Christianity. It was translated into many languages and was used by preachers and missionaries the world over. The Pilgrim’s Progress retains enormous appeal for its imaginative and lyrical prose, wonderful descriptions of landscape and travel, simple yet elegant style and also for the delightful touches of humor. Many of the names of places are phrases taken from the Bible, which went on to become common idioms. For modern-day readers, both young and old, Pilgrim’s Progress is an interesting and inspiring read. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, John Bunyan, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, religion, The Pilgrim's Progress

King Henry IV, Part 1 is the second of Shakespeare’s eight Wars of the Roses history plays, with events following those of King Richard II. As the play opens, King Henry IV (formerly Henry Bolingbroke) and Henry Percy (Hotspur) argue over the disposition of prisoners from the Battle of Holmedon. The King’s attitude toward Mortimer and the Percy family prompts them to plot rebellion. In the meantime, his son Prince Hal is living the low life in the company of Sir John Falstaff. As the time of battle nears, Prince Hal joins his father and is given a high command. The play’s climax is the Battle of Shrewsbury, in which Prince Hal and Hotspur meet and fight, with Prince Hal and the forces of the King prevailing. The action continues in King Henry IV, Part 2. From the start this has been an extremely popular play both with the public and with critics.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Dramatic Works, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, King Henry IV, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, play, William Shakespeare

Orthodoxy is a book that has become a classic of Christian apologetics. In the book’s preface Chesterton states the purpose is to “attempt an explanation, not of whether the Christian faith can be believed, but of how he personally has come to believe it.” In it, Chesterton presents an original view of the Christian religion. He sees it as the answer to natural human needs, the “answer to a riddle” in his own words, and not simply as an arbitrary truth received from somewhere outside the boundaries of human experience. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, G. K. Chesterton, History, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, nature, Non-fiction, orthodoxy, Philosophy, religion

Peter Rabbit goes to school, with Mother Nature as his teacher. In this zoology book for children, Thornton W. Burgess describes the mammals of North America in the form of an entertaining story, including plenty of detail but omitting long scientific names. There is an emphasis on conservation. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: animals, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, nature, Non-fiction, science, The Burgess Animal Book for Children, Thornton W. Burgess

A treasure trove of more than two hundred poems, this gem of an anthology compiled by Mary E Burt is indeed a most valuable set of poems to read or listen to. Published in 1904, Poems Every Child Should Know contains some well-loved verses like Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Lewis Carroll’s delightful parody Father William, Felicia Hemans’ deeply-moving Casablanca and other favorites. It also has lesser-known but equally beautiful pieces like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s The Arrow and The Song, Robert Browning’s The Incident of the French Camp, Eugene Field’s nonsense lyrics Wynken, Blynken and Nod and a host of other wonderful verses. For modern day children, unaccustomed to reading and memorizing poetry, the book is a throwback to the days when this was the norm in most classrooms and homes. Fragments from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, in which Mark Antony pays tribute to the dead Brutus, Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes from Hamlet with the stirring lines, “This above all: to thine own self be true…” are some of the masterpieces contained here. Poems Every Child Should Know also contained some of the most famous poems in English by poets like Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Browning and Milton. American poets like Walt Whitman are featured here with their immortal lines in poems like Song of Myself. Another famous American poet found here is Edgar Allan Poe with his iconic The Raven. The book is divided into six parts, with a very interesting and self explanatory preface by the author. She begins with something that readers would say when they first encounter a poetry anthology: “Is this another collection of stupid poems that children cannot use?” and goes on to explain how she selected the ones included here. Most of them were picked because they were short enough for a child to memorize. This is a now forgotten activity that can give hours of pleasure as you recall the lines long after you’ve put away the book. Others were chosen for the heroic and patriotic sentiments, like The Star Spangled Banner, Lord Ullin’s Daughter, The Charge of the Light Brigade, Horatius at the Bridge and a host of other inspiring poems. Mary Elizabeth Burt was a gifted teacher who believed that poetry had the power to inspire, educate and mold young minds so that they could mature into valuable and useful citizens of the country. For modern day readers, this is indeed a delightful collection, which offers endless hours of pleasure as you thumb through rediscovering old favorites, and enjoying new ones. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Comedy, Kids & Family

Tags: Adventure, animals, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fantasy, fiction, free audio books, humor, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Poems Every Child Should Know, poetry, Unknown

First serialized from January to August, 1845, Twenty Years After is the second book in The D’Artagnan Romances, and follows the gallant adventures of the musketeers, as they are once again summoned to alleviate the various threats that lurk in the political scene of France, as the country is threatened by a possible uprising. Enriched with exciting and well-developed characters, the novel adds more detail to its familiar characters, as the musketeers have matured and are portrayed in a more introspective light. Set twenty years after the conclusion of its predecessor, Twenty Years After commences with the appearance of d’Artagnan, who despite his propitious circumstances to progress in his area of interest, remains a lieutenant in the Musketeers for twenty years. Conversely, much has changed in the political scene of France during the twenty-year period, as the country is ruled by chief-minister, Cardinal Mazarin, who is loathed by much of the French population. Consequently, France is on the brink of civil war, as it is divided into those who support Mazarin’s governance, and those who oppose his rule, regarding him as inadequate. Fearing for his safety, Mazarin appoints d’Artagnan as his escort, after hearing of his daring feats in the past and additionally requests assistance from his musketeer companions, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Subsequently, d’Artagnan is reunited with his old friends, who have all drifted apart due to following individual paths, and informs them of his task. However, the group is also divided, as Porthos is willing to be in the Cardinal’s service, whereas Athos and Aramis take the side of the opposition. As a result, the group must overcome their contrasting views and loyalties, and test the durability of their friendship, as they are brought out of retirement and once again hurled into a gripping adventure, while beset by various enemies. Nevertheless, Dumas presents an effective complementary sequel to his well-loved tale that successfully enthralls with its complex plot, vibrant characters, steady action, historical references, and a vivid description of the political scene prevailing at the time. Needless to say, the novel will undoubtedly motivate readers to continue the series that has been enjoyed by generations. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, Alexandre Dumas, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, History, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, Twenty Years After

The Koran (Qur’an) is regarded by Muslims as the word of God (Allah) as revealed to the prophet Muhammad. It is divided into 114 chapters (surahs), arranged roughly by length. This version, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, is a widely used English translation of the Koran by a Muslim Englishman. Many Muslims, however, including Pickthall, believe that true translations of the Koran from the original Arabic are impossible, and see translations into other languages only as useful interpretations.

Categories: Arts, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, religion, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, Unknown

Henry Gray’s classic anatomy textbook was first published in 1858 and has been in continuous publication ever since, revised and expanded through many successive editions. This recording is of the public-domain 1918 US edition (some information may be outdated). More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Education

Tags: Anatomy of the Human Body, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Henry Gray, instruction, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, nature, Non-fiction, science

Florence Scovel Shinn, an illustrator living in New York City, became a teacher of New Thought after a divorce. New Thought was a movement which holds the belief that individuals can create their own reality through intentional thoughts and prayer, much like the current Law of Attraction movement. The Game of Life and How to Play It is her first book, and is remarkable for being written by a woman and meant for a genteel female audience. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: advice, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Florence Scovel Shinn, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, The Game of Life and How to Play It

Return with us to those thrilling days of yesteryear as Mike Vendetti narrates this early Zane Grey novel of hardy pioneers taming the wild west. Yes, despite the difficult times, romance flourishes and the bad guys are eliminated almost single handedly as our heroes Jonathan Zane and his sidekick Lew “Deathwind” Wetzel fight their way through mud, blood, gore, savage Indians, and despicable outlaws, to make the land safe for pioneer families as they settle the wild west. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Last Trail, westerns, Zane Grey

A comedy of manners, Emma portrays the spoilt, snobbish, yet charming Emma Woodhouse as she delightfully interferes in the relationships of others without taking much notice of her own heart. Although quick to make prejudgments and decisions, Emma is eventually able to notice her mistakes, and it is this revelation that makes her an endearing heroine and an inspiration to women throughout. Austen has not only created, but also brought to life the world inhabited by her characters through her vivid depictions and clever use of wit. The novel begins with the introduction of the twenty-year-old protagonist described by the all-knowing narrator as “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich with a comfortable home and happy disposition”. He also warns readers of Emma’s high self-confidence and her efforts of having everything her way. Living on the large estate of Hartfield in Surrey with her elderly widowed father, Emma is satisfied with her life and sees no need for romance or a marriage of her own. Instead she views herself to be quite the matchmaker after attending the wedding of her former governess and best friend Anne Taylor and Mr. Weston, whom she has introduced to one another. This new role as matchmaker is further inflamed when she befriends the sweet but not so bright seventeen-year-old Harriet Smith. Emma is determined to find a suitable match for her new best friend and believes that Harriet deserves a gentleman and nothing less. A trusted friend and brother-in-law, George Knightley appears to be the only person openly criticizing Emma’s actions and pointing out her faults. As the novel progresses so does the positive transformation of Emma as she evolves from her self-centered ways into a sympathetic woman well aware of others and her own desires. Emma is often labeled as Austen’s most flawless piece of work, as she explores social issues concerning the difficulties women face living in a society and time when social status defined their very existence. A classic depiction of youthful pride and a misinterpretation of signs, Emma is not without reason celebrated as one of the most revered social comedies. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Comedy

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Comedy, ebooks, Emma, fiction, free audio books, humor, jane austen, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, satire

Compiled by an American missionary, West African Folk Tales by William H Barker is a delightful collection of folk tales from Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania and other countries along the west coast of Africa. These stories spread in various forms to other countries like the West Indies, Suriname, the Netherland Antilles, etc and can be still heard today among the people of these countries. West African Folk Tales is a wonderful read for both young people and older readers alike. The stories are charmingly retold. Most of them are about Anansi, the trickster god of the West African people. He is worshiped as the god of all stories and often takes the form of a spider, which is considered to be very cunning. Anansi the Spider sometimes has a human face, wears clothes or assumes human form but keeps his eight legs. The first story in this book tells of how the Anansi tales originated. In the olden days, goes the tale, all stories were only about Nyankupon the chief of gods. But Anansi the Spider felt that he should be the hero of all stories. He goes to the chief and demands that he should be made the hero, whereupon the chief sets some conditions for Anansi to fulfill before he can call himself a hero. How the clever Spider achieves this forms the rest of this entertaining tale. The Anansi tales are supposed to have originated in Ghana and it is among the Ashanti people of Ghana that they are most popular. However, they remained an oral tradition, passed on from generation to generation, and Anansi himself was reputed to be a skillful speaker and teller of stories. Though Anansi is quite smart, he uses his cleverness to trick others and sometimes he himself meets a bad end! This book contains 18 Anansi stories and 17 others about different animals like leopards, tigers and elephants. There are also stories about various trees and plants. The Anansi tales are closely linked to Uncle Remus’ Brer Rabbit tales and Anansi’s character bears a strong resemblance to the tricky rabbit. The original edition of West African Folk Tales has some beautiful illustrations which would appeal to young readers. This collection was first published in Lagos in 1917. William H Barker was a missionary and the principal of a government school in Accra. The book was coauthored by Cecilia Sinclair and will certainly provide hours of entertainment for both parents and children.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: animals, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Fairy tales, fiction, free audio books, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, West African Folk Tales, William H. Barker

There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous of informing himself of the leading outlines of their history, that he may know, in brief, what it was in their characters or their doings which has given them so widely-extended a fame. Consequently, great historical names alone are selected; and it has been the writer’s aim to present the prominent and leading traits in their characters, and all the important events in their lives, in a bold and free manner, and yet in the plain and simple language which is so obviously required in works which aim at permanent and practical usefulness. This volume is dedicated to Hannibal. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Biography, ebooks, free audio books, hannibal, History, Jacob Abbott, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, War stories