Random Loyal Books Podcasts

A collection of comical short stories by renowned American humorist and author Mark Twain, the compilation features 30 stories published in 1906. Presenting a colorful array of tales, the short stories cover various periods of Twain’s writing career, while also allowing him to revise and perfect each story. Exploring various topics including abusive hierarchical power, human recklessness, and backfiring expectations, the collection offers a sweet treat to satisfy every taste. The anthology begins with the story “The $30,000 Bequest” which introduces the married couple Electra and Saladin who live a modest yet comfortable life with their two daughters. Both husband and wife are known to be thrifty with their finances and are regarded by others as good people. However, their lives take an unexpected shift after the couple receives a note from a supposed distant relative informing them of his plans to leave them an inheritance of $30,000 after his death. He additionally adds in the note that they must not tell anyone about the money, its origin, or inquire about his death, for they will find out all necessary information in due course. Thrilled by such news, the couple begins to live in their own world governed by fantasy and choose to leave their mediocre lives behind them as they await their promised wealth. Nevertheless, it appears that they have bitten off more than they can chew, as their lives take a humorous turn, as Twain comically depicts their foolishness and credulousness. A successful satire and subtle critique on human nature and behavior, the short stories are genuinely evocative and full of emotion as they depict everyday characters and situations. Apart from serving as a form of entertainment and inducing a good laugh, The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories exhibit tales which also provide allegorical depth, encouraging the audience to read between the lines. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Comedy

Tags: 000 Bequest and Other Stories, audio books, audiobook, Comedy, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Mark Twain, Short stories, The $30

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

Beowulf is a long narrative poem composed in Old English some time in between the 8th and 11th century AD. The only surviving manuscript that contains the poem is preserved in the British Library and it too was badly damaged by fire in 1731. It is considered to be the oldest surviving work of poetry in English and one of the rare pieces of vernacular European literature that has survived since Medieval times. A prince arrives to rid a neighboring country of a terrible monster. He mortally wounds the horrendous creature and it retreats to die in its lair in the remote mountains. The monster’s even more terrifying mother swoops down on the kingdom, prepared to destroy everything in a vengeful frenzy. The valiant prince slays her too and becomes a celebrated hero. Laden with gifts, he returns home to rule his kingdom wisely and well, till suddenly one day, he receives news of a dreadful and powerful dragon attacking the borders of his prosperous kingdom… There is no evidence to show the authorship of the poem and the manuscript reveals that it was hand-written by two different scribes. The poem originally had no title and it began to be called after its hero Beowulf the Prince of Geats in southern Sweden, only in the 19th century. The manuscript was in the possession of a scholar Lawrence Nowell and survives in a very delicate condition after so many centuries of neglect and mishaps. Beowulf recounts the story of the valiant warrior of Geats who comes to the aid of his neighbor, King Hrothgar whose mead hall is being attacked by a dreadful creature called Grendel. The mead hall was the big feasting hall of the king and sometimes even served as a living quarter for the king and his noblemen in medieval times in Scandinavia and the German parts of Europe. The monster is vanquished, but the next night, the warriors are stunned by the arrival of Grendel’s even more loathsome mother, who wreaks havoc on the sleeping victors. Beowulf uses a magical sword to destroy her and returns to his kingdom where he achieves great success and renown as a just and brave ruler. Half a century later, another supernatural creature descends on the peaceful kingdom and Beowulf again takes up arms to ride in to battle. The poem can be seen as actual history, or as a lyrical ode to a brave king. It has had enormous impact on modern-day fantasy writers and continues to be a seminal work of early English literature.

Categories: Arts

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, Beowulf, ebooks, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, poetry, Unknown

The People that Time Forgot is a science fiction novel, the second of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Caspak” trilogy. The first novel ended with the hero writing a manuscript of his adventures and casting it out to sea in his thermos bottle. The second novel begins with the finding of the manuscript and the organization of a rescue expedition. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Edgar Rice Burroughs, fiction, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, science, science-fiction, The People that Time Forgot

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

Betsy Bobbin encounters many strange and exciting adventures and people in the land of Oz; a side-plot is Queen Ann of Oogaboo’s mission to take over Oz.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fantasy, fiction, free audio books, Kids, L. Frank Baum, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Myths/Legends, Teen/Young adult, Tik-Tok of Oz

Aristotle’s Poetics from the 4th century B.C. aims to give a short study of storytelling. It discusses things like unity of plot, reversal of situation, and character in the context of Greek tragedy, comedy and epic poetry. But it still applies today. It is especially popular with screenwriters as seen in many script gurus’ how-to books.

Categories: Arts, Music, Society & Culture

Tags: aristotle, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, music, Non-fiction, Philosophy, poetics, poetry

First appearing in Harper’s Young People as a serial, the piece focuses on the extraordinary tale of a young boy and a girl who have been brought up in a secluded and controlled environment by a wicked witch, incognizant of the world outside of their custom tailored settings. Enriched with magic, fantasy, romance, and allegory, The Day Boy and the Night Girl is a great instance of MacDonald’s excellent use of metaphors to express a deeper meaning to a seemingly simple fairy tale. The novel begins with the introduction of Watho, a wicked witch who has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. In her pursuit of knowledge, she decides to conduct her very own experiment, where she seeks to shape the characters of two infants by controlling their environment with utmost caution. In order to carry out such an experiment, she deviously accommodates two expectant mothers in her castle, lodging one of the women in a sunlit, airy room, while placing the other in a dark, confined space. Accordingly, Photogen is born in light surroundings, whereas Nycteris is born in the darkness. Subsequently, Watho begins her experiment as she raises the young boy in daylight, oblivious to the existence of night, while also allowing him to roam free and explore his surroundings. In contrast, Watho raises the young girl in darkness, unaware of the day’s brightness, and keeps her secluded in her small quarters. However, following a series of events, the two eventually meet, as they are both exposed to an unfamiliar scene that stirs up many emotions. Complementing each other’s deficiencies, Photogen and Nycteris effectively endorse the belief that two opposites attract, as they overcome their differences with the help of their growing mutual support and understanding. Consequently, the pair must stand by each other to overcome their cruel captor, while at the same time learn to embrace the unknown and unexpected. Featuring many absorbing elements including an intriguing plot, contrasting characters, vibrant imagery, and deep allegory, the story is sure to fascinate with its evocative details that successfully justify its author’s renowned literary reputation. Furthermore, MacDonald successfully portrays the notion of light and dark, while also allowing the audience to gather their thoughts and grasp the hidden meaning implied within its pages, which is sure to have a profound effect. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Fairy tales, fantasy, fiction, free audio books, George MacDonald, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Day Boy and the Night Girl

THE author of the following narrative has peculiar qualifications for her task. She is a daughter of Lord Yu Keng, a member of the Manchu White Banner Corps, and one of the most advanced and progressive Chinese officials of his generation. she became First Lady-in-Waiting to the Empress Dowager, and while serving at the Court in that capacity she received the impressions which provide the subject-matter of this book. Her opportunity to observe and estimate the characteristics of the remarkable woman who ruled China for so long was unique, and her narrative throws a new light on one of the most extraordinary personalities of modern times. Yielding to the urgent solicitation of friends, she consented to put some of her experiences into literary form, and the following chronicle, in which the most famous of Chinese women, the customs and atmosphere of her Court are portrayed by an intimate of the same race, is a result.

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Biography, ebooks, free audio books, History, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Memoirs, Non-fiction, Princess Der Ling, Two Years in the Forbidden City

A Room With a View opens with Two Englishwomen touring Europe. The older one is poor, bossy, old fashioned and a great upholder of what is “proper.” The younger one is less certain of herself, but holds within her the makings of a passionate, emotional and independent woman. In Florence they are allotted a room overlooking a dull courtyard, whereas they had specifically asked for a “view.” A fellow guest offers them his own rooms which offer wonderful vistas of the Arno. The older woman instead of appreciating his courtesy, sees this as a breach of propriety. What follows is a romantic novel, a treatise on the independence of women and a penetrating portrayal of hypocritical Edwardian society and politics. A Room With a View by Edward M Forster was published in 1908. He wrote the early parts of the book while actually traveling in Italy with his mother and hence provides an almost first hand view of the English abroad. It was his third novel and many consider it to be one of his most optimistic. The tone is also considerably lighter than his earlier books, Where Angles Fear To Tread and The Longest Journey. Along with Angels, it is also seen as the two “Italian novels” that Forster wrote, in which he explores the narrow-mindedness and silly conventions followed by the English when they travel. The heroine, Lucy Honeychurch, represents a young and impressionable generation just emerging from the chains of society’s illogical and unfair restraints. She is unsure, but courageous and passionate. Forster’s books are deeply influenced by his humane and compassionate views. Another major theme in Forster’s work is the conflict between individual freedoms, desires, sexuality and society’s repressions and restrictions. He also uses symbolism and mysticism as vehicles to convey his ideas. In A Room With a View, the young Lucy is torn between the demands of two men she encounters in Florence. The wealthy Cecil Vyse can offer her everything in terms of material wealth and comfort, while the poor, but passionate George Emerson represents all that finds echoes in her heart. Other interesting characters like Rev Beebe, the Miss Alans (who are never seen apart), Miss Lavish a pretentious writer and the liberal, large hearted Mr. Emerson make A Room With a View an interesting and memorable read. A Room With a View was adapted first for the stage in 1975 and later went on to be made into a much acclaimed film that won scores of popular and critical awards and featured several well-known actors. It was also successfully adapted for television by the BBC. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Comedy

Tags: A Room With a View, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Edward M. Forster, fiction, free audio books, humor, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance

Though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for his detective stories, he also wrote other short stories which are masterpieces of mystery and suspense. In some of the stories in “Tales of Terror and Mystery”, a suppressed uneasiness gradually builds up and evolves into sheer terror. In others, the story line unexpectedly changes and comes to a horrific conclusion. Sit back in the comfort of your armchair and let yourself be transported to the strange but compelling world created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Horror/Ghost stories, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, Short stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Tales of Terror and Mystery

For American journalist and humorist Edgar Wilson Nye who wrote under the pen name Bill Nye in the late 19th century, facts are not to be presented in their newborn, bare state. They should be properly draped and embellished before they can be presented before the public. Hence, in the Comic History of the United States published in 1894, he gives his readers the facts. But in a bid to make the historical figures more human he describes them as “people who ate and possibly drank, people who were born, flourished and died, not grave tragedians posing perpetually for their photographs.” Nye was educated in rural Wisconsin and moved to Wyoming to study law. His light-hearted, flippant takes on the serious questions of the day became extremely popular and he moved into journalism. Later, he established his own newspaper, the Laramie Boomerang. Beginning with the discovery of America, a chapter in which he describes Queen Isabella and her advocacy of Christopher Columbus’ famous voyage in lighter vein, Bill Nye takes a tongue in cheek look at Balboa, Cortez and the discovery of moonshine whiskey. He further delves into such serious matters as the Drawbacks of Being a Colonist, The Personality of Washington, The Dutch at New Amsterdam, The American Civil War and its alleged causes and the final Reconstruction by Johnson and Grant. Nye maintains his sly humor and irreverence for honored figures like Stonewall Jackson, Generals Lee, Grant and Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and others. Bill Nye’s technique of taking hold of the facts and dressing them up with his own brand of playful banter is quite amusing and entertaining. The Comic History of the United States is quite appealing to readers of all ages, especially when they know the “real facts.” However, present day readers may find some of the passages and Bill Nye’s remarks quite offensive and politically incorrect for the more enlightened times we now live in. His remarks on African Americans and American Indians can be quite jarring. The Comic History of the United States can become a platform for discussing attitudes and perspectives that were present in the last century. Besides being a journalist and humor writer, Bill Nye was also very popular on the lecture circuit and regaled audiences all over the country with his humorous speeches. In today’s time, he would probably be regarded as a standup comedian and as such, his views would certainly not be taken as grounds for an offense. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Comedy, Society & Culture

Tags: art, audio books, audiobook, Bill Nye, Comedy, Comic History of the United States, ebooks, free audio books, History, humor, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction

Two poets in a London park at sunset, debating on the attributes of poetry and whether it’s really a metaphor for anarchy. A group that meets in secret, planning to overthrow the world order. Disguises and deceptions, ideals and ideology. A medley of themes and genres makes this a great read for anyone who’s a fan of Chesterton and his iconic Father Brown. The Man Who Was Thursday includes Chesterton’s favorite theme of Christianity with touches of delightful humor to enliven the twists and turns that abound throughout the book. Set in the early part of the twentieth century, the novel’s main protagonist, Gabriel Syme is a Scotland Yard detective who’s assigned to break the trend of anarchic groups mushrooming all over London. He hides his true identity and takes on the role of a poet. He meets Lucian Gregory, also a poet, and they become friends. One evening, they get into a passionate debate on the true function of poetry and whether it is a symbol of revolution. As the debate rages on, Gregory is incensed and indiscreet enough to confess that he is part of a secret group that espouses anarchy. The group meets in a remote public house in Chiswick on the banks of the Thames and Gregory invites Syme to join them that evening, to prove that he (Gregory) is indeed a true blue anarchist. At the meeting, Syme discovers that the group of seven are all code named by days of the week. Currently, the slot of Thursday is vacant and Gregory is a strong contender for the post. The rest of the story describes how Syme is drawn into the group and uncovers some of its deepest and most incredible secrets. The final conclusion is typical Chesterton – almost unbelievable and totally unexpected! Orson Welles, who was one of Chesterton’s most devoted fans directed the first radio adaptation of The Man Who was Thursday in 1938. Since then, the book has been adapted for radio readings and a film was also planned based on the book, though it wasn’t made. The appeal of the book lies in its extremely readable style, exciting twists and turns of plot, memorable characters and the lyrical descriptions of Edwardian London. For die-hard Chesterton fans, this would be a great new addition to their list, while those whose good fortune it is to encounter Chesterton for the first time in this novel will certainly enjoy the experience! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fantasy, fiction, free audio books, G. K. Chesterton, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, Spy stories, The Man Who was Thursday

The Short Ghost Story Collection contains ten classic spooky tales written by such master craftsmen as Algernon Blackwood, Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker and Saki among others. The stories range from haunted houses to reincarnation (as a predatory otter), ancient curses in which marble statues come alive and wreak a horrible revenge and a long narrative poem that describes a dialog between a ghost and a human being. This anthology features authors like Lewis Carroll and E Nesbit who are traditionally regarded as children’s writers and other practitioners of the paranormal like American writer Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Ghost stories generally deal with anything that’s considered “scary.” However, each writer has his or her own style of telling the tale. Some like Saki bring in their trademark irony, while Lewis Carroll ensures that the fantastic finds its way in. Algernon Blackwood bends the ghost story to its most classic level, as he spins out this subtle and truly chilling tale “The Empty House”. Charles Dickens weighs in with a gothic tale of a jury member being haunted by the ghost of the person whose trial he is called upon to judge. “The Trial For Murder” finds Dickens in an unusually crisp, rapier-like mode with none of his elaborate and often distracting details. Sheridan Le Fanu’s grim tale “Schalken the Painter” describes the bizarre experiences of a Flemish artist who falls in love with his teacher’s daughter. The horror in this story is generated as much by what’s left to the imagination as what’s described by the narrator. A brief but equally hair-raising little gem by E Nesbit, titled “Uncle Abraham’s Romance” is taken from her 1893 publication Grim Tales. A wistful story, tinged with an air of sadness, like an old keepsake, this story is sure to remain in your memory long after you’ve put the book down. “Shadows on the Wall” is a tale of “domestic horror” by Mary E Wilkins Freeman an early feminist writer who dabbled in other genres occasionally. This classic tale will definitely creep you out whenever you’re home alone at night! It tells the tale of a mysterious crooked shadow that persistently appears on a wall, with no apparent substance to create it. For ghost story enthusiasts and anyone who revels in scary, eerie, creepy, mysterious and spectral tales of weird and uncanny happenings, here’s a great collection to chill you to the bone!

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Horror/Ghost stories, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Short Ghost Story Collection, Short stories, various

On December 31 1787, the HMS Bounty, a small sailing vessel embarked from Spithead Harbor, England bound for Tahiti. Her mission was sponsored by the Royal Society in London and aimed at picking up breadfruit plants and fruit from Tahiti and conveying them to the West Indies, where it was hoped they would take root and become a commercial crop. The Bounty was an old ship with a young captain and 46 young officers. The captain’s cabin was converted into a potting shed for the expected breadfruit cargo. He was quartered in a cramped cabin next to the men. In Tahiti, the crew suddenly found themselves transported into an exotic land, rich with strange and delicious fruits and food, country made liquor and beautiful women. The easy and relaxed lifestyle enticed the Englishmen. As the date of departure neared in 1789, the crew seemed reluctant to leave. Tensions increased as the relationship between the captain and crew began to break down. What followed became one of the most sensational events in seafaring history. The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of HMS Bounty by Sir John Barrow is deemed as the definitive account of the entire horrific episode. It follows the entire case as it happened, starting with the Bounty sailing from Spithead, and includes detailed descriptions of Tahiti, the events on board the ship as recounted by survivors, the trial of the mutineers in 1792 and narratives provided by others who escaped to Pitcairn Island. Original documents and papers are the mainstay of this book and they provide riveting reading. Captain Bligh’s epic voyage with a handful of loyal crew in an open raft across the East Timor Sea to the Dutch East Indies, where he sought help and then traveled back to England also makes fascinating reading. Captain Bligh was meticulous in maintaining accurate records of every event that happened. The mission logs are perfect down to the last detail. Interestingly, the wreck of the Bounty was discovered in 1957 off Pitcairn Island, by Luis Marden, an American photographer and diver who worked with National Geographic. Several films and books on the subject have ensured that the tragic history of the Bounty remains fresh in people’s memories, generation after generation. The 1962 Hollywood film Mutiny on the Bounty is perhaps the best known, with Marlon Brando cast as Fletcher Christian who led the mutineers. The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of HMS Bounty recounts a fascinating piece of history and is a great experience to read.

Categories: Arts, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H.M.S. Bounty, free audio books, History, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, religion, Sea stories, Sir John Barrow

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

Categories: Arts, Comedy, Kids & Family

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, jane austen, Kids, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Mansfield Park, romance, satire

“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts,” is one of the quotes from James Allen’s classic self help books, As a Man Thinketh. Published in 1902, it provides many more such insightful concepts on the power of thought and its effect on a human being’s personality and behavior. This volume is more of a literary essay than a complete book and its title is based on a Biblical proverb, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Taking this piece of ancient wisdom further, James Allen explores the far-reaching effects of the inner workings of a person’s mind and motivation. He proposes that projecting one’s own desires, goals and needs in the outer world can provide clues to a person’s character. Thinking and the subconscious mind are assumed to be hidden from the outside world, and hence powerless to change the course of events or circumstances of one’s life. However, in this book, Allen presents ideas that can harness this subterranean force and bend our lives to our will if we so choose. James Allen was a British writer who wrote mostly about everyday philosophy for the lay person and was in a sense, a pioneer of the self help movement. His books and poems were inspirational pieces, meant to help people realize their own powers and take charge of their lives rather than being mere tools in the hands of destiny. Born in a working class family in Leicester, England, Allen and his younger brother grew up in straitened circumstances. His father, a factory worker, traveled to America in search of a better job, but was tragically attacked and killed by criminals in New York. James, the older son, was compelled to leave school and seek work back in England. He found employment as a secretary to a stationer and later worked as a journalist. He later discovered a deep and enduring interest in spiritual matters when he began working as a writer with a magazine devoted to spiritual themes. His first book From Poverty to Power was published in 1901. Subsequently, he also launched his own spiritual magazine. As a Man Thinketh was his third and most famous book. It became an instant bestseller and the sales of this tiny volume were so great that they allowed Allen and his family to retire to the country, buy a house and live in relative comfort for the rest of their life. The book’s language is very simple and the message presented here will certainly provide a basis for further thought and meditation. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: As a Man Thinketh, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Essay/Short nonfiction, fiction, free audio books, James Allen, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Philosophy, Psychology

“If you don’t like Christmas stories, don’t read this one!And if you don’t like dogs I don’t know just what to advise you to do!For I warn you perfectly frankly that I am distinctly pro-dog and distinctly pro-Christmas, and would like to bring to this little story whatever whiff of fir-balsam I can cajole from the make-believe forest in my typewriter, and every glitter of tinsel, smudge of toy candle, crackle of wrapping paper, that my particular brand of brain and ink can conjure up on a single keyboard! And very large-sized dogs shall romp through every page! And the mercury shiver perpetually in the vicinity of zero! And every foot of earth be crusty-brown and bare with no white snow at all till the very last moment when you’d just about given up hope! And all the heart of the story is very,—oh very young!For purposes of propriety and general historical authenticity there are of course parents in the story. And one or two other oldish persons. But they all go away just as early in the narrative as I can manage it.—Are obliged to go away! Yet lest you find in this general combination of circumstances some sinister threat of audacity, let me conventionalize the story at once by opening it at that most conventional of all conventional Christmas-story hours,—the Twilight of Christmas Eve.” (excerpt from the text)

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: animals, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Eleanor Hallowell Abbott, fiction, free audio books, Good-Will To Dogs, holiday, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Peace On Earth