Shows
Classics NarratedAdam Bede, Chapters 3 and 4Dinah declines Seth's proposal, which he bears meekly, and Adam finishes work his father, a drunk absent without explanation, has neglected.2012-08-1055 min
Classics NarratedAdam Bede, Chapter 2Dinah, a beautiful young Methodist woman, preaches an outdoor sermon to the villagers of Hayslope. Not ordained, but saintly, she speaks as one of them, about their commonplace struggles and temptations, and the solace of their redemption in Christ.2011-11-1751 min
Classics NarratedChapter 1: The WorkshopWe meet Adam and Seth Bede, and the other carpenters in Mr. Burge's shop as their work day ends. The time is late 18th century, in the rural English Midlands. They tease and quarrel over a young female Methodist who will preach on the green that evening.2011-10-0420 min
Classics NarratedThe Cask of Amontillado
Anticipating the concept of "frenemy," Poe gives us vanity, self-righteousness, and terrible cruelty in revenge, as stone-hearted Montresor lures credulous Fortunato to his doom.
2010-11-1617 min
Classics NarratedThe Black Cat, by Edgar Allan Poe
NOT recommended for children; Edgar Allan Poe's tale of increasing evil, alcoholism, and murder may haunt the listener as the cat haunted the protagonist.
2010-06-2426 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 33-35
Tom learns how Injun Joe died, he and Huck search for treasure, and adjust to "respectability."
2010-05-1237 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 31 and 32
Lost in gloom, almost without food, the only person Tom and Becky see after wandering many hours in the trackless cavern means death. Leaving the exhausted Becky, Tom at last sees sunlight through a passage to safety.
2010-03-1927 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 29 and 30
The Thatchers return, so Becky and Tom with a large group go on a picnic and cave exploration. Huck spies on dangerous men and averts an attack against an innocent woman. The day following the picnic, Tom and Becky are missing!
2010-03-1235 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 25-28Tom & Huck set out to find treasure, first by digging, then looking into a haunted house, which holds danger and loot. What follows tests their courage still more...2010-01-2043 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 22-24Tom "reforms" for the sake of a gaudy uniform, falls ill for weeks, and returns to old habits with his chums. Muff Potter's trial approaches, Tom's testimony could keep him alive and free, but at risk of his own life from vengeful, violent Injun Joe.2010-01-0822 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 18-21Back at home, Tom shows uncanny insight about events that took place while he was supposedly "away." Aunt Polly questions his good nature, Becky Thatcher rejects and accepts him, and school comes to a resounding close for the summer.2009-09-2749 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 14-17Tom, Joe and Huck leave civilization behind, but notice a search for them. Tom spies on his family back home, but in spite of homesickness, storm, and trouble learning to smoke, the boys stay out until they have a chance to hear their own eulogies.2009-08-2251 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 10-13Witness of a murder makes a heavy burden for Tom and Huck. This brings Tom very low, Aunt Polly tries to cure him, and Tom doses the cat. Rejected in love, Tom turns to "piracy" with Huck and Joe.2009-07-1750 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 7-9Understanding between Becky and Tom is brief, driving Tom to consider life as an outlaw. When he and Huck visit the graveyard at midnight, drawbacks become all too clear.2009-06-1039 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 5 and 6At church, Tom's mind wanders, and he lets his "pinch bug" out of the box, to wander and make exciting friends. Monday Tom avoids school, fakes illness, talks with the outcast Huck Finn, and confesses. Punishment? To sit next to the admired new girl!2009-04-1036 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 3 and 4Tom tries for a little justice of his own, changes his affections, leads a small army, is unjustly punished, and wins a Bible by showing more scholarship than he actually has.2009-04-0237 minClassics NarratedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chapters 1 and 2Tom tries to get the most out of life as a small boy in a small river town in Missouri before the Civil War, and his Aunt Polly tries to bring him up to responsible respectability, giving him the odious chore of whitewashing their board fence.2009-03-1928 minClassics NarratedBartleby the Scrivener, Part 2 of 2Unable to get Bartleby to leave his office, the owner of the law firm moves the office instead. Bartleby remains in the old building until removed by the landlord, and is sent to the Tombs, a Manhattan prison.2009-02-0152 minClassics NarratedBartleby the Scrivener, Part 1 of 2A phlegmatic lawyer who gets more business hires an additional copyist, or scrivener, in mid-19th century Manhattan. At first, work goes well, but Bartleby's quirks grow, upsetting the lawyer and his temperamental staff.2008-11-2051 minClassics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part III, Episode 6 of 6Returning from the Inner Station, Marlow falls ill after Kurtz dies. Recovering, he is compelled to carry Kurtz's writings back to Europe, and to bring sympathy to his bereft fiancee, trying hard not to speak ill of the dead.2008-11-0737 minClassics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part III, Episode 5 of 6The Russian trader explains Kurtz's overwhelming force of personality to Marlow. They find Kurtz desperately sick, but unwilling to leave the jungle and its people, and take him back on board the steamer regardless.2008-09-2649 minClassics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part II, Episode 4 of 6At the Inner Station, Marlow finds violence, death, uncanny echoes of Kurtz's presence, and an odd trader, who informs him that the people fought to keep Kurtz with them.2008-09-1642 minClassics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part II, Episode 3 of 6Marlow steams deeper into the jungle, to the Inner Station, growing more fascinated as he learns more of Kurtz, a man of remarkable abilities. Hunger follows the ship, whose crew are cannibals, with dense fog adding to the palpable tension.2008-08-2140 minClassics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part I, Episode 2Marlow travels to central Africa, finds death, callous indifference, anxiety, and avarice instead of vaunted civilizing ideals in his employer's stations.2008-08-151h 04Classics NarratedHeart of Darkness-Part I, Episode 1At a conference on board ship near London, an old sailor named Marlow recounts his decision to join a European trading company active in Africa.2008-08-0635 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View- Chapters 19 & 20Lucy has frustrating conversations with the Misses Alan and her mother, but a chance meeting with old Mr. Emerson helps her realize what she's tried to deny. The last chapter brings us back to Florence, and the room whose view started the tale.2008-07-0651 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter18Mr. Beebe learns that Cecil's engagement to Lucy has been broken, as Cecil leaves Windy Corners. Without completely understanding her motives, he supports her plan to escape, by traveling to Greece with the elderly ladies they met in Florence.2008-05-0936 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 16 & 17Lucy, denying her feelings for George, throws him out, following lively discussion. She then breaks her engagement to Cecil, who behaves exasperatingly well.2008-04-3035 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 14 & 15Lucy refuses to face her feelings for George, as he and his father settle in the neighborhood. Cecil, oblivious, narrates a passage from a new novel clearly based on her encounter with George in Florence.2008-04-1147 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 12 & 13The Emersons arrive in the Summer Street neighborhood. Freddy and Mr. Beebe make friends with George, and Cecil falls further in the estimation of Lucy's mother.2008-04-0142 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 10 and 11: Cecil as a Humourist...A clearer picture of the Honeychurch family's position in their community emerges. Cecil meddles in finding new tenants, and Lucy goes to visit him and his mother at their place in London.2008-03-2633 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter 9: Lucy as a Work of ArtCecil meets the neighbors of the Honeychurch family, and dislikes them. His first kiss from Lucy goes awry.2008-03-1231 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter 8: MediaevalFrom Italy, the scene shifts to Sussex, England. Here we meet Lucy's mother and brother, and find she has a new suitor.2008-03-0634 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 6 and 7: A Drive, and They ReturnAll our cast goes for a sight-seeing drive, with a reckless and amorous coachman. Lucy has an encounter with George Emerson that causes consternation; Charlotte decides they must leave Florence.2008-02-2751 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter 5: Possibilities of a Pleasant OutingLucy, confused by the previous day, accompanies Charlotte on errands. En route, they meet the novelist, Miss Lavish, and hear distressing rumors of the Emersons from the Rev. Mr. Eager.2008-02-2028 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapters 3 and 4; Music, Violets...Only at the piano does Lucy reveal her inward passion; conversation with Miss Alan and Rev. Mr. Beebe shows social constraints. She goes alone on an errand, and sees a violent crime. Faint, she accepts George Emerson's company.2008-02-1739 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter 2: In Santa Croce with No BaedekerLucy sets out to view the Church of the Holy Cross, with a clever lady as guide. They lose their way, and then lose sight of one another. Lucy meets the Emersons at the church, and learns more of them than she wanted to know.2008-02-1334 minClassics NarratedA Room with a View-Chapter 1: the BertoliniMiss Honeychurch, chaperoned by Miss Bartlett, touring Florence in the early 1900's, has an unsuitable room; unsuitable strangers offer their better rooms instead.2008-02-1026 minClassics NarratedNotes on Lorna Doone-Background Q & AFor listeners who may want further information on the historical background of Lorna Doone, my spouse and I offer this.2008-02-0616 minClassics NarratedUncle Remus's Most Famous FablesThe Wonderful Tar-Baby Story, and How Mr. Rabbit Was Too Sharp For Mr. Fox (the Briar Patch).2008-01-2309 minClassics NarratedRip Van WinkleOf course you've heard of Rip's long nap; here's the whole story of the henpecked feckless farmer who went for a ramble, drank strange drink with strangers, drowsed off a loyal subject of George III, and woke 20 years later in the young USA.2008-01-1241 minClassics NarratedTo Build a FireJack London's account of a foolhardy arctic Yukon trip, in late December of the early twentieth century.2008-01-0944 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 23John, exhausted, wounded, and sick, believes Lorna dead. Almost, but Ruth brings her back with devoted care, and Lorna's recovery enables John's.2007-12-1326 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 21 & 22Lorna, in charge of herself (thanks to bribing Lord Jeffreys), returns to John and Plover's Barrows. Their wedding is tragically disrupted by Carver, who finally faces John's implacable wrath.2007-12-0735 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 19 & 20Local people, under John's leadership, fight to rid themselves of the murderous Doones. Much is unsettled after the battle, and the most dangerous Doone, Carver, escapes.2007-11-1035 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 17 & 18Sir John returns to Exmoor and finds the Doones have newly outraged their long-suffering neighbors. He tries to talk them into making amends. When they refuse with bullets, he joins the plan for a new attack.2007-11-0745 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 15 & 16John and Lorna see one another after long separation, and come to a clear understanding, despite her rank and wealth.
John prevents her uncle from being robbed, and gains royal regard.2007-11-0550 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 13 & 14John is led to badly wounded rebel Tom by Winnie, Tom's mare. Tom escapes, but innocent John is captured, and threatened with death. Reprieved to wait trial in London, he hears there from Lorna.2007-10-2948 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 11 & 12Annie boldly obtains a truce from the Doones, freeing John to search for her husband, who rashly joined the Monmouth Rebellion. Amid carnage, John finds a sign of Tom.2007-10-2442 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 10Lives of ordinary people and outlaws alike change when Charles II dies. Disturbances follow, which John tries to ignore in his sorrow at Lorna's absence and silence, but he is caught up too.2007-10-2127 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 8 & 9In Lorna's absence, sharp tempers and hurt feelings abound. John seeks comfort from sister Annie at her new home. Getting none, and giving less, he goes to cousin Ruth in Dulverton.2007-10-1637 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 7John reunites Gwenny and her father. He's challenged to wrestle an even bigger man in Cornwall. While he's away, Lorna is taken by court order from the farm, to live with her guardian in London.2007-10-1331 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 6John reflects on a legend about Wizard's Slough, where he meets Uncle Reuben. He is shown his uncle's secret, meets a sceptical Cornishman, and breaks a big obstacle.2007-10-1027 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 5John visits the forlorn grave of Lorna's mother, and reunites Lorna with her nanny. Tom convinces John and Mrs. Ridd to allow his marriage to Annie. John is sent to Dulverton to buy gifts, where Uncle Reuben promises to disclose his secret.2007-10-0636 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 4Lorna and John's love is tested by news of her wealth, rank, and legal jeopardy. John seeks Lorna's nurse, to verify her identity.2007-10-0333 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 2 & 3Jeremy leads the rival militias of Devon and Somerset against the Doone stronghold. Agents of the Court of Chancery seek Lorna and her estate at the Ridd's farm.2007-09-2550 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 3, chap. 1Jeremy tells John of meeting the hostess of an inn; she came to England from Italy, in service to a noble family, and reveals the tragic end of Lorna's real parents.2007-09-1925 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 23 & 24Counsellor Doone visits the Ridds, intimidates, flatters, and tells Lorna and John that their fathers killed one another. Failing to split them, the Counsellor steals Lorna's precious necklace.2007-09-1643 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 22Lorna's presence in John's life causes a stir in the neighborhood, the household, and especially with Cousin Ruth.2007-09-1132 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 20 & 21John and Jeremy prepare to defend the farm from marauding Doones. Carver threatens Lorna. She wakes the weary John, and reinforced, they fight off the Doones.2007-09-0845 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 18 & 19Despite floods, Squire Faggus visits Plover's Barrows, and finds Lorna's necklace tremendously valuable. Jeremy Stickles makes his way there afterwards, chased by three murderous Doones.2007-09-0550 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 16 & 17Lorna and Gwenny are rescued by John from the Doones, despite the blizzard. The Ridds receive Lorna into their home, and spring comes, with threat of flood.2007-09-0242 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 14 & 15A fierce blizzard endangers all the livestock, and separates John and Lorna. His bookworm sister suggests snowshoes and sled, which bring him to Lorna and Gwenny, with chance of escape from starvation or forced marriage.2007-08-3046 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 12 & 13Lorna summons John Ridd for a difficult talk with her dying grandfather, patriarch of the Doones. After his funeral, perilous winter weather sets in.2007-08-2842 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 11John Ridd learns of plans to raid the outlaw Doones, risking Lorna's safety. Tom Faggus wins pardon for highway robbery, but a posse plans to shoot him on his way home.2007-08-2531 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 10John Fry neglects his farm work to help Jeremy Stickles, much to John Ridd's annoyance. John Ridd narrowly escapes murder by Doones pursuing Jeremy Stickles, who John saves from ambush.2007-08-2425 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 9John, desperate to hear from Lorna, makes his will and scouts Glen Doone. At risk of his life, he finds Lorna, meets Gwenny, and new signals are set.2007-08-2230 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 6-8Relationships clarify, as Mrs. Ridd learns of Annie's commitment to Tom Faggus, and John's to Lorna. Ruth's feelings are hurt, Lorna gives John a ring, and communication stops.2007-08-1844 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 4 & 5John has no idea why he can't see Lorna until Betty Muxworthy makes him help feed the pigs. Thanks to Betty's hint, he and Lorna reach an understanding.2007-08-1635 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 3Mysteries abound: an unidentified intruder, Uncle Ben visits without stating his purpose, and John Fry sees what he takes for a ghost when spying on Uncle Ben.2007-08-1528 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 2, Chap. 1 & 2Lorna and John agree to spend two months apart. The harvest begins, John and his sister Annie confide in one another, and the Ridds host a harvest dance.2007-08-1442 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 26-28John's interview with the "Hanging Judge," Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, goes surprisingly well. With difficulty, he returns home, loving it more for being away, and meets Lorna again.2007-08-0355 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 24 & 25John and Jeremy Stickles travel to London, avoiding highwaymen. In London, John finds a member of the bar as greedy as any knight of the road.2007-08-0240 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 22 & 23Lorna and John arrange a signal, and that John is not to return to the Glen for at least one month. John finds separation hard, particularly in the beauty of Spring. As the month is up, John is summoned to court in London, much against his inclination.2007-07-3038 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 20 & 21Lorna explains her circumstances: isolated, frightened, and mystified about how she came to be among the cruel, violent Doones. She also tells John about a young cousin who came to bring her to her respectable family, and his murder.2007-07-2637 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 18 & 19John's hopes of Lorna are cast down by his interview with Mother Melldrum. Undaunted, he keeps his feelings for Lorna secret, returns to visit her with a gift of fresh eggs, and wins her confidence by his self-control.2007-07-2126 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 16 & 17John returns to Glen Doone on St. Valentine's Day, where he meets Lorna again. He falls in love, can't concentrate, loses himself in work, and seeks advice of a "wise woman" about when he should venture to see Lorna next.2007-07-1133 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 14 & 15Uncle Reuben vents his resentment over being robbed on his relatives and their guests. Mollified by their hospitality, he goes with John to the local squire, for justice. Humiliated there, they scout the Doones' stronghold to plan future action.2007-07-0733 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 12 & 13John tells of his cousin, a popular highway robber, and uncle, a prosperous merchant, who falls in with a different sort of thief.2007-07-0544 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 10 & 11A dashing kinsman rescues an animal, allows John to try to ride his fine horse, and ingratiates himself with the family.2007-06-2833 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 8 & 9Fourteen year-old John meets eight year-old Lorna, who helps him escape the Doones' stronghold. He returns to the family farm, never forgetting her.2007-06-2731 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 6 & 7We learn more about the Ridd household, John's preparation for defense, and a fishing trip that leads him astray, into danger.2007-06-2341 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 4 & 5Young John learns his father's fate, his mother pleads for justice, and we learn how the Doones came to Exmoor.2007-06-2132 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 3John Fry and young John Ridd encounter two very different groups of travelers on their way home.2007-06-2027 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Vol. 1, Chap. 1 & 2"...a simple tale told simply..." begins the story of John Ridd, in his maturity, looking back at his schoolboy days, before he met the lovely and mysterious Lorna.2007-06-1629 minClassics NarratedLorna Doone, Selected PrefacesContinuously in print since its publication (though not an immediate bestseller), here are a few of R.D. Blackmore's prefaces, still of interest, at least to the scholar.2007-06-1605 minClassics NarratedThe Great Pancake RecordOwen Johnson tells how an unlikely hero achieved schoolboy immortality.2007-06-0330 minClassics NarratedThe Ransom of Red ChiefHapless kidnappers find the limit of parental affection.2007-05-2725 minClassics NarratedThe Man Without a CountryEdward Everett Hale's story of a U.S. Army officer in the early 19th century. Caught up in Aaron Burr's conspiracy, when court-martialled, he wishes he might never hear of the United States again. That becomes his sentence.2007-05-251h 00Classics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 15Conclusion: Kim and the lama return to the plains, both ill. Rest and healing at the house of the virtuous (and garrulous) old woman of Kulu. The lama and Mahbub discuss Kim's future, and the transfigured lama brings Kim to the end of the Search.2007-05-221h 02Classics NarratedThe Great Stone FaceNathaniel Hawthorne's parable of holiness and humility in the White Mountain valleys that look up to New Hampshire's now fallen Old Man of the Mountain.2007-05-2049 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 14After crisis, the Lama and Kim are welcomed in a small mountain village. There the lama teaches, meditates, and changes direction, though weak. Kim meets the woman of the village, and negotiates badly needed help.2007-05-1843 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 13The lama finds rejuvenation in the Hills, and crisis, when he and Kim encounter a team of foreign spies.2007-05-1549 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 12Lama and disciple take to the Road to visit the hospitable and sharp-tongued lady they met before. At her place, they encounter a hakim or healer, and arrange to return to the lama's beloved Hills.2007-05-0859 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 11Identity and talent are explored, as Kim rejoins the Lama in Benares, heals a child, and transforms a desperate colleague.2007-04-2852 minClassics NarratedThe Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras CountySet in the California Gold Rush, the author asks an old man for news of a friend's friend. Instead, he hears of a compulsive gambler with the same last name, and his animal contestants.2007-04-2714 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 10Mapping, disguise, danger, the intercession of friends and the supernatural form Kim's initiation into the Great Game: Britain's struggle to hold India, the jewel in the crown of Empire, against Russian subversion.2007-04-2642 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 9Kim meets the Healer of Pearls, his jealous apprentice, and the Babu. He learns of fear, illusion, memory, disguise, his calling, and a novel use of the multiplication tables.2007-04-1049 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 8Kim & Mahbub come to understand one another, and foil a plot against Mahbub's life. They then travel to Simla, where a unique teacher awaits Kim.2007-04-0640 minClassics NarratedKipling's Kim, chapter 7Kim is taken to his first term at St. Xavier's School by the mysterious Col. Creighton, is seen safely inside by the beloved Lama, and has his unusual vacation trip explained by Mahbub Ali.2007-04-0437 min