Publisher: Adrien Devret
Gargantua is a novel written in the 16th century by François Rabelais. It is the story of a giant and his adventures, written in an amusing, extravagant, satirical vein.
"Billy Budd" is a novella written by Herman Melville, completed shortly before his death in 1891. It tells the story of Billy Budd, a handsome and popular sailor who becomes embroiled in a conflict with his ship's master-at-arms, John Claggart, on board a British naval vessel during the late 18th century. The novella explores themes of innocence, morality, justice, and the inherent conflict between good and evil. The narrative centers around the character of Billy Budd, a young and virtuous sailor admired by his peers for his exceptional charm and simplicity. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is falsely accused of inciting mutiny by Claggart, a malevolent and envious officer. The novella delves into the psychological dynamics between the two characters and the moral dilemmas faced by the ship's captain, Captain Vere, as he grapples with the decision of how to handle the situation. "Billy Budd" explores the clash between absolute goodness and institutional authority, with Melville examining the complexities and ambiguities of human nature. The novella raises profound questions about the nature of justice, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle to maintain one's moral integrity in a society driven by hierarchy and oppression. Melville's writing in "Billy Budd" is characterized by his rich prose, nuanced characterization, and philosophical inquiries. The novella incorporates nautical terminology and imagery, drawing on Melville's own experiences as a sailor, and employs a multi-layered narrative that invites readers to contemplate deeper moral and existential questions.Show book
Though it is for the sparkling epic, Aeneid, that the Roman poet Virgil is best known, it was these two poems, The Eclogues and Georgics, which first established his reputation. Cast in the tradition of pastoral poetry, The Eclogues were written between 41 BCE and 37 BCE when Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro, to give him his full name) was in his thirties. The Eclogues (the word means ‘Selections' in Greek) contain 10 poems, a combination of dialogues and monologues. They drew on the ‘bucolic' (rural) style of the ancient Greek poet Theocritus (c 300BCE-c 260 BCE), but Virgil weaves many references to contemporary Roman events. Though The Eclogues have perhaps existed in the shadow of Georgics, they have been highly regarded and studied by academics and poets down the centuries. They are presented here in the 20th century translation by the British poet R. C. Trevelyan, and read in multi-voice format as they were originally written, with clearly delineated characters bringing the content to life with verve and temperament.Though also pastoral in nature, Georgics is very different in style. Published in 29 BCE, the main subject is agriculture (the title reflects the Greek word ‘georgika', agricultural things), and vigorously promotes traditional means of farming. Again, Virgil weaves into his verse cultural and political themes. Cast in four Books, the dynamic expression draws on numerous Classical, mythical and contemporary references, while explaining the best methods for ploughing, animal husbandry, observing weather patterns, the life of bees and the like. Increasingly, the rise and fall of man's endeavours can be reflected in the vicissitudes of agricultural life. The 20th century translation of Georgics used on this recording is by the highly respected translator of Latin poetry, Smith Palmer Bovie. It is read by Jamie Parker. Closer study of both works while listening is possible through the complete texts that come with the recording.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.Show book
This is a short story about a lawyer with offices on Wall Street in New York City. He runs an advertisement for a scrivener, or professional copyist, for his office and Bartleby responds to his advertisement and comes to work for the lawyer. At first Bartleby appears to be a competent worker, but later he refuses to work when requested, repeatedly uttering the phrase "I would prefer not to." As Bartleby's behavior escalates, the lawyer is confronted with how he will handle and respond to this bizarre behavior. In 2001, the story was adapted into a movie titled "Bartleby".Show book
In the mystical land of Arabia, there is secreted a magical door that opens with the command, “Open, Sesame!” Inside lays the plunder of a century of robbers and mercenaries. When Ali Baba witnesses 40 thieves open this door with the enchanted words, endless possibilities begin to unwind before him.Show book
Widely regarded as the definitive performance of Hamlet starring Sir John Gielgud and Pamela BrownShow book
M. R. James wrote, arguably, the finest supernatural tales in English literature, and this collection contains the best of them, including 'Canon Alberic's Scrapbook', 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come To You, My Lad', 'Lost Hearts', 'Casting the Runes', and 'Count Magnus'. James was something of an actor and gifted storyteller and read his tales aloud to select gatherings on many a Christmas Eve. His intention, he said, was to implant in his listener the idea that, 'if I am not careful, something of this kind might happen to me!' James (1862-1936) was an English medieval scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge, and then Eton College. His ghost stories are beautifully crafted, ranging from the insidiously unsettling to the totally terrifying; his characters may catch the slightest movement out of the corner of their eye or hear, in the depths of the night, an indistinct rustling from a neighbouring bed. His professional interest in antiquarianism pervades many stories. He uses everyday contemporary settings like houses, omnibuses, hotels, golf courses, schools, and beaches, making the intrusion of the supernatural that much more unnerving. For Magpie Audio, narrator Greg Wagland relishes the opportunity to raise a goose bump or two.Show book
