The Devil's Disciple

George Bernard Shaw

Summary

“The Devil's Disciple” is a play by George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright who became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

“The Devil's Disciple” is Shaw's eighth play, and it was his first financial success, which helped to affirm his career as a playwright. Set in Colonial America during the Revolutionary era, the play tells the story of Richard Dudgeon, a local outcast and self-proclaimed "Devil's disciple". In a twist characteristic of Shaw's love of paradox, Dudgeon sacrifices himself in a Christ-like gesture despite his professed Infernal allegiance.

Available since: 01/07/2022.

Poetry & Theatre

Other books that might interest you

A Valedictory Bestiary - Elegies...

M. Coleridge Scott

This anthology of eleven stirring tales, composed in melodic rhyming couplets, sweeps readers into a realm where myth intertwines with romance across diverse landscapes: from the Peruvian Amazon to the plains of Africa, the vastness of the Pacific to the spiritual heights of Tibet. Each narrative celebrates the wild, noble beasts that champion the cause of their land: wolves liberating Athens, pumas safeguarding the Amazon, bears emancipating prisoners in wartime Germany, and more. 
These creatures not only symbolize the spirit of their homelands but also the myths and history embedded within, now imperilled by relentless
 modernization.
 
Scott’s weaves a poetic tapestry reminiscent of Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner,’ Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories,’ and the adventurous spirit of Patrick Leigh Fermor, all while channelling Mary Pope Osborne’s fascination with myth. It’s a literary mosaic, unparalleled in ambition, which speaks eloquently to the urgency of preserving our world’s cultural and ecological richness. The stories, though they grapple with themes of loss and environmental decay, also ignite hope for spiritual rebirth and the triumph of nature’s indomitable heart.

Show book

Ancient Egyptian Legends

Margaret Alice Murray

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz.
"Ancient Egyptian Legends" by Margaret Alice Murray is a collection of mythological tales written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the rich legends of ancient Egyptian gods and their exploits, offering readers an accessible retelling of stories that have captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike. Aimed at a general audience, it presents narratives of legendary figures such as King Rameses, Osiris, and Horus, highlighting their adventures and relationships within a vibrant mythological context. The opening of the work introduces the premise and intentions behind the narratives presented. The author explains her approach to retelling these legends, maintaining the essence of the Egyptian stories while adapting them for English readers. The first story, "The Princess and the Demon," features King Rameses, who is beset with challenges surrounding his newfound love, Queen Neferu-Ra, and her family. As the tale unfolds, it explores themes of love, duty, and supernatural intervention, setting the stage for the epic conflicts and divine interactions that characterize the subsequent stories in the collection. Overall, this introduction promises a rich exploration of Egyptian mythology, inviting the reader into a fascinating world of gods, kings, and enchanted beings.
Eleven tales of mythology concerning the Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Stories such as The Princess And The Demon, The King's Dream, The Book Of Thoth, The Scorpians Of Isis, The Battles Of Horus, The Name Of Ra and The Regions Of Night And Darkness.

Show book

The Book of Jonah

Luke Kennard

Read by the author, Luke Kennard‘Kennard’s distinctive voice – surreal, funny, anxious, always overthinking, and cringingly self-deprecating – has made him one of the most widely liked and imitated British poets’ – Tristram Fane Saunders, TLSNone of the Old Testament prophets were especially happy or confident in their calling, but Jonah was the only one who rejected it outright, disobeying direct instruction from God and literally running away. In The Book of Jonah, Luke Kennard transforms the unique and awkward position Jonah’s story occupies in scripture – part dream, part joke, part provocation – into a madcap picaresque which marries the sacred and the absurd.Though Jonah’s encounter with the whale is most commonly interpreted as the story of a reluctant prophet being punished by his maker, Kennard’s Jonah is more wily business traveller than seer. Taking his instruction instead from non-governmental organizations, arts development agencies and public-relations gurus, this Jonah keeps relentlessly busy, accepting any assignment that will take him further away from Nineveh and drown out the word of God in his ears. On his travels he meets errant writers, fixers, artists and consultants, but nobody who can give him a sense of what his work might be beyond a five-star capitalist purgatory in a series of exotic locations. What would it mean to be a prophet – or even a false prophet – in this milieu?Taking on the decimation of funding for the arts, the emptiness of the hero’s journey and a literary culture regarded by wider society with cynicism, ignorance and apathy, The Book of Jonah is a blistering poetry collection from the Forward Prize-winning author of Notes on the Sonnets.

Show book

The Poetry of Aleister Crowley -...

Aleister Crowley

Edward Alexander Crowley was born on 12th October 1875 to wealthy parents in Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.

He was educated at Malvern College, Tonbridge School, Eastbourne College and finally Trinity College, Cambridge where he focused on his passions of mountaineering and poetry and published several volumes.

Life for Crowley was to abandon his parents’ Christian faith and instead to inject himself into Western esotericism. In 1898, he joined the esoteric Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and was trained in ceremonial magic before studying both Hindu and Buddhist practices in India.

On his Egyptian honeymoon in 1904 he claimed contact with an entity―Aiwass―who gave him the sacred Book of the Law which served as the basis for the Thelema religion where he identified as its prophet. During the Great War, which he spent in the United States, he claimed to be working for British Intelligence but by the 1920s he had decamped to pursue a libertine lifestyle in Sicily, and in the ensuing scandals was evicted by the Italian Government.

He divided the following two decades between France, Germany, and England, and the continuing promotion of Thelema.

During his life he gained widespread notoriety for his drug use, his bisexuality, and his alarming views on society. In short, polite society frowned on his ways, his thoughts and his influence but to many others his stance had much of value. Even after death he was a darling for the 60’s counterculture but his influence has since waned.

His literary works were both prolific and covered many topics. In the early part of his career he published many poetry books, even plays, before his darker and more forceful works came to dominate his output.

Aleister Crowley died on 1st December 1947 at Hastings in England. He was 72.

1 - The Poetry of Aleister Crowley - An Introduction
2 - The Wizard Way by Aleister Crowley
3 - Hymn to Lucifer by Aleister Crowley
4 - The Pentagram by Aleister Crowley
5 - Hymn to Pan by Aleister Crowley
6 - A Birthday by Aleister Crowley
7 - The Quest by Aleister Crowley
8 - Boo to Buddha by Aleister Crowley
9 - All Night by Aleister Crowley
10 - Necrophilia by Aleister Crowley
11 - Mathilde by Aleister Crowley
12 - Ballade de la Jolie Marion by Aleister Crowley
13 - Rondels by Aleister Crowley
14 - Man's Hope by Aleister Crowley
15 - A Jealous Lover by Aleister Crowley
16 - Long Odds by Aleister Crowley
17 - Power by Aleister Crowley
18 - Optimist by Aleister Crowley
19 - Dumb by Aleister Crowley
20 - The Titanic by Aleister Crowley
21 - The Buddhist by Aleister Crowley
22 - The Mantra-Yoga by Aleister Crowley
23 - The Poet by Aleister Crowley

Show book

Girl Made of Glass

Shelby Leigh

If you think often about the past or battle with overthinking and self-esteem, girl made of glass is for you. This collection is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself, and loving yourself. It explores the many ways our past haunts us but will leave you feeling hopeful about your future. 
 
 
 
girl made of glass is a poetry collection about how our past—past mistakes, relationships, and regrets—can linger into our future. Broken into four parts, this book is about finding, forgiving, and loving ourselves. The Nightmares explores our past and the moments that haunt us. The Mirror delves into insecurity and how we might haunt ourselves. The Shattering investigates relationships and how they can break us. The Enchantment delivers an uplifting conclusion of self-love and growth.

Show book

One-Act Plays

Charles Dickens, Gordon...

Step into a world of riveting drama and captivating storytelling with our digital audiobook collection of classic One-Act Plays. Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore the world of drama, this collection is bound to leave you spellbound.

Featuring Four Remarkable Plays

"Is She His Wife?" by Charles Dickens:
Delve into the intriguing realm of mystery and deception as Charles Dickens masterfully weaves a tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With expert narration, you'll feel the tension rise as secrets are unveiled and relationships are tested. Experience the brilliance of Dickens in a whole new dimension.

"Mr. Nightingale's Diary" by Charles Dickens:
Embark on a journey of laughter, romance, and unexpected twists with this charming play. Charles Dickens invites you to witness the whimsical escapades of Mr. Nightingale as he navigates the complexities of life and love. Let the dynamic narration transport you to a bygone era, where every emotion is palpable and every character comes to life.

"King Lear's Wife" by Gordon Bottomley:
Shakespeare's iconic tragedy "King Lear" takes an intriguing twist in this thought-provoking play. Gordon Bottomley explores the untold story of King Lear's wife, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Immerse yourself in the complexities of power, loyalty, and family dynamics, expertly narrated to capture the essence of Shakespearean drama.

"War Brides" by Marion Craig Wentworth:
Experience the poignant stories of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of wartime challenges. Marion Craig Wentworth's "War Brides" brings to life the emotions and struggles of women separated from their loved ones by war. Let the heartfelt narration transport you to a time of courage and determination that will leave a lasting impact.

Show book