The Mysterious Stranger and Other Stories

Mark Twain

Summary

An unforgettable classic from the legendary and beloved American author, Mark Twain.

Available since: 11/30/2020.

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The Gilded Age A Tale of Today

Mark Twain, Charles Dudley Warner

Arguably the first major American novel to satirize the political milieu of Washington, D.C. and the wild speculation schemes that exploded across the nation in the years that followed the Civil War, The Gilded Age gave this remarkable era its name. Co-written by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, this rollicking novel is rife with unscrupulous politicians, colorful plutocrats, and blindly optimistic speculators caught up in a frenzy of romance, murder, and surefire deals gone bust. First published in 1873 and filled with unforgettable characters such as the vainglorious Colonel Sellers and the ruthless Senator Dilsworthy, The Gilded Age is a hilarious and instructive lesson in American history. the story is told using the first-person narrative voice of Huck Finn.

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The Men in the Storm - A Stephen...

Stephen Crane

The Men in the StormThe Men in the Storm is a warm story by Stephen Crane relating to the struggles of homeless men against the cold, the elements, and hunger, while trying to keep a certain level of human dignity and optimism. Crane is best known for three short stories, The Open Boat, thought by many to be the best short story ever written, The Blue Hotel, and The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky. The Men in the Storm follows the storms and forces of nature Crane uses so well as in The Blue Hotel and The Open Boat. This story deserves to be right up there with the top three. As Simply says, this is not an NFL Power ranking, or a compare and contrast assignment. This is your opportunity to enjoy many of Crane's other illuminating and moving works.The men are wandering during the day and now must seek rest for the night. They line up, pushing and shoving, to get into the magical place for warmth and comfort. A policeman joins them and rather gently keeps the peace while the men wait to be let in when the door opens for the night. When it finally opens, the men push and shove until, at the last moment, they are about to enter and each one regains a dignity, moment of self-worth, and happiness. Another remarkable Stephen Crane ending.

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The Master of Ballantrae

Robert Louis Stevenson

The year is 1745, and Prince Charlie of the defeated royal house of Stuart, has just returned to Scottish soil. A weighty choice faces every Scottish man. Should he stitch a white cockade to his hat and join the fight to restore James, Prince Charlie's father to the British throne? Or should he stay at home and back George II, the reigning King. One Lowland family, the Duries of Durisdeer and Ballantrae, believe they've found a clever way to sidestep the decision. With the toss of a coin, a choice is made that will haunt their lives forever.Critics consider this to be Stevenson's greatest work. For, though there is plenty of adventure, (including midnight duels, pirates and smugglers), the true merit of the novel comes from the author's masterly portrayal of the fraternal enemies. If you've never read this book, you won't want to miss this!

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The Lady with the Dog

Anton Chekhov

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was born on 29th January 1860 in Taganrog, on the south coast of Russia.

His family life was difficult; his father was strict and over-bearing but his mother was a passionate story-teller, a subject Chekhov warmed to. As he later said; ‘our talents we got from our father, but our soul from our mother’.

At school Chekhov was distinctly average. At 16 his father mis-managed his finances and was declared bankrupt. His family fled to Moscow. Chekhov remained and eked out a living by various means, including writing and selling short sketches to newspapers, to finish his schooling. That completed and with a scholarship to Moscow University obtained he rejoined his family.

He was able to help support them by selling satirical sketches and vignettes of Russian lifestyles and gradually obtained further commissions. In 1884, he qualified as a physician and, although it earned him little, he often treated the poor for free, he was fond of saying ‘Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress.’

His own health was now an issue as he began to cough up blood, a symptom of tuberculosis. Despite this his writing success enabled him to move the family into more comfortable accommodation.

Chekhov wrote over 500 short stories which included many, many classics including ‘The Kiss’ and ‘The Lady with a Dog’. His collection ‘At Dusk’ won him the coveted Pushkin Prize when was only 26.

He was also a major playwright beginning with the huge success of ‘Ivanov’ in 1887.

In 1892 Chekhov bought a country estate north of Moscow. Here his medical skills and money helped the peasants tackle outbreaks of cholera and bouts of famine. He also built three schools, a fire station and a clinic. It left him with less time for writing but the interactions with real people gained him detailed knowledge about the peasantry and their living conditions for his stories.

His most famous work, ‘The Seagull’ was received disastrously at its premiere in St Petersburg. It was later restaged in Moscow to highlight its psychological aspects and was a huge success. It led to ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Three Sisters’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’.

Chekhov suffered a major lung hemorrhage in 1897 while visiting Moscow. A formal diagnosis confirmed tuberculosis and the doctors ordered changes to his lifestyle.

Despite a dread of weddings the elusive literary bachelor quietly married the actress Olga Knipper, whom he had met at rehearsals for ‘The Seagull’, on 25th May 1901.

By May 1904 with his tuberculosis worsening and death imminent he set off for the German town of Badenweiler writing cheerful, witty letters to his family and assuring them his health was improving.

On 15th July 1904 Anton Chekhov died at Badenweiler. He was 44.

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Hermann Hesse

Step into the serene journey of self-discovery with "Siddhartha" – an enriching audiobook experience that transcends time and culture. Narrated with captivating eloquence, this timeless masterpiece by Hermann Hesse invites listeners to explore the depths of the human spirit.
Embark on the spiritual odyssey of Siddhartha, a young Brahmin who forsakes the comforts of his home to seek enlightenment. Follow his quest for meaning as he encounters various facets of existence – from the asceticism of the Samanas to the opulence of the material world. Through Siddhartha's encounters with the ferryman Vasudeva, the courtesan Kamala, and ultimately, with the enlightened Buddha himself, listeners are drawn into a profound exploration of wisdom, love, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Hesse's lyrical prose, brought to life through immersive narration, evokes a sense of tranquility and introspection. Each word resonates with profound truths, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey towards fulfillment and understanding.
Perfect for those seeking solace in the chaos of modern life or anyone yearning for spiritual enlightenment, "Siddhartha" offers a timeless message of hope and awakening. Whether you're a seasoned seeker or a newcomer to spiritual literature, this audiobook promises to inspire, uplift, and illuminate the path to self-discovery.
Rediscover the beauty of Hesse's masterpiece anew with the "Siddhartha" audiobook – an essential addition to your library for its timeless wisdom and universal insights. Immerse yourself in this profound narrative, and let its teachings resonate with your soul as you journey towards enlightenment.

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The Premature Burial

Edgar Allen Poe

Claustrophobia, a frightful time to be sure. But being buried alive? One of the worst terrors to happen, and yet it does. A horrific reading of a classic tale by Edgar Allen Poe, and his look on, arguably, the worst way to die!

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