Historical Audiobooks

The Girl in the Thistles: A Novel of the Dakota Homeland: Inspired by Actual Events

"Emilie, the 19-year old daughter of a Sioux mother and a Scottish father, finds her home destroyed when her clan is caught up in the US-Dakota war of 1862. Her mother is sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, and Emilie sets out to find her father, who has been missing since the beginning of the war. With help from two new and unlikely friends, Eustis and Anders, she begins a treacherous and emotional journey to track him down. Will she find him? Will her mother be set free? And will Emilie be able to rebuild the home she's lost?"

S.K. Sandvig (Author), Christine Mascott (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just David: With Commentary by Benjamin Fife

"When a newly orphaned boy with a violin shows up in a small town, his unnique perspective transforms everyone. When David comes on the scene, The Holly family, and much of the town, have done things for so long they don't even realize they are in a rut. David's innocence and naivete bring with it his own set of assumptions, opinions, and expectations. Because of the care his father had taken to keep him from the 'bad' – or painful – things in life, there is so much he can't even begin to fathom at first. The collision of these two worlds is what drives this story onward. David had never experienced poverty or wealth as most would think of it. Join David as he discovers the world. Originally published in 1916 This edition includes thoughts and questions from professional storyteller Benjamin Fife. From Benny Fife Audio Classics."

Benjamin Fife, Eleanor H. Porter (Author), Benjamin Fife (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Long Ride Home

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. From authors W.R. Benton & Grady Clark Young’un Augustus Nash, is a good boy. At just 14 he already knows his family needs every pair of hands working hard from sun up to bed just to stay ahead. But when Gus witnesses a brutal murder he fears that what he knows will endanger his beloved family. Seeing no other option he runs away with a few meager possessions and his father's old gun. Befriended by an unlikely stranger he meets on a train, Gus set out for a new life in Montana with high hopes for his future. Lawyer Harvey Thomas isn’t a man to cross and he isn’t going to let Gus get away with knowing secrets he shouldn’t. The Lawyer quickly dispatches two trained killers to track the boy down and make sure he is silenced forever. With a $500 dollar bounty on his head, Gus is in for big trouble. But Gus isn’t as completely alone in the world as he feared. For his loving father is dead set on bringing his boy home safe and he's not a man that leaves a job, any job, half done. Action and adventure abounds in this new frontier story from W.R. Benton and Grady Clark."

Grady Clark, W.R. Benton (Author), Digital Voice Mason G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Shadow of Evil: The Ethical Dilemma of Nazi Medical Experiments, Darwinism, And Racial Purificat

"The Nazi regime of Germany during World War II is known for its atrocities, including the systematic persecution and extermination of millions of Jews and other minorities. However, the unethical medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctors on prisoners are less widely known, which were rooted in the ideology of Darwinism and racial purification. These experiments involved subjecting prisoners to brutal and often deadly procedures in the name of scientific advancement and the supposed improvement of the Aryan race. The ethical implications of these experiments and how pseudoscientific theories of racial superiority justified them continue to raise important questions about the role of science and medicine in society and the need for ethical guidelines and oversight in research. This paper explores the ethical dilemmas presented by the Nazi medical experiments, the relationship between Darwinism and racial purification, and the ongoing implications of these issues for contemporary society."

Davis Truman (Author), John Sullivan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

"'The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey. Written by Padraic Colum, this book brings to life the heroic adventures of Odysseus, the clever and resourceful Greek hero, as he faces mythical creatures, gods, and treacherous seas. In this collection, you'll find thrilling tales of Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War, his encounters with the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the enchantress Circe, and his ultimate return to Ithaka. Alongside these adventures, you'll also hear the tragic tale of Troy, the city besieged by the Greeks, and the legendary beauty of Helen that sparked the war.'"

Pádraic Colum (Author), Avery Robinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alcibiades 1

"'Certainly! 'Alcibiades I', also known as 'First Alcibiades', is a dialogue ascribed to Plato. In this engaging conversation, Socrates interacts with the ambitious young man Alcibiades. Let's explore the essence of this dialogue: Dramatis personae Dramatis Personae: Alcibiades: An ambitious youth eager to enter public life. He boasts of his good looks, noble birth, numerous friends, possessions, and connection to Pericles, the Athenian leader. Socrates: The older philosopher who engages Alcibiades in conversation. Content: Alcibiades seeks Socrates' guidance before presenting himself to the Athenian assembly. Socrates questions Alcibiades about justice, politics, and self-knowledge. Alcibiades admits his ignorance and learns that expediency cannot exist without justice. Socrates reminds him that true rivals are the kings of Sparta and Persia, emphasizing their education, might, and wealth. They discuss contradictions in Alcibiades' thoughts and the Delphic maxim: 'Know thyself.' The ruling principle of man, they conclude, lies not in the body but in the soul. By the end of 'Alcibiades I', Alcibiades accepts Socrates as his mentor. This dialogue invites us to explore the interplay of ambition, knowledge, and self-awareness. '"

Plato (Author), Joseph Scott (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alarms and Discursion

"'Alarms and Discursions' is a collection of essays by the brilliant English writer G. K. Chesterton. Let's explore some of the intriguing pieces within this work: Introductory: On Gargoyles: Chesterton begins with a contemplation of a gargoyle—one of those grotesque stone figures that adorned the water-spouts in medieval cathedrals. He reflects on the meaning of the grotesque and embarks on a symbolic reverie about the three great stages of art. The essay takes us on a journey through the ages, exploring the transition from innocence to sophistication, from primitive sun-worship to the intricate craftsmanship of cathedrals. The Surrender of a Cockney: Chesterton humorously dissects the transformation of a Cockney (a Londoner) who moves to the countryside. The Cockney's surrender to the charms of rural life leads to delightful observations about human nature. The Nightmare: In this piece, Chesterton delves into the realm of dreams and nightmares. He muses on the significance of nightmares and their connection to our waking lives. The Appetite of Earth: Chesterton explores the insatiable hunger of the earth itself—the way it consumes and renews life. He weaves together themes of nature, desire, and eternity. The Philosophy of Sight-seeing: Chesterton playfully critiques the modern obsession with sight-seeing. He questions whether travelers truly see what they behold or merely collect superficial experiences. These essays are a delightful blend of wit, wisdom, and whimsy, showcasing Chesterton's unique perspective on life, art, and human existence. '"

G.K. Chesterton (Author), David Wright (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Age of Reason

"'Thomas Paine's 'The Age of Reason' is a thought-provoking work that both defends Deism and challenges the world's major monotheistic religions. Let's delve into its fascinating aspects: Overview: 'The Age of Reason' is a book by English and American political activist Thomas Paine. It argues for the philosophical position of deism, which emphasizes reason, natural religion, and skepticism toward institutionalized religion. The book was published in three parts: in 1794, 1795, and 1807. While it became a best-seller in the United States, British audiences received it with more hostility due to fears of increased political radicalism after the French Revolution. Key Themes: Deism: Paine's work follows in the tradition of 18th-century British deism. Deists advocated for free rational inquiry, religious toleration, and an end to religious persecution. Natural Law: Deists believed that all things in the universe, including God, must obey the laws of nature. They rejected miraculous accounts and insisted on reason and rationality. Bible Critique: Paine challenges the legitimacy of the Bible, viewing it as an ordinary piece of literature rather than a divinely-inspired text. Appealing Style: By presenting deistic arguments in an engaging and irreverent style, Paine made deism accessible to the masses. 'The Age of Reason' remains a significant work that shaped intellectual discourse and inspired free thinkers.'"

Thomas Paine (Author), Matthew King (Narrator)

Audiobook

My Rock and My Refuge

"Beauty and the Beast... re-imagined... Marta knows she shouldn't feel this way toward Mr. Wendell. She needs to keep her job as his servant, especially because her family back in Germany depends on the money she and her brother Jakob send home. Marta's new feelings can't be as important as helping her family save their bakery, can they? Marta doesn't want to believe the rumors that Mr. Wendell profited from another's tragedy to gain his wealth. Although his face bears terrible scars, she sees past them to his kind and generous heart. Still, she wonders why he never leaves his big house high in the Colorado mountains. Does he hide himself away because of his disfigured face, or because he has a guilty conscience? While Marta tries to push away her questions, others are determined to find answers. Their efforts lead to a fresh tragedy that threatens Marta's hope of finding happiness with Mr. Wendell. Will Marta fail her family and her new friends, or will God bless her efforts to build a happy future for them all?"

Rachel Kovaciny (Author), Charity Spencer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Adventures of Mary Jane

"In this brand new reimagining, Mary Jane-the red-headed spark from Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, who stole Huck's heart in just 30 pages-comes to life with her own story of adventuring down the Mississippi River in the 1840s. Meet Mary Jane Guild - she's on a dangerous and unpredictable adventure down the Mississippi River - and she'll steal Huck Finn's heart along the way. In his classic work Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain briefly introduces 'Mary Jane, the red-headed one.' In no time Mary Jane becomes the girl Huck thinks about 'a many and a many million times.' Now author Hope Jahren has created for Mary Jane a life as vivid and compelling as Huck's. These pages will show you the real Mary Jane. A girl on her own dangerous, unpredictable journey down the Mississippi River in pre-Civil War America. Equipped with an uncanny ability for mathematics, a talent for sewing, and a bale of beaver skins, Mary Jane navigates deadly illnesses, angry mobs, treacherous landowners, outright thieves and swindlers, and more than a thousand miles of muddy water. What's more, she thrives in the face of these challenges, thanks to support from strangers who become friends. Traveling solo requires Mary Jane to grow up fast, but it ultimately leads her to a new resilience, a love of adventure, deep and enduring sisterhood, and a blue-eyed, ponytailed boy she can't stop thinking about. Jahren offers a wealth of layered characters and deeply researched, authentic details of changing times in the North and South. Using the language and style of Twain and shifting the point of view to a smart and determined young woman, she explores timeless themes of duty, family, romance, and betrayal, with grit and courage at the core. * This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing a map of the Mississippi River Valley ca. 1846, a family tree, and suggested reading."

Hope Jahren (Author), Elizabeth Robbins (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline: An Audio Drama

"Set in 1968 after the slaying of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this immersive audio dramatization, inspired by the author’s own experiences, features an award-winning cast of 15 actors, in a fast-paced, suspenseful coming-of-age story. With his father’s mysterious disappearance and his brother Ronnie enlisting in the Vietnam War, 13-year-old TJ Crowley is left alone with his racist, unstable mother, Kate. The newly enforced Fair Housing Act results in the unthinkable for the Crowleys when a Black family, headed by the eminent Dr. Washington, crosses the racial red line and moves in next door. Kate is quick to warn TJ that their new neighbors are strictly off-limits and makes a panicked call to beg Ray, her old flame, to travel to their home in Wichita Kansas to help deal with “the problem next door.” At his now integrated junior high, TJ resents that teachers tell him he must get to know his Black classmates, yet he understands that staying out of trouble can only help assure him an all-important spot on the basketball team. At school, a violent confrontation with Leon, the tough new kid in 7th grade, lands them in the principal’s office. And at home, Ray ropes him into building a fence that will send the Washingtons a message that they’re not welcome. But the fence can’t quiet the sounds of unfamiliar music floating over the fence nor hide the strength and beauty of his new classmate, Ivy Washington, who fiercely stands up for what she believes in. Over time, TJ begins to question the lessons he’s learned at home and decides to accept Dr. Washington’s invitation to visit their family. Devastated when his poor grades and bad behavior keep him from the basketball team, TJ turns to the doctor, a former athlete, who coaches him for the track team, teaching him how to throw the shot put. When TJ’s secret visits to the Washingtons are discovered, and a series of escalating hate crimes point to Ray, TJ is forced to make a defining choice that will forever change his life. Performed by Dani Martineck, Dion Graham, Tavia Gilbert, Johnny Heller, Kevin R. Free, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Michael Crouch, Kirby Heyborne, Graham Halstead, Peter Berkrot, Thérèse Plummer, Brittany Pressley, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard, playing the role inspired by her mother, Josephine Brown. Grant Overstake, a storyteller and educator, draws from his background as a former Miami Herald sports writer and decathlon All-American to write authentic sports themed novels of raw emotion. Grant and his wife, Claire, sing in the multicultural ARISE Ensemble, who’s music is featured in this program. An award-winning producer and director with over 400 titles to her credit, May Wuthrich is a former actor with a background in traditional book publishing and book-to-screen script development. Presented by Grain Valley Publishing “The gospel music of the ARISE Ensemble enhances the listening experience. The audio drama has moments of remarkable verisimilitude: from the play-by-play announcing of a basketball game to the whirring of a helicopter in Vietnam. Performed by a gifted cast, this slice of our history stays with the listener.” —AudioFile (Earphones Award winner)"

Grant Overstake, May Wuthrich (Author), Ari Fliakos, Brittany Pressley, Dani Martineck, Dion Graham, Graham Halstead, John Wright, Johnny Heller, Kevin R. Free, Kirby Heyborne, Michael Crouch, Peter Berkrot, Shayna Small, Sheila Brown Kinnard, Tavia Gilbert, Thérèse Plummer, a full cast (Narrator)

Audiobook

Duncan's War

"Young Duncan M'Kethe finds himself caught in the web of Sir James Turner, the former Covenanter turned military leader of the persecutors. Duncan is torn by his hatred of Turner's dragoons, who have treated his friends cruelly, and his father's instructions to love them. He must be true to Jesus Christ while attempting to rescue his father from enemy hands."

Douglas Bond (Author), Shaun Grindell (Narrator)

Audiobook