Historical Audiobooks

Our Island Story, Volume 1

Volume One of a five part series telling The Story of Great Britain from its earliest beginnings to World War I. Our Island Story, originally published in 1905 and later updated, details the history of Britain up to World War I (including some myths and legends associated with British history). Author H. E. Marshall based the book on her answers to her children's questions about the history of their ""home island"" (Great Britain). Early History of Great Britain 1. The Stories of Albion and Brutus 2. The Coming of the Romans 3. The Romans Come Again 4. How Caligula Conquered Britain, and how Caractacus Refused to be Conquered 5. The Story of a Warrior Queen 6. The Last of the Romans 7. The Story of St. Alban 8. Vortigern and King Constans 9. The Story of the Coming of Hengist and Horsa 10. Hengist's Treachery 11. The Story of How The Giant's Dancer was Brought to Britain 12. The Coming of Arthur 13. The Founding of the Round Table 14. The Story of Gregory and the Pretty Children 15. How King Alfred Learned to Read 16. Kind Alfred in the Cowherd's Cottage 17. More About Alfred the Great 18. Ethelred the Unready 19. How Edmund Ironside Fought for the Crown 20. Canute and the Waves 21. Edward the Confessor AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Our Island Story, Volume 1 We've been reading from Ambleside Online's wonderful reading list for years now, and I've already worked my way through Our Island Story with our eldest. The younger two missed it; one was a baby, and the other had not yet joined the family! Now that we're coming back to this book again, I'm glad to find that I have a little help - Alcarzar AudioWorks has put the entire unabridged book on CD with their usual style. Whether or not you are using Ambleside Online as a resource, you will find Our Island Story a fascinating retelling of the early history of Great Britain, from the earliest of myths lost in the mists of history through the time of Edward the Confessor. There are many familiar tales here, including a couple of chapters about King Arthur and his Round Table, and several about King Alfred - the King who had to go into hiding, and while living with an old couple, allowed the cakes to burn! These were our favorite chapters, which is why they stand out. As a matter of fact, our youngest listened with rather a mulish expression, until she heard the name ""Uther Pendragon"" - and realized that her beloved King Arthur was a part of the history we're studying! I learned a lot, too. Yes, we've been through this book before, and so the stories are familiar. Still, it was a little like revisiting old friends, to hear how Caligula ""conquered"" the Britons, for one example. It is helping me to keep my own understanding of history straight, how the history of Great Britain was molded through wave after wave of invasion and conquest - the Britons, the Romans, the Saxons, the Danes... And having someone else reading meant that I could listen along with my students. The book, written in 1905, is from a Christian perspective. The stories are well-told, the language vivid, though not too graphic when it comes to the inevitable violence that accompanies invasion and battle. Two different readers alternate the reading, and chapters are easy to locate on the CDs. If you happen to be using Ambleside Online, you'll want to know that Our Island Story, Volume 1 corresponds to Ambleside's Year 1 reading schedule. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Our Island Story, Volume 2

Volume Two of a five part series telling The Story of Great Britain from its earliest beginnings to World War I. Our Island Story, originally published in 1905 and later updated, details the history of Britain up to World War I (including some myths and legends associated with British history). Author H. E. Marshall based the book on her answers to her children's questions about the history of their ""home island"" (Great Britain). Ruling Monarchs from 1066 to 1509 A.D. 1. Harold 2. The Battle of Stamford Bridge 3. The Battle of Hastings 4. William the Conqueror - The Story of Hereward the Wake 5. William the Conqueror - The Death of the King 6. The Story of William the Red 7. Henry I -The Story of the ""White Ship"" 8. The Story of King Stephen 9. Henry Plantagenet- The Story of Gilbert and Rohesia 10. Henry Plantagenet - The Story of Thomas a Becket 11. Henry Plantagenet - The Story of the Conquest of Ireland 12. The Story of Richard Coeur De Lion 13. Richard Coeur De Lion - The Story of How Blondel Found the King 14. John Lackland - The Story of Prince Arthur 15. John Lackland - The Story of the Great Charter 16. Henry III of Winchester - The Story of Hubert de Burgh 17. Henry III of Winchester- The Story of Simon De Montfort 18. Henry III The Story of the Poisoned Dagger 19. Edward I - The Little War of Chalons 20. Edward I - The Lawgiver - The Story of the First Prince of Wales 21. Edward I - The Hammer of the Scots 22. Edward II of Caernarvon -The Story of King Robert the Bruce and Bohun 23. Edward II of Caernarvon - The Story of the Battle of Bannockburn 24. Edward III of Windsor - The Story of the Battle of Sluys AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Our Island Story, Volume 2 Our Island Story, Volume 2, Part 1 is the second part in Alcazar Audioworks' project to bring H.E. Marshall's history of Great Britain to audiobook form. H.E. Marshall was a fine storyteller in her own right, and the two readers who alternate in the reading do a fine job, adding to the listener's interest. David Thorn's rich British accent suits his material well, and Bobbie Frohman contributes her usual warmth. Our Island Story, Volume 2, Part 1 covers the span of years between 1066 (King Harold's reign before William the Conqueror arrived) and the Battle of Sluys in 1340, during the reign of Edward III. We were fascinated by details we hadn't heard in other history books. There were good and decent kings (not too many of these, it seems), along with men who would be king, and ruthless men who made us shudder to hear of their deeds in their attempts to gain power. There are battles and brave deeds, triumphs and tragedies, and even some familiar figures - Robin Hood makes a brief appearance, during the time of Richard the Lion Heart, and we were excited to hear the story of the crowning of the Prince of Wales under Edward I, having first heard the story told at Canaervon Castle itself, where Edward's son was born. There were a few chapters that brought our sensitive youngest to tears (she's nine, the suggested minimum age for this book). I think that we'll save the rest of Our Island Story, at least the terrible parts, for when she's older, and have her older sister listen with headphones. The book, written in 1905, is from a Christian perspective. The stories are well-told, the language vivid, though not overly graphic when it comes to the inevitable violence that accompanies invasion and battle. (Parts are still graphic enough to upset a sensitive listener, however, such as a wicked king's plot to put out the eyes of his young nephew, and mention of that nephew's subsequent murder.) Two different readers alternate the reading, as noted above, and chapters are easy to locate on the CDs. If you happen to be using Ambleside Online, you'll want to know that Our Island Story, Volume 2, Part 1 will take you a little more than halfway through Year 2 of Ambleside's reading schedule. You will also need Volume 2, Part 2 to finish Ambleside's Year 2. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online Alcazar Audioworks has done a wonderful job of bringing H.E. Marshall's history of Great Britain, Our Island Story, to audiobook form. History should not be a dusty, dry set of facts and dates, and Our Island Story is anything but that! H.E. Marshall was a gifted storyteller, selecting familiar (and I admit, not so familiar) anecdotes to weave these stories centered around famous figures in British history. The two readers who alternate in the reading add to the listener's interest. David Thorn's rich British accent suits his material well, and Bobbie Frohman contributes her usual warmth. Our Island Story, Volume 2, Part 2 is composed of chapters 46 through 61. The period of history covered begins with Edward III's involvement in the battle of Crecy in 1346 and ends with Henry VII who ruled from 1485 to 1509. There are battles and intrigues, gallant knights and craven villains. There are deeds of generosity examples of cruelty - because of the latter, we've had to be selective in our listening, making sure our sensitive youngest was prepared beforehand for upsetting material. If you happen to be using Ambleside Online, you'll want to know that Our Island Story, Volume 2, Part 2 would be used during Year 2 of Ambleside's reading schedule. You will also need Volume 2, Part 1 to complete Ambleside's Year 2. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Our Island Story, Volume 3,Volume 4

Volumes Three and Four of a five part series telling The Story of Great Britain from its earliest beginnings to World War I. Our Island Story, originally published in 1905 and later updated, details the history of Britain up to World War I (including some myths and legends associated with British history). Author H. E. Marshall based the book on her answers to her children's questions about the history of their ""home island"" (Great Britain). Volume 3 - The next 250 years from Henry VIII(1509 A.D.) to George II (d. 1759 A.D.) 1. Henry VIII - The Story of the Field of The Cloth of Gold 2. Henry VIII - How the King became the Defender of the Faith and How The Great Cardinal Died 3. Henry VIII - The Story of the King's Six Wives 4. Edward VI - The Story of the Boy King 5. The Story of Lady Jane Grey 6. Mary I - How the Princess Elizabeth became a Prisoner 7. Mary I - How a Candle was Lit in England which Has Never Been Put Out 8. Elizabeth - How the Imprisoned Princess Became Queen 9. Elizabeth - The Story of a Most Unhappy Queen 10. Elizabeth - The Story of How England was Saved from the Spaniards 11. Elizabeth - The Story of Sir Walter Raleigh 12. Elizabeth - The Story of the Queen's Favorite 13. James the VI of Scotland, Ist of England The Story of Guy Fawkes 14. James VI of Scotland, Ist of England - The Story of the Mayflower 15. Charles I How a Woman Struck a Blow for Freedom 16. Charles I - The Story of How the King and the Parliament Quarreled and at last Fought 17. Charles I - The Story of How the King was Brought to his Death 18. The Commonwealth - The Adventures of a Prince 19. The Commonwealth - The Lord Protector 20. Charles II - How the King Came to his Own, and How Death Walked in the Streets of London 21. Charles II - The Story of How London was Burned 22. James II of England, VII th of Scotland-The Fiery Cross 23. James II of England, VII th of Scotland-The Story of Monmouth 24. James II of England, VII th of Scotland - The Story of the Seven Bishops 25. James II of England, VII th of Scotland-William the Deliverer 26. William III and Mary II-The Story of Brave Londonderry 27. William III and Mary II - The Story of a Sad Day in a Highland Glen 28. Anne - How the Union Jack was Made 29. George I - The Story of the Earl of Mar's Hunting Party 30. George II - The Story of Bonnie Prince Charlie 31. George II - The Story of Flora MacDonald 32. George II - The Story of the Black Hole of Calcutta 33. George II - The Story of How Canada was Won Volume 4 - The loss of the American Colonies and the beginning of the industrial revolution 1. George III - The Story of How America was Lost 2. George III - The Story of the Spinning Wheel AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Our Island Story, Volume 3 & Volume 4 We've enjoyed listening to Our Island Story (an unabridged audiobook), H.E. Marshall's work detailing the history of Great Britain. Alcazar Audioworks has recorded this book using two readers who alternate throughout, David Thorn with his rich British accent and Bobbie Frohman with such warm tones. The whole book is divided into volumes, sold separately, which allows you to purchase just that part of history you are currently studying. H.E. Marshall was a gifted storyteller who selected familiar (and I admit, not so familiar) anecdotes to weave these stories centered around famous figures in British history. This is history as our children learn best: Rather than dry and dusty facts and dates to memorize by rote, we have stories of real people, vividly told. The CD set Our Island Story, Volumes 3 and 4 covers chapters 62 through 96 of the book, from Henry VIII (about 1509 A.D.) to George III and the American Revolution. There are many familiar stories here, such as those of the six wives of Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes, Cromwell, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, just to name a few. You'll find the sailing of the Mayflower, the great London Plague, and the London Fire. There are battles and intrigues, gallant knights and craven villains. There are deeds of generosity, examples of cruelty, brave adventures, and terrible tragedy - because of the latter, we've had to be selective in our listening, making sure our sensitive youngest was prepared beforehand for upsetting material. If you happen to be using Ambleside Online, you'll want to know that Our Island Story, Volumes 3 and 4 would be used during Years 3 and 4 of Ambleside's reading schedule. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Our Island Story, Volume 5

Volume Five of a five part series telling The Story of Great Britain from its earliest beginnings to World War I. Our Island Story, originally published in 1905 and later updated, details the history of Britain up to World War I (including some myths and legends associated with British history). Author H. E. Marshall based the book on her answers to her children's questions about the history of their ""home island"" (Great Britain). The French Revolution (1789 A.D.) to the conclusion of World War I (1919 A.D.) 1. George III - England Expects that Every Man will do his Duty 2. George III - The Battle of Waterloo 3. George IV - The First Gentleman in Europe 4. William IV - The Story of Two Peaceful Victories 5. Victoria - The Girl Queen 6. Victoria - When Bread was Dear 7. Victoria - Peace 8. Victoria - War 9. Victoria - The Land of Snow 10. Victoria - The Siege of Delhi 11. Victoria - The Pipes at Lucknow 12. Victoria - Under the Southern Cross 13. Victoria - From Cannibal to Christian 14. Victoria - Boer and Britain 15. Edward VII - The Peacemaker 16. George V - Armed Peace 17. World War 18. The Hope of the Future AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Our Island Story, Volume 5 We've enjoyed listening to Our Island Story, an unabridged audiobook, H.E. Marshall's book detailing the history of Great Britain. Alcazar Audioworks has recorded this book using two readers who alternate throughout, David Thorn with his rich British accent and Bobbie Frohman's warm tones. The whole book is divided into audiobook volumes, sold separately, which allows you to purchase just that part of history you are currently studying. H.E. Marshall had a knack for telling historical facts and events in a fresh, vivid way which stimulates interest as well as aiding memory and recall. Her history stories revolve around famous figures and events in British history, with the sort of details that children (and adults, too) find interesting and relevant. This is history as our children learn best: Rather than dry and dusty facts and dates to memorize by rote, we have stories of real people, vividly told. The CD set Our Island Story, Volume 5 covers the final section of the written text, chapters 97 through 114, from George III (who ruled during the American Revolution) to the end of the Great War to end all wars (or as we now call it, World War I) and the hope that people of the time placed in the League of Nations. Here you'll find the stories behind the famous names: the account of conflict with Napoleon, Admiral Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar, Wellington at Waterloo, Queen Victoria, and more. The story of the Great War and its hopeful aftermath is especially poignant, seen from present-day perspective. Caution: We ran across at least one objectionable word in the book, in a chapter detailing the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. The word is not lightly used, and in its context shows the contempt European slavers had for African-Americans, while the passage goes on to show the change of heart that led to slavery's demise in England and English holdings during the reign of William IV. Please keep in mind that this book was written early in the 1900s, and does not mince words the way modern texts do. If you happen to be using Ambleside Online, you'll want to know that Our Island Story, Volume 5 is listed as an ""optional extra"" on Ambleside's Year 5 reading schedule. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

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Letters to His Son, 1746-1747

The first set of an extraordinary collection of 10 sets of personal letters written by Lord Chesterfield to his illegitimate son, young Philip Stanhope, then living abroad with his tutor to further his education. His Lordship, later secretary of state, hoped that his son would follow in his footsteps and took endless pains to instruct him on the essential and finer behavioral traits of a the aristocracy. AUTHOR Lord Chesterfield Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) was a British politician, serving in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Well traveled and a reknown orator, Chesterfield became a successful diplomat with close ties to the Prince of Wales. Chesterfield's writing gifts served him well politically, writing phamphlets under an assumed name, he was able to impact political decisions from inside and outside the chambers. Before his marriage, Chesterfield fathered an illegitimate son. The son, Philip Stanhope, was his only natural child and Lord Chesterfield cared deeply about him, his entire life. Chesterfield wrote Philip over 400 letters over a 30 year period, most of which have survived. Ironically, the letters were preserved by a great source of sorrow for Chesterfield. Chesterfield's son had married a woman of humble birth who had born him two children. Chesterfield did not learn of their existence until after his son death at 36. Philip's widow preserved and published the letters. "

Lord Chesterfield (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

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Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War: How the North Used the Telegraph, Railroads, Surveillance Balloons, Iro

Thomas B. Allen's expertise in military history and strategy is combined with Roger MacBride Allen's knowledge of technology to reveal a lesser known yet fascinating side of the sixteenth president of the United States. Their authoritative narrative reveals Lincolnas our nation's first hands-on commander in chief, whose appreciation for thepower of technology plays a critical role in the North's Civil War victory overthe less developed South.We meet Lincoln as he exchanges vitaltelegraph messages with his generals in the field; we witness his inspection ofnew ship models at the navy yard; we view the president target shooting withthe designer of a new kind of rifle; and we follow Lincoln, the man of action,as he leads a daring raid to recapture Norfolk, Virginia. The book's historicsweep also sets Abraham Lincoln in the context of his military era: we learnabout the North's Anaconda Plan and the South's counter strategies and how theconcept of total war replaced the old Napoleonic way of fighting.Readers will come away with a rich sense of aleader who lived through one of the most exciting ages of technological andsocial change in America. Mr. Lincoln'sHigh-Tech War brings alive a time when the railroad brought soldiers to andfrom the battlefields, when hot-air balloons were used for surveillance, andwhen ironclad warships revolutionized naval warfare. "The lively, well-researched text makes it clear that Lincoln grasped the concept of 'total war' and did not hesitate to exploit the latest know-how to ensure victory...this book is a vital addition to the Lincoln shelf and an exceptional and novel approach for students investigating the Civil War." -School Library Journal

Roger MacBride Allen, Thomas B. Allen (Author), Fred Sullivan (Narrator)

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Lincoln's Grave Robbers

A true crime thriller -- the first book for teens to tell the nearly unknown tale of the brazen attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body! The action begins in October of 1875, as Secret Service agents raid the Fulton, Illinois, workshop of master counterfeiter Ben Boyd. Soon after Boyd is hauled off to prison, members of his counterfeiting ring gather in the back room of a smoky Chicago saloon to discuss how to spring their ringleader. Their plan: grab Lincoln's body from its Springfield tomb, stash it in the sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and demand, as a ransom, the release of Ben Boyd --and $200,000 in cash. From here, the action alternates between the conspirators, the Secret Service agents on their trail, and the undercover agent moving back and forth between the two groups. Along the way readers get glimpses into the inner workings of counterfeiting, grave robbing, detective work, and the early days of the Secret Service. The plot moves toward a wild climax as robbers and lawmen converge at Lincoln's tomb on election night: November 7, 1876.

Steve Sheinkin (Author), Will Patton (Narrator)

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Building a New Nation: The Federalist Era, 1789–1801

Building a New Nation chronicles the development of the new government following the signing of the Constitution. It explores the political views of the young nation’s leaders as they struggled to form a strong nation, despite the foreign and domestic dilemmas that they faced. The authors describe the beginnings of the two-party system, the administrations of the first three presidents, and key decisions by each branch of the government that shaped the future of the country. 

Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier (Author), Jim Manchester (Narrator)

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Creating the Constitution: 1787

Using a narrative format, Creating the Constitution details the events leading up to the writing of the US Constitution and what American leaders went through to create it. The authors describe the conflicts between the new states and the delegates each sent to the Constitutional Convention, as well as the work that was done to resolve the many issues at hand.

Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier (Author), Jim Manchester (Narrator)

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Pilgrims and Puritans: 1620–1676

History is dramatic—and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in a compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes, and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation. In Pilgrims and Puritans, the authors begin in the year 1620 in England and end in New England in the year 1676. The book recounts the religious, political, and social history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and its influence on our lives today. The narrative follows various groups of settlers from their departure from England through arrival in the New World and their often violent conflicts with the native peoples of the Americas. The authors examine a number of issues that arose in the new society that was founded and the rise and fall of the “city on a hill.” 

Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier (Author), Jim Manchester, Unknown (Narrator)

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The American Revolution: 1763–1783

History is dramatic—and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in a compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation.  The American Revolution examines the people and events involved in the significant war by which the thirteen original colonies broke away from England. The authors explain the many sources of conflict between the Americans and the British government, how each side approached the problems, and the results of the escalating violence. “From the initial social and political unrest until the signing of the peace treaty in Paris in 1783, this text gives very interesting accounts from both sides of the ocean. Any instructor can easily integrate this book into the curriculum at the intermediate level and above, thus making history come to life for these students.”—Children’s Literature

Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier (Author), Jim Manchester (Narrator)

Audiobook

Saturnalia

It is December 1681, and the words of Mr. Baggot, the tithingman, terrify young William. William is living a strange double life. By day he is a printer’s apprentice living in a white man’s house. By night, he is Weetasket of the Narraganset tribe who must risk Baggot’s wrath to search for his lost brother. Then comes the winter celebration of the Saturnalia—the ancient Roman holiday on which masters and slaves trade roles. Will William’s secrets be revealed? And what dark deeds of others will be brought to light on this fateful night? “Delightful…Fleischman’s entertaining caricatures of such colonists as the piggish wigmaker and his devious, brazen manservant will bring many chuckles as the plot moves seriously through one narrow escape from danger after another. Readers enjoying a challenge will read straight through this short book and learn of prejudice in colonial life as well as bravery and character.”—Children’s Literature

Paul Fleischman (Author), Charlie Thurston (Narrator)

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