Historical Audiobooks

The Phoenix And The Carpet

First written in 1904, this is one of Edith Nesbit's best-loved children's stories. It it the second story about a group of five children - Robert, Anthea, Cyril, Jane, and their baby brother, the Lamb - who live in London. One day their mother buys a new carpet for the nursery which mysteriously contains a stone egg. When the egg falls into the fire by accident, nobody can possibly imagine what adventures will be unleashed. The egg hatches the Phoenix who reveals that the carpet is in fact a magic wishing carpet, which will take the children on a rollercoaster ride of adventures, scrapes and mishaps. They end up stuck inside a tunnel with buried treasure, on a sunny Southern shore where their cook is made Queen of the Island, having tea with the Rania in India, and even when they are at home in Camden town they mysteriously and unexpectedly become the owners of an unfeasibly large number of cats. There are many more adventures... but you will need to listen and find out for yourselves...

Edith Nesbit (Author), Cathy Dobson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Story Of The Treasure Seekers : Being the Adventures of the Bastable Children in Search of a For

First published in 1899, The Story of the Treasure Seekers tells the tale of the Bastable children, Dora, Oswald, Dickie, Noel, Alice, and H.O. (short for Horace Octavius) and their attempts to restore the fallen fortunes of their family. They devise a series of plans to find or make money, varying from digging for treasure to being bandits, from going into business to rescuing rich elderly gentlemen from deadly peril. Their schemes have varying degrees of success, but the real treasure turns out to come from a very different source than they imagined. Edith Nesbit's story has delighted generations of children and their parents - and will continue to entertain future generations to come.

Edith Nesbit (Author), Cathy Dobson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Great Rulers of Ancient Rome

The common view of the Romans is that they were only interested in watching gladiators hack one another to pieces, and in lying on couches while they stuffed large meals down their throats. But of course they were a busy and clever people, who built up a great empire to prove it, with fine cities and harbours, bath houses and roads, laws and good government. In this audiobook you can hear the stories of the great Roman emperors and the enduring legacy that they left for later generations.

Hugh Griffith (Author), Benjamin Soames (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Little Duke

Based on historical fact, this audiobook is full of intrigue and chivalry, and at a time when Normandy was not part of France. This is the romantic childhood history of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy. After his father was assassinated, when he was just nine years old, he is kidnapped and imprisoned by Louis of France who wanted to annex Normandy. But thanks to the bravery and daring of Richard's loyal squire and knight, Osmond de Centeville, he makes good his escape. Richard's great grandson was to become William the Conqueror and King of England. The story is full of suspense and bravery, of loyalty and resolve under the most scary cirucumstances. Courage is a strong value for all involved. Table of Contents Chapter 01: A Welcome Visit Chapter 02: An Untimely Death Chapter 03: Richard Assumes the Ducal Mantle Chapter 04: A Comrade Chapter 05: Danger in the Castle Chapter 06: At the French Court Chapter 07: For the Sake of a Falcon Chapter 08: A Daring Escape Chapter 09: Danes to the Rescue Chapter 10: Royal Hostages Chapter 11: The Passing of a Prince Chapter 12: A Boon Granted Chapter 13: Reconciliation at Last AUTHOR Charlotte Yonge Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was a prolific British novelist, magazine editor, best know for her work in children's literature. Yonge taught Sunday School for 71 years and her novels express the same values and concerns she shared with her students, courage and self-sacrifice for a greater good. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of The Little Duke I like to listen to a story read aloud by a master storyteller just as much as any of my children. There is often a book-on-tape or book-on-CD playing in the background at our house when we're busy at some task like washing dishes, folding laundry, cutting and pasting and drawing and painting, anything that requires the attention of our hands and our eyes, while leaving our ears and brains free. We had read The Little Duke together when we were studying the Middle Ages, and so we were already familiar with the story. What a joy to hear it read aloud by David Thorn, whose rich voice and British accent somehow suit the tale to a ""T""! Richard's great grandson would someday become the famous William the Conqueror, but at the time this story is set, Richard is just a bewildered little boy, a pawn in the game of power, with no less than the King of France seeking to control him and the rich lands he has inherited upon the assassination of his father, the Duke of Normandy. But young Richard is not without friends and protectors... The story has all the elements that appeal to young and old alike: adventure, intrigue, knightly doings, deadly peril, and thrilling rescue. The chapters are punctuated by music and the reading goes by all too quickly - four-and-a-half hours in all - if you listen to it in one sitting. (Which we have.) Or you could break it up and listen a chapter at a time. (We've done that, too.) Through the story, Richard grows in wisdom, compassion, and understanding, and we see him go from an indulged child to a young liege lord. He learns such valuable lessons as controlling his temper and his impulses, and putting others before himself. There is quite a contrast between the spoiled, cruel son of the King of France, and the Little Duke, and the end of the story left us wanting more. If you like to listen to a story well-read, I highly recommend this one. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online Makes Learning History Unforgettable! This was a great story that is based on history. I listened to this one with my seven year old and we both enjoyed it! David Thorn does a nice job creating the voices of even the children. It is a story with a lot of adventure and human relationships. This was back when life was hard, even for the wealthy rulers. This book helps one understand what life was like back then. THis is not a book that is written at a dumbed down level. Charlotte Yonge wrote back in the late 1800's. She knew hew history and it was a pleasure to learn from her. This book has stood the test of time. We will listen to it again soon on an upcoming car trip with the rest of the family. Listener Review - Audible.com "

Charlotte Yonge (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Amazing People of Germany - Volume 1: Inspirational Stories

Germany is a country rich in history for many reasons, both good and bad. In this exciting title, The Amazing People Club would like to bring you face to face with some of the most influential and inspirational people of Germany. Everyone has heard of Beethoven and his masterpieces, but few know that he sought solace in music due to his sad childhood at the hands of an abusive and alcoholic father. Over 15 million people find pain relief every year using Aspirin; however Felix Hoffmann who discovered this household drug received little public recognition. Explore the turbulent life of Marie-Elisabeth Luders, who worked tirelessly for the rights of women and children in a society that criticised her for being a single mother. Also, meet Gerhard Domagk and Robert Koch and discover how these amazing people devoted their time and energy to developments and innovations that made major contributions to the country of Germany. Each story comes to life through BioViews®. These are short biographical narratives, similar to interviews. They provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions and changed our world.

Charles Margerison (Author), Various, Various Narrators (Narrator)

Audiobook

Amazing People of Scotland - Volume 1: Inspirational Stories

Home to the Loch Ness monster, kilts, clans and medieval castles, Scotland was also the birthplace of some amazing innovators, who made major contributions to our world. We watch television every day but few of us know that it was invented by a Scottish engineer named John Logie Baird. He also developed colour television and other ways of communicating that have become intrinsic parts of everyday life. Be inspired by the rags to riches story of Andrew Carnegie, an entrepreneurial magnate who amassed riches never seen before. He also unselfishly supported the betterment of the lives of others through his generosity as a great philanthropist. Meet Thomas Telford, the 'Colossus of Roads' who has left an immense legacy in what he designed and built. Discover how James Lind became an outstanding clinician, responsible for saving countless lives to this very day. Be blown away by the life story of James Watt, whose work on the steam engine and other innovations has transformed our world. Each story comes to life through BioViews®. These are short biographical narratives, similar to interviews. They provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions and changed our world.

Charles Margerison (Author), Various, Various Narrators (Narrator)

Audiobook

Amazing People of Russia - Volume 1: Inspirational Stories

Russia is the largest country in the world and covers more than one eighth of the globe's inhabited land mass. So, it stands to reason that it has been home to many amazing people. The Amazing People Club takes you on a virtual historical journey into the lives of some of these inspirational contributors to this nation. Famous for her many lovers, Catherine the Great was also a strong leader who inspired loyalty and respect rather than fear and oppression - indeed she did not do things in a traditional manner. Orbit the earth with Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space at the age of 27. Be swept away by the composer of such masterpieces as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky, who led a somewhat troubled life despite achieving immense success. Also, meet Vasili Mitrokhin and Ivan Pavlov. Their stories are monumental and brought to life in this fascinating title. Each story comes to life through BioViews®. These are short biographical narratives, similar to interviews. They provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions and changed our world.

Charles Margerison (Author), Charles Margerison (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Happy Prince and Other Tales

A set of charming short stories for children by Oscar Wilde. Table of Contents: 1. The Happy Prince 2. The Nightingale and the Rose 3. The Selfish Giant 4. The Devoted Friend 5. The Remarkable Rocket The Happy Prince The tale of a statue of a prince how he teaches generosity and the gift of love to a small sparrow who becomes his friend. The Nightingale and the Rose A young Student is infatuated by the daughter of a Professor. She promises to dance with him till dawn at the Prince's ball if the Student will bring her a red rose. But in his garden there are no red roses. The Nightingale, who night after night romantically sings of such love as she believes she now sees demonstrated, is moved to provide the red rose so as to facilitate the love between the Student and the young woman. The Selfish Giant A Selfish Giant has a beautiful garden he refuses to share with the children in his village. Spring refuses to visit the giant's garden until he meets a little boy who teaches him how to love others. The Devoted Friend A young lad is befriended by a prosperous farmer, who takes advantage of the boy's generosity and only gives him broken promises in return, in addition, the farmer says horrible things about the boy to others. The young lad's last act of kindness costs him dearly and the farmer changes his tune. The Remarkable Rocket The king's son was to be married and there was to be a superb fireworks display for the event. All the rockets and different kinds of fireworks were excited about their big moment. The Rocket was a real better than thou type...very arrogant and deprecating to the other fireworks with much going ons about who was the most important,etc. The rocket always taking the road that he was indeed, the best of the lot. All the fireworks argued and fought over being the best with the Rocket asserting that he was. When the big night came about... AUTHOR Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish writer and poet. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of London's most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. Today he is remembered for his epigrams and plays, and the circumstances of his imprisonment which was followed by his early death."

Oscar Wilde (Author), A Full Cast, Shobha Srinivasin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Linden Tree

When eleven-year-old Katy Sue loses her mother, Edna, to meningitis, she and her family must adjust to life without her. The rural farm in the 1940s provides a natural backdrop that is rhythmic and routine but unforgiving, even when a family member dies. The house's haunted emptiness is filled only when Aunt Katherine, Edna's youngest sister, comes to the family's aid, as does Jake, an ornithologist and family friend. Katy Sue, the youngest of the three children, struggles to define her place in the family and understand what the loss of her mother means for her now. With the guidance of her teacher, Mrs. Breton, Katy Sue begins to contemplate the shape of her family and the farm through drawing, a process that allows her to accept her father's soon-to-be wife, farm life without her mother, and, eventually, her own role within the family. "Gavin's interpretation of a wide range of emotions is respectful and clear. Her voice becomes gently gruff for Katy Sue's strong and loving father and takes on a higher, slightly shaky timbre for her anxious older sister. Gavin brings a casual, homey feel to the novel, dropping the final g (as in cookin'), while maintaining a reflective tone. This story sensitively captures the sorrow, loneliness, and small moments of joy that Katy Sue feels, with Gavin's reading eliciting deep compassion for the young protagonist."-Booklist

Ellie Mathews (Author), Marguerite Gavin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Magnificent Mummy Maker

What do you do when it seems like everyone in your family has done something magnificent-everyone, that is, except you? That's Andy's problem. So when his class visits an Egyptian exhibit, he figures it'll be just another field trip. But he's wrong, because somehow a mummy's spirit seems to have given him a weird magic power. Suddenly, Andy's magnificent-all he has to do is wish for whatever he wants! But Andy soon learns to be very, very careful of what he wishes for...

Elvira Woodruff (Author), Lloyd James (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Harlem Renaissance Remembered

New York City, uptown, the 1920s. Poets, writers, dancers, and musicians came to Harlem to experience the excitement of the jazz age and to see the cabarets and floor shows at the Apollo Theatre and the Cotton Club. People flocked to Harlem to hear the genius of band leader Duke Ellington, the jazz-poetry of Langston Hughes, and the romantic lyricism of Countee Cullen. The Harlem Renaissance produced some of the 20th century's greatest and most influential artists, figures at the center of the spectacular jazz era. These African American artists created a new American sound and a new American culture. This unique recording tells the Harlem Renaissance story through the spoken word and live music of some of its most famous works. Experience it all yourself in... THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE REMEMBERED Foreword and Afterword by Jonathan Gross, Ph.D. - Hear the story of Harlem, told through the words of its poets and the sound of its musicians. Imagine yourself in the Cotton Club where Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra performed their hit song, "Take the A Train". Listen to Langston Hughes's "Theme for English B" recited aloud while the strains of "Mood Indigo" play from a distant radio. Learn what the world was like in the 1920s when the Harlem Renaissance was at its height, and why it is still so important today.

Jonathan Gross, \"Mack\" Jay Jordan (Author), Jonathan Gross, \"Mack\" Jay Jordan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me

Muscle Man McGinty has finally done the unthinkable. He's bragged that he can beat the ENTIRE block in a game of kickball. On Ramble Street, tough talk about kickball cannot be ignored. For Tamara Ann Simpson, however, this is great news. Now she'll finally be able to prove to everyone what a wormy little liar Muscle Man really is. It's the summer of 1969, and the world is getting ready to watch a man named Neil Armstrong make history by taking the first step on the moon. But change happens a bit more slowly on Ramble Street, and it'll take one giant leap for Tamara to understand the likes of Muscle Man McGinty. "Nan Marino may be a debut author, but she's obviously a born storyteller. You will immediately feel at home with her characters, you'll ache right along with them, and you won't be able to leave their stories behind." - Patricia Reilly Giff

Nan Marino (Author), Emily Bauer (Narrator)

Audiobook