Books
‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore
One of the most shocking plays produced in England during the reign of Charles I, ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore chronicles the disastrous results of an incestuous affair between fatalistic Italian siblings, Giovanni and Annabella. As suitors vie for Annabella’s hand, various webs of deception and revenge intertwine, culminating in a bloody finale. (Summary by Elizabeth Barr) CAST LIST Bonaventura, a Friar/ Bergetto, Nephew to Donado: alanmapstone A Cardinal, Nuncio to the Pope AND Banditti: Algy Pug Soranzo, a Nobleman: tovarisch Florio, Citizen of Parma: Bob Neufeld Donado, Citizen of Parma: Arnie Horton Grimaldi, a Roman Gentleman: Ric F Giovanni, Son to Florio: Chuck Williamson Richardetto, a supposed Physician: Denny Sayers Vasques, Servant to Soranzo: Chris Marcellus Poggio, Servant to Bergetto: laurenburwell Annabella, Daughter to Florio: Elizabeth Barr Hippolita, Wife to Richardetto: Elizabeth Klett Philotis, his Niece: Charlotte Duckett Putana, Tutoress to Annabella: Amanda Friday Officer(s): Libby Gohn Servant: CaprishaPage Narrator: Kristingj
‘Tilda Jane’s Orphans
When the story of ‘Tilda Jane appeared serially in The Youth’s Companion in 1901, the original manuscript was very much condensed. When the time for book publication arrived nearly all the omitted matter was restored. However, some incidents were still left out, and they have formed the beginning of a new story written to please the many boys and girls who have expressed a wish to know something more of the fortunes of the orphan and her dogs. That the orphan’s old friends will follow with interest, her often groping and stumbling, yet never-wearying steps along the path of uplift for human beings and dumb creatures, is the earnest hope of the author. (Marshall Saunders – from the Prefatory Note)
‘Tilda Jane
When spunky ‘Tilda Jane isn’t allowed to keep her beloved dog with her at the orphanage, she decides to set out on her own in search of a home where the inseparable pair will be accepted. Throughout her weary travels she encounters many people, both rich and poor, kind and cantankerous — but will she ever find family? Set in the Canadian wilderness and coast of Maine, ‘Tilda Jane is a story of true grit, forgiveness, and unlikely friendship. (Summary by Twinkle)
Short Ghost and Horror Collection 017
A collection of twenty stories featuring ghoulies, ghosties, long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night. Expect shivers up your spine, the stench of human flesh, and the occasional touch of wonder.
Poetry Miscellany 02
As we get older, many of us return to youthful memories of poems once significant to us. Outside their association with our youth, we may wonder what significance they have to us now. There were other poems we’ve met along the way as well: some held no appeal while others were forgotten. And there were others we never had the opportunity to meet. This selection hopes to go beyond the experience of meeting old friends and on top opening the door to new ones ? poems that might relate more significantly to our current lives. Originally titled “Personal Poems for Later Years,” this collection gestures towards poems that ask us to slow down some we can consider them more deeply than before ? no matter our age. Each time we read a good poem it brings with it a different meaning. Meeting a poem with an open ear, be it old friend or new, we can find its deeper significance. (Summary by Alan Davis Drake)
‘Farewell, Nikola’
Farewell Nikola is the fifth and last novel of the Dr Nikola series. We are reacquainted with Richard “Dick” Hatteras, former South Seas adventurer and Roustabout who clashed with Dr Nicola in ?A Bid for Fortune”. He is now Sir Richard Hatteras and firmly married. He is taking a long sojourn with his wife and companions in Venice, where quite by chance (or is it ?) he bumps into Dr Nikola, who despite their stormy past, is the height of affability. He is still suave, cosmopolitan, cultivated and just as unscrupulous as he ever was. We discover that Nikola lives alone in Venice in a dilapidated palace with a macabre history. Hatteras is drawn once more into a tangled web spun by Dr Nikola who reveals something of his own past and presents a side of himself that we have never seen. He still regards himself above all laws, and follows his own strange code of conduct. If you thought that words like empathy, compassion, contrition would never have featured in the lexicon of Dr Nicola then be prepared for a surprise. – Summary by Peter Keeble
‘Co. Aytch,’ Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show
Samuel ?Sam? Rush Watkins (June 26, 1839 ? July 20, 1901) was a noted Confederate soldier during the American Civil War. He is known today for his memoir Company Aytch: Or, a Side Show of the Big Show, often heralded as one of the best primary sources about the common soldier’s Civil War experience….Sam?s writing style is quite engaging and skillfully captures the pride, misery, glory, and horror experienced by the common foot soldier. Watkins is often featured and quoted in Ken Burns? 1990 documentary titled The Civil War. (Introduction from Wikipedia)
Coffee Break Collection 025 – Water
This is the twenty-fifth Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select English language public domain works of about 15 minutes or less in duration — perfect to listen to during commutes, workouts or coffee breaks. The topic for this collection is water, a subject that has attracted Archimedes, Shelley and Masefield, to name but a few.
O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1921
In 1918 the Society of Arts and Sciences established the O. Henry Memorial Awards to reward the very best short stories published during the previous year with cash prizes. 1921 was a particularly productive year with sterling and brilliantly varied examples of the art of short story writing as are included here. The selection committee struggled to agree on these, but finally, here they are for us to enjoy and record. The length varies but most are sufficiently long for a reader to get their teeth into and enjoy. The stories are listed in a rough order of how they were judged, but all are excellent. Note that one story, ‘Martin Gerrity Gets Even’ actually had two authors, Courtney Ryley Cooper, and Leo F. Creagan but only one is able to be credited – Summary by Phil Chenevert
Short Science Fiction Collection 078
Science fiction is a genre encompassing imaginative works that take place in this world or that of the author?s creation where anything is possible. The only rules are those set forth by the author. The speculative nature of the genre inspires thought and plants seeds that have led to advances in science. The genre can spark an interest in the sciences and is cited as the impetus for the career choice of many scientists. It is a playing field to explore social perspectives, predictions of the future, and engage in adventures unbound into the richness of the human mind. ( Summary by A. Gramour
”Tell It All”: The Story of a Life’s Experience in Mormonism
Fanny relates the experiences of a 19th century missionary as she and her young husband proselytize throughout Europe in search of converts to the new Mormon faith. Her religious zeal is sorely tested upon receipt of news from America revealing that their religion has adopted the practice of polygamy as the means to exaltation. The couple is summoned to Utah only to find themselves firmly ensconced in Brigham Young’s inner circle and called upon to practice plural marriage or risk a fall from family, friends, and faith. – Summary by Spiffycat
”Mr Rowl”
Raoul des Sabli?res, a French parole prisoner in England during the Napoleonic Wars, becomes enmeshed in a complicated tangle where his honour conflicts with his parole, and is sent to prison. Juliana Forrest, for whose sake he broke his parole, does her utmost to save him, and in his adventures and misfortunes, Raoul eventually also finds help from an unlikely source. This is a fun adventure story and romance, written in a style similar to Georgette Heyer. (Summary by Elin) – Summary by Elin
”In Re a Gentleman, One”
Paterson lived and worked in Sydney for most of his adult life, but his poems mostly presented a highly romantic view of the bush and the iconic figure of the bushman. Influenced by the work of another Australian poet John Farrell, his representation of the bushman as a tough, independent and heroic underdog became the ideal qualities underpinning the national character. His work is often compared to the prose of Henry Lawson, particularly the seminal work, “The Drover’s Wife”, which presented a considerably less romantic view of the harshness of rural existence of the late 19th century. (In regard to this poem. When an attorney is called before the Full Court to answer for any alleged misconduct it is not usual to publish his name until he is found guilty; until then the matter appears in the papers as “In re a Gentleman, One of the Attorneys of the Supreme Court,” or, more shortly, “In re a Gent., One.”) – Summary by Wikipedia
”Frost To-Night”
Edith Matilda Thomas (August 12, 1854 ? September 13, 1925) was an American poet who “was one of the first poets to capture successfully the excitement of the modern city.” This poem taken from the The Little Book of Modern Verse. 1917.; Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869?1948) – Summary by Wikipedia
The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories (Version 2)
The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories is a 1906 collection of 30 comic short stories by American humorist and writer Mark Twain. Published just 4 years before his death, this was the last time he chose works from throughout his career, in an effort to show the diversity of his style and the breadth and depth of his interests. (Introduction by John Greenman & Wikipedia )
The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories
A book of short stories and humorous anecdotes by Mark Twain, published together in 1906. (Summary by Tricia G)
The B. B. Warfield Collection, Volume 3
This volume showcases the diversity of Warfield’s interests: as a systematic theologian, New Testament scholar, historian and churchman. Included are all the articles Warfield wrote for the journal Bibliotheca Sacra in the year of his death on John Humphrey Noyes and the Oneida Community. (Summary by IntheDesert) The B. B. Warfield Collection, Volume 1 The B. B. Warfield Collection, Volume 2 The B. B. Warfield Collection, Volume 4
LibriVox 16th Anniversary Collection
“LibriVox is a hope, an experiment, and a question: can the net harness a bunch of volunteers to bring books in the public domain to life…” Hugh McGuire, LibriVox’s founder, August 9, 2005 In celebration of LibriVox’s sixteenth anniversary, here is collection of short works of various kinds and from varied authors which include in their title the words ‘sixteen’ or ‘sixteenth’ or the number ’16.’ Each piece is selected and read by a LibriVox volunteer.
The “Mind The Paint” Girl
“The “Mind The Paint” Girl, by Louis Tracy, is a delightful novelization of Sir Arthur Pinero’s sparkling comedy now having a successful New York run…. Mr. Tracy has caught the very spirit of the drama and has told its story with much of the same vivre that has packed the theatre and made it impossible to get seats except several weeks in advance. It is the story of the meteoric rise of a lovely young musical comedy actress whose song “Mind the Paint” put London at her feet and the opportunity of placing several British coronets on her head.” Note that we also have the play itself available here at Librivox. – Summary by Bookseller Magazine of 1912
The “Mind The Paint” Girl
Another Pinero play from the early 1900s. With a social message about the effects of stardom on the star as well as those that love them. “I?m afraid there?s one thing finer than winning the woman you love and, when you?ve won her, being prepared to go through fire and water for her.” “What?s that?” “Having the courage to give her up” – Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Viscount Farncombe: Tomas Peter Colonel the Hon. Arthur Stidulph: alanmapstone Baron von Rettenmayer: Nemo Captain Nicholas Jeyes: Campbell Schelp Lionel Roper: Hamlet Sam de Castro: Aaron White Herbert Fulkerson: Fr?d?ric Surget Stewart Heneage: KevinS Gerald Grimwood: April 6090 Carlton Smythe (Manager of the Pandora Theatre): James Thomas Albert Palk (Actor at the Pandora): Sandra Schmit Wilfrid Tavish (Actor at the Pandora): Philip Watson Vincent Bland (A Musical Composer, attached to the Pandora): ToddHW Morris Cooling (Business Manager at the Pandora): Jim Locke Luigi (Ma?tre d?h?tel at Catani?s Restaurant): Pier The Hon. Mrs. Arthur Stidulph (Formerly, as Dolly Ensor, of the Pandora Theatre): TJ Burns Lily Parradell (Of the Pandora): Foon Jimmie Birch (Of the Pandora): Sonia Gabrielle Kato (Of the Pandora): Pauline Latournerie Enid Moncrieff (Of the Pandora): Leanne Yau Daphne Dure (Of the Pandora): EmmaHatton Nita Trevenna (Of the Pandora): Lex Hankins Flo Connify (One of Four Beauties Of the Pandora): Eva Davis Sybil Dermott (One of Four Beauties Of the Pandora): Availle Olga Cook (One of Four Beauties Of the Pandora): Devorah Allen Evangeline Ventris (One of Four Beauties Of the Pandora): Elsie Selwyn Mrs. Upjohn (Lily Parradell?s mother): DuckTD Gladys (Lily?s parlourmaid): Eva Davis Maud (Lily?s maid): Leanne Yau Stage Directions: Larry Wilson Edited by: ToddHW
The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 09
The Wit and Humor of America is a 10 volume series. In this, the ninth volume, 37 short stories and poems have been gathered from 31 authors. This volume is sure to delight listeners. (Summary by Linette Geisel)
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”: the illuminating diary of a professional lady
In this comic novel written by American author Anita Loos, we follow the adventures of the fictional character Lorelei Lee who is a young blonde flapper. This story takes place in the hedonistic Jazz Age and is written in the form of a diary from Lorelei’s viewpoint as she shares stories of the men she entertains in New York City and Europe. ?Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? was an instant bestseller and has been declared as ?the great American novel? by Edith Wharton. – Summary by Jenn Broda
The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 10
The Wit and Humor of America is a 10 volume series. In this, the tenth volume, 62 short stories and poems have been gathered from 42 authors. This volume is sure to delight listeners. (Summary by Linette Geisel)
The “Falcon” on the Baltic
A coasting voyage boyage in a small yacht from Hammersmith in the UK to Copenhagen and back, including various visits to places on the Baltic. – Summary by Jane Bennett
One-Act Play Collection 013
Here, in our 13th collection, are 10 One Act Plays for your enjoyment. They range from tales of ancient Greek sailors to a story about early 1900 moonshiners; many short gems to make you laugh, cry, think, or all three. NOTE: Although the plays here were all published before 1923 and hence are in the Public Domain in the U.S., Alice Gerstenberg, Elizabeth Lay and Hugh Heffner died in 1972, 1989, and 1985 respectively and their plays may not yet be in the Public Domain in some countries. – Summary by ToddHW Cast list: 1. Love Magic by Gregorio Martinez Sierra, Translated by John Garrett Underhill. Run by: ToddHW The Prologue: ToddHW Pierrot: Tomas Peter Columbine: Sonia Pierrette: TJ Burns Polichinelle: Adrian Stephens Harlequin: Alan Mapstone A Little Girl: Jasmin Salma Stage Directions: Larry Wilson : 2. He Said and She Said: A One-Act Play by Alice Gerstenberg (1885-1972). Run by: TJ Burns Diana Chesbrough, a society girl: JennPratt Enid Haldeman, her friend: thestorygirl Felix Haldeman, her husband: ToddHW Mrs. Cyrus Packard, their friend: TJ Burns Stage Directions: Kelly S. Taylor : 3. The Hartleys, a Play in One Act by Arthur Eckersley. Run by: Campbell Schelp Rupert Hartley: Son of the Exiles Mrs. Hartley: Kelly S. Taylor Hester: thestorygirl George Perrin: ToddHW Maid: Availle Stage Directions: Jenn Broda : 4. The Sicilian, or Love Makes the Painter, by Moliere, translated by Henri Van Laun. Run by: ToddHW Don Pedro, a Sicilian gentleman: Tomas Peter Adraste, a French gentleman, in love with Isidore: Adrian Stephens Isidore, a Greek girl, Don Pedro’s slave: Sonia A Senator: ToddHW Hali, a Turk, Adraste’s slave: Alan Mapstone Zaide, a young slave girl: Jenn Broda First Musician/Philene: Availle Second Musician/Tircis: ToddHW Third Musician/Sheppard: Jim Locke A Slave, singing: Kelly S. Taylor Stage Directions: Rob Marland : 5. When Witches Ride – A Play of Folk-Superstition, by Elizabeth Lay (1897-1989). Run by: ToddHW Uncle Ben, owner of the crossroads store: ToddHW Ed, his son: Larry Wilson Jake, formerly a railroad engineer: Jim Gallagher Phoebe Ward, witch: JennPratt Stage Directions: Kelly S. Taylor : 6. The Woman Tamer, by Louis Esson. Run by: ToddHW “Chopsey” Ryan (thief and busker): Son of the Exiles Smithy the Liar (his cobber): Tomas Peter Katie: Sonia Constable Jones: Algy Pug Stage Directions: Kelly S. Taylor : 7. The Cyclops, by Euripides. Run by: ToddHW Silenus: Jim Locke Odysseus: Adrian Stephens The Cyclops: Alan Mapstone First Half Chorus of Satyrs: ToddHW Second Half Chorus of Satyrs: Jenn Broda Stage Directions: Availle : 8. “Dod Gast Ye Both!”, by Hubert Heffner (1901-1985). Run by: ToddHW Noah Setzer, a mountain moonshiner: EJWiley Walt, his son, an ex-member of the AEF: ambsweet13 Mary, his daughter: Kelly S. Taylor Mose, frequenter of the still and bootlegger for Noah: Wayne Cooke Sank, frequenter of the still and bootlegger for Noah: Jim Locke Bill Spivins, a rough mountaineer: EJWiley Laurence Abner, a “revenoor”: ToddHW Stage Directions: Devorah Allen : 9. An Irish Engagement, by Walter Watts. Run by: Kelly S. Taylor Mr. Bullfinch: Algy Pug Mr. McCarthy: Alan Mapstone Captain Foxlove: ToddHW Tim Rafferty: Andrew James Julia Bullfinch: JennPratt Norah: Nettle Stage Direction: Jenn Broda : 10. Damon, or True Friendship by G E Lessing. Run by: Adrian Stephens The Widow: JennPratt Leander, a Suitor: Adrian Stephens Damon, a Suitor: Jim Locke Oronte, cousin to Damon: Alan Mapstone Lisette, maid to the Widow: Michele Eaton Narrator: Kelly S. Taylor
Americans All, Immigrants All
The United States Department of the Interior, Office of Education partnered with the Columbia Broadcasting System to present a series of 26 dramatic radio broadcast programs detailing the role of immigrants in the development of the USA. This small volume was printed as a supplement to the programs. It contains a great deal of the data concerning the contributions of immigrants to the country, often in condensed or tabular form, which were highlighted in the broadcasts. – Summary by Mark Smith
Coffee Break Collection 032 – Wilderness
This is the 32nd Coffee Break Collection, in which Librivox readers select and read stories or poems, fiction or non-fiction pieces of fifteen minutes’ duration or less, suitable for short commutes and coffee breaks. The subject for this collection is WILDERNESS. The collection is full after 20 pieces have been submitted.
Short Nonfiction Collection Vol. 013
A collection of sixteen short nonfiction works in the public domain. The essays, speeches and reports included in this collection were independently selected by the readers, and the topics encompass history, politics, medicine, nature and religion. (summary by J. M. Smallheer)
“Boy” The Wandering Dog
Another ‘dog’s-eye view’ book for children by this early activist for the American Humane Society. In this tale, we follow the travels and adventures of Boy, a loveable and loyal wire-haired fox-terrier in city and country. – Summary by Lynne Thompson
Short Mystery and Suspense Collection 012
The 12th edition of the Librivox Mystery and Suspense Collection delivers such gems as Father Brown in the Donnington Affair, Edgar Allen Poe and Guy de Maupassant amongst others. Prepare to by mystified and entertained. Each piece has been selected and read by Librivox readers.