The Classic Tales Podcast
Designed to make classic literature less intimidating, The Classic Tales Podcast has been showcasing the greatest literary authors for years. Narrating with gusto, BJ Harrison performs each word of the classic texts, elevating them with character voices, sharp accents and bridled emotion. Adventure, Mystery, Horror, Humor and more - The Classic Tales Podcast has something for everybody. It really is The Cure for the Common Commute. Winner - Outstanding Podcast Host: Arts and Entertainment , Society of Voice Arts and Sciences- 2022 Winner of w3 Silver Award by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts-2022 Winner of w3 Gold Award by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts-2021 Winner of Independent Audiobook Award for "Scaramouche", by Raphael Sabatini - 2021

An outrageously generous gift proves increasingly inconvenient, when no one has change for a million-pound bank note. Mark Twain, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. New content is still coming your way on Fridays. 

Keep an ear open for our Kickstarter for The Golden Triangle – the sixth novel in the Arsène Lupin series. We’re getting ready with boxed sets, special editions, and more! We’ll let you know when we’re ready to pull the trigger.  

Mark Twain – I mean, he’s Mark Twain. This story was first published in 1893, and has been dramatized several times, first in a silent film, then radio plays, television, and even a film in 1954 with Gregory Peck. I hope you like it! 

And now, The Million Pound Bank Note, by Mark Twain. 

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Direct download: CT_914_TheMillionPoundBankNoteVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Father Brown solve a murder in a curious household? G.K. Chesterton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Million Pound Bank Note”, by Mark Twain. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you enjoy the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us continue to highlight these amazing stories. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing sparkling audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club was so much fun! It was great getting to know you, and talking a little shop. I think next time we’ll have some giveaways, so keep your schedule clear for the second Wednesday in April. 

I’ve been having fun designing the specials for our Kickstarter for the next Arsène Lupin book – The Golden Triangle. Boxed sets, special editions, enamel pins – I’ve got a lot to do, and I want to get it all ready so we can hit the ground running. Keep an ear open for when we pull the trigger!  

G.K. Chesterton was a pioneer of the detective story. Many consider his creation of Father Brown the equivalent to, if not an improvement on, Sherlock Holmes. The window that a man of the cloth has to the dark secrets of crime is indeed fascinating and very effective in solving crime.

One thing I noticed in today’s story is Chesterton’s use of racism as a plot device. This story will land differently on twenty-first century ears than it did when it was written in 1911. I don’t want to say much about it other than there are some racially charged terms in the story today – just a heads up. 

And now, The Wrong Shape, by G.K. Chesterton.

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Direct download: CT_913_TheWrongShape.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Annette Brougham can't get any composing done with all the racket from the apartment upstairs. But when she meets the handsome, pompous tenant, her humor only improves slightly. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. New content is still coming your way on Fridays. 

Tomorrow is the Classic Tales Book Club! We’ll be meeting on Zoom on March 13th at 4:00PM pacific time, 7 PM Eastern Time. Zoom links will be sent through the newsletter, so be sure you’re subscribed and watching your emails. See you then! 

Today’s story is part of a collection of short stories titled, The Man Upstairs and Other Stories. It’s a compilation of various stories that don’t contain any of Wodehouse’s typical characters, and fall outside of any canon. I hope you like today’s installment! 

And now, “The Man Upstairs”, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_912_TheManUpstairsVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Roby Morrison attends a very privileged boarding school. But when a spherical space ship lands, everything changes. Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Man Upstairs”, by P.G. Wodehouse. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you enjoy the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us continue to highlight these amazing stories. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing sparkling audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

Wednesday, March 13th at 4 PM Pacific time, 7 PM Eastern time, we’ll have our meeting of The Classic Tales Book Club! I’ll be sending the link to the zoom meeting through the newsletter, which will go out on the 12th. So be sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter, and you’ll be able to join us! A link to subscribe to the newsletter is in the show notes, as well as on the classic tales website. See you then! 

“Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.” -Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury was the consummate writer, telling stories he loved, while thrilling us  and challenging the things we thought we knew. Farenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Dandelion Wine, The Martian Chronicles, he wrote books, short stories, screenplays, and more. 

Today’s story was written under the pseudonym of Brett Sterling for the magazine Thrilling Wonder Stories in October 1948. I hope you like it. 

And now, Referent, by Ray Bradbury.

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Direct download: CT_911_Referent.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Adventurers Dravot and Carnehan have decided to take over a country. Not a big country, just a tiny one. Should be simple, right? Rudyard Kipling, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Keep an ear open for our coming Kickstarter campaign to fund the audiobook of The Golden Triangle, the next in the Arsène Lupin series, by Maurice Leblanc. We’ve got a ton of special bonuses planned. More details coming soon! 

And mark your calendar for the Classic Tales Book Club! We’ll be meeting on Zoom on March 13th at 4:00PM pacific time. See you then!

Today’s story has had many media iterations. Most famous is likely the 1975 film with Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Christopher Plummer. It’s been dramatized in radio on the program Escape, in 1943, and even the Dreamworks film “The Road to Eldorado” can be said to be loosely based on it. J.M. Barrie called it, “the most audacious thing in fiction”. It inspired T.S. Eliot to write a poem when he was young. Kingsley Amis called it, “grossly overrated”. Overrated? Maybe. Audacious? Absolutely. Either way, we hope you like it. 

And now, “The Man Who Would be King”, by Rudyard Kipling. 

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Direct download: CT_910_TheManWhoWouldBeKingVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

All is revealed. Buckle up. Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Man Who Would Be King”, by Rudyard Kipling. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep doing what we do. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

Mark your calendars for The Classic Tales Book Club! Our first meeting will be at 4:00 Pacific time, 7:00 Eastern time on March 13th. We’ll talk over Zoom about the podcast, and what genre you’d like to hear more often. See you then! 

I’m pivoting a bit on the Kickstarter for Bleak House. I just think it’s too long for our first Kickstarter. So, I’m thinking of the next in the Arsène Lupin series – The Golden Triangle. I’ll be making a custom enamel pin only available for supporters of the Kickstarter, among other fun deals. More details coming soon! 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 9 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

 

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Direct download: CT_909_CloudsofWitness_Part9of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Is an anatomy professor having murder done to secure his specimens? Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Keep an ear open for our coming Kickstarter campaign to fund the audiobook of Bleak House, by Charles Dickens. We’ve got a ton of special bonuses planned. More details coming soon!

And mark your calendar for the Classic Tales Book Club! We’ll be meeting on Zoom on March 13th at 4:00PM pacific time. See you then! 

Today’s story was inspired by true events. William Burke and William Hare committed 16 murders over a period of about 10 months in 1828 in Edinburgh,  Scotland. They sold the bodies to Robert Knox, who used them in his anatomy lessons. Of course, Robert Louis Stevenson puts his wonderful spin on the tale. I hope you like it. 

And now, “The Body Snatcher”, by Robert Louis Stevenson. 

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Direct download: CT_908_TheBodySnatcherVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Peter runs off in a final mad dash to secure a secret testimony. But will it be enough to save his brother?  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Body Snatcher”, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep doing what we do. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club’s first meeting is set! We will be meeting via Zoom on March 13th, at 4:00 Pm Pacific time. That should make it 7:00 Eastern time. I’ll be joined by the illustrious Christopher Oulette, and we’ll have a fun little chat talking about the show and whatever else comes up. Mark you calendars for March 13th. 

I’m working on setting up the Kickstarter project for Dickens’ Bleak House. This is a long one, and I can’t wait to dive in to an immersive story like this. I’m working on the artwork now, and I’ll have more information in the weeks to come. Big thanks to Ammon Anderson for helping me set this up. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 8 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_907_CloudsofWitness_Part8of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Inspector Valentin, while following the track of the thief Flambeau, keep crossing paths with two argumentative priests? G.K. Chesterton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Keep an ear open for our coming Kickstarter campaign to fund the audiobook of Bleak House, by Charles Dickens. We’ve got a ton of special bonuses planned. More details coming soon! 

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was a philosopher, writer, Christian apologist, and a critic of art and literature. He wrote around 80 books, 200 short stories, and  4,000 essays, (most of the essays appeared as newspaper articles). His most famous literary creation was Father Brown, a catholic priest that has heard the confessions of so many thieves, burglars, and law breakers over the course of his holy career, that he can usually anticipate and deduce the solution to any puzzling crime. Today’s story is the first Father Brown story, first published on July 23rd, 1910 in The Saturday Evening Post

And now, “The Blue Cross”, by G.K. Chesterton. 

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Direct download: CT_906_TheBlueCrossVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How can Wimsey escape the sucking mud pits of Peter’s Pot?  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Blue Cross”, by G.K. Chesterton. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

We have a couple of new developments. The first is The Classic Tales Book Club! We’re going to be having our first meeting in March! This will be a monthly meeting where we discuss the stories on the podcast, and we want you to come and chat with us. I’ll be joined by Classic Tales and classic literature enthusiast Christopher Oulette. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.

You may have noticed that I haven’t been able to record the longer audiobooks like I used to. It’s just hard to justify reserving that time in my schedule – taking it away from recording something I could get paid for. But there are still so many books I still want to do. Well, I think I may have found a way around that. 

I’ve been wanting to record Bleak House, by Charles Dickens for some time, now. It’s got his outlandish and deep characters, amazing plot twists, and his beautiful prose tying it all together.

So, I’m going to do a Kickstarter project for it! This way I can justify reserving time in my schedule to record and produce this audiobook. I’m planning to have TONS of bonus material and specials to make this happen. So get ready for a lot of fun, and some amazing deals in the near future. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 7 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_905_CloudsofWitness_Part7of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Every now and then, you need to build a fire in the Klondike. Should be a simple thing, right? Jack London, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

John Griffith Chaney (Jack London) was born on January 12, 1876 in the slums of San Francisco. His life was marked by poverty and struggle from beginning to end. Unwanted and abandoned by his parents, his foster mother was a former slave, Virginia Prentiss. He went to the University of California at Berkeley for one semester, then ran out of money. He then followed the Gold Rush to the Klondike, where he obtained an abundance of material to write about. He wrote 1,000 words a day, eventually gaining success as an author. He died at the age of 40. 

And now, “To Build a Fire”, by Jack London. 

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Direct download: CT_904_ToBuildaFireVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Now that they’ve secured the inflammatory Goyles, the case should be cut and dried, right?  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “To Build a Fire”, by Jack London. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club is moving forward. We’ll be posting details through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. So be sure to follow us there. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 6 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_903_CloudsofWitness_Part6of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

With the slaying of an albatross, the Ancient Mariner brings a curse that opens the workings of another world. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much.

 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the longest major poem from Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Originally published in 1798, it marks a shift to modern poetry and the beginning of British Romantic literature. If you’ve heard the saying of someone having an albatross around their neck, this is the thing they’re referencing. The Gustave Doré engraved illustrations for this book are absolutely wonderful. 

And now, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 

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Direct download: CT_902_RimeoftheAncientMarinerVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What does Mary bring to light in her long-awaited confession?  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club is moving forward. We’ll be posting details through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. So be sure to follow us there. I’m very excited to get this started.

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 5 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers

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Direct download: CT_901_CloudsofWitness_Part5of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Benjamin Button begins life as a 70-year-old man, and then things start to get weird. F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Today’s story originally appeared in Collier’s magazine on May 27, 1922. It was later included in the short story collection: Tales of the Jazz age. The story was later adaped to a film in 2008, and a musical in 2019. 

This story was recorded when a listener reached out to me from New Orleans, and told me that they were filming a movie in her neighborhood based on this short story. 

And now, “Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

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Direct download: CT_900_BenjaminButtonVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What clue does Parker find in Paris that blows the case wide open? Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club is moving forward. Details coming soon. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 4 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_899_CloudsofWitness_Part4of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

From his vantage point high above the city, the statue of the happy prince gives of himself in a way that is most astonishing. Oscar Wilde, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. Clouds of Witness, by Dorothy Sayers will continue episodically every Friday. Please help us to continue producing amazing audiobooks by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Today’s episode consists of three short stories. In "The Model Millionaire", the destiny of a young, ambitious, brilliant pauper changes with an act of his misplaced generosity.

"The Happy Prince" is one of Oscar Wilde's renowned fairy tales. Sacrifice and empathy are layered into this beautiful story.

Finally, in "The Sphinx without a Secret", we learn of an enigmatic woman who holds a secret so close, no suitor can win her.

And now, "The Happy Prince and Other Tales", by Oscar Wilde.  

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Direct download: CT_898_TheHappyPrinceandOtherTalesVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The investigation leads Wimsey to a quaint Yorkshire farm. But why would the farmer set the dogs on him?   Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Happy Prince and Other Stores”, by Oscar Wilde. Three short stories you’re sure to enjoy. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The Classic Tales Book Club is moving forward. If any of you have an idea you’d like to contribute, or a special knowledge or skill you think might help, please send me an email through the website. I’d really like to make this a fun place where we can have great conversations, and I’m learning how difficult that is to create. So, if you’d like to pitch in, let me know. Details coming soon. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 3 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers. 

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Direct download: CT_897_CloudsofWitness_Part3of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

While sailing in the Arctic the Pole-Star becomes trapped in ice. But when superstition begins to run rampant among the crew, the captain begins to cope in a strange way. Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New content will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the lights on by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

While mostly famous for his creation of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle enjoyed crafting tales about the supernatural as well. The Captain of the Polestar and other tales includes many great pieces of short fiction. 

And now, The Captain of the Pole-star, by Arthur Conan Doyle. 

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Direct download: CT_896_TheCaptainofthePoleStarVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Could a green-eyed cat be the clue that cracks the mystery?   Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Captain of the Pole Star”, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

I’m planning to start a new thing this year – The Classic Tales Book Club. It will be a monthly meeting over Zoom, where we can talk about the books we love. Might be about the stuff on the show, maybe not. But I figured it’s about time we start to know each other better. There’s a familiar comfort with the classics. I just love them. I’d love to have a discussion! 

So keep your ears open for the Classic Tales Book Club. Easiest book club ever. Details coming soon. 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 2 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_895_CloudsofWitness_Part2of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Ardita Farnam has a feisty will and a fiery tongue. But when seven hulking musicians seize her yacht while her rich uncle goes ashore, she soon discovers the limits of her persuasive powers. F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New content will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the lights on by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Today’s story was released as one of eight stories in Flappers and Philosophers in 1920. It was Fitzgerald’s first published collection, and showcases his rapid development as a writer. 

And now, The Offshore Pirate, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Direct download: CT_894_TheOffshorePirateVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Lord Peter Wimsey help when his brother is accused of murder? Because things aren’t looking good.  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Offshore Pirate”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

Dorothy Sayers was a pioneer in the world of detective fiction, and in her second novel featuring Lord Peter Wimsey, she deepens her craft. In his first outing in Whose Body, Wimsey verges on caricature, and in Clouds of Witness, he’s drawn as more of a man of action. Sayers will deepen this aspect of Wimsey in subsequent novels. 

The title for this book comes from the Bible: Hebrews Chapter 12, verse 1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." 

And now, Clouds of Witness, Part 1 of 9, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_893_CloudsofWitness_Part1of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When big-game hunter Sanger Rainsford falls overboard and swims to an island with a bad reputation, the hunter quickly becomes the hunted. Richard Connell, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New content will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the lights on by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Big-game safaris and expeditions were fashionable among the wealthy in the 1920’s. The story has had several media appearances, including an audio drama in the CBS Radio Suspense series, featuring Orson Welles in 1943, and an RKO film featuring Fay Wray in 1932. 

And now, The Most Dangerous Game, by Richard Connell

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Direct download: CT_892_TheMostDangerousGameVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The Cisco Kid’s days are numbered, now that they’ve located his sweetheart. How can they evade the Federales?  O. Henry, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episode for the week is “The Most Dangerous Game”, by Richard Connell. Be sure to check it out on Tuesday. 

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

If you’ve enjoyed the show, please become a monthly supporter, and help us keep the lights on. 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for at least $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to help us keep producing amazing audiobook content. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter today. 

The character of the Cisco Kid was originally created in this short story by O. Henry, but he went through a huge transformation before he became the character widely known today. 

The Cisco Kid is not a beloved character in his first appearance in today’s story, first published in 1907. Nope, he’s a vicious killer. However, by the time of his third feature film, The Old Arizona in 1927, Cisco was revamped as a witty Mexican hero, winning the Oscar for Best Actor for Warner Brothers – the second ever given!

Nearly thirty films were produced with the character, along with 156 television episodes produced between 1950 and 1956. 

But in today’s story by O. Henry, Cisco is a duplicitous scoundrel. The kind that can’t be killed.

And now, The Caballero’s Way, by O. Henry.

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Direct download: CT_891_TheCaballerosWay.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson deduce the whereabouts of a famous jewel based on a hat and a Christmas goose. Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle is one of twelve short stories included in the seminal volume The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. A link to the complete audiobook can be found in the show notes. 

And now, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Direct download: CT_890_BlueCarbuncleVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A last-minute shopping excursion leads to a Christmas miracle in the country. Lucy Maud Montgomery, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes are back. Check us out on Tuesday for The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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And now, Christmas at Red Butte, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. 

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Direct download: CT_889_ChristmasatRedButte.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The Ghosts of Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Neither pull any punches for Ebeneezer Scrooge. Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

And now, A Christmas Carol, Part 3of 3, by Charles Dickens.

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Direct download: CT_888_TheChristmasCarol3of3VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

All is revealed, and Jimmy shows his true mettle – while demonstrating his singular gift for intrusion. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes are back. Check us out on Tuesday for Part 3 of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Christmas on Tuesdays, Romantic Comedy on Fridays. Who could ask for anything more? 

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And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 7 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_887_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part7of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Perspective. That’s what Ebeneezer Scrooge needs, and a journey with a ghost can give it to him. Hopefully. Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

And now, A Christmas Carol, Part 2 of 3, by Charles Dickens.

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Direct download: CT_886_TheChristmasCarol2of3VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Ah, the things we’ll do when we’re driven to our limits. Burglary? For a Lord of the Realm? I’m not saying it’s completely out of the question. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes are back. Check us out on Tuesday for Part 2 of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Christmas on Tuesdays, Romantic Comedy on Fridays. Who could ask for anything more?

Please become a monthly supporter, and help to keep this good thing going: 

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for at least $8 off any audiobook order. 

At the end of last week’s episode, Spike had proactively stolen Lady Julia’s diamond necklace, and Jimmy planned to put it back during the theatricals that evening.  

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 6 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse.  

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Direct download: CT_885_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part6of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Ebeneezer Scrooge rules his shop with an iron fist and a miserly glare. Perhaps a ghost or two can snap him out of it. Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

A new Vintage Episode is released every Tuesday. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

The Vintage Episodes will not stream through YouTube, so if you don’t want to miss anything, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

A Christmas Carol was the first Christmas story I tackled when I started the podcast back in 2007. I think most every actor would love to be involved in a production of A Christmas Carol, and I was no different. 

11 years later, in 2018, when I saw how much I had grown as a narrator, and also how much my studio had improved, I decided to record this one again. This recording is the 2018 version, available in the anthology, The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens. A link is available in the show notes. 

And now, A Christmas Carol, Part 1 of 3, by Charles Dickens.

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Direct download: CT_884_TheChristmasCarol1of3VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Safe and sound aboard a canoe on the lake, Jimmy can straiten things out with Molly. But how can he possibly win over her bulldog of a father? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes are coming back. Did we raise all that we needed to? No. But I don’t like going backwards. I think I went too big too soon. So, we’re going to do one vintage episode on Tuesdays, and one episode of new content on Fridays. The next one will be part one of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. This way you get some Christmas stories, along with the ongoing Wodehouse tale.  

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At the end of last week’s episode, Jimmy had placed Molly bodily into a canoe, and rowed out onto the lake.  

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 5 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse.  

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Direct download: CT_883_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:16am MDT

Between the detectives, the suspicious father, and the upcoming theatricals, how is Jimmy to get closer to Molly? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Thank you so much to all our new and returning supporters who chipped in this week. We’d like to get the vintage episodes back as quickly as possible. Here’s how you can help us out:

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for at least $8 off any audiobook order. If all goes well, we’ll be back with more vintage episodes before you know it. 

In his attempts to woo Molly McEachern, Jimmy’s got a lot working against him. Let’s see how he does this week. 

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 4 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_882_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How can Jimmy convince Molly’s pugnacious father that he is not, in fact, a professional burglar? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Thank you so much to all our new and returning supporters who chipped in this week. We’d like to get the vintage episodes back as quickly as possible. Here’s how you can help us out:

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for at least $8 off any audiobook order. If all goes well, we’ll be back with more vintage episodes before you know it. 

Well-to-do Jimmy broke into a house on a bet. He got help from Spike Mullins, a penny larcenist who happened to be burgling Jimmy. Together, they broke into the house of the grafting police captain, Mr. McEchern, who coincidentally was the father of the girl Jimmy had been smitten with on his recent steam ship travels. 

A year later, Jimmy is in London, and is invited to stay at the country estate of Lord Dreever, a penniless noble with a moneyed and intimidating aunt and uncle. Due to an oversight, Jimmy must walk from the train station to the estate, and who should he meet on his way but Molly McEchern, the very girl who had so impressed him on the steamship, and whose father’s house he had bunglingly burgled. 

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 3 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse.  

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Direct download: CT_881_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A year of globe-trotting can’t cure Jimmy’s curious affliction. Will he ever get the remarkable girl from the steamer out of his head? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We’ve had a few folks become supporters! Thank you so much to all our new and returning supporters who chipped in this week. However, we still have a long way to go.

Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter for as little as $5 a month. As a thank you gesture, we’ll send you a coupon code every month for at least $8 off any audiobook order. If all goes well, hopefully we’ll be back with more vintage episodes before you know it. 

Last week, we met Jimmy, who had just returned to America from England, and was smitten with a girl he met, kind of. Their eyes met, but they never spoke. On returning to New York, Jimmy’s flat was broken into by Spike Mullins, who Jimmy took a liking to. Spike and Jimmy then broke into the home of Mr. McEchern, the grafting chief of police, and the father to the enigmatic girl Jimmy saw on the steamer. 

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 2 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_880_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Everyone says that Jimmy is the same jolly chap as ever, even after coming into money. So why does he agree to break into a house? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Well, I hate to say it, I mean I really hate to say it, but we’ll be suspending the vintage episodes for a bit. Right now, it’s too cost prohibitive. But here’s what I’d like to do about it: 

If we get enough new supporters, we can start it up again. So please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter for $5 a month. We’ll send you a coupon code every month for $8 off any audiobook order, and hopefully we’ll be back with more vintage episodes before you know it. 

Today’s story is a standalone Wodehouse title. It’s not part of a series, and like a lot of his books, contains both American and British characters. I hope you like it. 

I particularly enjoy his reference to Arsène Lupin. Keep an ear open for it!

And now, The Intrusion of Jimmy, Part 1 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_879_TheIntrusionofJimmy_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does withholding Culwin make things worse by holding his tongue? Edith Wharton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Edith Wharton loved ghost stories, and The Eyes is one of her finest. The concept of “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” is on full display, here. Let’s get to it:

And now, The Eyes, by Edith Wharton. 

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Direct download: CT_878_TheEyes_VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Sleepy Hollow sounded like such a peaceful place to the gentle Ichabod Crane. Boy, was he in for a surprise. Washington Irving, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

The character of Ichabod Crane in Irving’s immortal story has had many incarnations. He’s been a detective, a dabbler in the supernatural, and a criminologist, among other things. First published in 1820, this is among the first examples of American fiction with enduring popularity. Of course, cartoons help. 

I’ve always appreciated how much of the original text survived in the Disney version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Required viewing at Halloween time. 

And now, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving.

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Direct download: CT_877_SleepyHollow_VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is an unobtrusive, simple flat in the middle of London outrageously haunted? Edward Bulwer-Lytton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Halloween! Keep an eye open for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving, and The Eyes, by Edith Wharton. As you’ve noticed, there’s a lot of new material we’re sending your way, and we really want to keep the momentum going. Please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter for $5 a month. We’ll send you a coupon code every month, so you can get even more! And thanks for your support! 

The Right Honourable Lord Edward Bulwer-Lytton was a prolific novelist, and very popular in his day. He coined many phrases now commonplace, such as, “the pen is mightier than the sword”, “The pursuit of the almighty dollar”, and “It was a dark and stormy night”. He represented the Whigs in Parliament, and was the Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859. 

He married Rosina Doyle Wheeler, also a writer, and they had two children. He wasn’t a faithful husband, and they parted acrimoniously in 1833. When he was standing as a parliamentary candidate in June 1858, Rosina continued to publicly denounce him, in print and in person, and his responses escalated until he eventually had her committed to a mental asylum. She was shortly released after a public outcry. 

He suffered with gradual hearing loss from the time he was a young man. As it worsened during the course of his life, he pulled out of the public eye. An unsuccessful ear operation eventually killed him, and he died in 1873. 

And now, The Haunters and the Haunted, by Edward Bulwer Litton.

 

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Direct download: CT_876_HauntersandtheHaunted.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Dreaming of eternal tranquility, Winzy quaffs the elixir of immortality. But soon his tranquility turns to torture. Mary Shelley, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Today’s story was commissioned in 1833 for The Keepsake, a literary annual which combined short fiction, poetry, and engraved artwork. “The Mortal Immortal” is an example of a Godwinian confessional narrative, a technique developed by Mary’s father, William Godwin, in his novel St. Leon. Godwin’s novel features a tragic immortal protagonist possessed of exceptional powers, but unable to use them well. 

The narrative technique and the theme of exploring the nature of life and immortality are evident in many of her writings, including the short story “Transformation” and of course, Frankenstein

And now, The Mortal Immortal, by Mary Shelley. 

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Direct download: CT_875_TheMortalImmortal_VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

It was the dull, sightless, vulture's eye that shredded his final nerve. Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much.

In today’s story, an unnamed narrator attempts to convince us of his sanity, while simultaneously describing a murder he committed. It was first published 180 years ago in 1843. 

I heard a radio version of this story where they have different voice actors “tempt”, or “guide”  the narrator through the steps of the murder, which was rather effective. When I first recorded this back in 2007, it was in the middle of the night, and I was all alone, and really into the height of the drama, and right at the critical point, a car drove by with some crazy bass going on, and it nearly gave me a heart attack.

This recording was the #3 bestselling audiobook at the iTunes Music Store in 2008. 

And now, The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe. 

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Direct download: CT_874_TheTellTaleHeart_VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The mystery of the cursed room is solved, and all is revealed. Anonymous, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast are in full swing – every Monday and Wednesday. Monday we’ll have The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe, and on Wednesday, The Mortal Immortal, by Mary Shelley. It actually takes quite a bit more work to release three episodes a week instead of one, so if you’d like more Vintage Episodes, please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter. And thanks for your support! 

This week concludes our story by Anonymous of The Closed Cabinet, jointly narrated with Nancy Peterson. 

Evie’s cousins live on an ancient estate with a cursed history. Featured in this history is a room with a closed cabinet, where tradition has it that if a single woman sleeps in the room, she will die. On her third night in the room, Evie has an extremely realistic dream, where she lived through the terrifying moment of a wronged woman taking revenge against her abusive husband. She awakes with a cut on her hand from a dagger she retrieved from the closed cabinet – which was open in her dream. 

I know that the writing of this story isn’t as fast paced as some of our other offerings, but I am so impressed with the level of craft in the book. Evie is initially extremely naïve and innocent, and Alan is aloof to the point of boorishness. But Evie and Alan gently move from opposite sides of the “worldly experience” spectrum, until they meet at just the right place. 

And once again, a huge thank you to Nancy Peterson for her stunning narration. Do yourself a favor, and check out her recordings of the Anne of Green Gables series. Links are in the show notes.

And now, The Closed Cabinet, Part 3 of 3, by Anonymous. Narrated with Nancy Peterson

Follow these links to see Nancy Peterson’s TikTok channel and Anne of Green Gables series

 

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Direct download: CT_873_TheClosedCabinet_Part3of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Seeking shelter from the storm, a young traveler finds refuge in a cozy cottage nestled in the notch of a hill. But is the cottage really safe? Nathaniel Hawthorne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Today’s story is based in fact. The basis of the story is the Willey tragedy of Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. On August 28, 1826, a family living in the Notch of the White Mountains was killed by an avalanche as they rushed from their home attempting to seek safety. The home they fled, however, was unharmed. Hawthorne visited the area four years later.

Hawthorne wrote this piece as a series of travel pieces he titled, “Sketches from Memory, by a Pedestrian”, in the November 1835 issue of The New-England Magazine. It was later included in the second edition of Twice-Told Tales

And now, The Ambitious Guest, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

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Direct download: CT_872_TheAmbitiousGuest_VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

After abandoning a life of dissipation, the baron settles down - but this version of simple domesticity isn’t what he had in mind. Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com, and becoming a supporter. Thank you so much. 

Dickens’ first serialized novel, The Pickwick Papers, used a significant amount of peripheral short fiction to bulk up the length of the story, or as Dickens said, “make length”. In Nicholas Nickleby, he did it again, inserting a short story in his serialized title. The Baron of Grogswig can be found in Chapter 6. 

Considered a “satire of a Gothic tale”, hopefully the charm of Dickens is still shining strong. 

And now, The Baron of Grogzwig, by Charles Dickens. 

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Direct download: CT_871_TheBaronofGrogzwigVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What does Evie discover when she finds the cursed, closed cabinet – open? Anonymous, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast are in full swing – every Monday and Wednesday. Monday we’ll have The Baron of Grogswig, by Charles Dickens, and on Wednesday, The Ambitious Guest, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It actually takes quite a bit more work to release three episodes a week instead of one, so if you’d like more Vintage Episodes, please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter. And thanks for your support! 

This week continues our story by Anonymous of The Closed Cabinet, jointly narrated with Nancy Peterson. 

Last week, we met Evie who is visiting her esteemed cousins, the Mervyns, who live on an ancient estate with a wicked history. Featured in this history is a room with a closed cabinet, where it is rumored that a girl died when she slept there 150 years ago. Events so fell out that Evie has to stay in this room for several nights. Each night she has terrible dreams. 

Note how Evie’s reaction to the elements helps to move the story along, and adds to the supernatural nature of the story. It’s a small step from reacting strongly to the wind, to reacting to other invisible things. 

And now, The Closed Cabinet, Part 2 of 3, by Anonymous. Narrated with Nancy Peterson.  

Follow these links to see Nancy Peterson’s TikTok channel and Anne of Green Gables series: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@nancy_peterson_narrates

https://tinyurl.com/54ncrx9s

 

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Direct download: CT_870_TheClosedCabinet_Part2of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Jabez Wilson is exorbitantly paid to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica at a certain time and place every day. Is he right to be suspicious? Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every little bit helps. Thank you so much. 

The Adventure of the Red-Headed League is one of 12 Sherlock Holmes stories comprising The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. It is one of the 56 short stories in the Sherlock Holmes canon. It was originally published in the Strand Magazine in August 1891. 

One thing to note – the dates in the story don’t match the characters’ descriptions of time passing. Wilson first discovers the advertisement for the League on April 27, 1890, works for 8 weeks, finishing at the end of June. However, the story begins as “one day in autumn”, and describes the league closing on October 9, 1890. 

The story is still great, but nitpickers are going to nitpick, so we thought we’d point it out. 

And now, The Adventure of the Red-Headed League, by Arthur Conan Doyle. 

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Direct download: CT_869_TheRed-HeadedLeagueVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Father and son enter a magic shop where the shopman is a genius at sleight of hand. But, as the son becomes more and more enthralled, the father feels an icy hand grip his heart. H.G. Wells, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. Please help us to keep the Vintage Episodes coming by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every little bit helps. Thank you so much. 

H.G. Wells. Yeah, when he invents a genre, he invents a genre. Think of all the stories with magic shops like the one in today’s story – Harry Potter, The Twilight Zone, Gremlins, Little Shop of Horrors, the list goes on and on. 

This story is a little lighter than Wells’ typical fare, and is perfect for Halloween listening. So, let’s journey to a magic shop where “All goods (are) of the same quality…and that is the best”

And now, The Magic Shop, by H.G. Wells. 

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Direct download: CT_868_TheMagicShopVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A family secret, an ominous curse, and a mysterious cabinet equals a surplusage of horrors. No wonder the writer withheld their name. Anonymous, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast are in full swing – every Monday and Wednesday. How did you like them? Are you looking for more? Please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick up an audiobook, become a supporter, leave a review, or send us an email. Let us know if you’d like more. 

Monday we’ll have H.G. Wells’ fanciful story The Magic Shop, and on Wednesday, Sherlock Holmes returns in The Red-headed League. It actually takes quite a bit more work to release three episodes a week instead of one, so if you’d like more Vintage Episodes, please go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and chip in. And thanks for your support! 

Today begins a three-part series of The Closed Cabinet, by Anonymous. There are so many wonderful elements in today’s story – a bespelled cabinet built by an ancient witch, a family curse, and beautiful prose tying it all together. But the majority of this story is told from the point of view of a 19-year-old woman. And so I reached out to Nancy Peterson, the award-winning narrator and Tik-Tok sensation, and we decided to collaborate again. So the parts of the story that are told from the heroine, Evie’s point of view will be read by Nancy, and I’ll be chiming in when the men speak.

I thought this approach would be best for the way this story is written. Hopefully it works okay. Just trying something new. 

And if you’re a fan of Nancy’s, like I am, she is in the process of recording the Anne of Green Gables series of books, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Links to her recordings can be found in the show notes. I’ve seen her perform some of it live – it’s amazing. 

And now, The Closed Cabinet, Part 1 of 3, by Anonymous. Narrated with Nancy Peterson. 

Follow these links to see Nancy Peterson’s TikTok channel and Anne of Green Gables series: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@nancy_peterson_narrates

https://tinyurl.com/54ncrx9s

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Direct download: CT_867_TheClosedCabinet_1of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Enter the tormented mind of a prisoner in his quest for hope in a world of darkness. Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes, or even if you don’t.

Edgar Allan Poe. This master of the short story was such a pioneer, defining the sleuth mystery, expanding the realm of science fiction. And of course, he gave us the definitive canon of horror stories. 

Today’s story was published 180 years ago, in 1843. There are no supernatural elements in the story itself. The realism of the story is enhanced through the reported sensations of the narrator. It’s a thrill ride, moving from one thrilling episode to the next. It seems as though Poe is experimenting with the effectiveness of several devices to create a desired thrilling effect.

16 years ago, this episode rocketed The Classic Tales Podcast to the #3 Top Podcast in Apple Podcasts (then iTunes). Let’s see how it holds up. 

And now, The Pit and the Pendulum, Edgar Allan Poe. 

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Direct download: CT_866_ThePitandthePendulumVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Everyone says Henry’s wife, Phoebe, has died. But to Henry, she’s still alive. Theodore Dreiser, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also give us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes. 

Theodore Dreiser was a leading figure of a new literary movement in America, replacing the observances of the Victorian days with new social problems that reflected the industrialization of America. His best known works are Sister Carrie (1922), and An American Tragedy (1925). 

Dreiser’s works are far from perfect, and tend to get longer as you read them. However, like many who brave new paths, the writers before Dreiser were remarkably different than those who followed him. While perhaps not a perfect guidepost, he nevertheless showed a new path and took a few wavering steps.

The Lost Phoebe is the only one of Dreiser’s titles in the Classic Tales canon. I’ve tried to return to him over the past 16 years and it just hasn’t worked out. Strange, because The Lost Phoebe has some absolutely masterful moments. 

And now, The Lost Phoebe, by Theodore Dreiser.

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Direct download: CT_865_TheLostPhoebeVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Have 30 years dimmed the memory of music in Clark’s aunt? What will happen if it’s awakened? Willa Cather, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast just keep coming. How did you like them? Are you looking for more? Please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick up an audiobook, become a supporter, leave a review, or send us an email. Let us know if you’d like more. 

Monday we’ll have Theodore Dreiser’s incredible story The Lost Phoebe, and on Wednesday, Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum. Believe it or not, when this episode of The Pit and the Pendulum was originally released, The Classic Tales Podcast was the #3 podcast in all of iTunes (Apple Podcasts) not just fiction, but in ALL podcasts, in between This American Life and Car Talk. Times have changed, and I’m glad we’ve kept up, to some extent. If you’d like more Vintage Episodes, head on over to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and let us know one way or another. And thanks for your support! 

Today’s story is about a gifted musician who fell in love, and eloped to the frontier, forsaking her promising career as a professional musician. It’s interesting to think of this time when her life was wholly unconnected. Talk about off the grid. No internet, television, movies, or even a band concert. Hymns in church – that’s entertainment. 

Beautifully written by the great Willa Cather, A Wagner Matinee takes us to a simpler time, while still capturing much of the darker complexities we don’t want to talk about. 

And now, A Wagner Matinee, by Willa Cather.

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Direct download: CT_864_AWagnerMatinee.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Does a mummified monkey’s paw have supernatural powers? What happens when a careless wish puts it to the test? W. W. Jacobs, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes, or even if you don’t.

William Wymark Jacobs’ remarkable story of The Monkey’s Paw was originally published in 1902 in Harper’s Monthly. It was reprinted the same year in his third collection of short stories, entitled The Lady of the Barge.

It’s been celebrated on stage, screen, radio, television, comics, and even opera since 1903. Something about the unintended consequences connected with having your wish granted really strikes a chord. Let’s strike it again. 

And now, The Monkey’s Paw, W.W. Jacobs. 

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Direct download: CT_863_TheMonkeysPawVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

It’s the most glorious flower garden the world has ever known. But when a young student falls in love with the mysterious Eve who tends the garden, he learns that this Paradise is anything but a Garden of Eden. Nathaniel Hawthorne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

Two Vintage Episodes are released each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also give us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes.

Today we continue the Gothic vein with a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Most of us are familiar with The Scarlet Letter. But Hawthorne really shines in the medium of the short story, and this story is an excellent example. 

Gothic elements abound – Beatrice is socially and physically isolated from the rest of the world. There is a supernatural and scientific element to the garden, the romance of the two lovers, and the Faustian/diabolical figure of Dr. Rappaccini. 

All in all, it’s a solid piece of literature, if you can overlook the green narrator.  

And now, Rappaccini’s Daughter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

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Direct download: CT_862_RappaccinisDaughterVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does the rose bush tremble, when there isn’t a hint of wind? Mary Wilkins Freeman, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

How are we liking the Vintage Episodes? Are they brightening up your week? Are you looking for more? Please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick up an audiobook, become a supporter, leave a review, or send us an email. Let us know if you’d like more. 

When I first started the show, we did a lot of ghost stories. So, this week, you’ll hear Rappaccini’s Daughter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and The Monkey’s Paw, by W. W. Jacobs. Keep an eye on your podcast feed for two Vintage Episodes – one on Monday, another on Wednesday. If you like them, head on over to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and let us know one way or another. And thanks for your support! 

Today’s story is riddled with secrets, and but the main theme is deception. Each woman handles the truth differently in this story, and it’s interesting to see who does what with the information they have. 

Puritanism is rampant in the story, from the characters’ style of speaking, their way of life, the attitude toward teenage boys, and the unspoken understanding of how to handle the truth. Good people don’t tell lies, right? Well, let’s see. 

And now, The Wind in the Rose Bush, by Mary Wilkins Freeman.

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Direct download: CT_861_TheWindintheRoseBush.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How does Barbara cope with the loss of her handsome Edmond? Can Lord Uplandtowers use this to exact a cruel revenge? Thomas Hardy, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We’ll be releasing two Vintage Episodes each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes. 

T.S. Eliot said that Barbara of the House of Grebe “would seem to have been written solely to provide a satisfaction for some morbid emotion”. Looking back on this production, I’m rather inclined to agree. When you think about why this story was written, or what message it’s trying to convey, it may be simply to scratch some dark and murky itch. See how far you can go, kind of thing. 

In short, the ending of this story is pretty dark. Just a heads up. 

And now, Barbara of the House of Grebe, Part 2 of 2, by Thomas Hardy.  

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Direct download: CT_860_BarbaraoftheHouseofGrebe2of2VINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When Barbara elopes with her penniless lover, it sets in motion a series of events culminating in tragedy. Thomas Hardy, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We’ll be releasing two Vintage Episodes each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. You can also give us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes. 

This episode of The Classic Tales Podcast was originally released on June 22, 2007, along with The Cask of Amontillado, by Edgar Allan Poe, and The Speckled Band, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

I ran across this story in a collection of short stories called The Oxford Book of Gothic Tales, edited by Chris Baldick, which I’d highly recommend. Of course, you’ll run into most of the stories if you listen to the Vintage Episodes of the podcast. 

Barbara of the House of Grebe was originally published in the periodical The Graphic in 1890, and later collected with nine other stories in A Group of Noble Dames, and published in book form in 1891. 

It’s a pretty gothic story. You’ve got the dark atmosphere, romance, tragedy, and a dark villain. So buckle up. It’s about to get real. 

And now, Barbara of the House of Grebe, Part 1 of 2, by Thomas Hardy. 

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Direct download: CT_859_BarbaraoftheHouseofGrebe1of2VINTAGEA.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is Bryden’s doppelgänger curiously disfigured? Henry James, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

This marks the first week of Vintage Episodes released alongside the new episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast. How did you like them? Are you looking for more? Please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick up an audiobook, become a supporter, leave a review, or send us an email. Let us know if you’d like more. 

The Vintage Episodes include not only a remastered version of the original release, starting in 2007, but also new introductory material, story and author background, notes on why the story was chosen, and any performance choices that may or may not have worked. We’ll continue the Vintage Episodes for a month. At that point, we’ll see if this is something we can continue. This week we’ll be releasing both parts of Thomas Hardy’s Barbara of the House of Grebe. Classic Tales app users can hear the first episode now in the special features for today’s episode. 

So keep an eye on your podcast feed, and you’ll see two Vintage Episodes appear – one on Monday, another on Wednesday. If you like it, head on over to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and let us know one way or another. And thanks for your support! 

Today we finish Brydon’s story, and he meets his doppelgänger – the darker man he could have been. This desperate need to reconnect with his lost chances, lost friendships, lost opportunities, etc. has its roots in the writings of Emmanuel Swedenborg, who influenced James greatly. One of Swedenborg’s theories was that of “vastation”, in which a supernatural encounter with your darker alter-ego occurred, which must be defeated and overcome to progress in the spiritual plane.

Emmanuel Swedenborg influenced many great thinkers, including Fjodor Dostoyevsky, Robert Louis Stevenson, George Bernard Shaw, Sheridan LeFanu,  Abraham Lincoln, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and many others. 

And now, The Jolly Corner, Part 2 of 2, by Henry James.

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Direct download: CT_858_TheJollyCorner_2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:41am MDT

Helen Stoner is terrified. Two years ago, her sister died after hearing strange noises in her room. Now after moving into her sister’s room, Helen is hearing the noises again! Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to this Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

 We’ll be releasing two Vintage Episodes each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. If you like the Vintage Episodes, please let us know by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Become a supporter, tell your friends, order an audiobook, or send us an email. We’d love to hear if you like the older episodes. 

This episode of The Classic Tales Podcast was originally released on June 22, 2007, along with The Cask of Amontillado, by Edgar Allan Poe, and Part One of Barbara of the House of Grebe, by Thomas Hardy. 

The Adventure of the Speckled Band is one of 12 Sherlock Holmes stories comprising The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. It is one of the 56 short stories in the Sherlock Holmes canon, and hosts many tell-tale signs of the classic detective genre. Doyle himself called it his “best story”. It was originally published in the Strand Magazine in February 1892. 

And now, The Adventure of the Speckled Band, by Arthur Conan Doyle. 

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Direct download: CT_857_TheSpeckledBandVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The bloody-minded Montresor leads the pompous Fortunato deep into the wine vaults and catacombs, crowning in a climax that is delightfully sinister. Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

This is our first Vintage Episode of The Classic Tales Podcast. We’ll be releasing two Vintage Episodes each week, so be sure to check your feed regularly. New episodes will be available every Friday. 

We’ve got a special treat for you. Head on over to Nancy Peterson’s TikTok channel @nancy_peterson_narrates, and you can see her recording an episode or two of The Classic Tales Podcast LIVE. In October, she and I will be doing a duet narration of The Closed Cabinet. You can watch her record her portion live on her TikTok channel, and even chime in! Nancy is an Audie Award-Winning narrator, a world class individual, and great friend. Check out her TikTok channel, and you’ll have a ball. A link is in the show description.

This episode of The Classic Tales Podcast was originally released on June 22, 2007, along with The Speckled Band, by Arthur Conan Doyle, and Part One of Barbara of the House of Grebe, by Thomas Hardy. 

The recording of Basil Rathbone recording The Cask of Amontillado changed my life. It really did. Up until that time, I couldn’t understand the heavier language of the classics. I never really understood Poe until I had an actor help me with it. But when I heard this recording, the world opened up for me. I listened to it over and over again, until I practically memorized it. Then I discovered other audiobooks, and learned how to really read. I could understand these amazing stories that were up until that time, hidden from me. I can’t emphasize how deeply this impacted my life. We named our first-born son Basil. 

So, after I listened to a few hundreds of audiobooks over a dozen years or so, I heard about podcasting, and I had an idea for one. The Cask of Amontillado had to be the first episode. I cobbled together an old computer, borrowed some recording equipment, and threw three episodes together. 

Now, 17 years later, I record audiobooks as my full-time job. 

Let’s start the journey again. 

And now, The Cask of Amontillado, by Edgar Allan Poe. 

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Direct download: CT_856_TheCaskofAmontilladoVINTAGE.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Is the spectral presence in Bryden’s home the ghost of his alter ego, or is he just seeing what he wants to see? Henry James, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

If you’d like to hear more Classic Tales, then buckle up. Starting this week, for every one episode of new content, we will be releasing two Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast. You may have noticed that there are only 250+ episodes available through the podcast, but the episode numbers are 850+. That means there are around 600 episodes currently not on the feed. Well, we’re going to change that. 

Not only will we continue to create new content every Friday, but on Mondays and Wednesdays we be releasing Vintage Episodes of The Classic Tales Podcast. We’re going to start at the very beginning, with the very first episode, and release two Vintage Episodes every week. If we release two Vintage Episodes for every new episode, we’ll be caught up in around five and a half years. 

So if you want more, you got it. But this is a trial program. We’re going to try this for a while, and if you like it, please become a supporter, or tell your friends, or drop us a line and let us know. We’ll see how it goes. As for me, I’m excited to revisit some of my old friends, and I’d like to hear from you.

Keep an eye on your podcast feed, and you’ll see two new episodes in addition to our regular show on Friday. If you like it, head on over to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and let us know one way or another. And thanks for your support! 

Today’s story is incredibly autobiographical, and is considered one of Henry James’ best ghost stories. He wrote it six years before his death, and thirty-three years after he settled in Europe after leaving America. 

It’s the story of a wealthy young man who leaves America in his youth, follows a life of dissipation for 33 years in Europe, and returns to his ancestral home in New York. He is struck by the changes he sees, of course. But upon realizing he has a certain knack for real estate development, he is haunted by his alter ego – the man he could have been. 

And now, The Jolly Corner, Part 1 of 2, by Henry James. 

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Direct download: CT_855_TheJollyCorner_1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is a spectre haunting a lonely signal man in the small hours of the night? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

If you’re like me, when it comes to choosing audiobooks, I have two problems:

I don’t know if I’ll like the writing, and I don’t know whether I’ll like the narrator.

Being a supporter of The Classic Tales solves this problem perfectly.

You can listen to the podcast for free, go to the Classic Tales store, and try downloading some of our free offerings. You can totally try before you buy, and we’ve recently updated our free titles, so check it out!

Whatever title you choose, you know it’s going to be carefully curated, so the writing is on point, and you know the narrator! 

Become a monthly supporter, and you can support the show, and get more audiobooks! 

It’s a great way to listen to high quality audiobooks you know you’ll love! We got you covered! 

After the show, go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter. Thanks for helping out.

Oliver Twist. Great Expectations. David Copperfield. A Christmas Carol. Nicholas Nickleby. The list goes on. When it comes to classic literature, Charles Dickens has it covered. He’s written some of the most iconic characters in our canon of classic literature. 

He used his power to point out some of the worst parts of the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England. And he also showed us the heights of humanity by detailing the lives of the poor and lower classes. Now, let’s hear a ghost story. 

And now, The Signal Man, by Charles Dickens. 

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Direct download: CT_854_TheSignalMan.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Ten undetectable humanoids are loose in the United States, and if they get together, they will transform into a horrific bomb. How can they be stopped? Isaac Asimov, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

If you’re like me, when it comes to choosing audiobooks, I have two problems:

I don’t know if I’ll like the writing, and I don’t know whether I’ll like the narrator.

Being a supporter of The Classic Tales solves this problem perfectly. You can listen to the podcast for free, go to the Classic Tales store, and try downloading some of our free offerings. You can totally try before you buy, and we’ve recently updated our free titles, so check it out!

Whatever title you choose, you know it’s going to be carefully curated, so the writing is on point, and you know the narrator! 

Become a monthly supporter, and you can support the show, and get more audiobooks! 

It’s a great way to listen to high quality audiobooks you know you’ll love! We got you covered! 

After the show, go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporter. Thanks for helping out.

Isaac Asimov (1920 – 1992) was an American writer and professor. In his time, he was considered one of the “Big Three” most influential science fiction writers of his day, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. He wrote or edited over 500 works, including the Foundation series, the first three books of which won the Hugo Award for “Best All-Time Series” in 1966. His other major series are the Galactic Empire series, and the Robot series. 

Asimov is also known for inventing terms which are now commonplace. He coined the phrase “robotics” in his 1941 story, “Liar”. Also, the word psychohistory, having to do with a fictional branch of science that combines statistics, science, and history, to make predictions about the future. This concept is explored in his Foundation series. 

Today’s story was first published in the February 1957 issue of Infinity magazine. Extensive research did not uncover that the U.S. copyright was renewed. 

And now, Let’s Get Together, by Isaac Asimov. 

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Direct download: CT_853_LetsGetTogether.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Mr. Lavington insist that his nephew remain in the brutal winter of New England, defying the diagnoses of many doctors? Edith Wharton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

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Edith Wharton wrote several ghost stories in the early twentieth century. Today’s story was first published in 1914. She believed a good supernatural tale should, “ send a cold shiver down one’s spine”, but not resort to conventional descriptions of ghosts and similar spirits. In this way she is similar to her contemporary and friend, Henry James. 

The craft of the Victorian Ghost Story is evident in the subtle way the atmosphere is crafted, and the suspense gently builds. Notice how Mr. Lavington is described. His smile is fixed on his face. “His intense personality has permeated every corner of his dwelling, in an occult way.” It’s one of those stories you want to listen to again once you’re done, to see what you missed. I hope you like it. 

And now, The Triumph of Night, by Edith Wharton.

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Direct download: CT_852_TheTriumphofNight.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why are Mr. and Mrs. Brede telling so many lies? They seem like such nice people. Henry Cuyler Bunner, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

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Henry Cuyler Bunner (1855-1896) Was an American journalist, novelist, and poet. His works were largely anthologized in the early 1900s, but he’s mostly forgotten now. His short story about the comedic adventures of a circus elephant, Zenobia’s Infidelity, was made into a film in 1939 starring Oliver Hardy. 

This piece stuck out to me because there are some really nice moments of description, and the way characters can be described so concisely. It’s also an interesting study of how humor has evolved over the years. 

And now, The Nice People, by Henry Cuyler Bunner.

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Direct download: CT_851_TheNicePeople.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:53am MDT

How will mother respond when she learns that a new barn is being built where she’d been promised a house? Mary E Wilkins Freeman, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

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Mary E Wilkins Freeman (1852 – 1930) was an American author who wrote in a variety of formats, including novels, short stories, and children’s poetry. She is known for her strong voice in defending the plight of women. 

Today’s story was published in her most famous work, A New England Nun and Other Stories (1891) I discovered it in a book published for high school English students in 1920. I just wanted to point out a couple of things about this story. Note that in the beginning, no names are used for the characters – their roles are emphasized first, then the names come after a while. 

Also, in the beginning, when the mother and daughter are discussing father’s behavior, mother says: “You hadn't ought to judge father, though. He can't help it, 'cause he don't look at things jest the way we do.” Notice how this one line sets up everything that follows.  

And now, The Revolt of Mother, by Mary E Wilkins Freeman.

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Direct download: CT_850_TheRevoltofMother.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will the joys of the Araby bazaar live up to the hype, or is this enthusiasm possibly misplaced? James Joyce, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

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James Augustine Aloysius Joyce lived from 1882 – 1941, and is widely considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century. He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement, and stream of consciousness writing. His most well-known works include The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916), Finnegan’s Wake (1939), and Ulysses (1922).

Today’s story was published in the short story collection Dubliners in 1914. It centers around a coming-of-age narrator who is infatuated with his friend’s sister, and promises to get her something at the Araby bazaar. 

There are several themes touched on in Araby, many of which recur frequently in Dubliners. The meeting of imagination with reality, the consequences of idealization, The Catholic Church’s influence to shame desire and sensuality, among others. There is also a focus on the pain one feels when encountering love in reality, rather than in its idealized form. 

And now, Araby, by James Joyce.

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Direct download: CT_849_Araby.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A cutthroat quest for buried treasure begs the question - is one life more sacred than another? H.G. Wells, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

Herbert George Wells lived from 1866 to 1946, and saw the world change on a scale like never before. A forward-thinking social critic, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, space travel, nuclear weapons, and the world wide web.  

He was known for placing commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption in each work. This method was dubbed “Wells’ Law”. His most notable works include The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The War of the Worlds. 

Today’s story contains the commonplace details surrounding a hunt for buried treasure. What do you see as the single extraordinary assumption? 

And now, The Treasure in the Forest, by H.G. Wells. 

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Direct download: CT_848_TheTreasureintheForest.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Are there really more things in heaven and earth than we can dream of? Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis is widely regarded as the greatest Brazilian writer. Born on June 21st, 1839 to a poor family, and the grandson of freed slaves in Rio de Janeiro, he did not achieve notoriety outside of Brazil during his lifetime. He was an autodidact, never attending university, and scrapping to learn everything he could while struggling to rise in society. He taught himself French, English, German and Greek, and was the first President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. 

Today’s story begins by referencing the expression from Shakespeare about there being more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in our philosophy. There’s more going on than we can see, or touch, etc.. Ghosts, mystical forces, prophesy, divine guidance, destiny, these types of things. It’s possible that like most people, a version of these things give you comfort. The question I’d pose is – why do they comfort you? 

And now, The Fortune-Teller, by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis.  

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Direct download: CT_847_The_Fortune-Teller.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Is a young man’s philandering ever really a victimless crime? D.H. Lawrence, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

App users can watch a short video of me talking about another thing I love about the classics, if that’s your idea of a good time. 

If you’re in the mood for a good contemporary thriller, check out Immortal Red, by Keith Hummel on Audible. The link is in the show notes. When a biologist discovers a jellyfish that holds the secret to immortality, things start to spin out of control. Tapping into his years of medical experience, Hummel’s convincing thriller spans the globe as governments and mercenaries conspire to acquire the real essence of eternal life. I had a great time recording it. That’s Immortal Red, by Keith Hummel. Don’t miss it! 

David Herbert Lawrence was a novelist, poet, short story writer and essayist. His best known novels, including “Sons and Lovers”, “The Rainbow”, and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”, were subjects of censorship trials for their radical use of strong language and sexuality. Lawrence was largely maligned and estranged during his career. However, E.M. Forster in an obituary notice challenged this view, dubbing Lawrence, “the greatest imaginative novelist of our generation”. 

Today’s story isn’t particularly racy at all, please don’t worry about that. But it’s elegantly written, and very powerful in it’s message. It’s from a collection of short stories written from 1913 – 1922, and takes place during World War I. Written a hundred years before the “Me Too” movement, this is one of the issues we’re still struggling with as a species. See if the punishment fits the crime. Then ask yourself why you came to that conclusion. 

And now, Tickets, Please, by D.H. Lawrence. 

Follow this link to pick up Immortal Red, by Keith Hummel on Audible.com 

 

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Direct download: CT_846_TicketsPlease.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What gruesome mystery surrounds the two-hundred-year-old derelict? William Hope Hodgson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

There are 10 new titles from the archives now available on the website. Works from O. Henry, Kate Chopin, Guy de Maupassant, Louisa May Alcott and others are ready when you are. 

One of the things I love about the classics is that even the “scary” stories have something interesting to offer. Take today’s story for instance. It’s not just a story where, “oh, you know what would be really creepy…”. Hodgson, as he often does, has couched his scary story within a story where two men are discussing the nature of life. 

Is it life as we know it simply something that spontaneously happens when the elements and conditions are perfect? Or is there a deeper, more mysterious power at play? What does this mean about life after death? Then the story illustrates a point. I mean, seriously, to probe these profound questions in the midst of getting thrilled and spooked is one of the charms of these stories. 

And if you’d like to experience this phenomenon further – go read Frankenstein. Again.

 

And now, The Derelict, by William Hope Hodgson

 

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Direct download: CT__844_TheDerelict.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Bess and Venters make it out of the valley with Tull’s men on their trail? Will Lassiter and Jane find safety? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

There are 10 new titles from the archives now available on the website. Works from O. Henry, Kate Chopin, Guy de Maupassant, Louisa May Alcott and others are ready when you are. 

The first season of the Arsène Lupin Podcast is complete!  Binge all episodes of our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes. 

App users and those who follow us on social media can see a short video of me talking about books! Check us out on the Classic Tales App, or on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. Links are in the show notes. 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 12 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Direct download: CT_844_RidersofthePurpleSage_12of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Bess’s true identity shatter the worlds of Venters, Jane, and even Lassiter? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles!

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

The first season of the Arsène Lupin Podcast is complete!  Binge all episodes of our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes. 

Okay, so I’m trying a new thing. I’ve talked before about how much these stories mean to me. I couldn’t read well as a kid, then I discovered audiobooks, and all of these classics which I’ve wanted to read for years but were too difficult were now available to me. I want to share the joy I find in these stories with everyone who’ll hear. This is why I do what I do.

Here’s the thing: I’m sure there are a lot of people listening now with a similar story to tell. I want you to tell them. Here. Here’s the plan: 

Send me an email to mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com. Briefly tell me why classic literature means so much to you. Doesn’t need to be much, maybe a quick story, an experience you had while reading something. A decision you made because of a book you read, reaffirmation of a tough decision you made, how they make you feel, whatever it is. There’s a reason you’re listening to this podcast. Tell me what it is, and we’ll see if it will work!  

We’ll set up a time, and do a quick zoom meeting where you can tell me about your love for classic literature. Doesn’t need to be long. I’ll record our meeting, and share it with all the classic tales fans on the podcast and YouTube. 

Then, we’ll start sprinkling our award-winning audiobook content with your stories. Hopefully we can deepen the conversation, and all develop a greater appreciation for these amazing stories! 

So send me an email – mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com. Tell me your story, and we’ll see if we can get you on the show! 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 11 of 12, by Zane Grey

Tap here to send us an email about why you love classic literature:

mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com.

 

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Direct download: CT_843_RidersofthePurpleSage_11of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

With Faye’s abduction, Lassiter’s about to show what he’s made of.  Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

The first season of the Arsène Lupin Podcast is complete!  Binge all episodes of our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes. 

This week’s episode starts right where the last one left off, so I’m including a few minutes of the tail end of last week’s episode to lead us into Chapter 20.  

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 10 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Direct download: CT_842_RidersofthePurpleSage_10of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When the townsfolk see Venters returning to town with Jane Withersteen’s stolen horses, they know somebody’s gonna die. Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

The first season of the Arsène Lupin Podcast is complete!  Binge all episodes of our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes. 

The National Audio Theatre Festival has awarded a Platinum Award to my recording of 813, by Maurice Leblanc. It’s the highest honor they bestow, and I’m so happy and humbled to have received it. Thanks to all of our monthly supporters who have made it possible for us to create this award-winning content. 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 9 of 12, by Zane Grey 

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Direct download: CT_841_RidersofthePurpleSage_9of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Who are the shady horsemen Venters finds leading Jane Withersteen’s favorite horses? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

The first season of the Arsène Lupin Podcast is complete!  Binge all episodes of our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes. 

The National Audio Theatre Festival has awarded a Platinum Award to my recording of 813, by Maurice Leblanc. It’s the highest honor they bestow, and I’m so happy and humbled to have received it. Thanks to all of our monthly supporters who have made it possible for us to create this award-winning content.

  And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 8 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Direct download: CT_840_RidersofthePurpleSage_8of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Venters publicly call out Tull’s crimes without a serious backlash? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. A $5 dollar monthly donation gets you an $8 monthly coupon code for any audiobook order. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is happening!  Be sure to subscribe to our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes.

It looks like it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: The Mormonism in this story. 

First of all, I’ve got to say that Mormon people are some of the best people I’ve known. My parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors - I have a Mormon background. Most of the people I know locally are Mormon. And they’re wonderful – I love them dearly! Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are great. They’re my folks. The fact that I’m producing this book now isn’t any reflection on them. 

The thing that’s so nefarious about this book is its villain. It’s not a person – it’s systemic religious extortion used to build wealthy empires, while neglecting the poor and needy. That’s what it’s all about – when the institutions we trust to take care of us that actually take way more than they give. Now, is this a uniquely Mormon/LDS problem? No! But it happened then, and it’s happening now. Don’t believe me? Check out 60 Minutes on CBS last week. This religious empire building they talk of in the book is still happening today. 

And so, like other topics that we’ve discussed over the years - racism, classism, poverty, - things that these classic authors wrote about over 100 years ago that were a problem then and are still a problem now, I’m afraid religious-oriented extortion is among them. I wish it wasn’t but here we are. 

Let’s see if we can do better.

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 7 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Follow this link to the 60 minutes program mentioned in the intro

 

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_839_RidersofthePurpleSage_7of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Jane Withersteen handle another devastating blow to her livelihood? How many hits can her trembling loyalty take? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is plugging along!  Be sure to subscribe to our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! Links can be found in the show notes.  

If you’d like to listen and review the amazing audiobook Cuban Son Rising, by Charles Gomez, please reach out to mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ll send you a free copy. Thanks for your help! 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 6 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Direct download: CT_838_RidersofthePurpleSage_6of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will Lassiter do when Jane Withersteen’s true intentions are revealed? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast hit the #49 spot on the Canadian Fiction Podcast charts last week. Be sure to subscribe to our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! 

If you’d like to listen and review the amazing audiobook Cuban Son Rising, by Charles Gomez, please reach out to mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ll send you a free copy. Thanks for your help! 

This week we continue our series of Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey. Last week Venters and Bess found a secret place where they could hide and heal. Today we’ll pick up right where we left off there. 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 5 of 12, by Zane Grey

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Direct download: CT_837_RidersofthePurpleSage_5of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Venters want to save the cattle rustler he shot? How is he going to save anyone, with the rustlers on his trail? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is out! Be sure to subscribe to our gentleman burglar’s own show. And tell your friends! 

And finally, if you’d like to be an Audible reviewer, here’s your chance. I just finished an amazing project, and we need some reviews on Audible to help give it some traction. CBS News reporter Charles Gomez was fearless when facing down dictators. Earning an Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow Award, the Latin correspondent and son of a Cuban immigrant seemed on top of the world. But the terror of exposing his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis led him down a dark path of drugs and depression that nearly destroyed him. 

If you’d like to listen and review this audiobook for Audible, please reach out to mail@classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ll send you a free copy. Thanks for your help! 

This week we continue our series of Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey. Today we return to Venters and his dilemma. He had just shot the famed Masked Rider, afterwards discovering that the rider was, in fact, an unarmed young woman. 

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 4 of 12, by Zane Grey 

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Direct download: CT_836_RidersofthePurpleSage_4of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Lassiter discovers another plot to sabotage Jane Withersteen’s cattle, and only he can stop it. Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is out! Four episodes are now available on the feed, and a new episode will be released every Wednesday. Right now, this is a limited series, but if it takes off, we may add to it. So tell your friends about our favorite Gentleman Burglar’s own show! A link to subscribe can be found in the notes for today’s episode.

This week we continue our series of Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey. Last week, we followed Venters as he discovered the hideout of the cattle rustlers, and discovered that the famed Masked Rider was, in fact, a young woman. 

Our story now turns back to Jane Withersteen, as she tries to discover who called her riders in, opening the door for her herd of 2,500 cattle to be stolen.

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 3 of 12, by Zane Grey

 

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Direct download: CT_835_RidersofthePurpleSage_3of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Venters heads off to discover the cattle rustlers’ hideout in Deception Pass. But when he crosses paths with the Masked Rider, everything goes sideways. Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donation helps in so many ways, and it also gives you access to more classic titles. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is out! Three episodes are now available on the feed, and a new episode will be released every Wednesday. Right now, this is a limited series, but if it takes off, we may add to it. So tell your friends about our favorite Gentleman Burglar’s own show! A link to subscribe can be found in the notes for today’s episode. 

This week we continue our series of Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey. Last week, we met Jane Withersteen, a wealthy single woman who owns an extensive ranch in Southern Utah. Her refusal to enter into a polygamous marriage with Tull caused a deal of friction and threats from the Mormon elders. 

Venters, her most trusted hand, saw Judkins from afar riding like gangbusters back to the ranch – apparently with some terrible news…

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 2 of 12, by Zane Grey 

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Direct download: CT_834_RidersofthePurpleSage_2of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Jane Withersteen has a reputation for befriending the homeless outcast. So why are the town elders fuming mad? Zane Grey, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming out next week. Wednesdays are about to get even better. Keep an ear open for our new show! 

And now for something completely different. 

This week we’re beginning a 12-part series of the Zane Grey classic: Riders of the Purple Sage. 

Riders of the Purple Sage is consistently short-listed as one of the best westerns of all time. Zane Grey was instrumental in defining the western novel, and Purple Sage was his best-selling book. Multiple films, operas, and TV adaptations have all been made of Jane Withersteen’s courageous story. Grey also wrote a sequel to it: The Rainbow Trail. I hope you like it!

And now, Riders of the Purple Sage, part 1 of 12, by Zane Gre

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Direct download: CT_833_RidersofthePurpleSage_1of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

With the world’s population perfectly regulated, what does it mean when Mrs. Wehling has triplets? Kurt Vonnegut, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. Wednesdays are about to get even better. Keep an ear open for our new show!

This week we’re continuing our little foray into the world of classic science fiction. 

Kurt Vonnegut attained international success with his novel Slaugherhouse-Five in 1969. His other notable works include Welcome to the Monkey House, Sirens of Titan and Cat’s Cradle. The latter two were nominated for Hugo Awards for notable science fiction. 

And now, 2BR02B, by Kurt Vonnegut.

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Direct download: CT_832_2BR02B.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

In a world where delusions become reality, what is the standard for sanity? Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better. 

This week we’re continuing our little foray into the world of classic science fiction. 

The New York Times dubbed Ray Bradbury, “The writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream”. While he wrote chiefly in the realm of speculative fiction, he also worked in other genres, including horror, mystery, and coming of age fiction. 

His best-known works include the novel Fahrenheit 451, his collections of short stories, The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man, and the speculative horror novel Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Today’s story was first published in the pulp magazine, Thrilling Wonder Stories, in October 1948. 

And now, The Square Pegs, by Ray Bradbury. 

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Direct download: CT_831_TheSquarePegs.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What do you call a con man in an advanced world of rocket ships, concrete, and stainless steel? A stainless steel rat. Harry Harrison, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better. 

And now for something completely different.  

I thought we’d have a little bit of classic science fiction for a while. We’re starting with a short story by Harry Harrison. The Stainless Steel Rat is his most well-known story, along with the Deadworld series. Originally released in the August 1957 issue of Astounding Science Fiction, the noir style of the story helps us to immediately know our protagonist, and the world he inhabits. I hope you like it. 

And now, The Stainless Steel Rat, by Harry Harrison 

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Direct download: CT_830_TheStainlessSteelRat.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How is Ukridge hoping to finagle his own wedding bells? PEPPO – the tonic that bucks you up! I don’t see a problem, here. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better. 

And now, Ukridge Turns a Nasty Corner, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_829_UkridgeRoundsaNastyCorner.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What happens when you mix up Ukridge, Battling Billson, and a Welsh revival meeting? Let’s find out. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better. 

And now, The Exit of Battling Billson, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_828_ExitofBattlingBillson.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What’s the most substantial thing that Ukridge can bring to a political campaign? Hopefully not scandal – anything but that. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.  

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better.

And now, The Long Arm of Looney Coote, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

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Direct download: CT_827_LooneyCoote.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How much harm can be done by taking a simple car ride with a chummy chauffeur? Well, if Ukridge is involved, apparently, quite a bit. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

For a limited time, you can purchase a license for lifetime access to the entire Classic Tales library by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. 7 licenses remain available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. We don’t know when we will make this offer again, if ever. This grants immediate access to all the titles now in the library, and all the Classic Tales titles I will ever record in the future. No coupon codes needed.

Do you want to binge the Lupin series? You’re in luck. How about the Barsoom series? Sherlock Holmes? Hercule Poirot? Dickens? Shakespeare? All titles are available to brighten your commutes and road trips, or help you relax at bedtime.

It's a rare opportunity to gain access to award-winning classic audiobooks anytime, anywhere, forever. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and purchase your lifetime access license today. Thank you so much. 

The Arsène Lupin Podcast is coming along. If you haven’t heard, I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. Wednesdays are about to get even better. 

And now, No Wedding Bells For Him, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

Follow this link to order your Lifetime Access License for all Classic Tales Audiobooks:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

Direct download: CT_826_NoWeddingBellsforHim.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Ukridge deliver on a promise he made to save Doris’ fledgling dictation business? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.  

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

For a limited time, you can purchase a license for lifetime access to the entire Classic Tales library by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. 9 licenses remain available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. We don’t know when we will make this offer again, if ever. This grants immediate access to all the titles now in the library, and all the Classic Tales titles I will ever record in the future. No coupon codes needed.

Do you want to binge the Lupin series? You’re in luck. How about the Barsoom series? Sherlock Holmes? Hercule Poirot? Dickens? Shakespeare? All titles are available to brighten your commutes and road trips, or help you relax at bedtime. 

It's a rare opportunity to gain access to award-winning classic audiobooks anytime, anywhere, forever. 

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and purchase your lifetime access license today. Thank you so much. 

I’m pleased to announce a new endeavor – The Arsene Lupin Podcast. I’ll be releasing the first collection of Lupin stories as its own show. I hope you like it! It’s still in the preliminary phase, but it’s a coming! 

And now, Ukridge sees her through, by P.G. Wodehouse. 

Follow this link to order your Lifetime Access License for all Classic Tales Audiobooks:

  

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_825_UkridgeSeesHerThrough.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Corky’s flat is invaded by an unknown woman whose stripling in tow is bent on seeing the sights of London – the murderey ones. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

For a limited time, you can purchase a license for lifetime access to the entire Classic Tales library by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. Only 10 licenses remain available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. We don’t know when we will make this offer again, if ever. This grants immediate access to all the titles now in the library, and all the Classic Tales titles I will ever record in the future. No coupon codes needed.

Do you want to binge the Lupin series? You’re in luck. How about the Barsoom series? Sherlock Holmes? Hercule Poirot? Dickens? Shakespeare? All titles are available to brighten your commutes and road trips, or help you relax at bedtime.

It's a rare opportunity to gain access to award-winning classic audiobooks anytime, anywhere, forever.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and purchase your lifetime access license today. Thank you so much.

We’re going to continue with the adventures of Ukridge. Wodehouse uses this character elsewhere, but I think that this collection of stories from Corky’s point of view, and seeing Ukridge as the well-meaning antagonist is quite effective.

The first few stories in this series are available in the podcast feed. You can hear them if you scroll back to episodes 748, to 751, back in September of 2021.

And now, The Return of Battling Billson, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Follow this link to order your Lifetime Access License for all Classic Tales Audiobooks:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_824_ReturnofBattlingBillson.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Dora has lost her position because of Ukridge’s gratuitous “help”. But Ukridge has a plan to make it right – with a little help from his friend. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

I have a special announcement to make: For a limited time, you can purchase a license for lifetime access to the entire Classic Tales library by going to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. We’re in need of a shot in the arm, so we are offering this rare offer. Only 15 licenses are available. We don’t know when we will make this offer again, if ever. This grants immediate access to all the titles now in the library, and all the Classic Tales titles I will ever record in the future.

It's a rare opportunity to gain access to award-winning classic audiobooks anytime, anywhere, forever.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and purchase your lifetime access license today. Thank you so much.

And now for something completely different.

P.G. Wodehouse’s Ukridge series begins with a collection of short stories featuring Stanley Featherstonhough Ukridge, a bombastic, leather-headed sentimentalist. He frequently tries to help friends of his, but his schemes seem to always get twisted around. His adventures are seen through the lens of writer James “Corky” Corcoran, an old school chum of Ukridge’s, and a friend of Bertie Wooster’s.

And now, First Aid for Dora, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Follow this link to order your Lifetime Access License for all Classic Tales Audiobooks:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

Direct download: CT_823_FirstAidforDora.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When Uncle Pio discovers his protégé, his life seems complete. But the protégé’s tragedy is only beginning. Thornton Wilder, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

One of the main themes in this book, The Bridge of San Luis Rey is the nature of love. Wilder deftly dissects it, and we examine it in the many ways love manifests itself. We’ve seen it in the parent-child relationship, and the sibling relationship. We’ve also seen it in the romantic relationship, with Camilla Perichole and the brothers Manuel and Esteban. Today we’ll examine the surrogate parent relationship. Afterwards, we’ll conclude our journey.

 

And now, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Part 3 of 3, by Thornton Wilder

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

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Direct download: CT_822_BridgeofSanLuisRey_Part3of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Manuel and Esteban are identical twins that no one can tell apart – they even have their own language. It seems to everyone that they have an almost supernatural connection.  Thornton Wilder, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And now, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Part 2 of 3, by Thornton Wilder

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

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Direct download: CT_821_BridgeofSanLuisRey_Part2of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Five people fall to their deaths when a bridge collapses in Peru. Can Brother Juniper discover the reason that these five individuals had to die?  Thornton Wilder, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to Season 17 of The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Thornton Wilder won two Pulitzer Prizes: one for the novel we’ll begin today: The Bridge of San Luis Rey, and another for his play: Our Town.

In The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Brother Juniper witnesses the tragedy of five people falling to their deaths when a bridge collapses in Peru. He takes it upon himself to study the lives of those who fell in the accident, in an effort to figure out why these five people had to die.

In 1998, the book was selected by the American Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of the twentieth century.

It has also been hinted that this book is the progenitor of the modern-day disaster epic, where a single disaster intertwines the lives of the victims, whose previous histories are then explored through a series of flashbacks.  

British Prime Minister Tony Blair quoted the final words of the book in a memorial service for the victims of the September 11th attacks. Nine days after the attacks, he read:

"A witness to the deaths, wanting to make sense of them and explain the ways of God to his fellow human beings, examined the lives of the people who died, and these words were said by someone who knew the victims, and who had been through the many emotions, and the many stages, of bereavement and loss.

"But soon we will die, and all memories of those five will have left earth, and we ourselves shall be loved for a while and forgotten. But the love will have been enough; all those impulses of love return to the love that made them. Even memory is not necessary for love. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love. The only survival, the only meaning."

And now, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Part 1 of 3, by Thornton Wilder

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

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Direct download: CT_820_BridgeofSanLuisRey_Pt1of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Poirot discover the critical whereabouts of a missing will? It’s worth a fortune! Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

I’m still beaming with gratitude at our Voice Arts Awards this year. Having won not one, but TWO such prestigious awards is something I never dreamed of. Yet here we are. Thank you all for your generous support. We have some great things lined up for next year! Thanks for stepping up and chipping in.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Adventure of the Missing Will, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_819_MissingWill.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Poirot discover the critical whereabouts of a missing will? It’s worth a fortune! Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

I’m still beaming with gratitude at our Voice Arts Awards this year. Having won not one, but TWO such prestigious awards is something I never dreamed of. Yet here we are. Thank you all for your generous support. We have some great things lined up for next year! Thanks for stepping up and chipping in.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Adventure of the Missing Will, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_819_MissingWill.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A startling phone call leads to the discovery of a dead Italian nobleman. Can Poirot catch the killer? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re looking for an interesting gift, consider an Audiobookmark of Treasure Island. It’s one-of-a-kind, a great way to open the world of classic literature, and it’s on sale for 2.99. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and get yours today.

I’m so pleased to announce that we won TWO awards from the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. The awards gala was held on Sunday, at the Warner Brother Studios in Hollywood, CA. 813, by Maurice Leblanc won in the Best Audiobook Mystery category. We also won Outstanding Podcast Host : Arts and Entertainment category. I’m absolutely gobsmacked to have won two awards by those who are the best in the business. So again, a huge thank you to all of our supporters who help us create this award-winning content.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_818_ItalianNobleman.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The head of one the largest banks in England is missing! Can Poirot discover his whereabouts before it's too late? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gift for a niece, nephew or grandchild, get them an Audiobookmark of Treasure Island. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift, and a great way to open the world of classic literature, and it’s on sale for 2.99. We only have a few left, so go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and get yours today.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to order your Audiobookmark of Treasure Island:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_817_DisappearanceofMrDavenheim.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The head of one the largest banks in England is missing! Can Poirot discover his whereabouts before it's too late? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gift for a niece, nephew or grandchild, get them an Audiobookmark of Treasure Island. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift, and a great way to open the world of classic literature, and it’s on sale for 2.99. We only have a few left, so go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and get yours today.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to order your Audiobookmark of Treasure Island:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

Direct download: CT_817_DisappearanceofMrDavenheim.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Yesterday the Prime Minster escaped an assassination attempt, and now he’s missing! Can Poirot find him? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re not up for becoming a supporting member, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, or give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every bit helps!

The five Treasure Island Audiobookmarks sets are being shipped out this week. I’m shipping out five of these to early bird purchasers of Bellarion. And if you’d like one, I’ve got 5 more that I’m selling at our website at http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. They include: a printed copy of Treasure Island signed by me, along with an Audiobookmark of Treasure Island which includes QR codes to stream the audiobook while you follow along. It’s a great gift for the holiday season!

Audiobookmarks of Treasure Island are also available, and sold separately.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

 

And now, The Kidnapped Prime Minister, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_816_KidnappedPrimeMinister.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The theft of a million dollars in bonds puts the career of a promising young man in jeopardy. Can Poirot see where others do not? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support on a monthly basis is vital to keep us going.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re not up for becoming a supporting member, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, or give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every bit helps!

If you’ve been thinking of starting up your own podcast, go to Libsyn.com, and put in my promo code: SHERLOCK. You’ll get up to two months of free podcasting service. I’ve been with Libsyn for years, and I couldn’t be happier with them. So, if you’re thinking of starting your own show, go to LIBSYN dot com, and use my promo code: SHERLOCK. They’ll set you up to succeed.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

 

And now, The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_815_MillionDollarBondRobbery.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A murder in Darbyshire demands that Poirot investigate. But how can the great detective do his deducing when he’s laid up with the flu?  Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support helps us to continue making amazing audiobooks and other tools to help improve literacy.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re not up for becoming a supporting member, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, or give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every bit helps!

If you’ve been thinking of starting up your own podcast, go to Libsyn.com, and put in my promo code: SHERLOCK. You’ll get up to two months of free podcasting service. I’ve been with Libsyn for years, and I couldn’t be happier with them. So, if you’re thinking of starting your own show, go to LIBSYN dot com, and use my promo code: SHERLOCK. They’ll set you up to succeed.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Adventure of Hunter’s Lodge, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_814_HuntersLodge.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What could possibly be amiss by securing rent for a particularly cheap flat? I mean, it’s not haunted, is it?  Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support helps us to continue making amazing audiobooks and other tools to help improve literacy.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you’re not up for becoming a supporting member, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, or give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Every bit helps!

If you’ve been thinking of starting up your own podcast, go to http://libsyn.com, and put in my promo code: SHERLOCK. You’ll get up to two months of free podcasting service. I’ve been with Libsyn for years, and I couldn’t be happier with them. So, if you’re thinking of starting your own show, go to LIBSYN dot com, and use my promo code: SHERLOCK. They’ll set you up to succeed.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Cheap Flat, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

Direct download: CT_813_TheCheapFlat.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Everyone seems okay with a sudden death in the country, but Poirot senses that something is off. Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support helps us to continue making amazing audiobooks and other tools to help improve literacy.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

We’ve been nominated for two awards! The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences has nominated our show for Best Podcast – Producer or Host, and 813, by Maurice Leblanc has been nominated for Best Audiobook – Mystery category. It’s such an honor to be competing with some of the best in the business!

If you’ve been thinking of starting up your own podcast, go to Libsyn dot com, and put in my promo code: SHERLOCK. You’ll get up to two months of free podcasting service. I’ve been with Libsyn for years, and I couldn’t be happier with them. So, if you’re thinking of starting your own show, go to LIBSYN dot com, and use my promo code: SHERLOCK. They’ll set you up to succeed.

And now, to continue our investigations with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie.

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Tragedy at Marsden Manor, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_812_TragedyatMarsdenManor.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Cryptic letters threaten the theft of an ancient jewel, yet Poirot seems powerless to prevent the inevitable. Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support helps us to continue making amazing audiobooks and other tools to help improve literacy.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Bellarion is now released. I hope you enjoyed the sampling in last week’s episode. It’s such a great story. Order now and be entered in a drawing to win a Treasure Island Audiobookmarks™ Gift Set. Just in time for the holidays!  

Once again, if you’re doing a book club of one of our titles, you can share the download link with your group. Just send me an email and let me know. And teachers, you can do the same. Send me an email, and let me know the plan. Thanks!

Keep an eye open for the first Audiobookmarks™ to be available for purchase at the website. It’s a great way to share the audiobook in a new and innovative way. The first one is Treasure Island, and I’ll have more coming soon!

And now for something completely different.

Poirot Investigates is a collection of short stories by Agatha Christie. We heard one in September from this collection, and we’ll be presenting one every week until the end of the year! So, buckle up, and enjoy some sweet sleuthing from the Queen of Crime herself.  

App users can follow along with the attached PDF.

And now, The Western Star, by Agatha Christie.

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

Follow this link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

 

Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

Direct download: CT_811_TheWesternStar.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Sir Hugh takes his secret to the grave with a vicious grin on his lips – a devious grin that is contagious. F. Marion Crawford, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Your support helps to keep us make amazing audiobooks and other tools to help improve literacy.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Bellarion is now released. Continue listening after today’s story for a healthy sample of this amazing piece of historical fiction. Order now and be entered in a drawing to win a Treasure Island Audiobookmarks™ Gift Set. Just in time for the holidays!  

I heard something that didn’t sit right with me last week. There was a book club in my neighborhood that wanted to discuss The Scarlet Letter, and a couple of the people in the group were excited, but waiting for the audiobook to be available at the local library. Well, we’re not doing that! My friend Rachel came up with this idea, and I’ve embellished it. Here it is:

If you’re doing a classic title for your book club, you can buy ONE copy of the audiobook, and share the download link with the people in your book club. Just send me an email, and let me know the plan. Furthermore, if you want, we can set up a zoom call, and I can talk to your book club about the creation of the audiobook you all are discussing. Again, just send me an email, and we can set it up. I’m happy to do it.

And finally, one more thing. I discovered that Audiobookmarks™, the bookmark with QR codes to stream an audiobook, can be read by Chromebooks. So kids who are reading Huckleberry Finn, Great Expectations, etc. in many public schools, can listen to my narration and follow along even if they don’t have a smart phone.

It struck me that the Audiobookmarks™ can be a dynamic way to help kids learn to read, and it can help adults learn to read better. I’m starting a venture to get all of the most commonly studied titles into this format, and get them into the hands of students everywhere.

To support this venture, simply make any purchase on our website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. This is our new direction and focus. Make amazing audiobooks, and use them to create tools to help people of all ages learn to read better. Improving literacy is what we’re all about. Thanks for helping out.

Okay. Now, for a nice, scary story. Happy Halloween, everyone!

And now, The Dead Smile, by F. Marion Crawford.

 

Follow this link to order your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_810_TheDeadSmile_w_Bellarion_Sample.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The search party discovers a certain horror when they find what they’ve been looking for. Algernon Blackwood, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This show was created with the intent to make the classics less intimidating, and more accessible. Over the years, we’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and we’ve also helped a lot of people learn to read. We really appreciate your help.

Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help us to continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

I have a new blog post about how classic audiobooks are made, so check out my blog.

Bellarion is now recorded, and should be released next week. It runs around 16 hours, and is an absolutely incredible story. So much fun – you're going to love it.

I’d also like to announce a new item I’ve developed. It’s called the Audiobookmark. I’m actually trademarking it. My first one is Treasure Island. I’ve split the book into seven parts, and linked a qr code to a streamable file for each part. Then, I created a bookmark with the Treasure Island artwork and each of the qr codes in succession. So now, you can click the QR code on your phone, listen to the book, and follow along with your own copy of Treasure Island. You want to gift someone an audiobook? Here’s an Audiobookmark. Follow along if you have the book, or give it as a gift to your child or grandchild.

I have made a few initial copies of the first Audiobookmark of Treasure Island. Now, here’s the deal: The first 100 people who purchase Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini, will be entered in a drawing to get one of five Treasure Island packages I’m creating. Each Treasure Island package will contain: An Audiobookmark of Treasure Island, and a hard copy of the book, signed by me.

And, if you preorder during this next week, you’ll also save two dollars. How can you lose? You save two dollars, are entered in winning a great prize package, and get a fantastic audiobook of historical fiction.

Go go classictalesaudiobooks.com and preorder your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini today. You’ll be automatically entered to win one of five Treasure Island packages.

We pick up today’s story when young Simpson is still searching in the night for Defago, who has just run off into the freezing forest.

And now, The Wendigo, Part 2 of 2, by Algernon Blackwood.

Follow this link to preorder your copy of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_809_The_Wendigo_Part2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A monster lurks in the Canadian forests. If the legends are to be believed, a small band of hunters is about to meet the Wendigo. Algernon Blackwood, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This show was created with the intent to make the classics less intimidating, and more accessible. Over the years, we’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and we’ve also helped a lot of people learn to read. We really appreciate your help.

Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help us to continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

If you’d like to learn more about how classic audiobooks are made, please check out my blog.

Well, my loss is your gain. My schedule got a little muddled this month, so I’m pleased to announce the release of Bellarion, by Raphael Sabatini will be released in a few weeks. Set in pre-Renaissance Italy, Bellarion is a nameless orphan who is raised by monks, and rises to political prominence. Applying his scholarly training to the intrigues of the court, coupled with his strong sense of duty, Bellarion is a thrilling adventure.

Look for a healthy sampling in the next couple of weeks!

Today’s story is the first part of The Wendigo, by Algernon Blackwood. The legend of the Wendigo originates from folk stories from the Plains and Great Lakes Native Americans. The creature is a malevolent spirit, known to possess and even eat humans.

Yep, he’s a charming fellow. So let’s dive in!

And now, The Wendigo, Part 1 of 2, by Algernon Blackwood.

Follow this link to become a monthly supporter:

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

Direct download: CT_808_The_Wendigo_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The torments of the Inquisition, and a murder that won’t keep quiet. Halloween comes with a vengeance with Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This show was created with the intent to make the classics less intimidating, and more accessible. Over the years, we’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and we really appreciate your help.

Please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help us to continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

I’ve got a new blog post about some training I recently had with Elishia Merricks from Macmillan, and the great PJ Ochlan. If you’d like to learn more about how classic audiobooks are made, please check out my blog.

We also won a w3 Silver award for this season of the podcast! Hazzah!

I’m planning on releasing a new classic title this month, outside of the podcast. So round up your coupon codes, and keep an ear open for the announcement next week.

And now for something completely different.

I first recorded The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum back in 2007, during the first year of the show. I wanted to try it again now, and see how my approach has changed and hopefully improved.

It’s actually quite difficult to perform Poe aloud. I mean, he’s talking about such outrageous stuff, it’s really easy to overdo it. In today’s reading, I try to make it as conversational and natural as possible, while still remaining true to the author’s original intent.

Poe actually wrote the stories with the intention for them to be read aloud. 1800s-style. There are a million different ways to approach this text. I hope this one works for you.

And now, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe.

 

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Direct download: CT_807_PitandPendulum-Tell-TaleHeart.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why would someone break into the safe of a millionaire industrialist, and leave the money? Arthur B. Reeve, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This is something I’ve done for fifteen years, now. We’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and be surprised and inspired. It’s free for you to listen to, but it does cost real money to make it happen. But instead of just asking for your financial support, we like to give back more.

If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. This is why we break down the larger titles on the website, so you can use three codes it you want to get The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help so we can continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

If you’re looking for another great podcast, let me direct you to Great Pods. It’s like a Rotten Tomatoes directory for podcasts – they only list shows that have been professionally reviewed, and I’m glad we made their directory. Head on over to greatpods.co and find your next favorite show.

We wind up September Sleuths with an introduction to the work of Arthur B. Reeve. His sleuth is Craig Kennedy, and he’s professional scientist and amateur detective, based at Columbia University. Like Augustus van Dusen from a couple of weeks ago, Kennedy also has an enthusiastic journalist in the Watson role, and can use a wide array of state-of-the-art gadgets in his detective work.

And now, The Scientific Cracksman, by Arthur B. Reeve.

Follow this link to check out Great Pods – a Rotten Tomatoes-style index for podcasts

 

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Check out our blog about how audiobooks are made:

 

 

Direct download: CT_806_The_Scientific_Cracksman.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

An extravagant pearl necklace is missing. Can Poirot discover the elusive thief? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This is something I’ve done for fifteen years, now. We’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and be surprised and inspired. It’s free for you to listen to, but it does cost real money to make it happen. And it takes a lot of time. Every single week. But instead of just asking for your financial support, we like to give back more

If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order.  It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help so we can continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

September Sleuths continues with the Queen of Crime herself – Agatha Christie. Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie became, and remains, the best-selling novelist of all time.

She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play – The Mousetrap. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. She was homeschooled by her father, an American, and taught herself to read by the age of 5.

During the first World War, she worked in a hospital dispensary in Torquay. She completed the examination of the Society of Apothecaries, which is where she got her extensive knowledge of poisons. During this time there were many Belgian refugees along the British countryside. Agatha thought that a Belgian refugee, who used to be a famous Belgian policeman, would make an excellent detective. She was right.

 

And now, Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan, by Agatha Christie.

 

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_805_JewelRobberyattheGrandMet.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:45am MDT

Enjoy a sample of the first chapter of the paranormal thriller Grave Intervention, by Shira Shiloah. You can download the entire audiobook here:

https://tinyurl.com/4f79u3tc

Dr. Amir Hadad is being stalked. A stranger, hiding in the dark crevices of his home, whispers, “I can’t rest.

Alarmed and unwilling to risk his family’s safety, Amir contacts the police. Only there is no trace of an intruder, no marks of forced entry. If there is a prowler afoot, the police cannot find him.

As the days wear on and Amir continues to hear the same disembodied voice speaking to him, he begins to worry about his health and sanity. The Irish lilt has escalated from pleas for help to threats against Amir’s family unless Amir does precisely as he says; help the voice find rest—and revenge.

Inspired by true events set in Naperville, Illinois, Dr. Shira Shiloah once again takes listeners on suspenseful twists and turns in her latest novel. Grave Intervention is a paranormal medical suspense that blurs the lines between real and imaginary, exposing the hidden side of a historical suburban town.

Direct download: Grave_Intervention_Podcast_Drop.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 9:27am MDT

Why does a woman demand that a surgeon amputate part of her finger? Jacques Futrelle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. This is something I’ve done for fifteen years, now. We’ve been able to help many, many people discover authors and stories they never would have read, and be surprised and inspired. It’s free for you to listen to, but it does cost real money to make it happen. But instead of just asking for your financial support, we like to give back more.

If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. This is why we break down the larger titles on the website, so you can use three codes it you want to get The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and help so we can continue to provide this service.

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Today we continue with September Sleuths with a story by Jacques Futrelle, who created a sleuth named Professor Augustus S.F.X. Van Dusen, but known as The Thinking Machine. He’s American, and has many similarities with Sherlock Holmes. He isn’t a policeman, but he works with them on occasion, he’s happy to be “hands on”, and he summarizes his deductions once the case is solved.

Jacques Futrelle wrote over 40 short stories featuring The Thinking Machine. He died aboard the Titanic, after forcing his wife into a lifeboat.

And now, The Superfluous Finger, by Jacques Futrelle.

 

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Direct download: CT_803_Superfluous_Finger.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 7:10am MDT

Top secret plans have been stolen, and a man lies dead in the Underground. Can Sherlock Holmes stave off an international incident? Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and get smarter!

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And check us out on YouTube, if that’s your idea of a good time.

If you’re interested in learning more about the craft of audiobook narration, I’m updating my blog to reflect the various training and coaching I’m doing. In the last week, I’ve had some training from Christina Rooney from Penguin Random House, PJ Ochlan from Lepton Productions, and Almeda Beynon from Harper Audio. It’s been a big week. You can read about it at classictalesaudiobooks.com/blog and bjharrisonnarrator.com/blog.

It's time once again for September Sleuths. We’ll be highlighting detective stories in September, and who better to start with than Sherlock Holmes?

Today’s story also features Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft. He is described as more of a corpulent, Orson Wellesian kind of character, and I tried to have his voice sound as such. So, if you’re expecting a trim Mark Gatiss, well, you’ll see.

And now, The Bruce-Partington Plans, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_802_The_Bruce-Partington_Plans.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Treachery, duplicity and intrigue abound as the final secrets of Treasure Island are revealed. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more!

It’s a great way to build out your classic audiobook library, and get smarter!

Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And check us out on YouTube, if that’s your idea of a good time.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 7 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_801_TreasureIsland2022_Part7of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will Jim discover once he returns triumphant from his sea adventure? Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And check us out on YouTube, if that’s your idea of a good time.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 6 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_800_TreasureIsland2022_Part6of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

After the pirates attack, Jim has a terrible yet brilliant idea. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And check us out on YouTube, if that’s your idea of a good time.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 5 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_799_TreasureIsland2022_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

After the ship is abandoned, a new character emerges – Captain Silver. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 4 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_798_TreasureIsland2022_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

While hiding in an apple barrel, Jim discovers a horrible treachery afoot. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

Last week, we set sail to Treasure Island. Using Billy Bones’ map, and a crew largely hand-picked by Long John Silver, Jim Hawkins, Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney, Captain Smollett and a handful of trustworthy men headed Silver’s crew of miscreants. But late one night, as Jim was asleep inside an apple barrel, he was suddenly jostled awake, and heard something that chilled him to the bone.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 3 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

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Direct download: CT_797_TreasureIsland2022_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:54am MDT

Based on the contents of the dead man’s chest, a voyage is prepared for Treasure Island, and among the crew is a certain seafaring man with one leg. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

I hope you enjoyed the healthy sampling of The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie. I was so honored that Nancy asked me to be a part of it. You can also use your coupon code, and purchase it at our website here: https://store.classictalesaudiobooks.com/the-man-in-the-brown-suit-p335.aspx

Last week, we met an old buccaneer who died at the Admiral Benbow Inn. Upon searching through the dead man’s sea chest, young Jim Hawkins discovered a certain packet that he secreted away. Shortly afterwards, a band of pirates ransacked the Inn looking for the package that Jim had in his pocket. Jim then went to see Dr. Livesy and Squire Trelawney, to try to make sense of it all.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 2 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie: 

 

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Direct download: CT_796_TreasureIsland2022_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:50am MDT

A seafaring stranger comes to the Admiral Benbow Inn, and the greatest pirate tale of all begins. Robert Louis Stevenson, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

I hope you enjoyed the healthy sampling of The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie. I was so honored that Nancy asked me to be a part of it. You can also use your coupon code, and purchase it at our website here: https://store.classictalesaudiobooks.com/the-man-in-the-brown-suit-p335.aspx

Treasure Island. This was the first novel that I narrated. Now, 15 years later, with an upgraded mic, studio, and ability, I thought I’d give it another shot.

So much of our pirate lore comes from this book. Dead Man’s chest, a pirate with a parrot that talks, you’ll see. If you missed it the first time around, I hope you like revisiting my old stomping grounds. I must have read this book a dozen times, and it’s always an amazing adventure.

And now, Treasure Island, Part 1 of 7, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie:

 

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Direct download: CT_795_TreasureIsland2022_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:32am MDT

Frederick discovers that he truly is a slave of duty when a certain paradox turns his world upside down. W.S. Gilbert, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep a-going. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

I hope you enjoyed the healthy sampling of The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie. I was so honored that Nancy asked me to be a part of it. You can also use your coupon code, and purchase it at our website here: https://store.classictalesaudiobooks.com/the-man-in-the-brown-suit-p335.aspx

And if you’re looking for plays that have also received the audiobook treatment, I’ve created a new category on the website: Play Adaptations. If you have a play you’d like me to adapt, or other title suggestions, feel free to send me an email through our website at https://classictalesaudiobooks.com.

And now, The Pirates of Penzance, Part 2 of 2, by W.S. Gilbert.

Follow this link to purchase The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie:

 

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Direct download: CT_794_ThePiratesofPenzance_Part2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:30am MDT

A man dies mysteriously, and spunky Ann Beddingfeld is the only one who discovers the key to his death. Agatha Christie, today on a special episode of The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

Today we present a special extensive sampling of our new release: The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie. This title is narrated by the multiple award-winning narrator Nancy Peterson, and she was nice enough to let me read a few chapters.

Today is a healthy sampling of the audiobook, which is now available on Audible, and many other online retailers. You can also use your coupon code, and purchase it at our website here: https://store.classictalesaudiobooks.com/the-man-in-the-brown-suit-p335.aspx

And you can pick it up on Audible here: https://tinyurl.com/snze9cvh

We’ll be finishing up The Pirates of Penzance on Friday. Until then, enjoy the genius of Agatha Christie, and Nancy Peterson.

And now, a healthy sampling of The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie. Narrated by Nancy Peterson:

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Direct download: CT_793_TheManintheBrownSuit_sample.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:04am MDT

Frederick is freed of his indentures to the judiciously ferocious Pirates of Penzance. What will he do with his newfound freedom? W.S. Gilbert, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

Welcome to Pirate Summer! Our series of piratical tales continues with The Pirates of Penzance! They said it couldn’t be done. They meant it probably shouldn’t be done. Nevertheless, we did it. You are about to hear the first installment of the audiobook version of The Pirates of Penzance. It’s based on the libretto from W. S. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame. I’ve sought to keep all the original material in the libretto, and adding whatever else was necessary to make the tale a narrative, rather than an operetta.

I’ve done this treatment with plays before, but not with operettas. I found it a rare opportunity to really focus on the sharp writing of the piece, once stripped of the beloved music. There’s nothing like live theatre. But here’s something that’s a bit more portable.

And now, The Pirates of Penzance, Part 1 of 2, by W.S. Gilbert.

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Direct download: CT_792_ThePiratesofPenzance_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:09am MDT

How will Captain Morgan save his fellow captain who is being held prisoner by the Spanish vice admiral? Howard Pyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

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And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

Welcome to Pirate Summer! Today we have a story taken from Howard Pyle’s Book of Pirates. Howard Pyle was first and foremost an artist. He taught for several years at what became Drexel University, and many noteworthy artists studied under him, including N.C. Wyeth and Frank Schoonover.

Pyle is credited with establishing what has come to be known as the modern stereotype pirate attire. Since there wasn’t much to draw upon as far as historical documentation as to what pirates actually wore, Pyle borrowed largely from gypsy garments and styles to create the pirate look we know today. It’s been criticized as being wildly impractical for actual sailoring.

He wrote and illustrated several books for young adults, including The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, and a four-volume set on the life of King Arthur. He breathed new life into children’s literature, bringing a solid artistic background to his illustrations, raising the genre to a new level.

While today’s story features Captain Henry Morgan, it is a total work of fiction.

And now, With the Buccaneers, by Howard Pyle.

 

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Direct download: CT_791_With_the_Buccaneers.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The pirates ashore may have the treasure, but how will Ned Low and George save their skins while getting the treasure to the ship? H. Bedford-Jones, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you can’t support us financially at this time, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

Welcome to Pirate Summer! Today we come to the end of our first adventure, but we have a few tales of swashbuckling sea-dogs in our future. Keep a weather eye open for next week’s seafaring frolic!  

And now, Pirates’ Gold, part 3 of 4, by H. Bedford-Jones.

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Direct download: CT_790_PiratesGold_Part4of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How will Captain Ned Low and George possibly escape from the hold, and regain control of the ship? H. Bedford-Jones, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

And if you can’t support us financially at this time, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

And if you prefer listening on YouTube, our channel is now up to date.

We are going to have a Pirate Summer! Seeing the end of this story on the horizon, I’m not quite ready to go ashore. I’ve just got my sea legs on! So this summer, we will continue to present piratical adventures of the seven seas. By thunder, there won’t be a timber that hasn’t been shivered when we’re through!

And now, Pirates’ Gold, part 3 of 4, by H. Bedford-Jones.

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Direct download: CT_789_PiratesGold_Part3of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The secret location of the treasure is revealed to a chosen few, and it’s clear that there’s mischief afoot. H. Bedford-Jones, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today. Thank you so much.

The Man in the Brown Suit will be available on July 12th. Keep an eye open for a healthy sampling around that time.

For those who listen through YouTube, our channel is now updated, and will continue to be updated in the future. A big shout out to A.J. Shuck, also an audiobook narrator, who is helping us out there. Thanks, A.J.!

And now, Pirates’ Gold, part 2 of 4, by H. Bedford-Jones.

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Direct download: CT_788_PiratesGold_Part02of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

George Roberts of Virginia is happy to be shipping with his new friend, Ned Low. But when he discovers that his friend is actually known as Bloody Ned, the merciless pirate, his salty pluck is put to the test. H. Bedford-Jones, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

We have been shortlisted by Time Magazine! In a recent article, TIME chose 8 podcasts that help you wind down at the end of the day. Turns out, our show is up there with Levar Burton, Lore, and Atlas Obscura. A link to the article can be found in the description of today’s episode.

https://time.com/6180539/podcasts-to-help-you-fall-asleep/

 

Also, in collaboration with the Audie award-winning Nancy Peterson, I’m happy to announce that our dual narration of Agatha Christie’s The Man in the Brown Suit will soon be available to purchase through our website. Look for a healthy sample coming your way in the podcast feed!

Henry James O’Brian Bedford-Jones was a Canadian-American writer of adventure fantasy, science fiction, crime and Westerns in the golden age of pulp magazines. Enormously prolific, he wrote nearly 200 novels, 400 novelettes, and 800 short stories. He used so many pseudonyms that a perfect accounting of all of his works is impossible.

While many writers cranked out reams of adventure stories for the pulps in this period, this story is a standout for several reasons. It’s firstly a story of pirates who have dark pasts, and are trying to go straight. There’s a plucky woman on board, who is anything but a damsel in distress. And the focus on character progression over sensational plot devices is a breath of fresh air. But rest assured, there’s plenty of action. This is a pirate story, after all!

And now, Pirates’ Gold, part 1 of 4, by H. Bedford-Jones.

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Direct download: CT_787_PiratesGold_Part01of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A young couple finds the perfect country cottage with one caveat - it has a horrible legend attached to it. Edith Nesbit, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook order. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

Edith Nesbit wrote under E. Nesbit, and is most famous for her stories for children, and has influenced the likes of J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis and P.L. Travers. She wrote over 60 books, including The Railway Children, Five Children and It, and The Story of the Treasure Seekers.

Her second, darker reputations is a purveyor of horror stories, which are sublime in their elegance and simplicity. Today’s story is quite simple, but when you take into account the beauty of the language, the skill of the plot movement, and the intriguing supporting characters, it really ranks high when it comes to classic ghost stories.

And now, Man-Size in Marble, by Edith Nesbit.  

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Direct download: CT_786_Man-Size_in_Marble.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Father Brown discover who killed the well-to-do ne’er-do-well? It appears as though he was stricken with the hammer of God. G.K. Chesterton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

G.K. Chesterton is most notable for his creation of Father Brown. This unlooked for, and often unwelcome, detective is actually not a detective. But rather, an individual trained to think as criminals think, for he has heard so many of their confessions. He knows how their minds work, and can piece together many things that others cannot.

Today’s story is from the first collection of Father Brown Stories, the Innocence of Father Brown.

And now, The Hammer of God, by G.K. Chesterton.  

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Direct download: CT_785_TheHammerofGod.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When poor Mally’s curse on the thieving farm boy suddenly comes to pass, will she be proclaimed a murderess? Anthony Trollope, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

Anthony Trollope was a British writer of the Victorian period. He was very prolific, writing 47 novels, 42 short stories and five travel books. He is primarily known for his “Barsetshire” series of novels, including the books “The Warden” and “Barchester Towers”. It is held that his satiric novel, “The Way We Live Now” is his masterpiece.

Today’s story, Malachi’s Cove takes place in Cornwall, and is based around a spot of beach that is an actual place. I can just see the author discover this interesting Cornish cove, and begin to erect the scaffoldings of a story around it.

And now, Malachi’s Cove, by Anthony Trollope.  

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Direct download: CT_784_Malachis_Cove.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will the final set of testimonials reveal about the Great God Pan? Arthur Machen, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

 

And now, The Great God Pan, Part 3 of 3, by Arthur Machen.

 

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Direct download: CT_783_GreatGodPan_Part3of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A rash of suicides plagues London, and another house is enshrouded in a dark mystery. Arthur Machen, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

The Crystal Stopper, the fifth installment in the Arsène Lupin series, is now available at http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ve also uploaded around a dozen short stories from the archives that are now available. Works by Guy de Maupassant, Mary Fortune, Sax Rohmer and Arthur Conan Doyle are ready when you are. You can find the new titles in the “new” category in the store.

And now, The Great God Pan, Part 2 of 3, by Arthur Machen.

 

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Direct download: CT_782_GreatGodPan_Part2of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Some have seen the veil of existence lifted, and wonders upon wonders opened before their mind’s eye. They call this seeing the Great God Pan. Now Dr. Raymond will attempt to lift the veil again, surgically. Arthur Machen, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

The Crystal Stopper, the fifth installment in the Arsène Lupin series, is now available at http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. The fourth installment, 813, was recently reviewed in Audiofile Magazine. You can pick up 813 and The Crystal Stopper by visiting the links in the details for this week’s episode.  

And now for something completely different.

Welsh author Arthur Machen pioneered the world of Gothic fiction, spanning the distance between Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. This particular work of classic horror is instrumental in employing the triggering device of occultism, as well as using several different points of view to build a story. This use of various letters to build a cohesive narrative was also used by Victorian authors Wilkie Collins in The Moonstone, Bram Stoker in Dracula, and later by H.P. Lovecraft in The Call of Cthulhu. The concept of a veil that is lifted to reveal a “world elsewhere” is also a common Victorian story device, as used by George Eliot in “The Lifted Veil”. Machen moved them all forward.

First published in 1890, it is interesting to consider that when the story’s editor, Clarke, is compiling his volume of proof of the existence of the Devil, he assiduously refrains from using published works. In the compiling of his theory, the use of unpublished works is far more valuable to make his point absolutely clear.  

And now, The Great God Pan, Part 1 of 3, by Arthur Machen.

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Direct download: CT_781_GreatGodPan_Part1of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:46am MDT

Bertie has the fabulous idea of adopting a young child, and it’s up to Jeeves to help him change his mind. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

The Crystal Stopper, the fifth installment in the Arsène Lupin series, is now available at http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ve also uploaded around a dozen short stories from the archives that are now available. Works by Guy de Maupassant, Mary Fortune, Sax Rohmer and Arthur Conan Doyle are ready when you are. You can find the new titles in the “new” category in the store.

I intend to chip away at the archived episodes throughout the year. Hopefully we’ll be all caught up by the end of December.

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 9 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_780_CarryOnJeeves_Part10of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Bingo Little needs help in a big way. A big way. If Jeeves doesn’t come through this time, both of their reputations will be absolutely smashed. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

We are proudly supported by our listeners. Many, many thanks to our financial supporters who pitch in every month to help us keep the lights on. If you enjoy the show, please sign up to be a supporter for as little as $5 a month. We’ll give you a coupon code every month as a thank you. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

The Crystal Stopper, the fifth installment in the Arsène Lupin series, is now available at http://classictalesaudiobooks.com. I’ve also uploaded around a dozen short stories from the archives that are now available. Works by Guy de Maupassant, Mary Fortune, Sax Rohmer and Arthur Conan Doyle are ready when you are. You can find the new titles in the “new” category in the store.

I intend to chip away at the archived episodes throughout the year. Hopefully we’ll be all caught up by the end of December.

Happy springtime, everyone!

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 9 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Follow this link to purchase The Crystal Stopper, Arsène Lupin #5, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_779_CarryOnJeeves_Part9of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When Freddie’s engagement gets broken off, Bertie knows just the thing to cheer him up – a trip to the seaside! But when Freddie’s ex appears at the same resort, Bertie cooks up a crackerjack plan to get the two back together. Crackerjack.  P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to those of you who have so generously donated to Basil’s Student Residency fund. We have not only met, but exceeded our goal. We are blown away by your kindness and generosity. Thank you all so much for helping us out. He is over the moon with excitement for this adventure.

I’ll be sending out the links for The Crystal Stopper to all donors on Saturday, when I close down the Go Fund Me account.  Thanks again! It really wouldn’t have happened without your help!

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 8 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Follow this link to purchase The Crystal Stopper, Arsène Lupin #5, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_778_CarryOnJeeves_Part8of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:12am MDT

It didn’t work. Stealing the policeman’s helmet did not, in fact, make Bertie’s chum Sippy feel better. In fact, he’s now got 30 days in the stir. And in the meantime, Bertie must impersonate him.  P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to those of you who have so generously donated to Basil’s Student Residency fund. In case you haven’t heard, we recently discovered that Basil, my eldest, after four years at our local art academy, was accepted for a month-long residency to The New York Academy of Art. This is a life changing opportunity. We are so very proud of him.  

We’ve come up a bit short, and we need some help to get him there.

We need to raise $6,000, and we are over halfway there. Thank you so much for helping him out. We’ve been blown away by the generosity of our parents, friends, family members, and especially YOU! We’ve done what we can, but things have kind of slowed down. We’re still $2,000 shy of what we need, and to get us over this final hump, I’ve cooked a little something up.

I’ve recorded the fifth book in the Arsène Lupin series: The Crystal Stopper. I’ve read quite a few of these mysteries, and this one is seriously one of the best. So, here’s what I was thinking. I’m willing to give a free download of the audiobook to each and every donor who donates to Basil’s New York Student Residency Fund, once we reach our goal.

So please step up and help our boy to an experience of a lifetime. You can find a link in the description for today’s podcast. And again, thank you so very much.

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

 

Thank you so very much. It really wouldn’t happen without your help.

 

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 7 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

 

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_777_CarryOnJeeves_Part_7of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:14am MDT

Biffy has fallen in love. Well, he fell in love. Then he lost the girl. Like, he couldn’t find her. Then he forgot her last name. And the name of his hotel. Is it really “better to have loved and lost”? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to those of you who have so generously donated to Basil’s Student Residency fund. Last week we discovered that Basil, my eldest, after four years at local art academy, was accepted for a month-long residency to The New York Academy of Art. We are so very proud of him.  

We’ve come up a bit short, and we need some help to get him there.

We need to raise $6,000, and we are halfway there. Thank you so much for helping him out. We’ve been blown away by the generosity of our parents, friends, family members, and especially YOU! We’ve done what we can, but things have really slowed down. We’re still $3,000 shy of what we need to send our boy to New York for the experience of a lifetime.

Basil has actually been on the podcast team. He started proofing the podcast for me when he was in seventh grade, and he did it all through high school. So, if you’ve listened to Pride and Prejudice, Uncle Silas, or the first Arsène Lupin stories, you’ve heard his work.

I’ve set up a Go Fund Me account for Basil, and all of the proceeds go directly to fund his residency. It’s actually not connected to me or the podcast at all. It all goes to help Basil make this next milestone in what is sure to be an illustrious art career. The link can be found in the description of this week’s episode.

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

Thank you so very much. It really wouldn’t happen without your help.

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 6 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

 

 

Direct download: CT_776_CarryOnJeeves_Part_6of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:25am MDT

Rocky, a wistful poet, is forced to trip the light fantastic every night in order to keep his aunt safely sequestered. Jeeves has a scheme that shows that one man’s poison is another man’s pleasure. Let’s just hope it lasts. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Well, this week, we had one of those amazing moments of a parent’s life. My oldest son, Basil, after four years at his art academy, has been accepted for a month-long residency to The New York Academy of Art. He even got a merit-based scholarship. This is a major milestone in his art career. We are so proud of him.

But here’s the thing. We’ve come up a bit short. We need some help to get him there.

We told him to reach for the stars, and he made it. He even got a scholarship. But we are $6,000 short. If you could pitch in a few bucks, and help get Basil to his New York residency we would really, really appreciate it.

Basil has actually been on the podcast team. He started proofing the podcast for me when he was in seventh grade, and he did it all through high school. So, if you’ve listened to Pride and Prejudice, Uncle Silas, or the first Arsène Lupin stories, you’ve heard his work.

I’ve set up a Go Fund Me account for Basil, and all of the proceeds go directly to fund his residency. It’s actually not connected to me or the podcast at all. It all goes to help Basil make this next milestone in what is sure to be an illustrious art career. The link can be found in the description of this week’s episode.

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

 

Thank you so very much. It really wouldn’t happen without your help.

 

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 5 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Follow this link to go to Basil Harrison’s New York Residency Go Fund Me page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_775_CarryOnJeeves_Part_5of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:03am MDT

Fat-headed Bicky must convince his uncle that he’s rolling in the dough. But Jeeves is on the scene with a splendid plan, that’s sure to bring home the bacon. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 4 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_774_CarryOnJeeves_Part_4of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Meek and submissive Motty is foisted upon Bertie as an uninvited guest. But when Motty begins to cut up a rug, Bertie finds himself in the soup. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 3 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_773_CarryOnJeeves_Part_3of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Corky is a born artist, but his uncle doesn’t think so, and he’s the one who pays the bills. So when Corky wants to marry the love of his life, he needs the white gloved, helping hand of Jeeves. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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In the spirit of the Olympics, I thought I’d share about how I won a medal for wrestling. Yes, in my youth, I was a wrestler. Mostly because I couldn’t dribble, catch, hit, shoot, or pass. But as a clumsy little 8-year-old in a singlet, I was a pretty below average wrestler. This surprised no one. But once I won a medal. 

I don’t know if you’ve noticed how the bracket system works, but in these competitions of grit and technique, if you win, you go in to the winner’s bracket, and fight more winners. Losers drop to the loser’s bracket where they duke it out for second place.

The thing with this gladiator display was that once I lost my first match, there was no one else in my weight class to wrestle. So, I automatically made it to the end. Every time a new match was announced, there was nobody there. So, I advanced. Until it was all over, and I was given a third place medal. For losing. And honestly, it felt kinda good.

Anyway, let’s get on with the story.

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 2 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_772_CarryOnJeeves_Part2of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

It cannot be done. Uncle Willoughby’s memoirs are simply too scandalous, and Bertie’s fiancée demands that they not be printed. I mean, what’s a fellow to do? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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Well, I know it’s been a while since we’ve had some serious literature, and I hope you can hold out with me for one more comedic episodic novel. I discovered that the novel Carry On, Jeeves contains 10 short stories, many of which I haven’t recorded before.

And so, I’m going to go ahead and produce them episodically, as they appear in the original book form. I figured that 10 weeks of Jeeves would be a great way to finally button up this horrible pandemic. Hopefully at the end of this Jeeves bash, we can all breathe a little easier.

And now, Carry On, Jeeves, Part 1 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_771_CarryOnJeeves_Part1of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:48am MDT

After battling the tempestuous sea, four men in a boat finally spy land. But will the process of getting to the land be their undoing? Stephen Crane, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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We had a great time in our Facebook Live event! Many thanks to all of you who came and visited. We’ll have to do it again soon. If you missed it, I’ll be posting the video up on our YouTube channel in a couple of days

This week’s story is by Stephen Crane, and is often anthologized and taught in high schools. There are a few things that struck me when I researched this book:

When the crew in the boat near land, the approach to safety (land) is the very thing that could kill them, if they are smashed on the rocks. It totally reminded me of our bout with COVID. As we get closer and think that’s okay, but then, no, no, no, that’s too dangerous, get back, get back. Hopefully we can all make it to safety soon.

One of the main themes of this story is the ambivalence of nature, and how we tend to put our human spin on the nature of nature. The story kind of states that nature just doesn’t care about the plight of mankind. In the softer, contemplative moments of the book, it isn’t a gentle providence taking care of the men, and they don’t humbly surrender to it. It’s a harsh, ambivalent nature that could care less if the creatures living on it live or die. But in the end, humanity is humanity. It’s a fascinating look at how we take care of each other in times of crisis.

And now, The Open Boat, by Stephen Crane.

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Direct download: CT_770_TheOpenBoat.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Piglet, being such a very small animal, is very afraid of the rainstorm. How will Pooh bear and his friends save him? A.A. Milne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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I’m going to try a new thing. I’m going to have a Facebook Live event, where we can discuss the things we liked about Winnie-the-Pooh, and whatever else might come up. Everyone is invited. It will be on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 4:00 PM Mountain Time. Head over to our Facebook page, and tap the link. I hope to see you there.

If this goes well, maybe we can do more!

And now, Winnie-the-Pooh, Part 4 of 4, by A. A. Milne.

Tap here to Join the Facebook live discussion about Winnie-the-Pooh: visit our Facebook page on Wednesday, February2nd, 4pm Mountain Time:

It will only let it schedule a day ahead, so keep an eye open for the link. It will show up on the page.

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Direct download: CT_769_Winnie-the-Pooh_Part_4_of_4_by_AA_Milne.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

No one remembered poor Eeyore’s birthday, and Pooh bear and Piglet are determined to do something about it. A.A. Milne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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In today’s story, we discover one of the great things about Winnie the Pooh – Eeyore. Eeyore has depression. It’s quite clear. But he is never shamed, or left out, or shunned because of it. He’s never told he’s broken, or deficient. His friends just pitch in, and do what they can to make his life a little better. They don’t expect him to act in any certain way after they help him. He’s one of them, period.

The way Eeyore is depicted clearly shows that Milne knew what he was talking about, and is a magnificent way for those suffering with depression to be represented. If you know someone who really loves this book, or Eeyore in particular, there’s probably a lot more going on there. Please tread lightly.

And now, Winnie-the-Pooh, Part 3 of 4, by A. A. Milne.

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Direct download: CT_768_Winnie-the-Pooh_Part_3_of_4_by_AA_Milne.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The nefarious heffalumps don’t stand a chance, with Pooh and Piglet on the case. But when their trap is baited with honey, Pooh bear begins to sleep extra restlessly.  A.A. Milne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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And now, Winnie-the-Pooh, Part 2 of 4, by A. A. Milne.

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Direct download: CT_767_Winnie-the-Pooh_Part_2_of_4_by_AA_Milne.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Winnie-the-Pooh has eaten so much honey that he can’t fit through Rabbit’s front door. How will he ever get home?  A.A. Milne, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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Winnie-the-Pooh has just entered the public domain in America, so I thought I’d take a whack at it. We also have some more Jeeves stories coming your way, as well as some other surprises this year.

As for now, let’s take a walk in the Hundred Acre Wood.

And now, Winnie-the-Pooh, Part 1 of 4, by A. A. Milne.

 

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Direct download: CT_766_Winnie-the-Pooh_Part_1_of_4_by_AA_Milne.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:46am MDT

What will the heralded war hero Dalyrimple do with himself, once all the hand shaking and parades are over? F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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We have some really fun titles that are entering the public domain this year, and I’ve also discovered some overlooked gems I hope you’ll enjoy. Here’s to a fantastic 2022, everyone! 

Today’s story is in the collection of short stories “Flappers and Philosophers”. Be sure to mind the fence, everyone!

And now, Dalyrimple Goes Wrong, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Direct download: CT_765_Dalyrimple_Goes_Wrong.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Who will help the tailor of Gloucester to finish the Mayor’s elegant coat? For the Mayor is to be married wearing it tomorrow - on Christmas Day in the morning.  Beatrix Potter, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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If you’d like more Charles Dickens this holiday season, the version of A Christmas Carol that I recorded in 2018 is now available as a standalone audiobook at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick it up and make it a tradition to enjoy every year!

I just wanted to say thank you for spending another Christmas with The Classic Tales. This is our fifteenth Christmas, and it’s been so fun to research and discover new Yuletide stories every year. Thanks for joining me on this adventure.

Beatrix Potter was born to a middle-upper class family. She was privately educated by governesses at home, which was usual for the time. She was an incredibly gifted artist, and specialized in mycology, which is the study of fungi. Her beautiful illustrations of various fungi are still consulted by botanists today.

Though she wasn’t allowed to attend university because of her sex, she submitted a paper challenging the theory of symbiosis to the Linnean Society in 1897.

A few years later she self-published her first book, because no publisher was interested in it. She published a few copies for her family and friends. Two years later, in 1902, Frederick, Warne and Company reconsidered publishing her “bunny book”, as they called it, and The Tale of Peter Rabbit was an immediate success.  

Beatrix Potter loved vacationing in the English lake district near Windermere, and purchased several farms to preserve the landscape of the area. Upon her death, she left nearly all of her property to the National Trust, including over

And now, The Tailor of Gloucester, by Beatrix Potter.

 

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Direct download: CT_764_The_Tailor_of_Gloucester.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Mrs. Peerybingle forever be estranged from her honest, simple husband? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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If you’d like more Charles Dickens this holiday season, the version of A Christmas Carol that I recorded in 2018 is now available as a standalone audiobook at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick it up and make it a tradition to enjoy every year!

And now, A Cricket on the Hearth, Part 3 of 3, by Charles Dickens.

 

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Direct download: CT_763_ACricketontheHearth2021_Part3of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Penurious Caleb Plummer has created an imaginary world of wonder for his blind daughter. But how will he disguise the bilious speeches of the cantankerous Tackleton? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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And now, A Cricket on the Hearth, Part 2 of 3, by Charles Dickens.

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Direct download: CT_762_ACricketontheHearth2021_Part2of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:29am MDT

Can a cricket on the hearth of a tiny Carrier’s cottage foresee the future? Charles Dickens, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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Well, it’s Christmastime. And you know what Christmas means – Charles Dickens. Dickens wrote several Christmas stories. The most famous, of course, being A Christmas Carol. A Cricket on the Hearth is another one, but it’s not super Christmasy. We have a bunch of fun characters, and Dickens’ charming prose winding around it all. I hope you like it.

And now, A Cricket on the Hearth, Part 1 of 3, by Charles Dickens.

 

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Direct download: CT_761_ACricketontheHearth2021_Part1of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

All is revealed, and we finally learn the answer to Robert’s burning question: who exactly is Anthony Ferrara? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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Well, the day I knew would finally come has finally come. We have come to the end of this book. Now, I told you when we began that it’s been criticized because it has a weak ending. Well, it does. It’s not a good ending. It’s quite likely when you are in a conversation about books that are great, but have really weak endings, this will be the top one that comes to mind. Maybe not, but maybe so.

This book has been so fun. I mean, we’ve had murderous invisible hands, spiders, bats, and the curse with the hair and the orchids. We’ve crawled through an Egyptian pyramid, and discovered Ferrara creating the nefarious incense. I mean, it’s been a fun ride. Let’s just try to remember that as we finish this up.

 

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 8 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

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Direct download: CT_760_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part8of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What would Robert do if he came face to face with the evil Antony Ferrara? Let’s find out. Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

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The top 200 supporters for the year 2021 will be receiving a custom designed Classic Tales Audiobooks enamel pin in the mail as a thank you gift. I’ve been working on this for a while, and I’m excited to get these sent out. If you’d like to get one, hop onto the website, and show us a little love. Thanks again, everyone!

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 7 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

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Direct download: CT_759_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part7of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What rare illness has brought Myra Duchesne to death’s door? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classic in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

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Last week’s story ended with Dr. Cairn and Sime entering the pyramid of Meydum, and discovering within the secret chamber, Antony Ferrara chanting in an unknown tongue. After Sime shot at Ferrara, Dr. Cairn and Sime chased Ferrara out of the pyramid. Today’s story begins when Robert Cairn meets up with the two, and reports on what he witnessed exiting the pyramid just before his father and Sime appeared.  

Note: in this week's episode, there is some muddiness about romantic consent. Parents might want to take the opportunity to talk about how the hero might have done things better. 

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 6 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

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Direct download: CT_758_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part6of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Dr. Cairn ascertain how he was bewitched to nearly take the life of his son? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classic in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

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Last week’s story ended with Dr. Cairn nearly killing his son Robert. He was under the influence of a strange dream, and he thought that he was about to rid the world of Antony Ferrara. Now, father and son will begin to unpack the events of the night, and compare notes.

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 5 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

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Direct download: CT_757_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part5of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Locals believe that a supernatural entity is behind the unseasonably hot sandstorms in Egypt. Can it be true?  Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

And if you can’t support us financially right now, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, so more folks can find us.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series is also now available! Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up this fantastic adventure! If we can pick up a few more monthly supporters, we can start working on the fifth in the Arsène Lupin series. Don’t miss this extraordinary adventure!

A note on our story:

Sax Rohmer’s work is pretty problematic. I mean, there’s no reason to point out that the vampire in last week’s episode was a Jewess for any other reason than being antisemitic. It didn’t add anything to the plot or character. But sentiments such as these shouldn’t go unaddressed. Just want to point that out.

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 4 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

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Direct download: CT_756_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part4of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why do ghouls and other creatures of the night haunt the remnants of the house of Dhoon?  Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It actually takes quite a bit to make this show every week, and I really appreciate all the help I can get. The content curation, the direction, editing, marketing, artwork, and of course, the narrating, that’s all me. I also have to hire out some of the work, as well, so every little bit helps. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

And if you can’t support us financially right now, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, so more folks can find us.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series is also now available! Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up this fantastic adventure! And if you’d like to save 2 dollars when you get 813, simply enter the coupon code: podcast. No subscription, no additional purchase necessary, just enter the word podcast, and save 2 bucks. This is the last week for this promotion. 

The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences has nominated Scaramouche as a finalist for a SOVAS award! We are going up against a few icons in the narration industry whom I’ve actually paid for training! It’s about as prestigious as they come. I’m shocked and honored to be a nominee for this very special award.

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 3 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

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Direct download: CT_755_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part3of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why exactly does Antony Ferrara keep ancient brain-eating beetles? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

And if you can’t support us financially right now, please rate and review us, so more folks can find us.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series is also now available! Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up this fantastic adventure! And if you’d like to save 2 dollars when you get 813, simply enter the coupon code: podcast. No subscription, no additional purchase necessary, just enter the word podcast, and save 2 bucks. Thank you for your support!

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 2 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

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Direct download: CT_754_KnightoftheNecropolis_2of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Antony Ferrara heats his quarters like an inferno, collects brain-eating beetles, and wears an Egyptian ring. So, why does Cairn suspect him of killing a swan? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

We won a podcast award! The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts has awarded The Classic Tales Podcast with a Gold Award! Juried by some titans from the top media firms, (Disney, Conde Nast, Microsoft, etc.), I share this honor with Trevor Noah’s Daily Show Podcast, MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast, Broadway Podcast Network and a few others. Only the top 10% of those who entered were awarded the Gold Award. We are super psyched about that.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series is also now available! Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up this fantastic adventure! And if you’d like to save 2 dollars when you get 813, simply enter the coupon code: podcast. No subscription, no additional purchase necessary, just enter the word podcast, and save 2 bucks. Thank you for your support!

Today’s story is from the creator of the Fu-Manchu series, Sax Rohmer. It was originally titled, The Brood of the Witch-Queen. I think that the unfortunate title is the reason that this book is not more well know today. That, and the ending isn’t super great. Just putting that out there right now. But H.P. Lovecraft compared this book with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and many critics of the time considered it one of Rohmer’s best. I’ve taken the liberty of releasing it as Knight of the Necropolis. Hopefully ol’ Sax isn’t turning too much in his grave at that.

One of the things that really draws me to classic Halloween monsters is that they are steeped in literature. Obviously, Dracula and Frankenstein immediately come to mind with their respective baddies. There are many werewolf short stories, from Kipling’s The Mark of the Beast, to Murryat’s The White Wolf of the Harz Mountains. Alexandre Dumas even wrote a full length, lack luster novel about a werewolf, clumsily translated as The Wolf Leader. I’m told Steinbeck also wrote a werewolf yarn.

Mummy tales also abound in short fiction. Among the best are Conan Doyle’s Lot No. 249, Louisa May Alcott’s The Ring of Thoth, and H.P. Lovecraft’s Imprisoned with the Pharaohs. Among the less successful is Bram Stoker’s novel Jewel of the Seven Stars.

Now, today’s story isn’t perfect by any means. It’s not high literature. But when I read it, I felt that it really delivered the same feeling that I get when I watch the original movie of The Mummy, with Boris Karloff. It’s set up as a series of adventures where we can eventually piece together the identity of that devotee of ancient sorcery: Antony Ferrara. The similarities to Dracula are evident. Nobody believes in Egyptian sorcery, there’s only one scholar who’s studied enough to stop him, etc.. But what can I say, when it comes to magic rings, brain-eating beetles, vampires, ancient curses, Egyptian mummies, and the like, I’m always up for it. I hope you are, too.

And now, The Knight of the Necropolis, Part 1 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

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Direct download: CT_753_KnightoftheNecropolis_Part1of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:37am MDT

Can Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson discover the identity of a cyclist that appears and disappears like a phantom? Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. We’ve set it up so that for a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! This way you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

Coupon codes will now work with The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas. Head on over to the website, and download your copy of this extraordinary adventure.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series is also now available! I hope you liked the first chapter. Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up the rest of this fantastic adventure! And if you’d like to save 2 dollars when you get 813, simply enter the coupon code: podcast. No subscription, no additional purchase necessary, just enter the word podcast, and save 2 bucks. Thank you for your support!

Today’s story is from the collection The Return of Sherlock Holmes. I hope you like it!

And now, The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Direct download: CT_752_TheSolitaryCyclist.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Everything about Wilberforce Billson screams that he’s a first-rate pugilist, from his broken nose to his ham-sized fists. But what exactly is his critical weakness? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you, and we really appreciate your support. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

Coupon codes will now work with The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas. Head on over to the website, and download your copy of this extraordinary adventure.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsene Lupin series is also now available! I hoped you liked the first chapter. Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com and pick up the rest of this fantastic adventure!

I think this is the last we’ll hear from Ukridge for a little while. We’ve got some other amazing stuff coming this fall. So, enjoy!

And now, Battling Billson, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_751_Battling_Billson.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Paris is aghast at the news that of one of Lupin’s victims was discovered murdered. As the bodies continue to pile up, Lupin demonstrates his indefatigable tenacity - on a mission to clear his name and discover the shattering secret of 813. Maurice Leblanc, on a special episode of The Classic Tales Podcast.

813, the fourth novel in the Arsène Lupin series, is now available at classictalesaudiobooks.com.

Tap here to get your copy of 813, by Maurice Leblanc!

In this fourth adventure, Arsène Lupin seeks to firmly establish himself as the anti-hero, though he clearly wants to be the hero. In developing the complex side to Lupin’s character, and twisting the many plot threads in true Leblanc style, 813 is considered one of the finest Arsène Lupin novels. 

And here’s a bonus for podcast listeners: enter the coupon code podcast and save $2 off! No need to sign in, or be a supporter. Anyone who wants to save $2 off can simply enter the word podcast in the box, and save $2 off the adventure of 813, clocking in at over 12 hours in length.

And now, the first chapter of 813, by Maurice Leblanc.

This is BJ Harrison. I hope you’ve enjoyed this healthy sample of 813, by Maurice Leblanc. Head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com, and pick up your copy today. Enter the coupon code podcast to save $2 off this brand new title.

I’ll see you again on Friday. Have a good one!

Direct download: CT_750_Sampleof813_by_Maurice_Leblanc.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 11:05am MDT

It’s not exactly fraud - more of a scheme. When a group of like-minded blighters plan to pool their funds and cash in on an unhappy accident, why, what could happen?  P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off your audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas is now available at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Download your copy of this extraordinary adventure.

And we have another new title being released this week! 813, the fourth novel in the Arsene Lupin series will be available on Tuesday. Clocking in at over 12 hours, this is one of the most overlooked and unheralded adventure/mystery/heist novels I’ve ever run across. I think it’s on par with The Hound of the Baskervilles, or The Secret Adversary.

I’ll be releasing a sample chapter in the podcast feed midweek, once it becomes available. And the fun part is – coupon codes will be available for this title. So head on over to classictalesaudiobooks.com. Pick up 813 and The Black Tulip. You’ve got some fun listening ahead. And thank you so much for your support.

This week, we have another story about Ukridge. I’m not sure exactly how many of these Ukridge stories we’ll do, but I’m loving them so much, I can’t turn away from them. We may start our Halloween stories next week. We’ll see how things shake out.

And now, Ukridge’s Accident Syndicate, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_749_Ukridges_Accident.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When it becomes strikingly evident to Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge that the world is short one dog college, how will he get one up and running? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off your audiobook order. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

We have some fun new titles appearing along with The Black Tulip! Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll, Sinbad the Sailor, from the Arabian Nights, and Casting the Runes, by M.R. James are available now. While your there, reserve your copy of The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas.

A prize of 100,000 florins is offered to the person who can produce a perfectly black tulip – a feat considered impossible. But at the very moment when Cornelius van Bearle is on the brink of achieving the impossible, he is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The story of his black tulip’s journey is absolutely riveting, and an event you don’t want to miss.

Coupon codes will not be available for The Black Tulip. At least for a little while. Once we meet a certain threshold, we will release this title for coupon code use, and send it to our retail partners. But for now, this title is exclusively available at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Be the first to listen to this tender leaf of historical fiction.

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com, and reserve your copy of The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas.

And now for something completely different.

We first met Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge in the novel Love Among the Chickens. That was actually the second in the Ukridge line of stories. The first book, Ukridge, is a collection of short stories that are loosely woven together, as is Wodehouse’s wont. 

And now, Ukridge’s Dog College, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

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Direct download: CT_748_Ukridges_Dog_College.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When Sándor discovers some disturbing clues, the only answer is a Hungarian duel – on horseback. Maurus Jokai, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and make a donation today.

We’ve got a new title available for presale:  The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas. A prize of 100,000 florins is offered to the person who can produce a perfectly black tulip – a feat considered impossible. But at the very moment when Cornelius van Bearle is on the brink of achieving the impossible, he is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The story of his black tulip’s journey is absolutely riveting, and an event you don’t want to miss.

Coupon codes will not be available for this title. Once we meet a certain threshold, we will release this title for coupon code use, and send it to our retail partners. But for now, this title is exclusively available at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Be the first to listen to this tender leaf of historical fiction.

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com, and reserve your copy of The Black Tulip, by Alexandre Dumas.

Last week, Ferko drove the herd of cattle to jump off the ferry as they were crossing the river. Let’s see how that works out for him.

And now, The Yellow Rose, Part 3 of 3, by Maurus Jokai.

 

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Direct download: CT_747_TheYellowRose_Part3of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A wayward horse carries a dying man across the lone puszta. He is not injured – he is poisoned. Maurus Jokai, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much..

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and make a donation today.

I’m hoping that if we get enough supporters, I can record some more classics outside of the podcast. I’m researching out an Alexandre Dumas book that might fit the bill. If you can swing it, please chip in!

In this week’s story, we delve more into the Hungarian horse culture, and learn more about the flatland known as the puszta. I’ve been there, and it’s as flat as it’s described in the story. I’ve grown up all my life in the mountains, and that was the first time in my life I experienced the complete absence of anything varying the skyline. No mountains, no hills. Just a dome of sky. It’s really an amazing place.

Last week, we met Sandor Decsi, a Hungarian horseman, or csikos, who was drafted into the war to serve the Emperor. He gave a comb, signifying his engagement to Klari, the young woman who run the Hortobagy Inn. Sandor wasn’t too happy with her, because it was evident that she had been a little unfaithful, as he had met on the way to see her he met Ferko Lacza, a cowboy, who had received from Klari a yellow rose from the only yellow rose bush on the puszta. Due to this lover’s spat, Klari remembered the teachings of a gypsy woman, who said to add mandragora root to her sweetheart’s wine, if she wanted to get him to love her again.

Meanwhile, Ferko the cowboy was on his way to escort a herd of cattle to Austria, and start a new life as the lead cowherd there. Our story today begins when the group of men are getting ready to start the journey across the puszta to their new home and country.

And now, The Yellow Rose, Part 2 of 3, by Maurus Jokai.

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Direct download: CT_746_TheYellowRose_Part2of3.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will the maid known as The Yellow Rose remain true while her beau is away soldiering for the emperor? A Hungarian Western by Maurus Jokai, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and make a donation today.

I’m hoping that if we get enough supporters, I can record some more classics outside of the podcast. I’m researching out an Alexandre Dumas book that might fit the bill. If you can swing it, please chip in!

And now for something completely different.

A while ago, back in May, I asked via Facebook whether  it might be time for a western to be in order. Since I’m from the West myself, I thought it might be fitting. For one reason or other, I wasn’t feeling it. However, I did run across this idea. Today’s book, The Yellow Rose, is from Maurus Jokai, or Jokai Mor, one of Hungary’s most famous writers. Hungary is famous for its horse culture, and this book takes place at a time before railroads, and deals largely with the traditions and way of life for the cowherds and horsemen, or csikos, of Hungary.

Well, I thought, what if I performed this book as if it were an American Western? It parallels our trope of “Western” so well, why not? So, let’s give it a shot.

Let’s go now to an adventure in the old world, in a Western that takes place a stone’s throw from Asia.

And now, The Yellow Rose, Part 1 of 3, by Maurus Jokai.

 

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Direct download: CT_745_TheYellowRose_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A “shop-girl”, a thief, and a drunkard each encounter a crisis of conscience. How will they measure up? O. Henry, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you.

I’m happy to announce that based on downloads, we are in the top 1% of all podcasts! And the thing is, we always have been.

You may notice that we don’t top the charts. Not any more, anyhow. So, why the disparity? Well, the charts are all run by algorithms, and each platform has their own. Judiciously curated titles, and professional audiobook quality are the things that we focus on. And for those who have found us – congratulations!

I don’t run ads or commercials, and I focus on things that make the listening experience truly wonderful. For 14 years now, I’ve always striven to increase the quality however I can, and thus enhance the end listener’s experience. No ads in the middle of the story, no new printer to buy at the beginning. If you like it, please lend a hand. Around 2% of the listeners donate at all, and I really like where we’ve landed. Please help us out, if you can.

Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and make a donation today.

O. Henry wrote over 300 short stories, and was coined the American equivalent of Guy de Maupassant. The O. Henry award is given out each year for outstanding short stories. This was his medium, and he used it very, very well.

The stories in today’s episodes I’ve dubbed “Crisis of Conscience: Regular People and Uncomfortable Decisions” because that’s the thread all three of these stories have in common.

The first, An Unfinished Story, I really love for the craft of writing involved. In only half telling two stories, O. Henry delivers a clear and powerful message. I think it’s quite amazing.

The other two stories are more typical narratives, each setting up folks who are trying to get back up on the straight and narrow, and their terrible wrangle with the most evil adversary of all – hope. Let’s see how they do.

And now, Crisis of Conscience: Regular People and Uncomfortable Decisions, 3 short stories by O. Henry.  

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Direct download: CT_744_Crisis_of_Conscience.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does a great crack appear in the canoe, after a night beached near the willows?  Algernon Blackwood, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

We are pleased to announce that the audiobook of The Hollow Needle and the complete audiobook, The Confessions of Arsene Lupin are now available at the website. If you’re wanting to hear them all in one go, now you can, at classictalesaudiobooks.com.  

The Classic Tales App is a great little tool for listening to the podcast. You can easily follow the links in the show notes, and you can see the episode specific artwork that I create for every title. You can also hear the occasional special feature. This app doesn’t interact with the website, though. Just a fair warning. I’ve looked into it, and to create such an app is cost prohibitive at this point. But if you want a quick place to jump and get your classic tales fix, the Classic Tales App is a great place to go.

Last week, we followed our narrator and The Swede down the Danube. They entered an area between Vienna and Pest containing boundless willows, making their way through the innumerable islets that would appear and disappear as the flood ebbed and flowed. Our hero felt that the Willows were ominous, alive, and somehow influenced by a supernatural force. Let’s see how the story plays out.

And now, The Willows, part 2 of 2, by Algernon Blackwood.

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Direct download: CT_743_TheWillows_Part2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A river adventure down the Danube turns dark, when an eerie presence is felt in the willows… Algernon Blackwood, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

 

 

We are pleased to announce that the audiobook of The Hollow Needle and the complete audiobook, The Confessions of Arsene Lupin are now available at the website. If you’re wanting to hear them all in one go, now you can.

The Classic Tales App is a great little tool for listening to the podcast. You can easily follow the links in the show notes, and you can see the episode specific artwork that I create for every title. You can also hear the occasional special feature. This app doesn’t interact with the website, though. Just a fair warning. I’ve looked into it, and to create such an app is cost prohibitive at this point. But if you want a quick place to jump and get your classic tales fix, the Classic Tales App is a great place to go.

And now for something completely different.

H.P. Lovecraft, who coined the term “weird fiction”, considered “The Willows” to be the finest supernatural tale in English Literature. You can see how it would appeal to him: the masterful way that Blackwood personifies the Willows to be ominous, alive, and menacing, the human natures attributed to the river, the omniscient power of the wind, all build to create a very Lovecraftian atmosphere that begs the question of whether there is an ancient supernatural force guiding it all.

And now, The Willows, part 1 of 2, by Algernon Blackwood.

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Direct download: CT_742_TheWillows_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The mystery of the Hollow Needle comes to its shocking conclusion. Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. Think of all the stuff you’ve learned, and the characters you’ve enjoyed. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the details section for today’s episode.

This week, a wonderful thing happened. My independent audiobook came in the mail.

Thanks again to all of our financial supporters, Jan Ackerson for proofing, and Annie Sergeant for the help with the French pronunciation. You’ve all pitched in to make Scaramouche an award-winning audiobook.

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 7 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_741_HollowNeedle_Part7of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Beautrelet deduce the royal secret of the Hollow Needle?  Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. Think of all the stuff you’ve learned, and the characters you’ve enjoyed. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the Classic Tales app. Open up today’s episode in the Classic Tales app, and you can hear all about how Agatha Christie’s “Evil Under the Sun” is integrated into our family’s culture.

One thing before we begin today’s story – the reason that I chose to produce this book is because Arsene Lupin is largely unknown in America. As I’ve been at this for some time, I’ve been amazed at the volume of material that is absolutely incredible, but largely unknown. I’m not sure why that is. For whatever reason, I’m glad we can enjoy a good Lupin heist now and again.

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 6 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

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Direct download: CT_740_HollowNeedle_Part6of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Beautrelet use his colossal brainpower to rescue his kidnapped father?  Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. You are now a part of an award-winning audiobook production team. Your monthly donation of just $5 helps to keep us creating audiobooks of classic literature that are not only entertaining and educational, but they are winning awards.

 

And so, thank you for helping to create a place where folks like you can find solid performances of heavily curated classics. And for your $5 donation, we’ll give you a monthly coupon code for $8 off any audiobook from our store. It’s our way of showing our appreciation, and you get a chance to build out your audiobook library. Everybody wins!

Go now to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter today.

 

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the app. That way they don’t get in the way here, but for those who enjoy them, they are still available through the app. Today you can hear about Rocketman.

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 5 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_739_HollowNeedle_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What supernatural force is keeping Beautrelet from revealing all?  Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the app. 

And finally, I am so happy to announce that the Classic Tales version of Scaramouche, by Raphael Sabatini has WON and Independent Audiobook Award! We won for Best General Fiction. There aren’t too many awards available to distinguish yourself in the audiobook world right now, and this is one of the biggest! So a big, huge THANK YOU to all of you who have listened to and financially supported the podcast. You literally made it possible to produce an award-winning audiobook. So give yourself a pat on the back! Now, let’s do it again!

The story so far: Young Beautrelet has uncovered a plot of Arsene Lupin’s to steal certain valuable paintings, and replacing them with copies. During the heist, a man was shot while trying to escape. Beautrelet deduced that the man shot was Arsene Lupin himself, and tracked him to a crypt beneath a great altar stone. However, in chipping away at the altar to gain access to the secret refuge, a great stone fell, and when the dust cleared, the body of Arsene Lupin was discovered - absolutely crushed.

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 4 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_738_HollowNeedle_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is Beautrelet receiving threatening notes on his way back to a stale and stagnant crime scene?  Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the app. That way they don’t get in the way here, but for those who enjoy them, they are still available through the app.

The story so far: Young Beautrelet has uncovered a plot of Arsene Lupin’s to steal certain valuable paintings from M. de Gevres, replacing them with copies. During the heist, M. Daval, M de Gevres’ secretary was killed, and a man was shot while trying to escape. The wounded man was never found or traced – he simply disappeared.

 

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 3 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_737_HollowNeedle_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can young Beautrelet really solve a crime which absolutely baffles the police? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the app. That way they don’t get in the way here, but for those who enjoy them, they are still available through the app.

Last week, there was a late night struggle in the mansion of M de Gevres, and his secretary, M. Daval, was found dead. M de Gevres was unharmed, but a man was seen on the grounds carrying something. Before he got too far, he was shot by a witness from the house. He apparently remained trapped in the grounds, but was never discovered. Young Isidore Beautrelet, a local student, posed as a local journalist, and seemed to have a peculiarly intimate knowledge of the case. Let’s see what he can tell us.

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 2 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc.

 

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Direct download: CT_736_HollowNeedle_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Who will solve the case of an attempted burglary that led to murder? Is an ambitious young student really the best option? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

For those of you who enjoy the personal moments, I’ve decided to begin to release those stories as a special feature you can access in the app. That way they don’t get in the way here, but for those who enjoy them, they are still available through the app.

The Hollow Needle is the third in the Arsene Lupin series. The story spans an entire novel, so put on your black gloves and your black turtleneck, and let’s get our caper on!

And now, The Hollow Needle, Part 1 of 7, by Maurice Leblanc

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

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Tap here to pick up some of our new titles:

 

 

Direct download: CT_735_HollowNeedle_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Lantry succeed in creating an army of living dead? Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It kind of cracks open the website for you, so you can easily build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

App users can hear a reading of The Cask of Amontillado, by Edgar Allan Poe. The story is reference several times in Bradbury’s story, as well as many works by Ambrose Bierce and H.P. Lovecraft.

Today’s story originally released in the Summer issue of Planet Stories in 1948.

Last week, William Lantry awoke from his coffin in a graveyard. He was dead, yet he could move and speak. The year was 2348 or so, and he’d been dead around 350 years. The new world had no graveyards, and all bodies were burned in a great Incinerator, which made a pillar of fire to the heavens. Along with the graveyards, fear, superstition, and macabre imagination were also sterilized in this new world. So Lantry came up with a plan – to destroy the Incinerators, and create an army of living dead “friends”.

And now, Pillar of Fire, Part 2 of 2, by Ray Bradbury.

 

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Direct download: CT_734_PillarofFire_Part2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How will William Lantry live in a world where no one knows him? For he was born 350 years ago, and he just got out of his grave. Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

 

 

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

I’ve got a few more titles I’m working from the archives! Check out our NEW PRODUCTS category to see the new stuff we’ve got coming out.

Today’s story originally released in the Summer issue of Planet Stories in 1948.

Ray Bradbury was one of the best-known writers of our time. He was a master storyteller, a champion of creative freedom, and a space-age visionary. He was a close friend with Ray Harryhausen, the stop motion special effects pioneer. Bradbury’s most noteworthy works include The Martian Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

And now, Pillar of Fire, Part 1 of 2, by Ray Bradbury.

 

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Direct download: CT_733_PillarofFire_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How will Click and Irish survive being marooned on a pirate’s asteroid with only a single gun and a news reel camera to defend themselves?  Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

I’ve got a few more titles I’m working from the archives! Check out our NEW PRODUCTS category to see the new stuff we’ve got coming out.

Today’s story originally released in the Spring issue of Planet Stories in 1944.

Ray Bradbury was one of the best-known writers of our time. He was a master storyteller, a champion of creative freedom, and a space-age visionary. He was a close friend with Ray Harryhausen, the stop motion special effects pioneer. Bradbury’s most noteworthy works include The Martian Chronicles, Farenheit 451, and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

And now, The Monster Maker, by Ray Bradbury.

 

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Direct download: CT_732_TheMonsterMaker.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Old Jones insist that anyone who sees The Phantom Hearse stop outside their place of an evening, will die within the week?  Mary Fortune, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

I’ve got a few more titles I’m working from the archives! Check out our NEW PRODUCTS category to see the new stuff we’ve got coming out.

Today’s story is written by one of the pioneers of detective fiction – Mary Helena Fortune. She travelled from Canada to Australia in 1855, where for the next fifty years, she contributed to magazines and newspapers under the pseudonyms “Waif Wanderer”, “W.W.”and her own initials “M.H.F.”. She wrote in a variety of genres: poetry, serialized novels, memoirs, and even gothic romance. But most significantly, she wrote over 500 detective stories. Her collection of stories, The Detective’s Album, by W.W. was published in 1871, and was described as, “The first book of detective stories to appear in Australia”. Only one copy is known to remain in existence.

Mary Fortune helped delineate a few of the techniques significant in detective fiction. For example, the forensic manner in which the crime is treated, and delivering the story from the point of view of the detective. Today’s story also includes a supernatural element, which is also innovative, and synchronous with some Russian crime fiction.

 

And now, The Phantom Hearse, by Mary Fortune.

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Direct download: CT_731_The_Phantom_Hearse.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

It’s going to be so much fun! All of the kids in the neighborhood are playing a super fun game – Invasion!  Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

We have four new Science Fiction titles available! The cosmic thriller The Colour Out of Space, by H.P. Lovecraft, the psychological thriller The Repairer of Reputations, by Robert W. Chambers, The Rival Mechanicians, another science fiction classic by Lydia Maria Childs, and The Skull, by the great Philip K. Dick. Links to these products can be found in the description for today’s episode.

I’ve got a few more titles I’m working from the archives! Check out our NEW PRODUCTS category to see the new stuff we’ve got coming out.

And now, Zero Hour, by Ray Bradbury

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Direct download: CT_730_ZeroHour.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A robbery and assault gain local notoriety when it’s believed that the perpetrator is still somewhere on the property – two weeks later.  Is there anyone who find the invisible thief? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

 

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

We have four new Science Fiction titles available! The cosmic thriller The Colour Out of Space, by H.P. Lovecraft, the psychological thriller The Repairer of Reputations, by Robert W. Chambers, The Rival Mechanicians, another science fiction classic by Lydia Maria Childs, and The Skull, by the great Philip K. Dick. Links to these products can be found in the description for today’s episode.

I am finally in the process of getting my back catalog of titles up on the website. I have 130 titles that I’ve been working on, and soon we’ll have a lot more stuff available. Stay tuned!

Today’s story is from Confessions of Arsene Lupin, the sixth book in the Lupin series. 

And now, The Invisible Prisoner, by Maurice Leblanc

 

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Direct download: CT_729_TheInvisiblePrisoner.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The world stands poised to enter the rocket age. But is it really the next best step for mankind? Ray Bradbury, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something solid to count on every month, you can build out your classic audiobook library, and you help to give more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

We have four new Science Fiction titles available! The cosmic thriller The Colour Out of Space, by H.P. Lovecraft, the psychological thriller The Repairer of Reputations, by Robert W. Chambers, The Rival Mechanicians, another science fiction classic by Lydia Maria Childs, and The Skull, by the great Philip K. Dick. Links to these products can be found in the description for today’s episode.

Ray Bradbury wrote today’s story in 1947. It first appeared in the Spring edition of Planet Stories magazine. Bradbury was one of the best-known writers of our time. He was a master storyteller, a champion of creative freedom, and a space-age visionary. His most noteworthy works include The Martian Chronicles, Farenheit 451, and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

In 2008, a digitized copy of The Martian Chronicles reached the Red Planet in 2008, aboard NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander. Bradbury’s remarks on the subject were:

“The thing that makes me happy is that I know that on Mars, two hundred years from now, my books are going to be read. They’ll be up on dead Mars with no atmosphere. And late at night, with a flashlight, some little boy is going to peek under the covers and read The Martian Chronicles on Mars.”

And now, Rocket Summer, by Ray Bradbury

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Direct download: CT_728_RocketSummer.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

This is BJ Harrison. I’d like to apologize for the release earlier today of Armageddon 2419 A.D – the Buck Rogers title. I’m afraid I didn’t fully realize the extent of the racist anti-Asian sentiments in it. I’m usually better at catching and pointing out this stuff. But when a listener reached out to me and brought it to my attention , and I kind of looked at it with new eyes, I just didn’t feel comfortable with it.

And so, I’ve decided not to continue with the story. It’s just too problematic. And for those who felt hurt when I presented Buck Rogers to you as great literature, I’m very sorry. I promise that I’ll do better.

 

And so now, let’s try something completely different. I’m going to substitute it with an episode from Season 10, back in 2016 – The Mixer Moves in Society, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

 

And now, “The Mixer Moves in Society”, by P. G. Wodehouse.

Direct download: CT_727B_TheMixerMovesinSociety.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 10:32pm MDT

Why is a dead man found lying beside a treasure chest in an abandoned, derelict ship? Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can also hear the story “The Horror of the Heights” also by Arthur Conan Doyle, in the special features for this week’s episode.

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

And now, The Striped Chest, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Direct download: CT_726_The_Striped_Chest.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The Great Gatsby comes to his inevitable end. F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

I wrote a new blog post this week, about how to move forward if you’re in a creative field. I know I had no roadmap when I was starting out, and I thought I’d jot down a few key steps to move forward if you’re a freelancer in any creative field. I hope it helps!

If it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

Today’s episode is the fifth of five of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. This piece is a little edgier than the stuff we usually present. There’s also some rougher language, and some violence. Just so you have a heads up.

And now, The Great Gatsby, part 5 of 5, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

 

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Direct download: CT_725_TheGreatGatsby_Part5of5.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What exactly do Tom’s investigations into Gatsby reveal? F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. You get so much out of this! For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem, “Ozymandias”, by Percy Blythe Shelley, in the special features for today’s episode. I actually have this poem printed on a t-shirt.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

Today’s episode is the fourth of five of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. This piece is a little edgier than the stuff we usually present. The themes deal largely with racism, and socio-economic elitism. There’s also some rougher language, and some violence. Just so you have a heads up.

And now, The Great Gatsby, part 4 of 5, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Direct download: CT_724_TheGreatGatsby_Part4of5.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Gatsby get what he wants when he risks everything in one bold and clumsy move? F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you the chance to discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to http://classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been named as a finalist for three Independent Audiobook Awards. There isn’t a classics category this year, and so Scaramouche is a finalist in the “General Fiction” category as well as the “Best Male Narrator” category. And seriously, getting nominated for the Best Male Narrator is like already winning. All the other narrators in that group are among the best of the best. I’ve taken coaching from some of them. I’m also a finalist in the “Paranormal” category for “Sucker Punch”, the third volume of Kristen Painter’s First Fangs Club series. Its genre is technically Paranormal Women’s Fiction. Winners are announced in June. I’ll let you know how it goes!

App users can hear the poem, “So We’ll Go No More a Roving”, by George Gordon, Lord Byron, in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

Today’s episode is the third of five where we will be presenting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal The Great Gatsby. This piece is a little edgier than the stuff we usually present. The themes deal largely with racism, and socio-economic elitism. There’s also some rougher language, just so you have a heads up.

And now, The Great Gatsby, part 3 of 5, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

 

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Direct download: CT_723_TheGreatGatsby_Part3of5.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Pieces begin to accumulate in the puzzle of Jay Gatsby. But can Nick see clearly enough to begin putting them together? F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem, “The Destruction of Sennacherib”, by George Gordon, Lord Byron, in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

Today’s episode is the second of five where we will be presenting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal The Great Gatsby. This piece is a little edgier than the stuff we usually present. The themes deal largely with racism, and socio-economic elitism. There’s also some rougher language, just so you have a heads up.

And now, The Great Gatsby, part 2 of 5, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Direct download: CT_722_TheGreatGatsby_Part2of5.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:37am MDT

It’s New York in the 1920s, and Nick Carraway begins erecting the scaffolding of one of the greatest American novels. F. Scott Fitzgerald, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the story, “Head and Shoulders”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

Today’s episode is the first of five where we will be presenting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal The Great Gatsby. This piece is a little edgier than the stuff we usually present. The themes deal largely with racism, and socio-economic elitism. There’s also some rougher language, just so you have a heads up.

It’s a treat to read Fitzgerald as a narrator, because he has such a masterful command of the language. There’s a lovely rhythm with the words he chooses, and cadence to his prose that really lends itself to being reading aloud. I hope you like it.

And now, The Great Gatsby, part 1 of 5, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Direct download: CT_721_TheGreatGatsby_Part1of5.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:52am MDT

Death is the tragic result of Lupin’s latest burglary. Has the gentleman thief gone too far? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem, “She Walks in Beauty”, by George Gordon, Lord Byron, in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

I’m hoping to resume producing more audiobooks of classic novels like I did in the past. I need to dedicate a week every month to it. My goal is to produce a standalone audiobook every month, like I used to. I’d love to do all of the Lupin novels, and do all the stories of Sherlock Holmes, John Carter of Mars, and tackle some Henry James and more Jane Austen and Victor Hugo. So, if you can swing it, please become a financial supporter. This is where I’d like to use your monthly contribution. And if you can’t do that, please tell a friend about us. I’d just love to get more classic literature into the ears of more people.

And on that note, it’s looking like The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne will be coming to the store soon. Here’s the thing, though. I only narrated the introduction. The great Nancy Peterson narrates the rest. Nancy is an Audie Award Winner, which is the Oscar of audiobooks. She’s absolutely stellar, and I was very humbled to be able to work with her. I’ll let you know when The Scarlet Letter is available.

And now, Edith Swan-neck, by Maurice Leblanc.

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Direct download: CT_720_Edith_Swan-neck.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will our hero see when he climbs to the top of the castle? H.P. Lovecraft, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem, “Abou Ben Adhem”, by Leigh Hunt, a contemporary of Byron, Shelley and Keats in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

I’m hoping to resume producing more audiobooks of classic novels like I did in the past. I need to dedicate a week every month to it. My goal is to produce a standalone audiobook every month, like I used to.

I’d love to do all of the Lupin novels, and do all the stories of Sherlock Holmes, John Carter of Mars, and tackle some Henry James and more Jane Austen and Victor Hugo. So, if you can swing it, please become a financial supporter. This is where I’d like to use your monthly contribution, along with supporting the show. And if you can’t do that, please tell a friend about us. I’d just love to get more classic literature into the ears of more people.

And now, The Outsider, by H.P. Lovecraft.

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Direct download: CT_719_The_Outsider.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will become of a king who openly mocks a cripple and a dwarf? Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. 

App users can hear the short story, “The Murder in the Rue Morgue”, by Edgar Allan Poe in the special features for today’s episode.

And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode.

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Now, for today’s story.

Edgar Allan Poe. I don’t think he actually “invented” the mystery or horror genres, but he definitely lifted the existing genres of his time to largely resemble how they largely look today. I’m comfortable in saying he defined them. The consulting detective of today is essentially a refined version of his vision. And he is still held as the master of the horror short story.

Today’s story, Hop-Frog, isn’t largely anthologized, and can be difficult to find. It wasn’t brought to my attention until a listener recommended it to me years ago. It moves very well, and has a smart, original finish. It’s a rare gem that is largely unmentioned in Poe’s short story canon, and I’m thrilled to present it to you.

And now, Hop-Frog, by Edgar Allan Poe.

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Direct download: CT_718_Hop-Frog.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What will become of the townsfolk when Scratchy Wilson goes on the rampage, and the sheriff is out of town? Stephen Crane, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It really helps us out.

And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did. And thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem “Kubla Khan”, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the special features for today’s episode.

And I am beginning to stream all of my podcast episodes through YouTube. If you listen to your audio through YouTube, which is apparently a thing now, you can find a link to our YouTube channel in the comments section for this week’s episode. All of the podcast episodes will be available as a kind of Videogram, with the weekly album art as the visual, while the audio plays behind it.

Now, for today’s story.

Now, as you know recently, I’ve been highlighting Russian literature. One thing that’s been brought to my attention is that it’s not until very recently that they’ve had a mystery genre. Here’s an excerpt from the introduction by Otto Penzler to a book I’m working on that includes these crime oriented Russian short stories:

“It is appropriate to the point of obviousness to recognize that the detective story cannot flourish in a non-democratic society. The chief protagonist in a detective story is a hero: the person who will right the wrongs perpetrated by a criminal. This is possible only in a society in which the rule of law matters, and it must matter to all strata of the society. If a government is corrupt, or dictatorial, its functionaries are, by definition, primarily focused on their own interests or in those of the government that employs them...

The very notion of Russian detective fiction is oxymoronic, as it is a country whose citizens seldom have enjoyed individual freedom. Sinking from the oppression of the czarist regime to the horrors of the Communist police state, Russia was in no position to offer fictional police officers as the heroes of mystery stories, as they were more likely than ordinary citizens to be the criminals and persecutors.” – Otto Penzler, from the introduction to The Greatest Russian Stories of Crime and Suspense. Published by Highbridge Audio.

So, in order to show the contrast between these stories, and to kind of showcase what those of us without such a background are perhaps more accustomed to, we’re presenting a Western from Stephen Crane this week. I figured there’s nothing more illustrative of cut and dried good guy versus bad guy than a Western.

However, while very well written, it still has some problems inherent to the genre.- particularly that of racism. Please note how the author points out the races of the African Americans, Mexicans, and Jewish people. Yet the race of all of the people who have speaking roles isn’t mentioned. This is racism. Even though there aren’t any overt racial slurs, this subtle naming of the race, and connecting the people thus named to their roles as waiter, staff, shepherds, or tailors is a definite form of racism.

So, something to think about as we head out West.

And now, The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky, by Stephen Crane.

 

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Direct download: CT_717_TheBrideComestoYellowSky.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is Aksionov’s wife so worried that if he goes to the fair, that she’ll never see him again? Leo Tolstoy, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem “The World is Too Much With Us”, by William Wordsworth in the special features for today’s episode.

Today’s story, to me, is a great example of the kind of gap that can sometimes occur between the type of Faith that we may read in our holy works, versus what we actually encounter in reality.

In my faith growing up, we had a set of basically steps we would go through when we had wronged someone else (made a mistake, needed to repent), whatever your phrasing called it.

When we had wronged someone, we were supposed to 1) admit or confess the thing that we did to the person. 2) ask for forgiveness. 3) do all that we could to repair the wrong. 4) never do it again. On the other side, as the person wronged, you were always taught to forgive. (How often should we forgive? Jesus said 70 times 7, right?)

Now that sounds like a great system, and it surely makes for a snappy talk or lesson on Sunday, but what happens when it plays out in reality? Some things can’t be repaired like a broken toy, or returned good as new, like item stolen from the convenience store. When we start to deal with other people, we can hurt each other in ways that can’t easily be repaired. Sometimes, even though we may not want to, we may do the same thing again and again.

Tolstoy was a man of faith, and in today’s story, he demonstrates this gap between precept and personal reality, and leads us to a higher conversation of what it means to live as a person of faith.

And now, God Sees the Truth, but Waits, by Leo Tolstoy.

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Direct download: CT_716_God_Sees_the_Truth.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why won’t Tomsky’s 80-year-old grandmother share her incredible secret for gambling? Alexander Pushkin, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”, by William Wordsworth in the special features for today’s episode.

Today we return to Russia, and Alexander Pushkin. He was born to a noble family, but by the time he came along, most of the money was gone. He is one of the great Russian luminaries, and today’s story of self-destructive greed is largely reprinted and anthologized. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky made it into an opera which premiered in St. Petersburg in 1890.

Faro, spelled in the story as f-a-r-o, is a gambling card game in which players bet on the order in which the cards will appear. Pharoah, like the Egyptian Pharoah, is said to have been the name of the king of hearts.

And now, The Queen of Spades, by Alexander Pushkin.

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Direct download: CT_715_TheQueenofSpades.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Arséne Lupin declares it a mystery for babies. But when murder occurs on the open road, it seems everyone is stumped but him. Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

Today we are celebrating Arséne Lupin, to coordinate with the new Lupin series on Netflix. Not only do we have a lovely story today, but app users can hear “The Queen’s Necklace”, by Maurice Leblanc, in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

The Queen’s Necklace is the first episode in the Netflix series, and is the fifth chapter in The Adventures of Arséne Lupin, gentleman burglar. I love how they reference the source material so much in the show.

If I had to say the one thing that I particularly like about Lupin, is the way that he helps those people who have kind of fallen through the cracks. Folks who have been wronged, or sometimes done wrong, but your heart goes out to them. He helps them out where no one else can. There’s a kindness there. The Netflix series does a couple things to stay true to this trait, and I really, really like that.

And now, The Tragedy in the Forest of Morgues, and Arséne Lupin adventure, by Maurice Leblanc.

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Direct download: CT_714_ForestofMorgues.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A copyist, a tailor, and an official each demonstrate the cracks in Tsarist Russian society.  Nikolai Gogol, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear “Composed upon a Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802”, by William Wordsworth, in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

And now for something completely different.

Today’s story is from Ukranian-born author Nikolai Gogol, and it exposes the various weaknesses of life in Tsarist Russia. Akakii Akakievich is a simple poor man, who is doing everything as he should, following all the rules. Watch how his social status ebbs and flows, as the people in his life help him, or don’t.

And now, The Overcoat, by Nikolai Gogol.

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Direct download: CT_713_TheOvercoat.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How will St. George get rid of the dragon in the cave? For, he’s not a proper dragon at all. Instead of rampaging and marauding about, this dragon writes poetry.  Kenneth Grahame, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time.. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear the poem “London”, by William Blake, in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

Today’s story is written by Kenneth Grahame, who also wrote The Wind in the Willows. The Reluctant Dragon first appeared as a chapter in his book Dream Days. The story takes place in the Berkshire Downs in Oxfordshire, where the author lived and where, according to legend, St. George did fight a dragon.  

And now, The Reluctant Dragon, by Kenneth Grahame.

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Direct download: CT_712_TheReluctantDragon.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

All is revealed, and our mystery comes to a stunning conclusion. Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. It really helps us out, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear “T’was the Night Before Christmas”, by Clement Moore, in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, all things considered. But now, we have a mystery to solve.

And now, Whose Body, Part 7 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_711_WhoseBody_Part7of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What proof is required to verify Lord Peter’s unthinkable discovery? Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time.. And you help to keep the podcast going strong, so that more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear “The Tyger”, by William Blake (one of my favorite poems) in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

And now, Whose Body, Part 6 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_710_WhoseBody_Part6of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What sends Lord Peter into a grim relapse of shell shock? Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try to overdeliver and make your support worth your while. For a five dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. And you help to keep the podcast going strong. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time.. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear “The Sick Rose”, by William Blake in the special features portion for this week’s episode. It’s interesting how many of these ancient poems deal with sickness.

And now, Whose Body, Part 5 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_709_WhoseBody_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is Lord Peter becoming apprehensive, now that the clouds begin to thin for him? Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try to overdeliver and make your support worth your while. For a five dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. And you help to keep the podcast going strong. It really helps us out, and gives us a revenue stream we can count on in this crazy time.. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. Thank you so much.

App users can hear “The Lamb”, by William Blake in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

And now, Whose Body, Part 4 of 7, by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_708_WhoseBody_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Lord Percy discover that a nefarious villain actually owns the golden pince-nez? Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. I know many of you have had to cancel your subscriptions, and I appreciate those who come back when they can. It really helps us out, so we can keep going forward. And in case you’re wondering, this is our family business. All of the money brought in goes to us. I have no partners who get a cut. Just so you know where your money is going.

And if you just want to shoot us a few bucks to say thanks, that’s awesome. There is  now a Donate button on the website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com, where you can do just that. And when/if you donate, feel free to let us know what titles you’d like to see us do! We love to hear from you.

App users can hear “The Retreat”, by Henry Vaughan in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

This book was written around 100 years ago, when the world was still reeling after the flu pandemic. See if you can spot the reference during the courtroom scene.

Also, this book contains some Anti-Semitic language. So please be aware of that.

And now, Whose Body, Part 3 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_707_WhoseBody_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The dead man in the bath could be Mr. Levy, in fact, with him missing, it should be Mr. Levy – but it ain’t Mr. Levy. Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. I know many of you have had to cancel your subscriptions, and I appreciate those who come back when they can. It really helps us out, so we can keep going forward. And in case you’re wondering, this is our family business. All of the money brought in goes to us. I have no sponsors, or partners who get a cut. Just so you know where your money is going.

And if you just want to shoot us a few bucks to say thanks, that’s awesome. There is  now a Donate button on the website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com, where you can do just that.

Apparently, in the last month or so, Audible has begun to host podcasts through their service, and they’ve included this one. I have an older phone, so I can’t really see how it works, but I’m thrilled to be included. Feel free to review us on Audible, if you get a chance.  

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? We’ve added more designs to our merchandise site. Check out our merch store for unique gift ideas for yourself or a literature lover in you life. Right now, they are having a sale - everything is 35% off.

App users can hear “To His Coy Mistress”, by Andrew Marvell in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

And now, Whose Body, Part 2 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_706_WhoseBody_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Mr. Thipps wakes up to discover a dead body in his bathtub, wearing nothing but a pair of pince-nez.  So many questions.  Dorothy Sayers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. I know we are all going through some stuff right now, and we really appreciate you doing what you can. It really helps us out. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. We really want to make sure you get a lot of bang for your buck.

And if you just want to shoot us a few bucks to say thanks, that’s awesome. There is  now a Donate button on the website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com, where you can do just that.

I have begun doing special pricing for financial supporters. What does that mean? Well, once you login to the website, financial supporters with a subscription can access subscriber pricing for The Last of the Mohicans, The Lost World, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, Wuthering Heights, and The War of the Worlds, so they can purchase these titles using only their monthly coupon codes. Or buy them for a reduced price. Just another way to make your dollars stretch.

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? We’ve added more designs to our merchandise site. Check out our merch store for unique gift ideas for yourself or a literature lover in you life. Right now, they are having a sale - everything is 35% off.

On the app side of things, we’re starting poetry again. App users can hear “To Lucasta, Going to the Wars”, by Richard Lovelace in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

This week we begin Whose Body, by Dorothy L. Sayers. Lord Peter Wimsey is an aristocrat whose hobby is solving crime. A couple things to note in this story: it was published in 1923. That was after World War I, but before the Jewish holocaust of World War II. Wimsey suffers from PTSD from the war, and it’s interesting to see how it is handled at this time. Just a little hint to have compassion for those who might be acting in ways we don’t understand. You never know what’s going on under the surface.

The other thing I wanted to mention is the handling of Jewish terms and epithets. Again, this book was written over 100 years ago, in a time before the Jewish holocaust of World War II. When I read this it struck me how mainstream anti-Semitic sentiment was at the time.

So, with those two disclaimers out of the way, let’s go on with the show!

And now, Whose Body, Part 1 of 7 by Dorothy Sayers.

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Direct download: CT_705_WhoseBody_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Psmith make things right when Mike, suffering keenly from bank fatigue, is called upon to abandon his post? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. I know we are all going through some stuff right now, and we really appreciate you doing what you can. It really helps us out. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. We really want to make sure you get a lot of bang for your buck.

And on that note, we have 8 new products available at our website: www.classictalesaudiobooks.com. The Circular Staircase, by Mary Roberts Rinehart, The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, Deathworld, by Harry Harrison, The People of the Black Circle, by Robert E. Howard, Behind a Mask, by Louisa May Alcott, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, and The Room in the Dragon Volant, by J. Sheridan Lefanu. Use your coupon codes, and get many of these for free!

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? How about a Pride and Prejudice tote bag, or a Scaramouche hoodie? What about an Erudite Troglodyte mask? Check out our merch store for unique gift ideas for yourself or a literature lover in you life. Right now, they are having a sale - everything is 35% off.

On the app side of things, we’re starting poetry again. App users can hear “On His Deceased Wife”, by John Milton in the special features portion for this week’s episode.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 6 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_704_PsmithintheCity_Part6of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When Mike comes gallantly to the rescue of old Mr. Waller, can Psmith save him when things get sticky? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still pounding at the door, we need your help more than ever. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

And feel free to check out our FREE category, at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com featuring several longer titles to help you to cope with pandemic fatigue.

And on that point, you can now get masks printed with artwork from your favorite Classic Tales titles, if that’s your idea of a good time. Links can be found at our website: www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.  

App users who absolutely need to get their Halloween monster fix, can hear “The Masque of the Red Death”, by Edgar Allan Poe in the Special Features area for this week’s episode. Tap the box that looks like a present.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 5 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_703_PsmithintheCity_Part5of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

The kindly Mr. Waller invites Psmith and Mike to hear him speak in the park on Sunday. Now, what could possibly go wrong? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. Your monthly donations help to give us a bed of insulation we can count on from month to month.  It really helps us out. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong. Our website is www.classictalesaudiobooks.com   

App users who absolutely need to get their Halloween monster fix, can hear a new recording of “The Horla”, by Guy de Maupassant in the Special Features area for this week’s episode. Tap the box that looks like a present.

And as pandemic fatigue continues to gnaw at our bones, we have several long form novels as well as several short stories available for free to help us through these trying times. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and check out our FREE category. Feel free to pick up whatever you like, and tell your friends.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 4 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_702_PsmithintheCity_Part4of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What harm can Psmith possibly do to Mr. Bickersdyke by simply correcting a publishing oversight? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still pounding at the door, we need your help more than ever. It really helps us out. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

Be sure to go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and take advantage of our FREE category. Several full length novels are available for free, including She, A History of Adventure, by H. Rider Haggard, and The Edgar Allan Poe Collection. 

App users who absolutely need to get their Halloween monster fix, can hear “The Body Snatcher”, by Robert Louis Stevenson in the Special Features area for this week’s episode. Tap the box that looks like a present.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 3 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_701_PsmithintheCity_3of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Psmith’s scheme to “cultivate” the irascible Mr. Bickersdyke possibly work? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still pounding at the door, we need your help more than ever. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

Please visit classictalesaudiobooks.com and take advantage of our FREE selection. Several full length novels are available to help take the sting out of this pandemic. 

App users who absolutely need to get their Halloween monster fix, can hear “Dracula’s Guest”, by Bram Stoker in the Special Features area for this week’s episode. Tap the box that looks like a present, and you’ll get a …present.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 2 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_700_PsmithintheCity_2of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What do cricket, banking, and London all have in common? Why, Psmith, of course! P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still nipping at our nose, we need your help more than ever. Please go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com, and become a financial supporter. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

And now for something completely different…

What with the pandemic wearing away our souls to threads right now, and with everything else going on, I figured the last thing we needed was more horror stories right now. I mean, we’re living in one, right?

And so, for the month of October, instead of our typical monster/ horror stories, we’re going to be going to London with Mike and Psmith, and hear their adventures.

But, if you absolutely need your Halloween monster fix, (which is totally understandable), I’ll be releasing scary stories through the podcast app. So you can have the best of both worlds. App users can hear “Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad”, by M.R. James this week.

You can access the special features by playing this week’s episode, and finding that just under the artwork, there is a gray band. In the gray band on the left is an icon with a box that looks like a present. Tap it, and you should get an option to play the special features. There are different special features each week, so you have to play each episode to get the matching specially featured story.

And now, Psmith in the City, Part 1 of 6 by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Direct download: CT_699_PsmithintheCity_1of6.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Sherlock Holmes declare that the person he is to meet is the worst man in London? Arthur Conan Doyle, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still hissing in the wind, we need your help more than ever. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

We’ve got three new titles available at the store at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Scaramouche, Leave It to Psmith, and The Inimitable Jeeves are now available as standalone audiobooks. More titles are underway.

For those who are financial supporters, you can use your monthly coupon codes to 8 or 17 dollars off each of these new titles.

App users can whet their Halloween appetite by listening to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, by Washington Irving in the special features area of their app.

September Sleuths concludes this week, with a sharp adventure with Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.

Sherlock Holmes was one of my gateways into the classics. Years ago, like mid 1990s, I bought a set of cassette tapes of Sherlock Holmes radio dramas, which featured John Gielgud as Sherlock Holmes, and Ralph Richardson as Dr. Watson. Between that and the VHS boxed set I bought at a truck stop of old movies with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, I was hooked.

When my son was born, we named him Basil after Basil Rathbone (because we couldn’t name him Sherlock – that’s ridiculous, right?) When he was a baby, and I would be up at night walking with him, I would read Sherlock Holmes stories to him.

When I perform any of the Sherlock Holmes stories, I try to bring the essence of Basil Rathbone to Sherlock Holmes, and Ralph Richardson to Dr. Watson. I say Lestrade with a long “a”, because that is how he was first introduced to me when I listened to John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson.

I hope you like it.

And now, The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Direct download: CT_699_CharlesAugustusMilverton.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why would the gardener be convinced Alix was going to London, when she hates London? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still skulking outside the windows, we need your help more than ever. And in case you’ve forgotten: a $5 donation gets you an $8 coupon code for any audiobook at the store. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

We’ve got three new titles available at the store at classictalesaudiobooks.com. Scaramouche, Leave It to Psmith, and The Inimitable Jeeves are now available as standalone audiobooks.

For those who are financial supporters, you can use your monthly coupon codes to $8 or $17 off each of these new titles.

App users can hear the poem “On His Blindness”, by John Milton, in the special features area of their app.

September Sleuths continue with a lovely little mystery by Agatha Christie. It doesn’t actually feature a sleuth, but it is a fantastic example of the short form mystery.

Agatha Christie excels in both the short and long form fiction, which is a further testament to her genius. I hope you like today’s story.

And now, Philomel Cottage, by Agatha Christie.

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Direct download: CT_697_Philomel_Cottage.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can the steely mind of Ms. Loveday Brooke discover the murderer at Troyte’s Hill? Catherine Louisa Pirkins, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still nipping at our heels, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

App users can hear the poem “Song”, by Edmund Waller,in the special features area of their app.

September Sleuths continue with our introduction of Ms. Loveday Brooke, the creation of Catherine Louisa Pirkins.

Ms. Pirkins’ first major novel, Disappeared from Her Home, represented her foray into the mystery genre, and is celebrated largely as the first incidence of a female detective heroine written by a female author in the “casebook format” of detective fiction.

She wrote a total of 14 novels and is most celebrated for her creation of Loveday Brooke, who is the heroine of today’s story.

And now, The Murder at Troyte’s Hill, by Catherine Louisa Pirkins.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_696_The_Murder_at_Troytes_Hill.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How can Father Brown discover whether Archibald Ogilvie is missing, hiding, or dead? G.K. Chesterton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still nipping at our heels, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

We have new free titles available. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com, and check out our FREE and our Back to School categories. We’ve had to pare the selection back, (the pandemic is taking its toll on all of us), but hopefully these will help ease the pain we’re all feeling right now.

App users can hear “Love Bade Me Welcome”, by George Herbert. You’ll find it in the special features area of the app.

It’s the time of year for our September Sleuths! During the month of September, we’ll feature a mystery from a different detective. Today G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown joins us during his trip in Scotland.  

And now, The Honour of Israel Gow, by G.K. Chesterton

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Direct download: CT_695_Israel_Gow.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is Arsène Lupin convinced that Mlle. Darcieux will be murdered tonight? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still nipping at our heels, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

We have new free titles available. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com, and check out our FREE and our Back to School categories. We’ve had to pare the selection back, (the pandemic is taking its toll on all of us), but hopefully these will help ease the pain we’re all feeling right now.

App users can hear “Upon Julia’s Clothes”, by Robert Herrick. You’ll find it in the special features area of the app.

It’s the time of year for our September Sleuths! During the month of September, we’ll feature a mystery from a different detective.

Of course, it's not really September yet, but that's okay, because today's hero isn't really a sleuth. Today we receive a visit from Arsène Lupin, the irrepressible creation of Maurice Leblanc.

And now, Shadowed by Death, by Maurice Leblanc

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_694_Shadowed_by_Death.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Our epic adventure comes to its riveting conclusion. Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic still nipping at our heels, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment. This will be the last week these will be free. New free titles next week.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear a “To The Virgins, to Make Much of Time”, by Robert Herrick. You’ll find it in the special features area of their app.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 12 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Direct download: CT_693_Scaramouche_Part_12of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Standing sword to sword with his enemy, will Andre-Louis finally have his revenge?   Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic being what it is, with no end in sight, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I actually need your help. I’m working in an initiative to make my library of Classic Tales audiobooks available to public schools for free. To help with this, I’m collecting stories from listeners who have been helped in one way or another by The Classic Tales Podcast. Have you run into new authors? Have you revisited a story that resonated with you deeply? Or, like me, in discovering audiobooks, did you become a better reader?

If you have a story you’d like to share, please go to the website at classictalesaudiobooks.com, and share your story by sending us a missive in the appropriate area.

My hope is that when educators hear how beneficial these stories can be, they will more easily adapt them into their curriculum. They may also help with remote learning in these uncertain times. Thank you for your help.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear a “On My First Son”, by Ben Jonson. A poem he wrote when his seven-year-old son died. You’ll find it in the special features area of the Classic Tales app.

(Some of) the story so far:

Last week it became evident that Andre-Louis and the Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr would definitely have a duel at the Bois de Boulogne. Neither could or would withdraw. Today’s episode begins with M. de Kercadiou’s last ditch attempt to dissuade Andre-Louis from this fateful, and potential deadly encounter.

Direct download: CT_692_Scaramouche_Part_11of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

With a new scheme underway, will Andre-Louis finally get his revenge on the tyrannical Marquis?  Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With the pandemic being what it is, with no end in sight, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I hope you like our new website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. It’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear a brief snippet from Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, in the special features area of their app.

So here’s the story so far:

It’s become evident that the rich nobles who are in the government are picking off their poorer representatives one by one. They will insult them, duel them, and kill them. Their privileged schooling in swordsmanship giving them an unfair advantage. However, Andre-Louis has now become a replacement for Lagron, a member who was killed by M. de la Tour d’Azyr himself. And now that Andre-Louis has become a fencing master on the sly, his hopes are that the Marquis himself may provoke Andre-Louis to a duel, and be surprisingly chagrinned.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 10 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Direct download: CT_691_Scaramouche_Part_10of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Andre-Louis be reconciled with is godfather, when his godfather blames him for the insurrection in France?  Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I hope you like our new website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. It’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear "For Celia", by Ben Jonson, in the special features area of their app.

Sorry, the personal moments can’t be good all the time! But hopefully things will turn up soon

So here’s the story so far:

After many adventures where he has been consistently wronged by the Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr, Andre-Louis has become a master swordsman, and is the fencing master for the most popular fencing school in Paris. His godfather and Aline have recently relocated just outside of Paris.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 9 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_690_Scaramouche_Part_9of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Now that he can no longer find work as an actor or a lawyer, how will Andre-Louis survive? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I hope you like our new website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. It’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear Holy Sonnet XIV, the last of our poems from John Donne, in the special features area of their app.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis is on the run again. After evading capture for inciting rebellion, he sought shelter in the guise of Scaramouche with a mediocre band of players. But now that’s also gone bust, and Andre-Louis wanders to Paris. He must find something else to keep him in shoe leather, or he may very well starve.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 8 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_689_Scaramouche_Part8of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Betrayed and humiliated, how will Scaramouche find justice and vengeance? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

Also, WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE! Check out our new website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. It’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

App users can hear “Death Be Not Proud”, properly known as "Holy Sonnet X", in the special features area of their app.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis is on the run from the law, who plan to take him to task for inciting rebellion. He runs across some travelling players, and becomes a cracking success as an actor and author. But now it appears that his fiancé has a rather overly ardent admirer in none other than the Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr – his most hated enemy. And on top of that, Aline, Andre-Louis’ closest friend and confidant, is to marry de la Tour d’Azyr. But Aline knows of the tawdry affair between her lover and Andre-Louis’ fiancé, and she’s not happy about it.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 7 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Direct download: CT_688_Scaramouche_Part_7of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 2:01am MDT

Is Andre-Louis’ future compromised, after he is mistaken for nobleman in disguise? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. We have a few short stories and a few full length novels available free for your enjoyment.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

Also, WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE! Check out our new website at classictalesaudiobooks.com. It’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

Since we are doing poems from John Donne, I thought that we should actually share today’s poem here, rather in the app area for special features. It will be there, too, if you want to just hear the poem. This was written around 1623 – 400 years ago. I had heard this, but I’d never really understood it. It’s taken from a prose piece he wrote called Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. It’s in part XVII: Meditation:

No man is an island,

Entire of itself;

Each is a piece of the continent,

A part of the main;

If a clod be washed away by the sea,

Europe is the less,

As well as if a promontory were.

As well as if a manor of thy friends

Or if thine own were;

Any man’s death diminishes me,

Because I am involved in mankind.

Therefore, send not to know

For whom the bell tolls;

It tolls for thee.

So, in these times, the church bells would ring to announce to the countryside important occasions, such as a funeral. No man is an island means we are all a part of the whole, whether we like it, or acknowledge it or not. If one clod is washed away from the shore, Europe is less. If one person dies, we are diminished. For whom does the bell toll? Who just died? Well, when anyone dies, we all die a little. So the bell is tolling for you.

I took my two youngest to the mall for the first time in months. We all three wore masks. Cilla made them for us, and they’re super cute. We were harassed by a fellow patron at the food court – ridiculed by an intimidating stranger for wearing masks. We’re at that point.

Again - “Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind.”

We’re all in this together. Please stay safe, wear a mask, keep your loved ones safe. Keep strangers safe. It’s not about politics. It’s just about taking care of each other. Because when one person dies, we all die a little.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis, a privileged lawyer from Gavrillac, is on a mission to speak out for the downtrodden.  After speaking out in Rennes and later at Nantes, he is on the run from the law, who wish to take him to task for inciting rebellion. He runs across some travelling players, and is a cracking success as an actor and author. Then, as he and his fiancé are returning home after a fantastic performance, a coach stops, the door is opened, and Andre-Louis sees Aline, his closest friend in the whole world, who has been worried sick.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 6 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Direct download: CT_687_Scaramouche_Part_6of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:33am MDT

Will Andre-Louis’ portrayal of Scaramouche save the show? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Thank you so much for stepping up, and helping to keep us going strong.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy. There’s a link to the free material in the description for this week’s episode.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear a poem from John Donne, an Anglican cleric who wrote secular as well as religious poetry.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis, a privileged lawyer from Gavrillac, is on a mission to speak out for the downtrodden.  After speaking out in Rennes and later at Nantes, he is on the run from the law, who wish to take him to task for inciting rebellion. He runs across some travelling players, and is eventually blackmailed to play the part of Scaramouche in tonight’s show.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 5 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.comand become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_686_Scaramouche_Part_5of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How will the show go on, when the headliner Scaramouche is fantastically injured? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. 5 bucks a month really goes a long way, right now. Thank you so much for helping us stay afloat.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I get so happy when I see someone has downloaded the free audiobook titles, especially new customers. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy. There’s a link to the free material in the description for this week’s episode.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear a poem from Thomas Nashe, a lyric selection from his comedy, Summer’s Last Will and Testament, first published in 1592, during a time when the plague was still flaring up in hot spots from time to time around Europe.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis, a privileged lawyer from Gavrillac, is on a mission to speak out for the downtrodden, especially the poor who have fewer rights than the nobles. After speaking out in Rennes and later at Nantes, he is on the run from the law, who wish to take him to task for his harsh words. As he’s hiding in a barn, he happens upon some traveling players. He joins their band as a carpenter and laborer.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 4 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to http://www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_685_Scaramouche_Part_4of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

After delivering a fiery call to arms, who will help Andre-Louis evade capture? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. 5 bucks a month really goes a long way, right now. Thank you so much for helping us stay afloat.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I get so happy when I see someone has downloaded the free audiobook titles, especially new customers. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy. There’s a link to the free material in the description for this week’s episode.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear Sonnet 116 from William Shakespeare in their special features this week. This is the final sonnet from the bard we’ll be sharing.

Well, we didn’t’ win an Independent Audiobook Award for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It was seriously amazing to see all of the top talent that I was nominated with. Some of the top names in the business. Thank you so much for helping us to create such a noteworthy audiobook.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

A couple of notes on this week’s episode: Omnis Omnibus means “all everyone” in Latin.

Also, the second portion of the book is called “The Buskin”. Now, you costumers might know a buskin to be a laced boot reaching halfway or more to the knee, and you’d be right. However, there is a second meaning which is in reference to tragedy – especially a tragedy in the Greek drama tradition. This latter definition is the one Sabatini references.

So here’s the story so far:

Andre-Louis, a privileged lawyer from Gavrillac, is on a mission to speak out for the downtrodden, especially the poor who have fewer rights than the nobles. Beginning with the deaths of Mabey, then his friend Phillipe, and finally the two protesters that were killed at Rennes during a demonstration, Andre-Louis has become the person chosen to deliver the message of defiance from Rennes to the town of Nantes. This is where we begin today.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 3 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to http://www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Direct download: CT_684_Scaramouche_Part_3of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 2:44am MDT

How will Andre-Louis find satisfaction for the murder of his friend, when the law fails him? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of our financial supporters. With us giving away so much free material during this time of the pandemic, we need your help more than ever. We’re actually feeling another wave of the virus here in Utah, and things are still pretty topsy-turvy. Thank you so much for helping us stay afloat.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I get so happy when I see someone has downloaded the free audiobook titles, especially new customers. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy. There’s a link to the free material in the description for this week’s episode.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear Sonnet 94 from William Shakespeare in their special features this week.

Friday, we’ll find out if The Hunchback of Notre Dame wins an Independent Audiobook Award. As of the posting of this episode, I don’t know the result. I’ll be sure to let you know during next week’s episode.

Thank you to Annie, from the Join us in France Podcast, who helped with the pronunciations of the French names and phrases for this week’s episode. If you’re interested in France at all, you should check out her show. It’s fantastic.

Last week, we met our hero, Andre-Louis, a lawyer who was born into the upper-ish classes, and sympathized with them. His friend, Phillipe de Vilmorin, was a seminarist, and was seeking redress of grievances for a poor gameskeeper, Mabey, who had been killed for taking a pheasant from a trap on the Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr’s land. The Marquis had ordered that Mabey be shot, and Phillipe was seeking some settlement for poor Mabey’s widow and children.

It seems the injustice in this week’s episode strikes home rather sharply.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 2 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_683_Scaramouche_Part_2of12.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:47am MDT

Will Andre-Louis help to bring justice for the murder of a poor peasant? Raphael Sabatini, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you so very much to all of our supporters who have stepped up and helped us out during this tricky time. And thank you to all of our supporters who have pledged to help us on a monthly basis, so we can keep going strong. We couldn’t do it without you, we really couldn’t.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I get so happy when I see someone has downloaded the free audiobook titles, especially new customers. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear another sonnet from William Shakespeare in their special features this week.

Next Friday, we’ll find out if The Hunchback of Notre Dame wins an Independent Audiobook Award. The awards ceremony is being held remotely. I’m up against some of the best voices in the business, so the likelihood of winning is slim. But it’s been an honor to be a finalist for this prestigious award.

Okay, so we have a fair bit of Scaramouche ahead of us. I hope you’re ready for this!

First, I’d like to thank Annie from the Join Us In France podcast for helping with the pronunciation of the French names and phrases in Scaramouche. If you’re interested in France at all, check out her show. It’s fantastic.

The French Revolution. A time when the people had had enough of the corruption of the powerful people at the top, and tore it all down. We are at a similar point right now. The injustice and corruption around us is maddening, and things need to change.

Andre-Louis, the protagonist in our story, goes through a very dramatic character arc. He begins as we see him today – basking in his lawyerly privilege - not caring about the murder of a lowly gamekeeper, or the corrupt laws that make such a vile deed legal. He becomes a mouthpiece for change.

It’s kind of disheartening that this story is so timely. You’d think that we would have figured this out by now. But for this summer, let’s enjoy the story of a privileged man who gave up his comfort for the greater good.

And now, Scaramouche, Part 1 of 12, by Raphael Sabatini

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_682_Scaramouche_Part_1of12b.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Of the plethora of Mr. Smith’s ideas, is there one that will save his business? Stephen Leacock, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you so all of our listeners and supporters who really stepped it up last week. Our crisis is averted, and it looks like we’re going to be okay. I am overwhelmed with the response. We’ve sold our 5 lifetime access passes, but I’ll keep the one-year pass up for another week. Things got pretty real there, for a while. Thank you so very much for helping us to dodge that bullet.

In case you haven’t already, feel free to take advantage of our free titles. I get so happy when I see someone has downloaded the free audiobook titles, especially new customers. I tried to have something for everyone, from several genres, and geared for all ages. Please click on over to our FREE section, and enjoy.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

App users can hear a sonnet from William Shakespeare in their special features this week. I failed to mention it in the brouhaha, but last week was a poem from Christopher Marlowe.

Today’s story is from the Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock. It’s tricky with the pandemic still in our faces, it’s made it very tricky to choose what stories to do, and this one is a quirky little odd one. There are a few things that drew me to this story.

First, I love Leacock’s description of the town of Mariposa. With so many of our local festivities cancelled this summer, I felt like hearing about life in a small town would do us good right now.

Secondly, I like how Leacock’s protagonist, Mr. Smith, is not a perfect guy. He does some good things, and some kind of dumb things. And it seems like the environment of the town actually determines which of his scattered ideas make it all the way to fruition. It’s almost like Leacock has created this town as a kind of character with its own set of motivations, and we kind of watch and see how Mr. Smith fares inside.

And now, The Hostelry of Mr. Smith, by Stephen Leacock

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Direct download: CT_681_The_Hostelry_of_Mr_Smith.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does a brotherly resemblance bring a woman to tears? Willa Cather, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Well our loss is your gain. We’ve come into some rather grim news lately, and it looks like we need to raise some immediate funds. This is something I’ve tried to put off, and now the wolf, as Bertie Wooster would say, is at the door.

So, in order to cope with this sudden need to raise some funding, and to keep The Classic Tales Podcast going to see a brighter day, I’m going to do something I’ve never done before – offer unlimited access to download everything at the store.

As most of you know, if you’ve sampled the free offerings we’ve been giving away for the pandemic, these titles are worth a fair bit of green. In fact, if you load your cart up with all of the free items now available, it’s over a hundred dollars.

Imagine if you could have it all. Literally.

So, for the next two weeks, I’m going to offer two new items for sale – the first is a 1 year pass for unlimited access to the complete inventory available at classictalesaudiobooks.com. The second is a lifetime pass.

For your life, or mine, whichever one of us dies first. Because I’m not stopping until then.

And here’s another thing, I have around 100 titles that are in limbo. They aren’t on the podcast, and they aren’t in the store. They will be trickling in over the next year.

Tap here to purchase a one-year access pass to The Classic Tales Library of titles.

 

Tap here to purchase lifetime access to The Classic Tales Library of titles. 

I’m actually putting a cap on the lifetime pass. There will only be five lifetime passes available.

These two products will be available for only two weeks. We need a certain amount to cover this crisis. Hopefully we’ll reach the goal by then, and we’ll all be able to move forward.

I hate to do this, especially now. I started the podcast because I wanted to provide something that would have been useful to me as a kid. If I had access to an audiobook of The Scarlet Letter when I had to read it as a junior, my confidence and self-esteem wouldn’t have taken the hit that it did. School, reading, life, pandemics, they are all hard enough. If I had had access to a solid recording that might have sparked my imagination, this dark period that still haunts me 30 years later, might not have happened.

I wanted to be someone who could help that kid. That’s why I do what I do. 13 years later, and I’ve recorded 570 books. If you can, please click on over to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com, and support us however you can.

I’m still keeping up the free stuff up. Please don’t worry about that.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I love stories of the American West. When I ran across this one by Willa Cather, it just felt like it was the right time to share it. We needed something more literary, I thought. I hope you like it.

And now, A Death in the Desert, by Willa Cather.

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Direct download: CT_680_ADeathintheDesert.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 2:21am MDT

Why is Hercule Poirot suddenly giving credence to the superstitions of Ancient Egypt? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going. At this time of quarantine and adjustment, their help is particularly helpful.

I hope you’re taking advantage of the titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles for all ages, including adventure, mysteries, classic romance, and fantasy.

Feel free to pick up the free audiobooks even if you are not in school, have no kids, or just need something to help you get through the day. If listening to a solid story can help you out, please be our guest.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly and bulk subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and hopefully help to lighten the load of those who are hit particularly hard right now. Every donation helps.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. These awards are about the highest achievement for an Indie audiobook publisher like myself. I’m very thrilled to be a finalist.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

For those of you with the Classic Tales app, you can hear a poem by Sir Thomas Wyatt in the special features section for this week’s episode. He was credited with introducing Italian sonnet forms to English Literature in the 1530s.

And now, The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb, by Agatha Christie.

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Direct download: CT_679_Egyptian_Tomb_AChristie.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Where do the robbers, lovers, frauds, and secretaries all wind up? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going. At this time of quarantine and adjustment, their help is particularly helpful.

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in this crazy time. I also hope you’re taking advantage of the titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles for all ages, including adventure, mysteries, classic romance, and fantasy. I’ll likely be adjusting the name of the category soon to Pandemic Titles, since the pandemic is still going strong, but we are winding down the school year.

With that being said, feel free to pick up the free audiobooks even if you are not in school, have no kids, or just need something to help you get through the day. If listening to a solid story can help you out, please be our guest.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly and bulk subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and hopefully help to lighten the load of those who are hit particularly hard right now. Every donation helps.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. These awards are about the highest achievement for an Indie audiobook publisher like myself. I’m very thrilled to be a finalist.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

As I mentioned last week, The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is on hold right now. It was a great adventure, but we’re moving on, and we’ll now be featuring a classic poem in the special features in the Classic Tales App. We’re starting with ballads, which are basically anonymous storytelling songs. So again, I need to correct myself for saying that last week’s poem was written by Sir Patrick Spens. Nope. Wrong. Sir Patrick Spens is the name of this week’s poem, about a ship that wrecks at sea. Both last week’s and this week’s poems are anonymous.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 10 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

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Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_678_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part10of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What does Eve Halliday find when she ransacks Psmith’s secret hideaway? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I’m sorry about the snafu with last week’s episode. I checked the wrong box, and instead of the episode dropping Friday morning, it was available for a few hours on Thursday, then fell off the feed. Brilliant. Sorry about that. We’re only in season 14. You think I’d know better.

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in this crazy time. I also hope you’re taking advantage of the titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles geared for grades K-12. I’ll be adding more titles soon. You can find a link to the free material in the description for today’s episode.

I have also added three new titles now available for free – Captain Blood, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and A Room With A View . Feel free to snap up these titles for free, and hopefully they can help keep your wits sharp at this trying time.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and hopefully help to lighten the load of those who are hit particularly hard right now. Every donation helps.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. These awards are about the highest achievement for an Indie audiobook publisher like myself. I’m very thrilled to be a finalist.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is taking longer than I expected. I’ve already done over 50 episodes, and I’m only about halfway through. So, we’re shelving that project. The special features of the app will now include a famous poem. I’ll go through my classic poetry books, and read a short poem for the special features. This week is Lord Randal, by Sir Patrick Spens. Bob Dylan fans may find it interesting as the structure is similar to “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 9 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_677_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part9of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Has the Efficient Baxter discovered the hiding place of the stolen necklace? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in this crazy time. I also hope you’re taking advantage of the titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles geared for grades K-12. I’ll be adding more titles soon. You can find a link to the free material in the description for today’s episode.

I have also added three new titles now available for free – Captain Blood, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and A Room With A View . Feel free to snap up these titles for free, and hopefully they can help keep your wits sharp at this trying time.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and hopefully help to lighten the load of those who are hit particularly hard right now. Every donation helps.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. These awards are about the highest achievement for an Indie audiobook publisher like myself. I’m very thrilled to be a finalist.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 7 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_676_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part8of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 9:36am MDT

Who did Eve Halliday meet in Market Blandings who has absolutely turned her against our bemonacled hero? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in this crazy time. I also hope you’re taking advantage of the titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles geared for grades K-12. You can find a link to the free material in the description for today’s episode.

I have also added three new titles now available for free – Captain Blood, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and A Room With A View. Feel free to snap up these titles for free, and hopefully they can help keep your wits sharp at this trying time.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and hopefully help to lighten the load of those who are hit particularly hard right now. Every donation helps.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

 

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. The winners will be announced in June; typically they are a part of the Hear Now, Voice Over festival in Kansas City. I know they are working hard to put together a remote, quarantine friendly presentation this year. I’m really excited to see how it turns out.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 7 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_675_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part7of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How does Psmith greet the newest visitor to Blandings, who just introduced himself as Ralston McTodd? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in this crazy time. Please take advantage of the free selections available at classictalesaudiobooks.com, in the category Home from School-FREE. Use these titles to escape, and keep your wits sharp during the coronavirus outbreak.

Thanks again to our financial contributors. It is the monthly subscriptions that are largely keeping us afloat right now, as we are giving a lot of stuff away. Thank you for helping us to stay strong, and continue to share the best books with those who need it. Every donation helps.

Again, if you need some comfort, or literary nourishment, I have made a selection of titles available for free during the pandemic. Please visit classictalesaudiobooks.com and go to the home from school – free category to download a selection of titles geared for grades K-12. I’ll be adding more titles soon. 

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

I’m so excited that The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. Annie also shared the announcement during her latest Join Us In France podcast episode. Thanks for the amazing introduction, Annie!

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 6 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_674_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part6of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How can Psmith reconcile Ms. Halliday to the fact that he is, at least in name only, the same Ralston McTodd that has broken the heart of her school chum? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I hope you all are safe and well during this unprecedented outbreak. Hopefully you are taking advantage of the special selection of titles I have made available for free. I have received many messages that they have helped many parents and children who have found a lot of time on their hands lately. I’m so glad I can help.

Thanks again to all of our financial contributors. This is a very direct way that your support has been paid forward to help many during this crisis. Thank you so much for helping to keep our heads above water.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been named as a finalist for the Independent Audiobook Awards. It is such an honor to be among these incredibly talented narrators.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

Once again: as a response to the COVID-19/ Corona virus outbreak, I am giving away for free a selection of my audiobooks geared for grades K-12 through the website. This is to help those who find themselves with kids at home from school during this difficult time.

Please tell your friends, family, or anybody who could benefit from this service. You can find the link to the free material in the description of today’s episode.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 4 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_673_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part5of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Who, precisely, is snoring lustily on the train to Blandings with a stealthy handkerchief over his face? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I hope you all are safe and well during this unprecedented outbreak. Hopefully you are taking advantage of the special selection of titles I have made available for free. I have received many messages that they have helped many parents and children who have found a lot of time on their hands lately.

I will be adding more titles to the Home from School – FREE category of the website as the crisis continues, so feel free to check back from time to time.

Thanks again to all of our financial contributors. This is a very direct way that your support has been paid forward to help many during this crisis. Thank you so much for helping to keep our heads above water.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: http://tee.pub/lic/yl9wRRWqhnY

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

Once again: as a response to the COVID-19/ Corona virus outbreak, I am also giving away for free a selection of my audiobooks geared for grades K-12 through the website. This is to help those who find themselves with kids at home from school during this difficult time.

Please tell your friends, family, or anybody who could benefit from this service. 

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 4 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Direct download: CT_672_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part4of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Lord Emsworth meets a poet, and yet incredibly winds up inviting someone completely different to Blandings Castle. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

I have been approached by one of my distributors who distributes my audiobooks to schools, and I have been able to offer all of my audiobooks to schools for free for a limited time, to help during the Corona virus outbreak.

I can do this because of your support. Since I am largely a one-man band, I can move quickly in allowing my audiobooks to be made free to schools during this crisis.

This can happen because our listeners, and especially our financial supporters. Thank you for your financial support for The Classic Tales, so that when things like this happen, we can respond quickly.

And thank you for your continued financial support during this crisis. It helps our little family, as well.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: http://tee.pub/lic/yl9wRRWqhnY

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

As I mentioned, as a response to the COVID-19/ Corona virus outbreak, schools should have access to my library of titles for free through their libraries.

I am also giving away for free a selection of my audiobooks geared for grades K-12 through the website. This is to help those who find themselves with kids at home from school during this difficult time.

I’m happy to report that over a hundred people have availed themselves of this service, amounting to over a thousand dollars donated. Please help us help those who may benefit from some free audiobooks that may help educate and entertain those stuck at home. Please share our link, located in the show’s full description, to any family or friends you may know who could benefit from these free audiobooks.

You can find the free audiobooks here:

https://tinyurl.com/wfrphaw

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 3 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Tap for a selection of FREE audiobooks for kids at home during the COVID-19/Corona virus outbreak

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_671_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part3of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:33am MDT

Upon seeing Eve Halliday stranded in the London rain, Psmith springs into action with an umbrella – never minding that it isn’t his. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

If you have the Classic Tales app, you can listen to more of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in the special features area.

Recently, it came to my attention that you can listen to the audiobooks purchased through the website on the Audible app. If you purchase a book from classictalesaudiobooks.com, first, download it to your computer, either Windows or Mac. Second, sync your device using iTunes, and send the audiobook to your device. Finally, open the Audible app and tap the “iTunes” tab at the top, where it says “Cloud/Device/iTunes”. The audiobook should show up there, and you can use all the listening features of the Audible app.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 2 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_670_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part2of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How could Freddy Threepwood possibly raise £3,000 to help a dear relative? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

Today’s story is by P.G. Wodehouse, and begins the novel Leave it to Psmith (the ‘P’ is silent): part 2 of the Blandings Castle series. The first in the series was Something New, where we met Lord Emsworth, Freddy Threepwood, Beach, Baxter and many others. I’ve tried to keep the character voices consistent with Something New, which we did back in 2014.

A note on the title: Wodehouse has placed the letter “P” in front of the name “Smith”, for reasons which will be explained later on. In the audiobook format, you don’t see that, and miss out on the joke.

And so, rather than try to enunciate “Psmith”, for the audiobook version, I’ll add the term: “The ‘P’ is silent” when it seems appropriate. This is simply to try to convey in audio form, the joke that those who are reading visually get to enjoy.

And now, Leave it to Psmith, part 1 of 10, by P.G. Wodehouse.

Direct download: CT_669_Leave_it_to_Psmith_Part1of10.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 7:33am MDT

What exactly lies beyond the treacherous and previously impassable Canadian glacier? Robert W. Chambers, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

Today’s story is by Robert W. Chambers, whose most famous collection of short stories, The King in Yellow, influenced many writers of weird fiction in his day, including H.P. Lovecraft.

I’ve taken the liberty of naming today’s story, “Beyond the Broken Glacier”. It comprises chapters 6 to 8 in his book In Search of the Unknown. This book consists of several stories about strange, fabled and unknown creatures encountered by a secretary of the Zoological Gardens in Bronx Park.

We heard the first story in this collection a while ago: “The Harbor Master”, which inspired the film The Creature From the Black Lagoon. The story has some playful humor, and also touches on the lost world genre with I am rather fond of. I hope you enjoy it.

And now, Beyond the Broken Glacier, by Robert W. Chambers.

 

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Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Direct download: CT_668_BeyondtheBrokenGlacier.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:14am MDT

How much influence can an unremarkable woman have on a womanizing, well-to-do banker? Anton Chekhov, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

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App users can hear more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

Today’s story is by the master of the short story: Anton Chekhov. Now, I’ve known of this story for years. It’s one of his most famous. But when I read it years ago, it scared me. It seemed like it was a story the legitimized illicit infidelity, and it freaked me out.

Now that I’m a little older, and hopefully a little wiser, I could look at it more objectively. I was amazed at what I found.

The infidelity in the story is simply a vehicle. The theme of the story is essentially: the black and white world we live in is constructed for us by others, and cannot make us happy. Only when we dare to look at and live in the gray area, and choose to live life on our own terms can we be happy.

Dmitri is a wealthy banker. He did it all right – married young, has kids, and is successful in his vocation – banking. And he hates it. He lives a black and white life. He knows his infidelities are wrong, and categorizes them as such. His “white” life above board dissatisfies him, so he delves into the “black” from time to time.

Then he meets Anna, the lady with the dog. Notice how with her, everything is described as gray. Her eyes, her dress, even the town where she lives is enigmatic, only described as “S---“ And she lives behind a gray fence. In her foray with Dmitri into the “black” area, she’s not okay with it. She doesn’t like it. She belongs in the gray area.

I don’t want to go too into detail, but the reason this story hit me with such force now, is that I can now see it’s truth. If I had a vocation like banking, or worked in a cubicle, and had to sign the card for Bill in accounting’s birthday, and talk over the ramen in my cup in a break room that smells like microwaved bad breath, etc. etc., I would go crazy. I’d probably make good money, and have things like health insurance, retirement, and stock options, but I’d be dead inside.

Cilla told me when we first got married that she needed to live in the gray area, and it changed my life. Living in the gray, outside the clear cut boundaries of work, school, business, etc., and scrapping work as a freelance artist for 19 years, then trying to eke out a living by making audiobooks of classic literature is about the most crazy, off the rails way to raise a family and make a career. But I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s infinitely rewarding, but it’s so complicated and difficult. Nobody would choose this unless they had to. But once you allow yourself to live in the gray area, you have to stay. Because you know what it’s like in the black and white world, and it’s just not for you.

The last line of the story is: “…the most complicated and difficult part of it was only the beginning.”

Yes. People don’t just live complicated and difficult lives just because. Their reasons are their own. And they are complicated. But for them, it’s worth it.

And now, The Lady With The Dog, by Anton Chekhov.

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Direct download: CT_667_TheLady_With_TheDog.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What manner of man is the mysterious Vanderhausen, and why does he keep his face hidden? J. Sheridan LeFanu, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

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App users can hear more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

And now, Schalken the Painter, by J. Sheridan LeFanu.

 

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Direct download: CT_666_Schalken_the_Painter.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Can Arséne Lupin really solve a murder before the police even have a victim? Maurice LeBlanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

App users can hear more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

Do you love binging The Classic Tales Podcast? How about 36 hours of fantastic stories, curated and narrated for you? The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five is now available for only $19.99 at our website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

I’ve optimized the audiobook for listening on mobile devices. Each chapter or story has customized artwork, and you can easily navigate from story to story when you want to listen again. This artwork-enriched edition of the audiobook is only available at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com -you won’t be disappointed.

Today’s story is by Maurice Leblanc, whose magnificent gentleman burglar is visiting us again. We heard from him earlier in September with The Infernal Trap. If you’d like more of Lupin’s adventures, feel free to check out our website. The first two novels of the series are available.

And now, The Red Silk Scarf, by Maurice Leblanc.

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Direct download: CT_665_TheRed_Silk_Scarf.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What happens when an Italian profligate makes a deal with an unusual magician? Mary Shelley today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

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Today’s story begins with a quote from Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. App users can hear the entire epic poem in their special features.

Do you love binging The Classic Tales Podcast? How about 36 hours of fantastic stories, curated and narrated for you? The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five is now available for only $19.99 at our website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

I’ve optimized the audiobook for listening on mobile devices. Each chapter or story has customized artwork, and you can easily navigate from story to story when you want to listen again. This artwork-enriched edition of the audiobook is only available at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com -you won’t be disappointed.

Today’s story is by Mary Shelley. Many of you may be familiar with the story of how Frankenstein was created. Lord Byron had rented a house in Geneva, Switzerland, along with John Polidori, and Mary and Percy Shelley. It was dark and stormy the whole time. After a while, they had a contest to see who could write the best ghost story. John Polidori wrote “The Vampyre”, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. And Mary Shelley wrote a short story called “Transformation”, which she later developed into the novel Frankenstein.

I always felt I was missing something about the origin of Frankenstein. Knowing that it came from a short story, and was fleshed out makes more sense. That being said, it is anything but a watered down version of our favorite flat-topped monster.

And now, Transformation, by Mary Shelley.

 

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Direct download: CT_664_Transformation.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:08am MDT

What must Ruscha do to secure the magic word that kills when it’s uttered? Elizabeth F. Ellett, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. Each week, I strive to bring you a classic selection that is relevant, well written, and entertaining. If you can’t tell, I love what I do. I love discovering so many amazing stories and sharing them with you. But to continue to do this, I need your help.

By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. It’s a seriously great deal, and helps us to keep doing what we’re doing. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

Do you love binging The Classic Tales Podcast? How about 36 hours of fantastic stories, curated and narrated for you? The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five is now available for only $19.99 at our website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

I’ve optimized the audiobook for listening on mobile devices. Each chapter or story has customized artwork, and you can easily navigate from story to story when you want to listen again. The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five -you won’t be disappointed.

Today’s story is by Elizabeth Ellett. Her grandfather was a General in the Revolutionary War, and she grew up imbued with patriotic as well as religious feelings, which nourished her mind. She had a thirst for learning, and at the age of 16 was married to Dr. William H. Ellet, a Professor of Chemistry at Columbia College. In the college, she took advantage of the opportunities of education, and soon rose to prominence.

She began to write for the magazines, or periodicals of the time, and the name of Mrs. Ellet became recognized in literary circles.

Like George Eliot, she also gained a reputation for translating. In 1848, she published her most important work: “The Women of the American Revolution”.

Today, Ellet is perhaps known best for the scandal she leaked about Edgar Allan Poe’s rumored affair with Frances Sargent Osgood when both were married to other people. Leaking this story didn’t help her at all.

Poe maligned her in the press, knocked her writings, accused her of plagiarism, and even referred to her as “short and fat”. In print.

Today’s story was taken from a Danish folk tale that Ellet has spiced up with lively characters and wonderful atmosphere. It’s on the short side, but delivers some wonderful chills along the way.

And now, The Witch Caprusche, by Elizabeth F. Ellet.

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Direct download: CT_663_TheWitchCaprusche.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:08am MDT

Shouts of “Murder!” yield a mind-bending mystery. Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

Do you love binging The Classic Tales Podcast? How about 36 hours of fantastic stories, curated and narrated for you? The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five is now available for only $19.99 at our website at www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

The novels of this anthology include mystery with The Mysterious Case at Styles, featuring Hercule Poirot, adventure with The Mark of Zorro, literary romance with A Room With A View, dystopian Science Fiction with Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and fantasy with The Snow Queen, by Hans Christian Andersen. Over a dozen other short stories and poems round out this outstanding collection of classics.

I’ve optimized the audiobook for listening on mobile devices. Each chapter or story has customized artwork, and you can easily navigate from story to story when you want to listen again. The Classic Tales Podcast, Season Five -you won’t be disappointed.

And now, The Mystery of the Blue Jar, by Agatha Christie.

 

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Direct download: CT_662_The_Mystery_of_Blue_Jar.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:52am MDT

Will Latimer’s existence change dramatically when his clairvoyance is supplanted with visions of the future? George Eliot, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to all of our listeners and supporting members who help to keep us going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

I am working on an initiative to make The Classic Tales audiobooks free for public schools. Thank you to everyone who has visited the website, purchased audiobooks, or recommended or reviewed us. It all goes a long way!

Anything you can do to help us to grow and sustain ourselves will help us put the classics into the ears of the next generation. Thank you.

And now, The Lifted Veil, Part 2 of 2, by George Eliot.

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Direct download: CT_661_TheLiftedVeil_Part2of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Are the dreamlike musings of a sensitive intellectual truly predictive, or merely the result of an overactive imagination? George Eliot, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Many, many thanks to our 340 members who support us regularly. Each episode of The Classic Tales Podcast is initially downloaded over 10,000 times in the course of a week from the time it’s released, and we are so grateful for all of our supporters who have stepped up and helped to sustain us. 2020 marks the beginning of our 14th season, and we’d love to keep on going.

If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

I am working on an initiative to make The Classic Tales audiobooks free for public schools. Thank you to everyone who has visited the website, purchased audiobooks, or recommended or reviewed us. It goes a long way!

Anything you can do to help us to grow and sustain ourselves will help us put the classics into the ears of the next generation. Thank you.

This week we are showcasing the amazing work of George Eliot, the pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans. A good friend of mine, Morag Kawasaki, did a recent research project showcasing the role of women in romantic and Victorian literature. George Eliot/Mary Ann Evans came up time and time again as the most important female author at this time. Some key takeaways were: women weren’t judged against the published men of the time, they were only reviewed against each other.

They were also held to a much higher standard than the male writers of the time. Also, Eliot not only spoke but translated four languages: English, German, Greek and Hebrew.

Henry James, when writing about her novel Middlemarch, pointed to the ‘constant presence of thought, of generalizing instinct, of brain’ and he paid passionate tribute to Eliot’s ‘intellectual vigor, her immense facility, her exemption of cerebral lassitude’”.

Today’s story is about an intellectual, who, after suffering an illness, realizes he has gained the ability to read the thoughts of those around him. His name is Latimer, which means ‘one who interprets Latin’. Even this person’s name is indicative of understanding that which is hidden to most others.

The command of the language, and this ability of Eliot’s to see what others don’t are elegantly evident. I hope you like it.

App users can read Morag’s entire research project, The Journey of the Romantic & Victorian Female Author in their special features for this week’s episode.

And now, The Lifted Veil, Part 1 of 2, by George Eliot.

 

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Direct download: CT_660_TheLiftedVeil_Part1of2.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

If the mystery has wrapped up so nicely, why does Poirot still feel like something is not right? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

App users can find more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features for this week’s episode.

I am working on an initiative to make The Classic Tales audiobooks free for public schools. Thank you to everyone who has visited the website, purchased audiobooks, or recommended or reviewed us. It goes a long way!

Anything you can do to help us to grow and sustain ourselves will help us put the classics into the ears of the next generation. Thank you.

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 7 of 7, by Agatha Christie

 

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Direct download: CT_659_Murder_on-the_Links_part7of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What does Poirot mean when he says that there isn’t just one crime, but two? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store: 

App users can find a special Christmas bonus in their special features for this week’s episode.

I am working on an initiative to make The Classic Tales audiobooks free for public schools. Thank you to everyone who has visited the website, purchased audiobooks, or recommended or reviewed us. It goes a long way!

Anything you can do to help us to grow and sustain ourselves will help us put the classics into the ears of the next generation. Thank you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone.

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 6 of 7, by Agatha Christie

 

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Direct download: CT_653_Murder_on-the_Links_part1of7B.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:35am MDT

Why is young Jack Renauld under suspicion for murdering his father? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

Time is about up if you’d like some Classic Tales merchandise for Christmas. If you’d like an Erudite Troglodyte hoodie, or a Pride and Prejudice tote bag, there’s only a couple of days left to have them in time for Christmas.

Tap here to go to The Classic Tales Merchandise store

 

App users can still find bite size portions of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

Finally, I’d like to talk a bit about a new project.

High school, and I’m not a great reader. For my AP History class, I had to read The Scarlet Letter. It was arguably the worst experience with a book I’d had up to that moment. I was so lost and frustrated. I wanted to read the classics so badly. I could tell there was something amazing there that was hidden from me. But I couldn’t get to it.

Fast-forward ten years or so, and I discover audiobooks. It was literally life changing. Suddenly, the whole world of the classics is open to me, and I can enjoy The Three Musketeers, David Copperfield, Jane Eyre, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. All of these stories I had always wanted to read, I could now enjoy with a little help from a narrator.

I want to other kids who might be struggling to have the same experience.

So that’s why I’m working on an initiative to make my library of Classic Tales free for all public schools. It’s a tricky plan, but I really don’t want other kids to struggle like I did. If they have ready access to these productions, I think I can help to prevent that. But I need your help.

Please become a supporting member, or purchase one of our larger one-time support options. If you can’t do that, please leave us a review, or tell your friends about us. I want to make this free for kids and schools with limited resources. So anything you can do to help us to grow and sustain ourselves will help us put the classics into the ears of the next generation. Thank you.

 

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 5 of 7, by Agatha Christie

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Direct download: CT_657_Murder_on-the_Links_part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why does Hercule Poirot suddenly decide that he absolutely must travel to Paris? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

We actually have physical merchandise this year. If you’re a Classic Tales fan, we’ve got t-shirts, hoodies, stickers and more at our online merchandise store. Do you know an Erudite Troglodyte? Maybe you know a Jane Austen fan, who would like a Pride and Prejudice tote bag. How about a hoodie from The Count of Monte Cristo, or Wuthering Heights? Click on the link in the description for this episode to get a unique gift for the literary lover in your life.

 

Tap to go to The Classic Tales Merchandise store 

 

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 4 of 7, by Agatha Christie

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Direct download: CT_656_Murder_on-the_Links_part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 2:36am MDT

Why is Hercule Poirot seemingly ignoring some apparently critical evidence that M. Giraud recently discovered? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

For CyberMonday, we actually have physical merchandise this year. If you’re a Classic Tales fan, we’ve got t-shirts, hoodies, stickers and more at our online merchandise store. Do you know an Erudite Troglodyte? Maybe you know a Jane Austen fan, who would like a Pride and Prejudice tote bag. How about a hoodie from The Count of Monte Cristo, or Wuthering Heights? Click on the link in the description for this episode to get a unique gift for the literary lover in your life.

The Classic Tales Merchandise store:

http://tee.pub/lic/yl9wRRWqhnY

 

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 3 of 7, by Agatha Christie

 

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Direct download: CT_655_Murder_on-the_Links_part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What can the hotshot detective from Paris reveal about the case that eludes the great Hercule Poirot? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has now been released in its entirety. If you are a current supporter of the podcast, and have not received the email an corresponding link for the entire audiobook, please send an email to: support@thebestaudiobooks.com and I’ll get you squared away.

Do you know a student, teacher or researcher who studies a lot? If you’re looking for the perfect gift for them, look no further – for they are Erudite Troglodytes. Intellectual Cave Dwellers. Click on the link in the description for this episode to get an Erudite Troglodyte t-shirt, coffee mug, tote bag or even a sticker for the Erudite Troglodyte in your life. It’s a one of a kind gift that is only available at the Classic Tales online store. I have two shirts, and I wear them all the time!

Well, it looks like I didn’t win any of my SOVAS nominations. But that’s okay. We’ll keep plugging along. Thank you for all of your support.

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 2 of 7, by Agatha Christie

 

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Direct download: CT_654_Murder_on-the_Links_part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:57am MDT

Hercule Poirot receives an urgent message that a man is in danger, and that he must come at once. But will he arrive too late? Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has now been released in its entirety. If you are a current supporter of the podcast, and have not received the email an corresponding link for the entire audiobook, please send an email to: support@thebestaudiobooks.com and I’ll get you squared away.

Cyber Monday approaches, and I’m working on a special gift in the merchandise store. If you know of someone who reads, researches, or studies in rooms, libraries, or labs for extensive periods of time, it sounds like you know an intellectual cave dweller, or and Erudite Troglodyte. Check out my new design at our merchandise store if you have an Erudite Troglodyte in your life. The design makes a great shirt, coffee mug or tote bag.

I’ll find out this weekend if I happen to win an award from the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. I’m very excited, and I’ll be sure to let you know if any awards come my way. I’ll also let you know if one of the many other amazing nominees took home the prize. It’s been a thrilling journey, and I’m very humbled to be competing with these amazing narrators and podcasters.

This week we will begin a mystery from Agatha Christie that will take us to the end of the year – The Murder on the Links. Hercule Poirot has been portrayed many times on stage, screen and television. My favorite Poirot is Peter Ustinov, and my favorite Poirot film is “Evil Under the Sun”. If you haven’t seen it, you should check it out. It stars James Mason, Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Roddy McDowell and many others.

And now, The Murder on the Links, part 1 of 7, by Agatha Christie

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

Tap here to become an Erudite Troglodyte - The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

Hear us on roku:

Direct download: CT_653_Murder_on-the_Links_part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When the parents are suddenly called away from the farm, the children decide to make a Thanksgiving Dinner surprise. What could possibly go wrong? Louisa May Alcott, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be released this weekend. All current supporters - keep an eye on your inboxes for an email from us with a downloadable link. If you haven’t received an email by Tuesday, please reach out to support@thebestaudiobooks.com. Sometimes the email list can be wonky. I hope you like it!

The next title to be released as a bonus for supporters will be The Ghost Kings, by H. Rider Haggard. It’s one of his most well written, and underappreciated treasures, where he integrates his trademark lost world adventure with supernatural mysticism.

Supporters who donate at the $5/month level with receive two bonus titles/year. Hunchback will count as two, because of its length. Most titles will be around 8-10 hours in length. Supporters who donate at the $10/month level or more will receive three titles.

Well, I’ll be going to the SOVAS awards next week, so we’re releasing one of our favorite titles from the archives this week. We’re going to start a mystery novel next week that will take us to the end of the year, and I didn’t want to split it up. 

The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences has nominated The Classic Tales Podcast as Best Podcast of 2019. Not sure if we’ll win, but the SOVAS awards are a big deal. There aren’t a ton of awards for voice acting, and it will be fun to see some of the heroes who have inspired me over the years. Some of whom I’m actually competing with. The two thrillers I’m nominated for are going up against some A list talent. It’s such an incredible honor to be nominated.

And now, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, by Louisa May Alcott

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

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Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_652_Old_Fashioned_Thanksgiving.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What haunting mystery lurks inside the ebony frame? Edith Nesbit, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

We are in the final stages of postproduction for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. We’re working on nailing down the original introduction from Annie Sargent, and putting the final spit and polish on the files. It should be worth the wait!

Be sure to keep your subscription current, as I’ll be sending the entire audiobook to all current supporters.

We dropped the show a day early so that you can still have a scary story to keep you company this Halloween. App users can discover The Screaming Skull, by F. Marion Crawford in their special features. Marcus Aurelius will continue in November.

And now, The Ebony Frame, by Edith Nesbit

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

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Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_651_The_Ebony_Frame.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why is the hound considered a traitor to the forest creatures? Felix Salten, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is recorded and proofed. The artwork is done as well. Now, I have to record the pickups, drop in the edits, and do the final mixing of the audio and blah, blah, blah. There’s still a ways to go, but we’re getting very close. Be sure to keep your subscription current, as I’ll be sending the entire audiobook to all current supporters.

Next week, I’ll announce what the next bonus title is going to be. I’ve already got it picked out.

If you’re dying for some horror stories during Halloween season, App users can discover a scary story in the special features during the month of October. This week, we feature The White Maniac, by Mary Fortune. Marcus Aurelius will continue in November.

And now, Bambi, part 4 of 4, by Felix Salten.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_650_Bambi_Part4of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:26am MDT

How does Bambi negotiate the twists and turns of growing up without his mother? Felix Salten, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

 We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

I only have a few chapters left to record of The Hunchback of Notre Dame I have one of my proofers going through it now, and I hope to have it available soon. Be sure to keep your subscription current, as I’ll be sending the entire audiobook to all current supporters. This was quite a feat, and I’m excited to see it coming to successful close.

Again! We’ve been nominated for a SOVAS award! Best Podcast of 2019 , along with TWO nominations in the thriller audiobook category– can you believe it? The awards gala is on November 17th. Hopefully the stars will align so I can walk the red carpet. Previous winners in other categories include Lily Tomlin, James Earl Jones, Scott Brick, and Sigourney Weaver. It’s a pretty prestigious award, and I’m very excited.

If you’re dying for some horror stories during Halloween season, App users can discover a scary story in the special features during the month of October. This week, we feature The Squaw, by Bram Stoker. Marcus Aurelius will continue in November.

I discovered a connection between my son Basil, Bambi, and Frankenstein! Okay, so the third Frankenstein film, Son of Frankenstein (1939), starred Basil Rathbone as Wolf von Frankenstein, and Donnie Dunagan as his son, Peter von Frankenstein. This is where it gets crazy – little Donnie Dunagan is the voice of young Bambi in the Disney film, and I named my son after Basil Rathbone. Son of Frankenstein is also the last time Boris Karloff would play the monster. Yeah, I think if you look hard enough, you find connections kind of anywhere.

And now, Bambi, part 3 of 4, by Felix Salten.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_649_Bambi_Part3of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What could two leaves possibly have to say to each other? Felix Salten, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

Thank you for your patience over the last little while. I’m scheduling to have some new releases coming soon to the website. Keep an eye open for some new titles!

Now, if you’re dying for some horror stories during Halloween season, App users can discover a scary story in the special features during the month of October. This week, we feature The Burned House, by Vincent O’Sullivan. Marcus Aurelius will continue in November.

In today’s episode of Bambi, things get pretty real, especially in the last chapter. It might be upsetting to younger readers, so keep a sharp eye out for that. 

Also, in today’s episode, the deer run into some elk. Now, in the Disney movie, I thought that Bambi was the chosen one, and a prince among deer. But in the original book, the adult deer are related to as princes and the adult elk are kings. Bambi is awed by the elk calling to each other in the night. Salten’s description of the elk call is brilliant. Here’s what a wild elk call sounds like, in case you’ve never heard one:

I think one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever recorded is Chapter 8 of Bambi, with the two leaves. I hope you enjoy it.

 

And now, Bambi, part 2 of 4, by Felix Salten.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_648_Bambi_Part2of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:51am MDT

Why is Bambi forbidden to enter the meadow during the daytime? Felix Salten, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

 Surprise! We’re doing the complete book of Bambi for the month of October. And to kick things off, I’ve created some really fun artwork that is available at the merchandise store. I got a Bambi long sleeved tee shirt, and I just love it. If you like the artwork I design for the Classic Tales covers, please check it out!

Go to the merchandise store by tapping here 

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

Now, if you’re dying for some horror stories during Halloween season, App users can discover a scary story in the special features during the month of October. This week, we feature The Ring of Toth, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Marcus Aurelius will continue in November.

I’m pleased to announce that The Society for Voice Arts and Sciences has nominated The Classic Tales Podcast as one of the Best Podcasts of 2019. I’m also nominated for two thrille audiobooks I’ve done. It’s such an honor to be nominated at all, and to be nominated three times is outrageous. Thank you for listening to the podcast, and telling your friends. Apparently, we still go it!

Now, I had always heard that the original Bambi was much edgier and darker than the Disney film, but I had never read it. It just came into the public domain this year, so I thought I’d give it a go. I was blown away. It’s written so beautifully, so poetically. But there is a deeper, resounding philosophy as the creatures are forced to face their own mortality in so many ways. I

t reads more like Watership Down or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh. But there is no substitute for reading the original, unabridged work. Once Bambi starts to understand the way things work, things start to get really real.

I had to do it in October, because in Utah, our kids actually get out of school for the deer hunt.

And now, Bambi, part 1 of 4, by Felix Salten.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_647_Bambi_Part1of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What happens when an author fills is the seemingly simple gaps in the history of a girl who lived 200 years ago? Gertrude Atherton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

I don’t know about you, but I love wearing t-shirts that are literary. I’ve been adding to the designs in our merchandise store. If you like the artwork I design for the Classic Tales covers, please check it out! 

Go to the merchandise store by tapping here 

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor. 

And app users can check out more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

Today’s episode is by the prolific Gertrude Atherton. We heard another of her stories earlier in March – The Dead and the Countess.

Today’s story, The Bell and the Fog, is a well-crafted short story with some gothic elements. It takes place on a large English estate, there are hints of darkness and the occult here and there, but the style of the writing, and the subtlety of the strong women is what I particularly enjoyed.

And now, The Bell and the Fog, by Gertrude Atherton

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_646_The_Bell_and_the_Fog.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Is there, in fact, a curse on the actual House of Usher, or just the inhabitants? Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

I don’t know about you, but I love wearing t-shirts that are literary. I guess it’s kind of my thing, if I have one. If you like the artwork I design for the Classic Tales covers, please check out our merchandise store. They are having a sale right now! 

Go to the merchandise store by tapping here 

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

And app users can check out more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in their special features.

For the rest of September, we will be stocking up on scary stories, because we have a special seasonal title for October this year.

This story, the original Fall of the House of Usher, by Edgar Allan Poe, hasn’t been released through the podcast before. And this recording is one I did for an anthology of classic horror stories recently released on Audible: The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Creepy Classics.

A group of local audiobook narrators get together once a month for lunch to talk shop and shoot the breeze. It’s so great to be able to talk to people who understand all the tricks and pitfalls with this crazy vocation of narrating audiobooks. 

Today’s episode is one of the stories in the anthology that we created. Audie Award-winner Nancy Peterson spearheaded the project, and it was very fun to collaborate with these amazing colleagues. You can check out the complete anthology here: 

And now, The Fall of the House of Usher, by Edgar Allan Poe

 

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Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

 

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_645_TheFalloftheHouseofUsher.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How could Arséne Lupin possibly steal 50,000 francs in France, when he was apparently in New York at the time? Maurice Leblanc, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for an $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

You can also purchase our app, or shop for t-shirts and other merchandise. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

I’ve gotten slammed with work this week, and I wasn’t able to get any of Hunchback recorded. I’ll let you know how next week goes. I apologize for the delay. While recording Hunchback is one of the highlights of my week, it unfortunately has to take a back seat to the work that pays.

And if you like today's story, I have the first two audiobooks of the Arséne Lupin series available at the website. www.classictalesaudiobooks.com  

And now, The Infernal Trap, by Maurice Leblanc

 

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Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_644_The_Infernal_Trap.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:48am MDT

How can The Four Just Men accomplish their nefarious plan – in spite of the herculean precautions of Scotland Yard? Edgar Wallace, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

You can also purchase our app, or shop for t-shirts and other merchandise. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode. 

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. 

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming along. I’ve been a little under the weather this week, and I only got half an hour recorded. But I’m back at it. I’d like to send out Part One next week, so keep an eye on your inboxes. I still have a few more hours to record until we are finished. 

Please make sure your membership status is current, as I will be sending the completed audiobook out to all current financial supporting members.

I’m going to be at the Fan X Comic Con in Salt Lake City! I’ll be on a panel called: The Life Changing Magic of Embracing your Inner Nerd. It will be on Saturday the 7th at noon. Apparently, I’m a bit of an authority on nerding loud and proud. If you’re in town, drop by. I’d love to see you, and I have stickers!

 

And now, The Four Just Men, part 4 of 4, by Edgar Wallace.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

   

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_643_TheFourJustMen_part4of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will the Four Just Men be caught when they deliver their final threat in person? Edgar Wallace, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

You can also purchase our app, or shop for t-shirts and other merchandise. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor. 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming along. I’m going to release this in two shots, as a Part One and Part Two, since it runs around 20 hours. So keep an eye open for Part One.

Please make sure your membership status is current, as I will be sending the completed audiobook out to all current financial supporting members. 

I’m going to be at the Fan X Comic Con in Salt Lake City! I’ll be on a panel called: The Life Changing Magic of Embracing your Inner Nerd. It will be on Saturday the 7th at noon. Apparently, I’m a bit of an authority on nerding loud and proud. If you’re in town, drop by. I’d love to see you, and I have stickers!

And now, The Four Just Men, part 3 of 4, by Edgar Wallace.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_642_TheFourJustMen_part3of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:20am MDT

Why is one of the Four Just Men being treated as a prisoner amongst his fellow conspirators? Edgar Wallace, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

You can also purchase our app, or shop for t-shirts and other merchandise. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. 

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming along. It’s tricky to try and sneak in a few hours to record over the weekend. I’m going to release this in two shots, as a Part One and Part Two, since it runs around 20 hours. So keep an eye open for Part One.

Please make sure your membership status is current, as I will be sending the completed audiobook out to all current financial supporting members.

And now, The Four Just Men, part 2 of 4, by Edgar Wallace.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

Direct download: CT_641_TheFourJustMen_part2of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:58am MDT

How does a vigilante group styling themselves The Four Just Men raise the stakes against an inflammatory act of Parliament? Edgar Wallace, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 discount off any audiobook order. Donate $10 a month or more, and you get a $17 discount. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

You can also purchase our app, or shop for t-shirts and other merchandise. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

We’d also like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

This week we have another sponsor: AudioFile Magazine. They have an amazing podcast that highlights the best of the best in audiobooks. Their episodes are frequent, and run around 5 minutes long. Continue listening after the story to hear an entire episode of their podcast: Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming along. I’m running a little behind this week. It’s tricky to try and sneak in a few hours to record over the weekend. I’m going to release this in two shots, as a Part One and Part Two, since it runs around 20 hours. So keep an eye open for Part One.

Please make sure your membership status is current, as I will be sending the completed audiobook out to all current financial supporting members.

Today’s story is Edgar Wallace who co-wrote the groundbreaking story of King Kong with Merriam C. Cooper. Wallace was a prolific author, and at the time of his death, was known as “The King of Thrillers”. 

When Wallace finished writing The Four Just Men, he was sure he had a hit. The problem was, nobody else thought so. He couldn’t get it published. So, he self published it, and decided to advertise the novel on an unprecedented scale. He came up with a bold advertising gimmick: a £500 reward was offered to any reader who could guess how the murder in the novel was committed. Wallace was working for The Daily Mail newspaper at the time, and here he published the serialized version of the story along with the competition.

Well, it didn’t work out quite like he’d anticipated. While the book did well, it didn’t do that well. Furthermore, Wallace wasn’t quite as clever as he thought. Some people were guessing the ending. After three months, Wallace still hadn’t recouped his advertising investment, and he had more contest winners than he was planning for. So, the official list of winners kind of went unpublished, which kind of made a lot of people lose trust in The Daily Mail, which is really a bad thing when you’re, you know, a news source.

In the end, Wallace had to borrow £5,000 from his boss, so the newspaper could save face with their readers. Wallace’s working relationship with the paper soured after that, when it became evident that Wallace was in no hurry to pay the money back. But while the publishing of The Four Just Men was a bit of a fiasco, it did establish Wallace’s name as a writer.

The reason I chose this story was because while I was reading it, I was constantly fighting with myself. This was Wallace’s intention. Of The Four Just Men, he said, “The most lawless of us would hesitate to defend them, but the greater humanitarian could scarcely condemn them.” We aren’t supposed to be completely for or against them.

The story takes place before the two World Wars, when anarchists were big news in Europe. Today, we would likely dub them terrorists. They are vigilantes, who seek their own version of justice from the world. I hope you like it.

Warning: there are a couple offensive racial epithets in today’s episode, including the “n” word. 

And now, The Four Just Men, part 1 of 4, by Edgar Wallace.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store! 

 

Direct download: CT_640_TheFourJustMen_part1of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:26am MDT

What misfortune occurs when an ancient watchmaker pits his two protégés against each other? Lydia Maria Child, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

There are many other ways you can also support the podcast, through purchasing our app, merchandise, or telling your friends about us. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. That’s still a thing.

You and also rate and review us at Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

And the items in our FREE category have been changed, so head on over to the website for some free audiobooks.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming along. I’m actually using a combination of several translations to record this audiobook, as I’m using three at the same time. The one from J. Carroll Beckwith is the main one, but I’m also using the traditionally used anonymous translation as well as another audio version for additional reference. I have around four more hours to record.

Please make sure your membership status is current, as I will be sending the completed audiobook out to all current financial supporting members. 

Today’s story is by Lydia Maria Child, who lived from 1802 to 1880. She was best known for her stand against slavery and for her promotion of the rights of Native Americans. The musical version of her Thanksgiving poem, “Over the River and Through the Woods”, is still sung by children today.

Her story, “The Rival Mechanicians” has been lauded as one of the finest science fiction tales from the first half of the nineteenth century. The Western Literary Messenger declared it to be “above praise”, when it was first published in 1847.

There are so many diverse and profound elements to the story, however, I think I’ll let it speak for itself.

And now, The Rival Mechanicians, by Lydia Maria Child.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show! 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

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Hear us on roku:

Direct download: CT_639_TheRivalMechanicians.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

How can Khemsa’s dying words about following a golden thread possibly help Conan defeat the evil Master of Yimshah? Robert E. Howard, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

There are many other ways you can also support the podcast, through purchasing our app, merchandise, or telling your friends about us. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

You and also rate and review us at Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

And the items in our FREE category have been changed, so head on over to the website for some free audiobooks.

I’m very excited to announce that Annie, from the Join Us In France podcast, has agreed to write a special introduction for the Classic Tales Audiobook edition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She is a licensed historian and tour guide, and her insights into the history of the Notre Dame cathedral will deepen the experience of the audiobook.

After searching many different translations, the one I landed on by J. Carroll Beckwith was only published in a very limited edition of only 1000 copies. But it is by far the best I’ve come across.

Please make sure your supporter status is up to date, so you don’t miss out on this amazing production. Once it’s done, I’ll be sending the entire 20 hour-long audiobook to all current supporters.

This week we finish our story of Conan. It’s got some pretty gruesome violence, and the misogyny is back, too. The violence is pretty obvious, but parents might also want to stop and talk about the misogyny. If we point it out and talk about it, we can make sure it stops.

And now, The People of the Black Circle, Part 4 of 4, by Robert E. Howard.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_638_PeopleoftheBlackCircle_Part4of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:24am MDT

How can Conan possibly prevail against the wizards of the Black Circle? Robert E. Howard, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

There are many other ways you can also support the podcast, through purchasing our app, merchandise, or telling your friends about us. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. That’s still a thing.

You and also rate and review us at Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

And thank you, Spotify, for featuring us again on your curated Mind Massage playlist.

Hunchback is coming along nicely, and I’ll be recording another episode on Saturday. I’d like to get it done by the end of September. So, please make sure your supporter status is up to date, so you don’t miss out on this amazing production. Once it’s done, I’ll be sending the entire 20 hour-long audiobook to all current supporters.

And now, The People of the Black Circle, Part 3 of 4, by Robert E. Howard.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter! 

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

https://www.amazon.com/author/bjharrison

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_637_PeopleoftheBlackCircle_Part3of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Conan and Yasmina escape the magical machinations of the man in the green turban? Robert E. Howard, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

There are many other ways you can also support the podcast, through purchasing our app, merchandise, or telling your friends about us. Links can be found in the notes to today’s episode.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. That’s still a thing.

You and also rate and review us at Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

And thank you, Spotify, for featuring us again on your curated Mind Massage playlist.

Hunchback is coming along nicely, and I recorded another episode today. Wow, that is an amazing story. I have 6 hours left. I’d like to get it done by the end of September. So, please make sure your supporter status is up to date, so you don’t miss out on this amazing story.

As with other titles we’ve done in the past, today we’re going to run into some things that are problematic. We haven’t run into this much misogyny before, but I simply can’t let this go without calling it out. There is a part in the story where Conan is way out of line, and decides to give himself liberties without Yasmina’s consent. I don’t want to get all preachy, but parents, this is a good chance to pause the story and talk to your kids, maybe.

 

And now, The People of the Black Circle, Part 2 of 4, by Robert E. Howard.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

Direct download: CT_636_PeopleoftheBlackCircle_Part2of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Conan the Cimmerian help Yasmina avenge her kingly brother’s death? Robert E. Howard, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

If you’d like to share a snippet of today’s show with your friends, join us in beta testing the Airr app. Links can be found in the show notes.

We also have a merchandise store where you can get shirts and tote bags with your favorite Classic Tales Covers. Again, links are in the show notes.

And check us out on Spotify – our new podcast partner.

We’re still chipping away at Hunchback. It’s on its way. Be sure you don’t miss is, and become a monthly supporter. Once it’s ready, I’ll send an email out to all of our current supporters. If you’ve let your membership lapse, be sure and resubscribe.

And by the way, the only reason I’m being skittish about announcing a release date for Hunchback is simply because I don’t know how much more of my time I can throw toward it. I’m not trying to be like an enigmatic jerk, but at this point, it’s kind of what I can commit to. I can get it done in the near future, send it out to the supporters and move on.

I hope you don’t mind. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send me an email at support@thebestaudiobooks.com

Today we are dipping our toe into the world of Conan the Cimmerian. Now, I decided to do this book for a couple reasons.

1) Howard’s Conan series was a very important chapter in the history of fantasy. Many authors continued the series after Howard’s death – over 50 novels and dozens of short stories of Conan were written by authors other than Howard.

2) This method of story telling, using the cycle of the hero and using larger than life archetypal characters, is something that we have largely moved away from. I’ll explain it in Star Wars:

         So, in the original trilogy, you had the archetypal characters: The hero, the damsel in distress, the adventurer, the evil villain. This collection of characters are seen in millions of stories, and resonate with something deep within us. This is how storytelling has been done for centuries. This Conan story is a fantastic example of this method.

Today, we tend to demand that our characters are more nuanced, complicated, and multi-faceted. The stories that follow the same traditional pattern, using the archetypal characters, seem to not do too well. And so this Conan story is an interesting look at how it used to be done, and hopefully if parts ring a bit shallow, we can realize that we’ve become more developed in our storytelling nowadays.

And now, The People of the Black Circle, Part 1 of 4, by Robert E. Howard.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

  

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_635_PeopleoftheBlackCircle_Part1of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:09am MDT

What shocking truths does Lady Bracknell discover (and reveal)? Oscar Wilde, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you enjoy listening to The Classic Tales, please consider becoming a supporting member. It helps support the podcast, and it’s a great way to build out your library of classics. By making a monthly donation of just $5, you’ll receive a corresponding thank-you code for $8 off any digital audiobook download. You win, and we get to keep going strong. Go now to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a member today.

If you have the Classic Tales App, check your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

If you’d like to share a snipped of today’s show with your friends, join us in beta testing the Airr app. Links can be found in the show notes. Tap here to try the Airr app

We also have a merchandise store where you can get shirts and tote bags with your favorite Classic Tales Covers. Again, links are in the show notes. Tap here to go to the merch store

And check us out on Spotify – our new podcast partner

Okay, I think I’m back in a place where I can begin production on The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and finish the story. There are still 8 hours to record, so it will take a while, but it is happening.

I’m going to try a new thing, though. I’m going to wait until it’s totally complete, and then send out a link to a free copy in one email to all of the current Classic Tales supporters. I will not announce when this will happen, and it will be a one-time type of situation. 

So if you’ve let your membership lapse for whatever reason, It’s time to get back in the game. Thank you so much for your support.

And now, The Importance of Being Earnest, Part 4 of 4, by Oscar Wilde.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_634_TheImportanceofBeingEarnest_Part4of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

When all of it comes out, who is, in fact, engaged to Ernest? Oscar Wilde, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you’ve enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, please consider becoming a supporting member. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with just $5/month, that really helps us keep moving forward. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly code good toward any digital audiobook download, as a ‘thank you’ gift. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much. 

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

If you’re a regular listener of The Classic Tales Podcast, perhaps you've heard me read a passage that really stands out to you. One of the limitations of podcasts as a format is that there has not been a great way to save those brief moments for yourself or share them with other people in your life that would enjoy them.

Beta testing for the Airr app is going well, and there’s a new update for it which smoothes things along nicely. It’s a handy tool to share Oscar Wilde’s pithier moments with your friends on social media. Share your AirrQuote with me on my twitter feed, @bjharrisonaudio, and I might give you a shout out and feature you on the podcast! How many have done it yet? Nobody. So the odds are in your favor! You can find a link to the Airr app in the show notes for this episode.

Also, be sure to check us out on Spotify! They are beginning to feature us here and there, and we appreciate it.

Okay, so now we are back to episode 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest. Here’s the story so far:

Jack Worthing is known as Jack in the country, and Ernest in town. He has invented a reprobate brother whom he’s given the name of Ernest. His best friend, Algernon, likewise has an imagined acquaintance named Bunbury, whom he visits when he wants to escape the tedium of town.

Jack is in love with Gwendolyn, Angernon’s cousin. But Gwendolyn’s mother, Lady Bracknell, is not to be overlooked. After giving Jack the third degree, it is discovered that Jack doesn’t know who his parents are, and that he was discovered as an infant in a handbag in a railway station. After recommending that Jack acquire some parents post haste, Lack Bracknell has left Jack standing dumbfounded, while Algernon plays the piano in the adjoining room.

Meanwhile, Algernon goes to Jack’s country house masquerading as Jack’s profligate brother Ernest. Introducing himself as such, he woos and is quickly engaged to young Cecily, Jack’s ward.

When Jack arrives, he demands that Algernon leave, and he feigns to do so. In the mean time, Gwendolyn has traveled to Jack’s house in the country, and meets Jack’s ward, Cecily. Again, Cecily is engaged to Algernon, who introduced himself as Ernest. And Gwendolyn is still persuaded that Jack’s name is Ernest, as she only knows him when he is in London.

And now, The Importance of Being Earnest, Part 3 of 4, by Oscar Wilde.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_633_TheImportanceofBeingEarnest_Part3of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Though Jack announces that his brother Ernest is dead, what happens when his brother himself appears at Jack’s country home? Oscar Wilde, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you’ve enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, please consider becoming a supporting member. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with just $5/month, that really helps us keep moving forward. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly code good toward any digital audiobook download, as a ‘thank you’ gift. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

If you’re a regular listener of The Classic Tales Podcast, perhaps you've heard me read a passage that really stands out to you. One of the limitations of podcasts as a format is that there has not been a great way to save those brief moments for yourself or share them with other people in your life that would enjoy them.

Beta testing for the Airr app is going well, and there’s a new update for it which smoothes things along nicely. It’s a handy tool to share Oscar Wilde’s pithier moments with your friends on social media. Share your AirrQuote with me on my twitter feed, @bjharrisonaudio, and I might give you a shout out and feature you on the podcast! How many have done it yet? Nobody. So the odds are in your favor! You can find a link to the Airr app in the show notes for this episode.

Also, be sure to check us out on Spotify! They are beginning to feature us here and there, and we appreciate it!

Okay, so now we are back to episode 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest. Here’s the story so far:

Jack Worthing is known as Jack in the country, and Ernest in town. He has invented a reprobate brother whom he’s given the name of Ernest. His best friend, Algernon, likewise has an imagined acquaintance named Bunbury, whom he visits when he wants to escape the tedium of town.

Jack is in love with Gwendolyn, Angernon’s cousin. But Gwendolyn’s mother, Lady Bracknell, is not to be overlooked. After giving Jack the third degree, it is discovered that Jack doesn’t know who his parents are, and that he was discovered as an infant in a handbag in a railway station. After recommending that Jack acquire some parents post haste, Lack Bracknell has left Jack standing dumbfounded, while Algernon plays the piano in the adjoining room.

And now, The Importance of Being Earnest, Part 2 of 4, by Oscar Wilde.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_632_TheImportanceofBeingEarnest_Part2of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Where, (and when) does Dr. Nikolai Rostof disappear to while teaching a classroom full of children? Charles F. Hall, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you’ve enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, please consider becoming a supporting member. We really need your help right now. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with just $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly code good for $8 toward any digital audiobook download, as a ‘thank you’ gift. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

If you’re a regular listener of The Classic Tales Podcast, perhaps you've heard me read a passage that really stands out to you. One of the limitations of podcasts as a format is that there has not been a great way to save those brief moments for yourself or share them with other people in your life that would enjoy them.

Join us in beta testing the Airr app, and sharing your favorite Classic Tales moments with your friends on social media. Share your AirrQuote with me on my twitter feed, @bjharrisonaudio, and I might give you a shout out and feature you on the podcast! You can find a link to the Airr app in the show notes for this episode.

We’re also on Spotify, who has recently featured our show on one of their curated podcast playlists, “Mind Massage”. Check us out on Spotify!

And now for something completely different.

I am heading out of town with my family this week, and so we’re bringing you a rare story from the vaults.

C.S. Lewis wrote, in his preface to The Great Divorce: “I must acknowledge my debt to a writer whose name I have forgotten and whom I read several years ago in a highly coloured American magazine. The unbendable and unbreakable quality of my heavenly matter was suggested to me by him, although he used the fancy for a different and more ingenious purpose. His hero traveled into the past and there very properly found raindrops that would pierce him like bullets and sandwiches that no strength would bite because, of course, nothing in the past can be altered. If the writer of that story ever reads these lines I ask him to accept my grateful acknowledgment.”

Lewis was wrong about the story appearing in an American magazine. In fact, it appeared in a short-lived British Magazine, Tales of Wonder. And it’s small wonder that the author’s name slipped Lewis’ mind. He published two stories for this obscure magazine in 1938, and then disappeared. Today’s story is the first, and the one that Lewis referred to as influencing his writing in such a unique way.

This recording was originally released in 2011, in Season Five of The Classic Tales Podcast.

Rest assured, we will return to The Importance of Being Earnest next week. 

And now, The Man Who Lived Backward, by Charles F. Hall.

 

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Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

  

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Direct download: CT_631_ManWhoLivedBackwards.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Who is the owner of the mysterious cigarette case? The answer is anything but simple. Oscar Wilde, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you’ve enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, please consider becoming a supporting member. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with just $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly code good for $8 toward any digital audiobook download, as a ‘thank you’ gift. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. 

If you’re a regular listener of The Classic Tales Podcast, perhaps you've heard me read a passage that really stands out to you. One of the limitations of podcasts as a format is that there has not been a great way to save those brief moments for yourself or share them with other people in your life that would enjoy them.

That's why I'm excited to announce that I’m experimenting with a great new tool, Airr, that lets you save and share the best moments of Classic Tales episodes. Their app lets you capture the moments that stand out to you while listening, and then send these clips to your friends or share them on social media.

Airr is a free, iPhone app that is currently in private beta. Now, this isn't a paid sponsorship or an ad of any sort. Instead, the founders are working with me to give Classic Tales listeners early access to the app, which launches publicly this August. You can sign up for early access through the link, which I will also link in the show notes.

And, perhaps most importantly, I want all of you to share your favorite moments from Classic Tales with me! If you use Airr and tweet your favorite moment from the latest episodes @bjharrisonaudio, you might just appear on a Classic Tales episode. Each week, before the story begins, I’ll shoutout the fan who submitted my favorite moment, read their accompanying tweet, and play their clip on the show!

This week we are doing a play that I have adapted into the audiobook format. I’ve done this before with Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Coriolanus. I think I’m finally hit my stride. I’m very happy with the way this turned out. I hope you enjoy it.

And now, The Importance of Being Earnest, Part 1 of 4, by Oscar Wilde.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to get early access to the Airr app, and share your favorite snippets of the episode with your friends! Share on Twitter @bjharrisonaudio, and your clip might be on the show!

 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_630_TheImportanceofBeingEarnest_Part1of4.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:02am MDT

What is the secret desire that needles the reptilian mind of the Mugger of Mugger-Ghaut? Rudyard Kipling, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. If you’ve enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, please consider becoming a supporting member. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with just $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code toward any digital download, to help to expand your library of classic audiobooks. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

 People are picking up Pride and Prejudice tote bags, and t-shirts of The Count of Monte Cristo. Check out our merchandise store! Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

This week, we hear from Rudyard Kipling. Today’s story comes from the second of his Jungle Book stories.

Not sure if it’s super well known or obvious, but Kipling was a bit of a racist and misogynist. He truly believed that the white man was superior. You can see it in his writing in his attitude toward the indigenous people of India, and the way he depicts the women in this story.

When I run into stuff like this, I don’t think it’s right to ignore it. I also don’t want to cut out the objectionable parts, and pretend that these things didn’t happen. They did. And I think if we look at them and talk about them, it helps to keep them from recurring. I also think it helps to keep these attitudes from gaining acceptance through the revisiting of these pieces.

And now, The Undertakers, by Rudyard Kipling.

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

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Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_629_The_Undertakers.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What sinister secret hides in the underground passages of Graywater Park? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

 

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Have you noticed that some other podcasts who say that still have a break in the middle of the episode and a bunch of messages from sponsors? That’s fine for them, but not for me. Years ago, I wanted to make sure that nothing distracted from the story, and so instead of chasing down sponsors, I’ve tried to take care of my listeners.

 

In fact, if you’re a $5/month sponsor for most podcasts, they give you nothing. I mean, you help to keep the podcast going, which is what it’s all about, but with your $5/month donation, you get a monthly “Thank You” code that allows you to essentially get an audiobook from our online store. There’s also a bunch of free stuff on our website you’re more than welcome to download.

 

So, yeah, maybe I don’t need to bust out a code for website credit with a $5/month donation, but I do. Because I appreciate your donation to keep us running. Thank you so much.

 

And so if you have enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, if you feel that this is a good service, if they have made you think about things you otherwise maybe wouldn’t have, please go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporting member.

 

 

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius continue in the special features of this week’s episode in the Classic Tales App. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. It’s like a present!

Today we conclude our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism and misogyny thrive in the darkness. Let’s clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 8 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_628_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part8of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

A Medusa, a secret meeting, and a murder – can Petrie and Smith decipher these clues before it’s too late? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

This year, we’ve had the entire novel of “The Inimitable Jeeves”, a collection of scary stories, and now we’re winding up “The Hand of Fu-Manchu”. The choice of stories is actually quite a complex kind of art. There are many people who do similar things now, who simply look for the most downloaded public domain books, or similar lists. But I’ve actually read these books. I love them, if you couldn’t already tell. They mean so much to me, and I love to share them with you.

These titles may not all be at the top of the highbrow book lists. But I believe they all have something to offer. They all mark a point where we once were as a culture. And as history repeats itself, as it invariably does, I find it poignant to revisit the tales written from ages past to instruct those struggling with the same struggles.

If you have enjoyed The Classic Tales over the years, if you feel that this is a good service, if they have made you think about things you otherwise maybe wouldn’t have, please go to classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a supporting member. With the burning of the Notre Dame cathedral, I’d really like to finish up The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Please become a supporting member, and help us to start up the Enchiridion again.

Again, the website is classictalesaudiobooks, all one word, dot com.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius continue in the special features of this week’s episode in the Classic Tales App. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. It’s like a present!

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism thrives in the darkness. Let’s clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

 

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 7 of 8, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_627_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part7of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What is the secret of the hashish den in the Café de L’Egypte? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so much to those who have stepped up recently and donated at the website. If you can step up with $5/month, that will really help us out. We’ll give you a thank you code in return to help your audiobook library of the classics continue to grow. Everybody wins, and you get to throw in your voice of support in keeping the Classic Tales Podcast going strong. Thank you so much for your support.

Please step up and donate to the podcast by going to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius continue in the special features of this week’s episode in the Classic Tales App. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. It’s like a present!

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism thrives in the darkness. Let’s clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

 

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 6 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_626_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part6of8.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What does the cryptic cypher ZAGAZIG mean, and how can it be used to set a trap for Fu-Manchu’s minions? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. We’re currently struggling a little bit to keep up on our bills to keep the podcast going strong. If you can step up with $5/month, that will really help us out. We’ll give you a thank you code in return to help your audiobook library of the classics continue to grow. Everybody wins, and you get to throw in your voice of support in keeping the Classic Tales Podcast going strong. Thank you so much for your support.

Please step up and donate to the podcast by going to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

 

I recently ordered a long sleeve t-shirt of The Island of Dr. Moreau and a short sleeve tee of Treasure Island. I’m very happy with them. Now, my boys want one, too. Links to our merchandise store, and my invention of the hybrid audiobook are available in the description for this episode.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius continue in the special features of this week’s episode in the Classic Tales App. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. It’s like a present! 

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer. 

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism thrives in the darkness. Let’s clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

 

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 5 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_625_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:33am MDT

Why has Sir Baldwin Frazer, England’s most celebrated brain surgeon, been kidnapped by the Si Fan? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you so much for your support. Since we first started in 2007, this podcast has been downloaded over 20 million times. We are still in the top 5% of all podcasts, and we’ve helped thousands of people become more familiar with the best books ever put to paper. Many thanks to all of you who have stepped up and donated over the years.

Please chip in by going to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com.

If you can step up with $5/month, that really goes a long way. I just love the ‘thank you’ code system we’ve got going. I’ve always tried to over deliver, and when it comes to saying ‘thank you’, I like to go all out. Thank you so much for helping us out.

Again, the website is classictalesaudiobooks, all one word, dot com.

We also have a merchandise store, and my invention of the hybrid audiobook you can check out. Links for all of these are available in the description for this episode.

I hope you are enjoying the bite size portions of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. The Meditations are being released exclusively through the special features on the Classic Tales App. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area. It’s like a present!

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism and misogyny thrive in the darkness. Let’s see where we were, and clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

For those of you who like epic World War III sagas, continue listening after the end of the episode to hear a special sneak peek of a book I have recorded that just recently hit the virtual shelves at Audible. Don’t miss “Battlefield Pacific”, by James Rosone and Miranda Watson. Military adventure that’s profanity free. It’s special to me because it’s also my 500th audiobook.

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 4 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_624_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What critical and deadly mystery surrounds the golden pomegranates? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer. You can pick up the first two titles at our website for under $8 each.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism and misogyny thrive in the darkness. Let’s see where we were, and clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

For those of you who like supernatural mysteries, continue listening after the end of the episode to hear a special sneak peek of a book I have recorded that just recently hit the virtual shelves at Audible. It’s called “The Keeper”, by T.F. Allen. It’s a page turning thriller with a twist of the supernatural. Now available at Audible.com – just search for “The Keeper”.

Tap here to find "The Keeper", by T.F. Allen on Audible

 

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 4 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

  

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_623_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What devilry lurks in the shady dive commonly known as the Joy Shop? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

Today we continue our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer. It is the third in the Fu-Manchu series, and you can pick up the first two titles at our website for under $8 each.

As with last week, and during the run of this series, as you run into objectionable stuff today, feel free to talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Racism and misogyny thrive in the darkness. Let’s see where we were, and clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 2 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_622_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 1:03am MDT

Why has Sir Gregory Hale kept to his room for two weeks in such a paroxysm of frantic paranoia? Sax Rohmer, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Making a monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

Today we begin our series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, by Sax Rohmer. It is the third in the Fu-Manchu series, and you can pick up the first two titles at our website for under $8 each.

Now, before we jump in, I really need to say a word about the material. The Fu-Manchu series is basically built around the racist idea of a Yellow Peril. This term is used to express Western fears about East Asian Immigration, and builds on the fear to concoct an idea that someday the East Asians may get too much political and economic power – too much for the existing people in power, that is.

Sax Rohmer was quite a craftsman, using many devices from Sherlock Holmes and other popular detective stories, and integrating them with the contemporary British fear of the immigrants from the East. Seriously, by the time you’re a few minutes in to any Fu-Manchu story, you’re steeped in some serious Chinaphobia.

That being said, you may wonder why I chose to do this title? The reason is that I really think this needs to be looked at and talked about. When we brush racist history under the rug, or try to ignore it, it doesn’t make it go away. It empowers it. It enables it. And we really shouldn’t pretend that it didn’t happen. In coupling his page-turning popular writing with literally vilifying an entire race of people, The Fu-Manchu series brought Chinaphobia into the mainstream. We shouldn’t be okay with that.

And so, as you run into some objectionable stuff today, talk about it with your friends. Point out the problems with your kids. Let’s see where we were, and clean this out of our culture through honest and informed discussion.

If you’d like to learn more, check out Dr. Fu-Manchu and the Rise of Chinaphobia, by British educationalist and writer, Sir Christopher Frayling. 

And now, The Hand of Fu-Manchu, part 1 of 7, by Sax Rohmer.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_621_Hand_of_Fu-Manchu_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

What happens when a person hears the tolling of the bell that still hangs in the ruins of St. Sépulcre? M.P. Shiel, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. The monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

Today we finish our journey into the purveyors of the ghost story. Next week, we will begin a multipart series of The Hand of Fu-Manchu, book three in the Fu-Manchu series by Sax Roemer. I tell you this now, so you can get caught up if you need to, and listen to the first two books. I’ve priced both The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu, and The Return of Fu-Manchu at 7.99 each. So you can use a coupon code to pick them up, if you haven’t already done so.

In case you can’t tell, I’m a little under the weather today. But fear not, I have another short story I recorded earlier from M.P. Shiel, which fits the bill nicely.

And now, The Bell of St. Sépulcre, by M.P. Shiel.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_620_BellofStSepulcre.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Why are the dead suddenly restless in a quiet graveyard in Brittany? Gertrude Atherton, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. 

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. The monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. In the app, tap on the box with a bow on the left when you play the episode. That’s the special features area.

Today we continue our theme highlighting some of the masters of the ghost story.

Gertrude Atherton was a prolific American author, who lived from 1857 to 1948, and frequently set her novels in her home state of California.

She wrote novels as well as short stories, supernatural horror stories, essays, and articles for magazines and newspapers on such issues as feminism, war, and politics. Today’s story is elegant in so many ways. I hesitate to say more than that. I was thrilled when I discovered Gertrude Atherton. If this is your first introduction into her work, I hope you enjoy it.

And now, The Dead and the Countess, by Gertrude Atherton.

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

  

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store! 

 

Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_619_TheDeadandtheCountess.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:54am MDT

Who is the mysterious woman who bewitches our hero? Has she enchanted him before? M.P. Shiel, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. 

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. The monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code toward any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle.

Now, during the month of March, we continue to explore the masters of the ghost story.

Matthew Phipps Shiel , who lived from 1865-1947, was a prolific British writer of West Indian descent. His work was lauded by both H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft as essential to the development of weird fiction. Shiel’s dark imagination continues to influence writers of supernatural fiction to this day. I hope you enjoy today’s story of a courtesan who returns to torment her tormentor.

And now, Xélucha, by M.P. Shiel

 

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Hear us on roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_618_Xelucha.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:38am MDT

Duels, death and chicanery all cavort with cynical discipline in two stories by the devil’s lexicographer. Ambrose Bierce, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. The monthly donation really helps us to create a support flow we can count on. If you can step up with $5/month, that really helps us out. Go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a monthly supporter. You’ll get a monthly ‘thank you’ code for any digital download. It’s a great deal, and a great feeling. Thank you so much.

You can also purchase t-shirts and stuff at our merchandise store, and check out the Hybrid Audiobook - the audiobook that’s embedded in a printed book that I’ve invented and patented. Links can be found in the episode’s details.

And for those of you with the Classic Tales App, check out your special features for more Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - just enough to wet your whistle. 

And finally, we are now on the Roku network. If you have a Roku, which is kind of like Chromecast, where you plug it into your tv, and can stream media, you can now listen to The Classic Tales through your Roku. We are on the Audiobooks Network Channel. A link is also in the show details. Alice in Wonderland is available to stream for free on The Audiobook Networks.

And now for something completely different. Ambrose Bierce is kind of like Mark Twain without a filter. His gift for writing is undeniable, but his stories always have a biting wit that sometimes can bite pretty deep.

For the month of March, we’ll be having Moonlight March, where we’ll be featuring writers who have a distinct proficiency in the medium of the ghost story. Today we’ll have first a bit of a jocular tale called “The City of the Gone Away”, followed by the chiller, “The Middle Toe of the Right Foot”.

H.P. Lovecraft said of Bierce, “Virtually all of Bierce’s tales are tales of horror; and whilst many of them treat only of the physical and psychological horrors within Nature, a substantial proportion admit the malignly supernatural and form a leading element in America’s fund of weird literature”. 

And now, The City of the Gone Away, and The Middle Toe of the Right Foot, by Ambrose Bierce.

 

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Tap here to check out The Hybrid Audiobook - Developed and Patented by B.J. Harrison

 

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Listen to us on Roku:

 

 

Direct download: CT_617_Middle_Toe_of_the_Right_Foot.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Bertie and Bingo both find themselves knee deep in the proverbial consommé, and Jeeves must rally round before we come to our ripping finish. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store.

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

We have had a few developments at The Classic Tales this last week. I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with the Roku technology, but I may have some news about this in the up and coming weeks. Should be fun.

Also, I’m going to begin producing regularly special content for those who have the Classic Tales App. In the special features, you’ll find every week, a brief audio segment of a longer poetical or philosophical work.

I’ve noticed that there is something about hearing poetry or listening to the amazing scholars from the past that really hits a special note deep down inside. Now, the problem is, they can wear out their welcome pretty quickly. And so, we’re going to have just a smattering of the good stuff on the reg, as it were. We are going to start with The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

Marcus Aurelius was one of the stoic philosophers, as was Epictetus who penned the most famous Enchiridion. Now, the thing that really struck me about the Meditations is when I discovered that these incredible, uplifting and memorable words were not written for the annals of history. They weren’t written for his contemporaries, or even his family’s perusal. These meditations were written for Aurelius and Aurelius himself. These are the intimate innerworkings of an incredible mind, written as he travelled from battlefield to battlefield. And through his triumphs and his losses, he records his meditations for his own later contemplation.

Enough’s as good as a feast. So if you have the app, check out your special features. I hope you like it.

 

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 9 of 9, by P.G. Wodehouse

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_616_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part9of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:38am MDT

Will Bertie’s incorrigible cousins forever be foisted upon him? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

We also have several other ways to support the podcast.

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store. 

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

Now with The Classic Tales, you also get a thank you/coupon code as a bonus. You can go to the website and get unabridged classic audiobooks for a buck or two more. Or a few more short stories to round out your month. This is how your library can grow, basically effortlessly. It’s really a great little system that keeps us going strong.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 8 of 9, by P.G. Wodehouse

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_615_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part8of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Bingo edge out a rival for the affections of his latest amour? Jeeves thinks this one’s a winner. P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

We also have several other ways to support the podcast. If you’re a business owner, and you would like me to develop a podcast for your business, please send me an email at: bj@thebestaudiobooks.com.

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store.

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

Now, I thought I’d just walk through why the subscription system is such a great way to support the podcast. I mean, I support podcasts for $5/month, and I consider it a great direct investment in the talent and dedication to those who are podcast producers. For us at least, $5/month is super manageable.

Now with The Classic Tales, you also get a thank you/coupon code as a bonus. You can go to the website and get unabridged classic audiobooks for a buck or two more. Or a few more short stories to round out your month. This is how your library can grow, basically effortlessly. It’s really a great little system that keeps us going strong.

Well, you probably noticed that the number of parts changed in today’s title. Usually I’m better at this, but I wanted to take old Pelham Grenville Wodehouse as I found him. And so, I’ve been splitting the podcast episodes up when I got to a good stopping place. The problem was, when I got to part 6 of 7, I still had 30% of the book left. So, we’ll just keep stretching out the good times, if you don’t mind.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 7 of 9, by P.G. Wodehouse

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_614_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part7of9.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Bertie’s cousins pull off their scheme of rigging a betting pool for lengthy country sermons? Well, what could go wrong? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

We also have several other ways to support the podcast. If you’re a business owner, and you would like me to develop a podcast for your business, please send me an email at: bj@thebestaudiobooks.com 

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store.

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

Now, I thought I’d just walk through why the subscription system is such a great way to support the podcast. I mean, I support podcasts for $5/month, and I consider it a great direct investment in the talent and dedication to those who are podcast producers. For us at least, $5/month is super manageable.

Now with The Classic Tales, you also get a thank you/coupon code as a bonus. You can go to the website and get unabridged classic audiobooks for a buck or two more. Or a few more short stories to round out your month. This is how your library can grow, basically effortlessly. It’s really a great little system that keeps us going strong.  

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 6 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

Direct download: CT_613_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part6of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Bingo Little is in love…again. Will he secure the affections of the latest woman of his dreams, even through he must wear a disguise? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support 

We also have several other ways to support the podcast. If you’re a business owner, and you would like me to develop a podcast for your business, please send me an email at: bj@thebestaudiobooks.com.

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store.

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

Now, I thought I’d just walk through why the subscription system is such a great way to support the podcast. I mean, I support podcasts for $5/month, and I consider it a great direct investment in the talent and dedication to those who are podcast producers. For us at least, $5/month is super manageable.

Now with The Classic Tales, you also get a thank you/coupon code as a bonus. You can go to the website and get unabridged classic audiobooks for a buck or two more. Or a few more short stories to round out your month. This is how your library can grow, basically effortlessly. It’s really a great little system that keeps us going strong.

 

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 5 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

  

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_612_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part5of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:10am MDT

Will Bertie succeed in keeping Cyril Bassington-Bassington off the New York stage, or will Aunt Agatha begin careening pots of the old rancid? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

We also have several other ways to support the podcast. If you’re a business owner, and you would like me to develop a podcast for your business, please send me an email at: bj@thebestaudiobooks.com.

You can also purchase t-shirts, tote bags and other merchandise with your favorite Classic Tales covers on them at our merchandise store.

And finally, we have the hybrid audiobook: a creation of my own invention, where an audiobook is embedded within the pages of a printed book. Links can be found in the description for this episode.

Well, you’ve probably noticed something. The Inimitable Jeeves has a lot of stories you may have heard before. Apparently, Wodehouse originally released them

as short stories, then finessed them a bit and put them into one large volume, naming it The Inimitable Jeeves. So I hope you don’t mind revisiting a few of these stories. Today’s episode coincides with the book “Jeeves and the Chump Cyril”. I still love it.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 2 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_611_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part4of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Will Bertie’s scheme to help Bingo Little come off without a hitch, or are there many more spring-ready hitches hiding in the bushes? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and watch your library of classics bloom and grow. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support. 

I had the opportunity last week of chatting with Rob Walsh, podcasting guru and executive at Libsyn, the largest podcast hosting company. We took a look at my statistics, and it seems that The Classic Tales Podcast is in the top 5% of all current podcasts. Like, all of them. There are 639,000 currently updated podcasts, and mine is in the top 5%. Congratulations for listening to a winner!

Rob also mentioned that the largest genre of new podcasts is business podcasts. I asked what he meant. He said that the podcast is to businesses what websites were 13 years ago. Everybody needs one, and everyone’s getting one. It gives your business a voice, and creates a unique space where you can engage with your clients and customers.

Your clients love to hear how you develop your product, or come up with your ideas. They’d love to hear to describe your creative process, or how you overcame crazy obstacles. Hey, I know content creation, and I can help make it happen.

So if you’d like to have a podcast for your business, let me help you. I can help to develop, write, record and set up your very own podcast. And the kind folks at Libsyn have worked out a deal with me where if you hire me to help to set up your podcast, you can get your first TWO months of podcast hosting free.

Maybe you’re a writer wanting to expand your readership. Maybe you’re a new company with an amazing product. Maybe you’d like to polish your brand with added sophistication. Podcasting can take you to the next level, and I can help you get there.

If you would like me to develop a podcast for your business, please send me an email at: bj@thebestaudiobooks.com. Only a limited number of slots are available. I’d love to work with you.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 3 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse

 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter! 

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_610_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part3of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:20am MDT

How can Jeeves help to keep Aunt Agatha from hounding Bertie to marry, when he’s turned frosty about a certain scarlet cummerbund? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and grow your library of classics. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Thanks again for your generous support.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but do you know why you don’t hear a whole bunch of credits at the end of the show? That’s because this show is a bit of a one-man band.

Where other podcasts and shows have artists to come up with the artwork, producers to choose the content, directors to direct and actors to narrate the piece, copywriters to write any additional copy, proofing editors to proof the audio against inconsistencies, audio engineers to mix the audio, marketers to load the podcast and announce the show on social media, and run the website, well, here at The Classic Tales, we just have one person to do all of that. Just lil’ old me.

And we have just started our 13th season.

So if you’re wondering why you don’t hear of any amazing sponsors or partners, that’s because there aren’t any.

And when you subscribe to pay $5 or $10 a month. That money doesn’t go to some corporate account we’re hiding on the sly. If there’s any left over after covering the expenses of the podcast, I buy groceries with it. Seriously, I do. I did it today.

Thank you so much for supporting the podcast, and my efforts to bring these amazing stories to life.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 2 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse 

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

 

Direct download: CT_609_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part2of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 9:57pm MDT

How can Jeeves help Bertie’s friend Bingo Little get out of the soup? P.G. Wodehouse, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.

Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.

The Classic Tales Podcast is listener supported. Thank you so very much to all of you who have gone to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become financial supporters. There are several options to support the podcast, starting at $5 a month. Each of your offers of support comes with a monthly “thank-you” code. Use the codes for any audiobook download, and grow your library of classics. Everybody wins! And we get to keep the podcast going strong. Again, thank you so much! 

And if you’re in the mood for more hands on stuff, we also have our merchandise store, where you can order t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and other merchandise sporting your favorite Classic Tales covers.

And you can also check out our new innovation: The Hybrid Audiobook by clicking in the link in the show notes.

Thank you again for your generous support.

Today we celebrate the end of the 20-year freeze of the public domain. Four days ago, The Inimitable Jeeves entered the public domain, along with two Agatha Christie novels, and works by Edith Wharton and many, many others. And going forward, every year more will be released, and soon the works of Steinbeck, Hemingway and others will be free to produce through the podcast. It’s gonna be great!

It’s been so fun to revisit my old friends Wooster and Jeeves.

And now, The Inimitable Jeeves, part 1 of 7, by P.G. Wodehouse

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

Tap here to go the The Classic Tales Merchandise store!

 

 

Direct download: CT_607_Inimitable_Jeeves_Part1of7.mp3
Category:Literature -- posted at: 12:30am MDT

Episode 75, The Man Upstairs, by P.G. Wodehouse

    P.G. Wodehouse gives us a delightful romantic comedy of two struggling artists who fantastically misunderstand each other.

Direct download: 002_The_Man_Upstairs_BodyB.mp3
Category:art -- posted at: 12:47am MDT