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

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to go to our merchandise store!

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to go to our merchandise store!

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to go to our merchandise store!

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

Tap here to go to our merchandise store!

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

 

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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

 

 

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

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_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.

Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

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.

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_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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And now, Schalken the Painter, by J. Sheridan LeFanu.

 

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Tap here to purchase Huckleberry Finn – the first Hybrid Audiobook

 

 

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.

We’d like to thank Spotify for being a partnering sponsor.

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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