Literature Podcasts

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott show

Eight Cousins by Louisa May AlcottJoin Now to Follow

This is the story of Rose Campbell, a rich but lonely and sickly girl who has been recently orphaned and sent to live with her maiden aunts. When Rose’s guardian, Uncle Alec, returns from abroad he takes over her care. Through his unorthodox theories about child-rearing and her exposure to the exploits of her seven male cousins and numerous aunts, Rose becomes happier and healthier. At the end of a year, she is given a choice of which relative she is to stay with. Whom will she choose? This is an unabridged recording of Louisa May Alcott’s classic work, originally published in 1874.

By Loyal Books

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson show

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis StevensonJoin Now to Follow

Beloved by many generations of children, A Child’s Garden of Verses is a beautiful collection of children’s poetry. Sometimes thoughtful, sometimes whimsical, but always fun.

By Loyal Books

English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs show

English Fairy Tales by Joseph JacobsJoin Now to Follow

Jack the Giant-Killer, Tom Thumb, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Henny Penny, Dick Whittington, The Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood and a host of immortal characters are found in this delightful collection of English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs. The book made its first appearance in 1890 and has remained a firm favorite with both young and old ever since. Fairy tales have traditionally emanated from France and Germany. The famous compilations by La Fontaine and the Brothers Grimm have overshadowed children's literature for centuries. Yet, many of the stories we recount to children today have an English origin, something that we were unaware of. The author, Joseph Jacobs, was an Australian folklorist and historian who painstakingly compiled them from various sources. In the preface to the first edition he recounts how he collected some stories from the descendants of English immigrants in America and Australia, while he sourced others from English gypsies and old ballads. In many cases he had to rewrite and retell those stories which existed in verse form or in ancient dialects. Older forms of English had to be tailored to suit modern readers, while some of the more objectionable parts had to be discarded. Wicked step-mothers, rampaging giants, damsels in distress, gallant princes and evil spells are some of the staples in this fascinating collection. The author himself states that it was his intention to create a book in which the stories would sound as if they were being narrated by an old nurse or grandmother. Hence, the style is simple, direct and like he states, meant to be read aloud and not visually. The original edition also included extensive notes on the source from which he collected the stories and reference material which is of great interest to folk-lore enthusiasts. Such was the impact of some of the stories that they are referenced in Shakespeare's plays and provided inspiration for poets like Milton. The highlight of the book for serious readers is the elaborate footnotes which provide a great deal of information about different variants of these stories that are told in other parts of the world. One of the most attractive features in the book are the charming illustrations that accompany each tale. The book is a delightful read for both parents and children. Apart from old favorites, there are many new tales which most people would not have encountered like “Nix Nought Nothing” “The Laidly Worm of Spindleston Heugh” or “The Earl of Mar's Daughter.”

By Loyal Books

Make-Believe show

Make-BelieveJoin Now to Follow

Every story is a crossroads. A diverse company of Chicago artists produces new audio dramas—recorded live—and stages freewheeling audience conversations about them. Led by Founder and Executive Producer Jeremy McCarter, Make-Believe shares suspenseful, moving, hilarious stories, and tries to discover how they shape our world.

By Make-Believe Association

Vinyl Biography show

Vinyl BiographyJoin Now to Follow

Vinyl Biography is a podcast about your story, and music. Your discovery of vinyl, why it's important to you, and your history behind your collection.

By Noble Records

Tea with Tolkien show

Tea with TolkienJoin Now to Follow

<p>Join us as we chat about the works and faith of J.R.R. Tolkien, and strive to carry a little piece of Middle-Earth into our own daily lives. </p>

By Kaitlyn Facista

The Endless Knot show

The Endless KnotJoin Now to Follow

Aven &amp; Mark discuss etymology, history, literature, language, and cocktails, and the sometimes surprising connections between them all.

By Mark Sundaram &amp; Aven McMaster

Railway Children by Edith Nesbit show

Railway Children by Edith NesbitJoin Now to Follow

A thrilling spy story, a children's adventure, a charming portrait of early twentieth century life in London and the countryside and a heart warming family tale are all combined in this classic of children's literature The Railway Children by E Nesbit. The book has remained on the list of the best-loved children's books ever since it was first published as a serial story in The London Magazine in 1905. Later, it was published in book form and won acclaim from critics and readers across the world for its wonderful elements of character and plot. Edith Nesbit the author published more than sixty books during her long and illustrious career as a children's writer. She was considered to be the first modern children's writer and departed from the hitherto focus on fantasy and fairytale type of themes that were considered suitable for children. Apart from writing for children, she wrote several novels for adults. She also dabbled in poetry, horror fiction and collaborations with other writers. Her works include another famous book, The Secret Garden which also explores the childhood landscape and influenced generations of children's writers. She was also a political activist and laid the foundations for the present Labor Party in England. Her dominant themes were children in real life settings, contemporary events, children's encounters with the mysterious and often nefarious activities of grown-ups, a deep psychological insight into the mind of a child and the enduring love of nature, family relationships and the simple pleasures of countryside life. The story opens with the description of three little Londoners who enjoy an ordinary, peaceful life in the city with visits to the Zoo and Madame Tussauds. They have a charming, well-appointed home and loving parents. Things take a sudden turn for the worst when Father suddenly leaves after receiving mysterious “bad news.” Mother decides equally suddenly to move with the children to the country-side and here begins their adventure with the railways. They befriend a strange Old Gentleman who invariably travels on the 9.15 train from near their home and get drawn into bizarre and dangerous events. Said to be based on contemporary events such as the Dreyfus Affair, Russian dissidents who were fighting the Tsarist regime and the circumstances leading up to World War I, The Railway Children though ostensibly written for children certainly appeals to readers of all ages. It has been adapted extensively for radio, stage, television and screen and has retained its freshness and thrill over the hundred plus years since it first made its debut.

By Loyal Books

Film, Literature and the New World Order show

Film, Literature and the New World OrderJoin Now to Follow

Film, Literature and the New World Order is a monthly podcast series from CorbettReport.com. In this series, James Corbett of The Corbett Report and a rotating series of guests dissect a different book or movie each month, examining its messages, exposing propaganda, understanding connections and finding the real agenda (and sometimes the real solutions) offered to us in the media we consume.

By The Corbett Report

The ASMR Garden show

The ASMR GardenJoin Now to Follow

The ASMR Garden is dedicated to ASMR content and storytelling. All stories are original and written by me, so that you have an experience unlike any other. Further, I lace all my podcast episodes in special sound effects that make you feel as though you are in the waves, or near a city park. These heightened sounds allow you to put yourself in my stories. If you find yourself emerged in my content without knowing what ASMR is, relax and take a listen.

By The ASMR Garden