Latest podcast episodes

David Innes is a mining heir who finances the experimental "iron mole," an excavating vehicle designed by his elderly inventor friend Abner Perry. In a test run, they discover the vehicle cannot be turned, and it burrows

For many days the boys had been looking forward to the party to be held at Toad Brown's house, but the evening finally arrived and a number of new games were played, although a few things happened which were not on the p

The Black Cat (1895-1922) was a monthly literary magazine, publishing original short stories, often about uncanny or fantastical topics. Many writers were largely unknown, but some famous authors also wrote original mate

Discover the captivating life of Jane Eyre, an exceptional orphan girl maltreated by her cruel aunt and her children. Banished to Lowood, a girls’ boarding school, Jane endures six long years of study, only to become a

Dive into the riveting world of naval life with Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned American historian and author. Mahans influential book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660–1783, revolutionized naval strategy

Dive into the intriguing world of Isaac Bickerstaff Esq., a fictitious character created by the renowned satirist, Jonathan Swift. This pseudonym was used as part of an elaborate hoax to predict the demise of the popular

The Black Cat (1895-1922) was a monthly literary magazine, publishing original short stories, often about uncanny or fantastical topics. Many writers were largely unknown, but some famous authors also wrote original mate

This controversial literary classic paints the portrait of a man who perceives himself to live in two worlds, that of the idealist, cowed and comfortable living amongst the bourgeoisie, and that of the steppenwolf, a wil

A steak and kidney pie, influenza, and a cablegram—the unlikely trio that sets the stage for Charlie Chaplins My Trip Abroad. This travel memoir captures the essence of the iconic actor-directors spontaneous journey th

My name is Mary Cary. I live in the Yorkburg Female Orphan Asylum. You may think nothing happens in an Orphan Asylum. It does. The orphans are sure enough children, and real much like the kind that have Mothers and Fathe

In this Asian/Canadian perspective on "foreignness," Marion (the protagonist) eventually leaves the cruelty of racial discrimination in Quebec and moves to New York in pursuit of her dream to become an artist. In New Yor

Praised by Oscar Wilde amongst other contemporaries, Amy Levy's first novel tells the story of the four Lorimer sisters, who decide to open their own photography business after the death of their father which has left th

This is the third book in The Chronicles of Barsetshire, the first two being The Warden and Barchester Towers; however, although some characters from the first two books are referred to, there is no need to read/ listen

Delve into the remarkable life and impact of Jerry McAuley, the founder of Americas first rescue mission - the Water Street Mission, later renamed the New York City Rescue Mission. This podcast brings together a collecti

This is a riveting account of my personal experiences from the front lines of the Great War. As a humble Lieutenant of Chasseurs, my perspective is not of grand strategy, but of the day-to-day realities faced by my regim

This novel was written by Margaret Widdemer, who won the Pulitzer prize for her collection of poetry in 1919. Phyllis is a 25-years-old children's librarian. She is good at her job. Yet when she sees a girl from her home

The Fortunes of Philippa is based on the author's mother, Angelica Brazil, who had grown up in Rio de Janeiro and attended an English boarding school at the age of 10, finding the English culture, school life and climate

Candide, ou l’Optimisme, (“Candide, or Optimism”) (1759) is a picaresque novel by the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. Voltaire never openly admitted to having written the controversial Candide; the work is signed wit

Not the tale of Robin Hood’s friend, but a charming Victorian age story of Marian, a little girl being raised by her formal but loving grandparents. When the new school teacher comes to stay, she adds warmth and whimsy t

The young Count von Rudloff got himself into so much trouble with the Imperial Family in Berlin, that he sees no other way out of it than to fake his own death. Stumbling through different identities, he finally assumes

Delve into the private and domestic life of the esteemed poet and author, Edgar Allan Poe, as narrated by Susan Weiss. Weiss eschews discussion of Poes professional life, focusing instead on intimate anecdotes from those

This is a collection of some of the delightful nonsense verses and stories by Edward Lear. A lot of them are also my favorites. The Jumblies, The Owl and the Pussy-cat; the Broom, the Shovel, The Poker and the Tongs; The

In 1913, John Reed embarked on an extraordinary journey to Mexico on an assignment for the Metropolitan Magazine. For four months, he was embedded with Pancho Villas army during the Mexican Revolution, witnessing firstha

In 1920, William Nutting, editor of Motor Boat Magazine and an experienced sailor, commissioned his friend, legendary naval architect William Atkin, to design a boat for an Atlantic crossing. The nominal goal of the voya