Audiobooks by Kelly Mass

Pancho Villa: The Bandit That Fought in the Mexican Revolution

Francisco Villa, better known as Pancho Villa, was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, known for his transformation from a bandit to one of the revolution’s most influential commanders. Villa’s rise to prominence in the early 20th century marked him as a central player in the violent upheavals that reshaped Mexico’s political landscape. In 1911, Villa became a significant actor in the revolutionary violence that led to the overthrow of President Porfirio Díaz, ushering in Francisco I. Madero’s government. Villa, initially a leader of outlaw groups, aligned himself with Madero’s revolutionary cause, contributing to the instability that culminated in the fall of Díaz’s long-standing dictatorship. The power dynamics in the revolution shifted again when General Victoriano Huerta attempted a right-wing coup in February 1913. As Madero’s government crumbled under Huerta’s forces, Madero led anti-Huerta soldiers in the Constitutionalist Army from 1913 to 1914. The civilian governor of Coahuila, Venustiano Carranza, became the leader of this anti-Huerta coalition. After Huerta’s eventual defeat and exile in July 1914, Villa and Carranza began to diverge politically. Villa, alongside other revolutionary leaders, assembled a gathering of generals in a bid to form a new government, but the resulting coalition was weak and inefficient. Though Villa and Emiliano Zapata, another revolutionary leader, were formally allied during this period, their partnership was largely theoretical. Both men supported land reform, but Villa’s reforms remained unrealized during his tenure of influence.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mexican History: Drug Cartels, Wars, and Heroes (3 in 1)

This book includes three titles about Mexico's history: Cristero War - The Cristero War, also known as the Cristero Rebellion or La Cristiada [la kistjaa], was a widespread and deeply significant conflict that unfolded in central and western Mexico during the late 1920s. It was primarily driven by a violent response to the secularist and anti-clerical provisions of the 1917 Mexican Constitution, which sought to curtail the influence of the Catholic Church over the country's political and social life. The Constitution introduced sweeping reforms, including the restriction of church property rights and the severe limitations placed on the clergy’s ability to engage in public life. Mexican Drug Cartels - The Mexican drug war, also known as the Guerra contra el narcotráfico en México, is the Mexican theater of the global war on drugs, a campaign led by the United States federal government. This war has resulted in a protracted, asymmetric low-intensity conflict between the Mexican government and various drug trafficking organizations. The Mexican government’s main objective when it intervened militarily in 2006 was to curb drug-related violence, which had escalated in the preceding years. The government’s stated aim, in collaboration with U.S. officials, was to eliminate the cartels and reduce the demand for drugs trafficking. Pancho Villa - Francisco Villa, better known as Pancho Villa, was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, known for his transformation from a bandit to one of the revolution’s most influential commanders. Villa’s rise to prominence in the early 20th century marked him as a central player in the violent upheavals that reshaped Mexico’s political landscape. In 1911, Villa became a significant actor in the revolutionary violence that led to the overthrow of President Porfirio Díaz, ushering in Francisco I. Madero’s government.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mexican Drug Cartels: Their Origins, Their Background, and Their Conflicts

The Mexican drug war, also known as the Guerra contra el narcotráfico en México, is the Mexican theater of the global war on drugs, a campaign led by the United States federal government. This war has resulted in a protracted, asymmetric low-intensity conflict between the Mexican government and various drug trafficking organizations. The Mexican government’s main objective when it intervened militarily in 2006 was to curb drug-related violence, which had escalated in the preceding years. The government’s stated aim, in collaboration with U.S. officials, was to eliminate the cartels and reduce the demand for drugs trafficking. Violence erupted after the 1989 arrest of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, who was the leader and founder of Mexico’s first major drug cartel, the Guadalajara Cartel. His arrest led to the dissolution of the cartel as high-ranking members splintered off to create their own groups. This fragmentation gave rise to the Sinaloa, Juarez, Tijuana, and Sonora cartels, among others, which began to battle for control over lucrative trafficking routes and territories. This marked a new chapter in the drug war, with the cartels becoming increasingly violent in their efforts to secure dominance. Mexican drug trafficking organizations have been a powerful force for decades, but their power surged significantly in the 1990s after the collapse of the Colombian Cali and Medellín cartels. By 2007, Mexican criminal groups controlled an overwhelming 90% of the cocaine entering the United States. Efforts to arrest cartel leaders, including those in the Tijuana and Gulf cartels, often resulted in even more violence, as smaller gangs competed for control over key drug trade routes into the U.S.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of the Netherlands: Understanding the Battle of Waterloo and Tulip Mania (2 Titles)

This book consists of two titles, which are real even in the history of the Netherlands: Battle of Waterloo - The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, near the village of Waterloo in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (present-day Belgium), was a decisive conflict that ended the Napoleonic Wars. The battle pitted the French army, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, against two powerful forces from the Seventh Coalition. One of these was a British-led coalition under the command of the Duke of Wellington, which included troops from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick, and Nassau. The other force was a larger Prussian army commanded by Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. Together, these forces effectively crushed Napoleon's ambitions and marked the final chapter in his reign. The battle was also known as the Battle of Mont Saint-Jean (to the French) or La Belle Alliance (to the Prussians). Tulip Mania - Tulip Mania, often considered the first recorded speculative bubble in history, took place during the Dutch Golden Age in the early 17th century. This period saw some tulip bulbs, which had been newly introduced to Europe, achieve extraordinary prices. The peak of the tulip market occurred in 1634, with prices reaching unbelievable levels before plummeting drastically in February 1637. This event is frequently cited as an early example of an asset bubble, where the prices of goods diverged dramatically from their intrinsic value. The tulip mania of the 1630s remains one of the most notable cases of speculative fever in financial history.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Cristero War: The Rebellion against the Mexican Government's Anti-Catholic Laws

The Cristero War, also known as the Cristero Rebellion or La Cristiada [la kistjaa], was a widespread and deeply significant conflict that unfolded in central and western Mexico during the late 1920s. It was primarily driven by a violent response to the secularist and anti-clerical provisions of the 1917 Mexican Constitution, which sought to curtail the influence of the Catholic Church over the country's political and social life. The Constitution introduced sweeping reforms, including the restriction of church property rights and the severe limitations placed on the clergy’s ability to engage in public life. This growing tension reached a boiling point when President Plutarco Elías Calles, who came into power in 1924, took decisive action to enforce these secular provisions. In 1926, Calles issued an executive order to aggressively implement Article 130 of the 1917 Constitution, known as the Calles Law. This law effectively outlawed many aspects of Catholicism in Mexico, including the practice of the religion in public spaces, the establishment of religious orders, and the public involvement of the clergy in education and politics. Calles' aim was to reduce the power of the Catholic Church, which had long been one of the most influential institutions in Mexican society, and to curb what he perceived as an obstacle to modernization and national unity.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Battle of Waterloo: The Determining Moment of Napoleon’s Demise

The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, near the village of Waterloo in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (present-day Belgium), was a decisive conflict that ended the Napoleonic Wars. The battle pitted the French army, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, against two powerful forces from the Seventh Coalition. One of these was a British-led coalition under the command of the Duke of Wellington, which included troops from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick, and Nassau. The other force was a larger Prussian army commanded by Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. Together, these forces effectively crushed Napoleon's ambitions and marked the final chapter in his reign. The battle was also known as the Battle of Mont Saint-Jean (to the French) or La Belle Alliance (to the Prussians). The events leading to Waterloo began when Napoleon returned to power in March 1815, following his exile to the island of Elba. His return prompted his former enemies to form the Seventh Coalition, a group determined to prevent his resurgence. The British and Prussian armies were stationed along France's northern border, preparing for a possible confrontation. Napoleon, keen to defeat his enemies before they could join forces, planned to strike at each army individually. On June 16, he attacked the Prussian army at the Battle of Ligny, inflicting a significant defeat, which forced the Prussians to retreat northward. However, the Prussian retreat was conducted in good order, and they maintained contact with Wellington's forces, who were stationed nearby.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Tulip Mania: The First Economic Bubble Caused by Speculative Dutch Investors

Tulip Mania, often considered the first recorded speculative bubble in history, took place during the Dutch Golden Age in the early 17th century. This period saw some tulip bulbs, which had been newly introduced to Europe, achieve extraordinary prices. The peak of the tulip market occurred in 1634, with prices reaching unbelievable levels before plummeting drastically in February 1637. This event is frequently cited as an early example of an asset bubble, where the prices of goods diverged dramatically from their intrinsic value. The tulip mania of the 1630s remains one of the most notable cases of speculative fever in financial history. Despite the frenzied speculation surrounding tulips, the overall economic impact on the Dutch Republic was limited. While the tulip mania itself was a unique socio-economic event, it did not significantly harm the prosperity of the Dutch economy. In fact, the Dutch Republic was one of the world's leading economic and financial powers during the 17th century, boasting the highest per capita income in the world from around 1600 to 1720. The country’s financial and economic institutions were advanced, and its economy continued to thrive even as the tulip market collapsed. Today, the term 'tulip mania' has evolved into a metaphor used to describe any situation in which asset prices become detached from their underlying value, only to be followed by a sharp decline.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Vasco da Gama: The First Person to Sail from Europe to India around the African Continent

Vasco da Gama, the 1st Count of Vidigueira, is widely celebrated as the first European to reach India by sea. His landmark journey, which took place from 1497 to 1499, was groundbreaking in that it provided the first direct oceanic connection between Europe and Asia. By navigating around the Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of Africa, da Gama linked the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for the first time, thereby bridging the Western world and the Eastern world. This achievement is considered a pivotal moment in history, marking the beginning of an era of global exploration and the rise of maritime multiculturalism. Da Gama’s successful voyage opened up new trade routes, changing the course of history and shaping the future of global commerce and cultural exchange. His discovery of a sea route to India was not just a geographical milestone but a transformative event that spurred the age of global imperialism. By connecting Europe directly to the wealth of the Indian subcontinent, da Gama paved the way for the Portuguese to establish a vast colonial empire that spanned from Africa to Asia. The Portuguese empire, founded on these maritime routes, would become a powerful force in global trade, controlling key trade routes and regions for centuries. However, the Portuguese expansion under Vasco da Gama and his successors was not without controversy. The methods employed by the Portuguese in their expansion were often violent and ruthless. Da Gama and his crew used extreme brutality, including kidnapping and violence against local populations, which created a lasting legacy of fear and animosity between the Portuguese and India’s indigenous rulers. This harsh approach to colonization set a precedent for the broader patterns of Western colonialism that would dominate the Age of Exploration.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Voyagers: Biographies about Ernest Shackleton, Marco Polo, the Pilgrims, and Vasco de Gama (4 in 1)

This book consists of 4 books that are about the following topics: Ernest Shackleton - Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was an Anglo-Irish polar explorer whose remarkable journeys cemented his place among the most important figures of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Shackleton's story is one of daring, leadership, and resilience, traits that made him a legendary figure in the annals of exploration. Marco Polo - Marco Emilio Polo, born in Venice, was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who became renowned for his extraordinary travels across Asia between 1271 and 1295. His journey, which spanned much of the Silk Road, was chronicled in The Travels of Marco Polo, also known as Book of the Marvels of the World and Il Milione (circa 1300). The Pilgrims - The Pilgrims, also known as the Pilgrim Fathers, were a group of English settlers who made the historic journey across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and founded the Plymouth Colony in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. The colony was named after the port of Plymouth in England, which had been the final departure point for their voyage. The Pilgrims were part of a religious movement rooted in the Puritan faith, but with distinct beliefs that set them apart from other Puritans at the time. Vasco da Gama - Vasco da Gama, the 1st Count of Vidigueira, is widely celebrated as the first European to reach India by sea. His landmark journey, which took place from 1497 to 1499, was groundbreaking in that it provided the first direct oceanic connection between Europe and Asia. By navigating around the Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of Africa, da Gama linked the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for the first time, thereby bridging the Western world and the Eastern world. This achievement is considered a pivotal moment in history, marking the beginning of an era of global exploration and the rise of maritime multiculturalism.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The Political Influencer during the Age of Enlightenment

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born in 1712 in Geneva, Switzerland, was a philosopher, author, and composer whose work had a profound impact on the intellectual and political landscape of the 18th century. He is best known for his political philosophy, which laid the groundwork for many of the principles that influenced the Enlightenment and later shaped the French Revolution. Rousseau’s ideas on the nature of society, individual liberty, and the role of government continue to be highly influential in modern political thought. Rousseau’s Discourse on Inequality (1755) critiqued the effects of civilization on human beings, arguing that the growth of social institutions and private property led to the corruption of natural human freedom and equality. This work challenged the prevailing ideas of social progress and inspired many of the revolutionary ideals that underpinned the French Revolution two decades later. Another of Rousseau's most influential works is *The Social Contract* (1762), in which he presented his theory of government. Rousseau famously declared, 'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.' In this text, he explored the relationship between individuals and society, advocating for a political system based on collective sovereignty where the general will of the people would guide decisions, a concept that would later influence democratic governance.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of France: Significant Events and Prominent Individuals in France’s History (4 in 1)

This book consists of four titles, which are: Franco-Prussian War - The Franco-Prussian War, also known as the Franco-German War or, in France, the War of 1870, was a pivotal conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation, which was led by the Kingdom of Prussia. This war lasted from 19 July 1870 to 28 January 1871, and its consequences would shape European geopolitics for decades. The primary cause of the war stemmed from France's desire to reaffirm its dominance in continental Europe, which had been seriously challenged after Prussia's decisive victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. This defeat shifted the balance of power in Europe, making France anxious about its standing. Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born in 1712 in Geneva, Switzerland, was a philosopher, author, and composer whose work had a profound impact on the intellectual and political landscape of the 18th century. He is best known for his political philosophy, which laid the groundwork for many of the principles that influenced the Enlightenment and later shaped the French Revolution. The Basques - The Basques are an ethnic group indigenous to Southwestern Europe, distinguished by their unique genetic heritage, ancient language (Euskara), and distinct cultural practices. Their homeland, known as the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), spans both sides of the Pyrenees, covering areas in north-central Spain and southwestern France, and lies along the Bay of Biscay. The Seven Years' War - The Seven Years' War (1756–1763) marked a global struggle for supremacy between two major powers of the time: Great Britain and France. This conflict unfolded across continents and influenced various colonial and European theaters, laying the groundwork for modern geopolitics.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Clausewitz: The Prussian General and Moral War Theorist

Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian general and military theorist, remains one of the most influential figures in the study of warfare. Born in 1780 in Prussia, Clausewitz entered the military at a young age, where he quickly distinguished himself as a talented strategist and thinker. His career spanned the Napoleonic Wars, where he gained practical experience in the field, as well as in the more reflective study of military theory. His best-known work, On War (Vom Kriege), has been regarded as a cornerstone of modern military thought, delving deeply into the nature of war, its relationship with politics, and the importance of understanding its unpredictable and often chaotic character. Clausewitz’s career was marked by his involvement in some of the most significant military campaigns of his time, including those against Napoleon Bonaparte. His firsthand experiences with the brutality and unpredictability of warfare informed much of his thinking, and it is within this context that he formulated his theories about war. One of his most famous assertions, 'War is merely the continuation of politics by other means,' encapsulates his belief that military conflict is inherently connected to political objectives, and that military strategy cannot be understood in isolation from the larger goals of a nation.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook