Audiobooks by Kelly Mass

Saddam Hussein: Warmonger, Invader, Dictator, and Oil Trader

Saddam Hussein, the sixth president of Iraq, held power from July 16, 1979, until his downfall on April 9, 2003. A central figure in Iraq's political history, Saddam was a founding member of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which advocated for a fusion of Arab nationalism and socialism, known as Ba'athism. The party's rise to power in Iraq was marked by the 1968 coup, often referred to as the 17 July Revolution, which saw the Ba'ath Party assume control. Saddam, a key figure in the party, was instrumental in establishing its dominance in Iraq. Saddam's path to the presidency was shaped by his political astuteness and ruthless consolidation of power. He became vice president under General Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, who was severely weakened by ill health. At a time when numerous factions within the country threatened to destabilize the government, Saddam focused on building and strengthening the security forces that would enable him to suppress dissent. He carefully navigated the complexities of power struggles between the administration and the military, ensuring his influence over both the party and the state apparatus. His careful maneuvering eventually led to his formal assumption of power in 1979, though he had already been Iraq's de facto leader for several years. In the early 1970s, Saddam took aggressive steps to nationalize Iraq's most important industries, including the Iraq Petroleum Company and various independent banks. This move, though initially successful in securing Iraq's economic independence, led to long-term financial instability. The nationalization policies, combined with inflation and a series of bad loans, contributed to the eventual collapse of Iraq's financial sector. Nevertheless, Saddam's regime was buoyed by the economic boom fueled by Iraq's oil exports, which provided the government with significant wealth and the ability to fund state projects.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Brian Boru: Biography of a Medieval King from Ireland

Brian Boru, one of medieval Ireland’s most celebrated figures, was an Irish king who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s history. He is best known for ending the centuries-long dominance of the Uí Néill over the High Kingship of Ireland and resisting the Viking invasions that had threatened Irish sovereignty. Brian’s rise to power built upon the efforts of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and his older brother, Mathgamain mac Cennétig, solidifying his place as one of Ireland’s most effective and unifying leaders. Brian’s initial ascent began as the King of Munster. From there, he expanded his influence, conquering Leinster and ultimately claiming the title of High King of Ireland. His legacy includes founding the O’Brien dynasty, which played a significant role in Irish history long after his death. During his time, Ireland’s population was fewer than 500,000, yet it was fragmented into more than 150 small kingdoms. Brian’s ability to unify such a fractured land set him apart as a leader.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of the Middle East: Various Aspects of the Region (6 in 1)

This book consists of 6 titles, all related to history stories and events from the Middle East, both modern and ancient: 1 - Darius the Great: Biography of the Persian Ruler during the Achaemenid Empire 2 - History of Iran: Events, Turning Points, Religion, and Empirical Conquests 3 - Islamic Golden Age: A History of Economic, Cultural, and Artistic Growth 4 - Osman I: Biography of the Founder of the Ottoman Dynasty 5 - Saddam Hussein: Warmonger, Invader, Dictator, and Oil Trader 6 - The Kurds: History of a Forgotten Ethnic Minority Get this discounted bundle of books now!

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of Iran: Events, Turning Points, Religion, and Empirical Conquests

The history of Iran, once known as Persia in the Western world until the mid-twentieth century, is deeply intertwined with the history of a much broader region, referred to as Greater Iran. This expansive area stretches from Anatolia in the west to the borders of ancient India and the Syr Darya in the east, and from the Caucasus and Eurasian Steppe in the north to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south. This vast territory has been home to a series of powerful civilizations and empires, each contributing to Iran's rich and complex history. Iran's historical roots date back to around 7000 BC, with evidence of ancient settlements that make it one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations. From the Early Bronze Age onward, the southwestern and western regions of the Iranian Plateau became integrated into the broader tapestry of the Ancient Near East. Early inhabitants such as the Elamites, followed by the Kassites, Mannaeans, and Gutians, played significant roles in shaping the region's cultural and political landscape. The Persians themselves are often regarded as the 'first historical people' by the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, reflecting their pivotal role in the development of world history. In 625 BC, the Medes, a people native to the Iranian Plateau, succeeded in uniting Iran into a single nation and empire. This marked the beginning of the country's transformation into a major power. However, it was the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, that truly set Iran on the global stage. Under Cyrus, the Achaemenid Empire became the first true superpower in history, stretching across three continents—from the Balkans and North Africa to Central Asia.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Osman I: Biography of the Founder of the Ottoman Dynasty

Osman I, also known as Osman Ghazi, was the founder of the Ottoman dynasty and the ruler of the Kayi tribe, a key figure in the creation of one of history's most influential empires. The state he established, originally called the Ottoman Beylik or Emirate, grew from a small Turkmen principality in the late thirteenth century into a global power, dominating much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries. While the empire he founded lasted until the end of World War I, the man himself remains shrouded in mystery. Due to the scarcity of historical records from Osman’s lifetime, much of what is known about him is based on oral traditions and legends that developed long after his death. There are no known contemporary written sources from his reign, and the Ottomans themselves did not document his life until the fifteenth century, over a hundred years after he passed away. This gap in documentation has made it difficult for historians to separate fact from fiction, with some scholars even describing the period of Osman's life as a 'black hole' of historical knowledge, unable to be reconstructed with certainty. The traditional accounts of Osman’s ancestry trace his lineage to the Oghuz Turks, specifically the Kay tribe. However, many historians believe that the stories surrounding his ancestry were fabricated later to legitimize the Ottoman dynasty’s rule. These narratives were likely developed as the dynasty sought to strengthen its claim to power and emphasize its noble heritage.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Kurds: History of a Forgotten Ethnic Minority

The Kurds are a distinct ethnic group native to the Middle East, primarily inhabiting the region known as Kurdistan, which stretches across parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. They are an Iranian ethnic group with a history that spans thousands of years. The geographical area traditionally inhabited by the Kurds is marked by hilly terrain, particularly south of Lake Van and Lake Urmia. The majority of Kurds speak dialects of the Kurdish language, with Northern Kurdish (Kurmanji) and Sorani being the most widely spoken. The origins of the Kurdish people are the subject of various speculations, one of the most prominent being that they are descendants of the ancient Carduchoi, a people mentioned in classical antiquity. Over the centuries, the Kurds have maintained a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, despite the multiple empires that have ruled over their lands. Notably, the Kurdish dynasties that governed parts of the region from the 10th to the 12th century—such as the Hasanwayhids, Marwanids, Rawadids, and Shaddadids—serve as the earliest recorded examples of Kurdish political power under Islamic rule. Following these dynasties, the Ayyubid dynasty, founded by the legendary Saladin, further entrenched Kurdish influence in the region, especially in the wider Islamic world.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Darius the Great: Biography of the Persian Ruler during the Achaemenid Empire

Darius I, more commonly known as Darius the Great, reigned as the third King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire from 522 BCE until his death in 486 BCE. Under his rule, the empire reached its zenith, encompassing vast territories across Western Asia, parts of the Balkans (including Thrace, Macedonia, and Paeonia), the Caucasus, the Black Sea's coastal regions, Central Asia, the Indus Valley in the east, and portions of North and Northeast Africa, such as Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, and coastal Sudan. His reign marked a critical period of expansion and consolidation for the Persian Empire. Darius ascended to power through a complex and controversial process. He orchestrated the assassination of Bardiya, the rightful heir to the throne, whom he claimed to be an impostor named Gaumata. Once in power, Darius turned his attention to strengthening and expanding the empire. One of the defining episodes of his reign was his campaign against Greece. This effort aimed to punish Athens and Eretria for their involvement in the Ionian Revolt. Although his forces suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of Marathon, Darius achieved notable victories elsewhere. He successfully reasserted Persian control over Thrace, annexed Macedon, and subjugated the Cyclades and the island of Naxos. His campaign also saw the destruction of Eretria, a Greek city.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Constantinople: History of the Byzantine Empire’s Gigantic Capital

Constantinople, a city that witnessed the rise and fall of empires, served as the capital for three significant civilizations: the Roman/Byzantine Empire (330–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). Following the Turkish War of Independence, the capital was moved to Ankara, marking a new chapter in Turkish history. In 1930, the city was officially renamed Istanbul, which remains the Republic of Turkey’s largest city and financial center today. It is also the largest city in Europe. In 324 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great made the fateful decision to transform the old city of Byzantium into a grand new capital, naming it 'New Rome' and consecrating it on May 11, 330 AD. This strategic move solidified the city’s place in history, becoming the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople became a symbol of Orthodox Christianity, often referred to as the 'cradle of Orthodox Christian civilization.' The city's religious and cultural significance cannot be overstated; it was home to some of the most iconic architectural and religious sites in the Christian world. From the mid-fifth to the early-thirteenth century, Constantinople was Europe's largest, most affluent metropolis, a center of commerce, culture, and intellectual activity.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

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