Audiobooks by Tim Rayborn

Hidden Histories: 100 Wild Stories You Never Learned in History Class

Discover the little known facts about some of the world's greatest historical icons. We all know what was written in the history books. There are some stories we've heard a hundred times-but often our understanding of these events and people is narrow. Have you ever wondered about the lesser known details that influenced major events and figures behind-the-scenes? This hilarious compendium of fascinating facts and dizzying what-ifs will delight and shock history buffs and trivia lovers alike. From Abraham Lincoln's wrestling champ background to the day Napoleon was attacked by a horde of hungry rabbits, this book will give you a new perspective. Including: - Walt Disney gave his housekeeper Disney stock every year on her birthday and Christmas. By the time she retired, she was a multi-millionaire. - Charlie Chaplin entered a lookalike contest as a joke…and got 20th place. - Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, convinced Thomas Edison's son to collect Edison's last breath in a test tube. It is on display at The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. - Before Galileo Galilei was buried, three of his fingers and a tooth were removed from his body by his admirers. The body parts are on display at the Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy. From ancient civilization to modern times, history is full of mysterious and downright bizarre circumstances. With these crazy and compelling facts, Hidden Histories will change your view of history

Tim Rayborn (Author), Tom Parks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Northern Mythology: Tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi Traditions

Discover the complex mythology of the legendary Nordic people who inspired Hollywood films, epic novels, and more. Beautiful goddesses, fierce warriors, formidable beasts, and Ragnarök itself--these magical tales have enthralled audiences for centuries. This classic collection of tales offers fascinating insights into Nordic cultures. This captivating book dives deep into the rich history of the region and recalls both the most popular and little-known tales of the north. Inside you'll find: - An in-depth introduction to Scandinavian and Nordic folklore - Extensive profiles of deities, magical beings, monsters, giants, and more - A vast array of stories across northern European traditions This phenomenal compendium of northern European folklore is informed by archaeology and literature. Celebrating the intricacies of a long-lost world, Northern Mythology breathes new life into the tales of the distant past. Recommended reading is included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Tim Rayborn (Author), Andrew J. Andersen (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Scary Book of Christmas Lore: 50 Terrifying Yuletide Tales from Around the World

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…but do you recall the most petrifying Christmas figures of all? Not all children fear just a lump of coal in their stockings. Discover the terrifying Yuletide fables that have horrified kids for generations. He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness' sake. This lighthearted song is a bit more ominous in the context of other Christmas traditions. From beasts that threaten to cook children into stew to sinister crones who snatch little ones from their beds, you won't find any dancing sugar plums here. Outside of the heartwarming Christmas tales we all know and love, there are an abundance of frightening stories to chill all who hear them to the bone. Discover folklore from all corners of the world, including: - Krampus (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and northern Italy), a demonic half-goat monster who drags chains and whips bad children with birch sticks, or stuffs them in his sack to take away - The Kallikantzari (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey), goblins who come out during Advent to cause mischief - Père Fouettard (France, Belgium, Switzerland), Saint Nicholas' eternal cannibal manservant who deals with naughty children - Hans Trapp (Alsace-Lorraine, France), who roams the countryside disguised as a scarecrow and goes door to door on Christmas looking for children to feast upon - Gryla (Iceland), the giant ogre who emerges from her cave on Christmas to hunt children and cook them into stew - Mari Lwyd (Wales), a creature with a horse's skull and a long cloak that is followed by a group of chanting people - Frau Perchta (Austria and Bavaria), who slits the bellies of bad children and stuffs them with straw These tales are sure to leave you wishing for the Grinch. Whether you are a fan of history and folklore, you love learning about different cultures, or you just want to give a holiday gift that will bring the joy of Christmas to that lucky someone (just kidding), The Scary Book of Christmas Lore is for you. 'Tis the season! Is it beginning look a lot like Christmas, yet?

Tim Rayborn (Author), Van Tracy (Narrator)

Audiobook