Classics Audiobooks | Fiction & Literature

[Spanish] - La posada del mal hospedaje Audiobook

El 25 de noviembre de 1562 nació en Madrid Lope Félix de Vega Carpio. Apodado el Fénix de los Ingenios por haber sido autor de más de 1.500 comedias en pleno cénit del Siglo de Oro español, la vida de Lope fue tan rica y variada como su obra. Reseña “La posada del mal hospedaje”, que también podemos leer con el título de “El misterio de Pánfilo”, , publicado en el año 1604, fue citado por el autor inglés George Borrow (1803-1881) como “el mejor cuento de fantasmas del mundo”. Borrow es conocido, entre otros libros, por su libro La Biblia en España. Aunque podemos entender el texto como un relato corto con entidad propia, en realidad “La posada del mal hospedaje” es un fragmento de la novela de Lope El peregrino en su patria, que narra las peripecias de una pareja que quiere casarse,, un asunto nada sencillo… La narración parte de la llegada de Pánfilo a un hospital oscuro, un lugar más bien siniestro que, bien mirado, es efectivamente “una posada de mal hospedaje”. ¡Prepárate para cualquier cosa!

Lope De Vega (Author), Alfredo Giménez (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Christmas Carol

Step into the timeless tale of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, a literary masterpiece that transcends generations with its enchanting blend of redemption, holiday spirit, and ghostly apparitions. Immerse yourself in the haunting journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man visited by the spectral embodiments of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. As the spirits unveil the shadows of his own life and the impact of his actions on others, witness the miraculous transformation of a heart once cold as ice into one warmed by the true meaning of Christmas. This classic audiobook, narrated with captivating eloquence, delivers the magic of Dickens' words straight to your ears, making it the perfect companion for festive nights by the fire.

Charles Dickens (Author), R. Douglas Patten (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Turn of the Screw

'The Turn of the Screw' is a classic novella written by Henry James, first published in 1898. It is a Gothic horror story that revolves around a young governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children at an English country estate called Bly. As she begins her duties, the governess becomes convinced that the children are being haunted and influenced by malevolent spirits, particularly the ghosts of the former valet, Peter Quint, and the previous governess, Miss Jessel.

Henry James (Author), Jason Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Canterville Ghost

The story is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife's brothers. The home of the Canterville Ghost was the ancient Canterville Chase, which has all the accoutrements of a traditional haunted house. Descriptions of the wainscoting, the library panelled in black oak, and the armour in the hallway characterise the setting. Wilde mixes the macabre with comedy, juxtaposing devices from traditional English ghost stories such as creaking floorboards, clanking chains, and ancient prophecies.

Oscar Wilde (Author), Richard Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Iron Heel

'The Iron Heel' is a dystopian novel written by Jack London, first published in 1908. The book is set in the distant future, in the year 2600, and is presented as a manuscript discovered by scholars of that time. It is a work of speculative fiction that explores social and political themes, depicting a world where a powerful oligarchy known as 'The Iron Heel' has established control over society. 'The Iron Heel' narrates the story of the protagonist, Avis Everhard, and her husband, Ernest Everhard, who are involved in a struggle against the oppressive ruling class. The novel is a blend of political allegory, social commentary, and adventure, offering a critique of capitalism, inequality, and the potential for authoritarianism.

Jack London (Author), Jason Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Last Man

'The Last Man' is a novel written by Mary Shelley, the author best known for 'Frankenstein.' Published in 1826, 'The Last Man' is a work of science fiction and is considered one of the earliest examples of post-apocalyptic literature. The novel is set in the late 21st century and narrated by a character named Lionel Verney. It tells the story of a devastating global pandemic that wipes out most of the world's population. Lionel, seemingly the last surviving human, recounts the events leading up to the downfall of civilization and his experiences as the titular last man.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Author), Jason Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Portuguese] - A Morte de Ivan Ilitch

Sem dúvida uma das mais belas novelas de Tolstói, A Morte de Ivan Ilitch desperta as mais profundas reflexões a respeito da morte e, consequentemente, da vida. Ao se deparar com a brutal sombra da morte e a consciência do fim, o protagonista, em meio à sua agonia, começa a se questionar sobre a validade de suas atitudes e o sentido da existência. Publicada pela primeira vez em 1886, trata-se de uma narrativa brilhante e que traz uma visão moral que transcende as barreiras do tempo. Esta edição conta com tradução direta do original russo.

Leon Tolstói (Author), Ronney Thiago (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

The 17th Century classic brought to life in a bold new telling The Pilgrim's Progress is regarded as one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature and is considered by some to be the first novel written in English. First published in 1678, it has been translated into more than 200 languages and had never been out of print. John Bunyan's seminal work has influenced writers across the centuries from Charlotte Brontë to Enid Blyton and beyond. In this innovative and beautifully paced production of John Bunyan's classic novel, dramatist Brian Sibley takes us deftly on the pilgrim Christian's life changing journey to the Celestial City, whilst also delicately weaving into the narrative the author's own journey. Arrested and imprisoned in the late 1600s for holding improper religious services, the drama unfolds through Bunyan's plight behind bars as he wrestles with his relationship to God, sense of duty and creativity - and begins to pen the novel from his cell. Sibley delivers a fresh perspective and wonderful re-telling of the adventures of Christian, a pilgrim who embarks on a perilous journey from his hometown, the allegorical City of Destruction, to the Celestial City, or Heaven. Dramatised across three episodes, we follow Christian as he meets with death, despair, hope and ultimately salvation. It is the story of the everyman pilgrim who seeks to gain knowledge, making mistakes along that way that inform and inspire him on his path to grace. Starring Anton Rodgers (May to December) as Bunyan and Neil Dudgeon (Midsomer Murders) as Christian, this full-cast production also features the well-known voices of Anna Massey and Peter Bowles. Brian Sibley is perhaps best known as the writer behind the hugely popular, landmark BBC radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Written by Brian Sibley based on the novel by John Bunyan Directed by Pam Fraser Solomon Cast Bunyan - Anton Rodgers Christian - Neil Dudgeon Evangelist - Alec McCowen Beelzebub - Don Warrington Interpreter - Anna Massey Caged Man - Peter Bowles Elizabeth - Caroline Lee Johns Jailer - Ioan Meredith Judge - Derek Waring Pliable/Watchful/Sincere - Philip Fox Obstinate/Clerk/Knowledge - Chris Moran Help/Prudence/Angel - Jaimi Barbakoff Goodwill/Charity/Angel - Lydia Leonard Angel/Piety/Deceiver - Cherie Taylor-Battiste Child - Sophie Levy Child - Nyla Lev Faithful - Graham Crowden Cobb/Giant Despair - Stephen Thorne Discretion - Eve Karpf Talkative/Ignorance - Rachel Atkins Timorous/Experience - Damian Lynch Hopeful - Paul Medford Mrs Despair - Frances Jeater False-Confidence - Declan Wilson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January 2004 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Brian Sibley, John Bunyan (Author), Anna Massey, Anton Rodgers, Don Warrington, Full Cast, Neil Dudgeon, Peter Bowles (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Algernon Blackwood BBC Radio Collection: 17 Dramas and Supernatural Ghost Stories

A collection of strange and fantastical tales from Algernon Blackwood, plus bonus documentaries Described by H P Lovecraft as 'the one absolute and unquestioned master of weird atmosphere', Algernon Blackwood (CBE) was the acclaimed and prolific author of numerous ghost stories and horror tales. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote 14 novels, several children's books, a number of plays, and over 200 short stories. This anthology opens with a selection of stories featuring his most influential character, occult detective Dr John Silence. The inspiration for the famous horror movie Cat People, 'Ancient Sorceries' (read by Philip Madoc), sees a timid tourist becoming enchanted by a sleepy French town whose residents have an oddly feline manner. It is followed by four chilling dramatisations starring Malcolm Hayes as Silence. In The Nemesis of Fire, the psychic doctor investigates eldritch events at an English manor house; while Secret Worship is a chilling tale of haunting and evil in a Bavarian forest. A wilderness trip turns terrifying in The Camp of the Dog, and in The Empty Sleeve, a virtuoso violinist's desire for a rare instrument has dire consequences. Next up are three gripping standalone dramas: The Decoy (starring George Baker and Susan Jameson); Keeping His Promise (starring Eric Deacon and Christopher Neame) and The Human Chord (starring Philip Skale). Also included is Violet Pearn's captivating fantasy play The Starlight Express, adapted from Blackwood's imaginative children's novel A Prisoner in Fairyland and starring Denis Dowling, Patrick Barr and Cecile Chavreau. This is followed by The Willows, read by Roger Allam: a claustrophobic tale of suspense and terror, as two companions camp on a remote island and become convinced they see a body in the water. Three eerie supernatural stories are narrated by Blackwood himself in long-lost gems from the BBC Archive. They centre around mysterious encounters with a depressed Englishwoman ('The Occupant of the Room'), a man who was frightened to death ('The Woman's Ghost Story'), and the spectral presence of a town ('The Destruction of Smith'), and are followed by a quartet of strange stories ('Algernon Blackwood Tells a Strange Story'). To conclude, two bonus documentary programmes, presented by Blackwood, delve into his life and career. The Genesis of Ideas sees him revealing the sources of his material, while the reflective On Being Eighty finds him looking back on his many years of experience and experiment. Written by Algernon Blackwood. First published 1906 ('Keeping His Promise'), 1907 ('The Willows', 'The Woman's Ghost Story'), 1908 ('Ancient Sorceries', 'The Nemesis of Fire', 'Secret Worship', 'The Camp of the Dog'), 1910 ('The Human Chord'), 1911 ('The Empty Sleeve'), 1912 ('The Destruction of Smith'), 1916 ('The Starlight Express'), 1917 ('The Occupant of the Room'), 1921 ('The Decoy'), 1948 ('A Japanese Literary Cocktail') Special thanks to Keith Wickham for sourcing audio files. Contents List Ancient Sorceries The Nemesis of Fire Secret Worship The Camp of the Dog The Empty Sleeve The Decoy Keeping His Promise The Human Chord The Starlight Express The Willows The Occupant of the Room The Woman's Ghost Story The Destruction of Smith Algernon Blackwood Tells a Strange Story The Genesis of Ideas On Being Eighty Content Note: Contains some dated references that reflect the language and attitudes of the time. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Algernon Blackwood (Author), Algernon Blackwood, Christopher Neame, Eric Deacon, Fraser Kerr, Full Cast, Malcolm Hayes, Philip Madoc, Philip Skale, Roger Allam (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare's earliest and shortest plays. This comedy utilizes slapstick humor, word play, and mistaken identities to create a series of farcical accidents. Over time, the play's title has become an idiom used to describe 'an event or series of events made ridiculous by the number of errors that were made throughout.' In Ephesus, the law forbids entry to any merchants from Syracuse, and if they are discovered within the city, they must pay a thousand marks or be put to death. Aegeon, an old Syracusian merchant, is arrested and Solinus, the Duke of Ephesus, listens to his story of coming to the city. Long ago, Aegeon was on a sea voyage. Traveling with him was his wife, his twin sons, and their twin slaves. The family becomes separated during a tempest; Aegeon, one son, and one slave were rescued together, and the others were never to be seen again. Years later his son Antipholus and his slave Dromio left to search for their long lost siblings; after the boys didn't return, Aegeon set out to bring his son back home. Moved by this story, the duke allows Aegeon one day to get the money to pay his fine and to find his family.

William Shakespeare (Author), Susan Bones, Zacharias Prewett (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle: A Modernization

In The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, Sherlock Holmes is presented with a mysterious case involving a stolen gem. It all starts when Mr. Henry Baker arrives at 221b Baker Street to ask for help from Holmes and Watson. After hearing his story, they quickly set out on an adventure to figure out the mystery of who stole the precious blue jewel from the Countess of Morcar. Along the way, they discover a series of clues that lead them to the culprit in this winter classic! Embark on a literary journey like no other and experience Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic adventure, 'The Blue Carbuncle,' in a unique audiobook format. Relax as you are immersed in a rich background environment of sound that transports you right into the heart of London and puts you at the center of the action. Listen as our experienced narrator reads at a steady pace, allowing you to take in every detail and savor every moment of this timeless classic. Get comfy in your armchair, clasping a warm cup of tea as Sherlock Holmes, aided by Dr. John Watson, delves deep into the mysteries of yet another complex case. Follow their journey as they unravel the mystery of who stole one of the world's most expensive jewel's. The Lullify Audiobook is a unique listening experience that immerses you in the story through background environments and foley sounds. By bringing narration to life with these elements, we transport you directly into the heart of the tale. Designed for a more calming experience this is the perfect new way to take in classic stories. The original story has been altered and modernized for today's world. While the story remains true to the original tale, some details and events have been updated to make sense if this story were to take place today!

John Scott, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author), Caroline Fantozzi (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - El Café de Surat: (Español latino)

León Tolstói (Author), Max Garzón (Narrator)

Audiobook

Classics Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature