Audiobooks narrated by Charles Featherstone

James I, Charles I, Commomwealth, & Cromwells 1603-1660: Stuarts, Civil War, Scaffolds, Cromwell, a

Step right up for the most uproariously irreverent chapter of Gilbert Abbott A’Beckett’s Comic History of England—where crowns are comedy props and history’s biggest egos trip over their own dogma! Meet James I, the 'Wisest Fool in Christendom,' who preached divine right while his pet favorite, the Duke of Buckingham, turned the court into a scandalous farce. Then comes Charles I, whose stubbornness cost him his crown (and his head), thanks to a Parliament with a very sharp grievance list—and a little help from the ill-fated Earl of Stafford. Enter Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan party-pooper who banned Christmas, crushed Ireland, and somehow made republicanism duller than a Sunday sermon. But just when you think the chaos can’t get worse, in stumbles Richard Cromwell, his hapless son, who proved that ruling England was not a hereditary talent. Spoiler: The Republic collapses faster than a house of cards in a hurricane. Narrated with wicked wit by Charles Featherstone, this uproarious installment skewers the Stuarts like a royal roast—where kings are klutzes, parliaments are punchlines, and the only thing sacred is the absurdity of power.

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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Henry VII To Elizabeth I: A Comic History Of England Book 5: A Bloody, Backstabbing Comedy of Royal

Prepare for the most uproariously grim tour of Tudor England ever recorded! Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett's classic satire skewers the so-called 'golden age' of English monarchy, revealing the Tudors as they truly were: a parade of tyrants, schemers, and royal disasters who treated their subjects like pawns in a deadly game of power. Witness history's worst monarchs at their terrible best: - Henry VII - The paranoid accountant-king who taxed England into submission while pretending to unite the realm. His reign ran on spies, forged claims, and enough gold to make a dragon jealous! - Henry VIII - The original wife-disposer, whose marital musical chairs left two ex-wives headless and a nation bankrupt from his ego. His break with Rome? Just history's most expensive midlife crisis! - Edward VI - The sickly boy-king whose advisors turned England into a Puritan playground where fun went to die (along with most of the treasury). - Bloody Mary - The original firestarter, who turned heresy trials into London's hottest (literally) public spectacles. Her Spanish marriage? The Tudor equivalent of a disastrous Tinder date! - Elizabeth I - The Virgin Queen (or so she claimed) who ruled with an iron ruff, executed her cousin for fun, and bankrupted England fighting wars while pretending to be immortal. From the War of the Roses' messy aftermath to Elizabeth's dying delusions of grandeur, this book proves the Tudors were less a noble dynasty and more a reality show with better costumes and worse consequences. A'Beckett's razor-sharp wit transforms historical atrocities into dark comedy gold, exposing how royal marriages were just preludes to executions, every royal proclamation hid a hidden tax or trap and the only thing growing faster than Henry VIII's waistline was his kill count. Perfect for fans of Horrible Histories., with dark humor, historical atrocities, severed heads, royal tantrums, and exactly zero apologies for mocking the monarchy.

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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The Shining Gateway: A simple and practical guide to meditation by the author of As A Man Thinketh

James Allen’s The Shining Gateway is a profound exploration of spiritual awakening, self-mastery, and the transformative power of thought. Published in 1915, this timeless work serves as both a philosophical guide and a practical manual for those seeking inner peace, wisdom, and enlightenment. The Shining Gateway delves deeper into the soul’s journey toward divine realization, offering a richer, more mystical perspective on the principles of mental and spiritual discipline. It blends poetic prose with deep metaphysical insights and has a particular focus on false notions of faith, and those who are religious without spirituality. Allen's life was marked by hardship and resilience. Born into poverty in Leicester, England, Allen’s father was brutally murdered in America. Forced to leave school at 15 to support his family, Allen worked in various menial jobs, yet he remained an avid reader, immersing himself in literature, philosophy, and spiritual texts. In an age of distraction and materialism, Allen’s message is more relevant than ever. His call to seek the 'shining gateway within' resonates with modern seekers of mindfulness and purpose. The book’s lyrical yet practical approach makes it a standout in Allen’s bibliography—less a quick motivational read and more a meditative journey. For those who have read As a Man Thinketh and seek a deeper dive into Allen’s wisdom, The Shining Gateway offers a richer, more contemplative experience. It is a book not just to be read, but to be lived—a guide for those ready to walk the path of self-discovery and emerge into the light of true understanding. Step through The Shining Gateway—and discover the luminous truth within.

James Allen (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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The Divine Companion

The ultimate distillation of Allen's thoughts in a unique spiritual form. He wanted people to read it last, so they could go from the practical and direct advice in the other books to the parables and poetry of his true spiritual beliefs. the ultimate holy book for the secular and world-weary aspirant to redemption and realisation. I, the Spirit of Truth Am the Friend of the forsaken and the Companion of the wise, I restore the one, and I gladden the other, and all men I protect, though they know me not. 'It cannot be said of this book that James Allen wrote it at any particular time or in any one year, for he was engaged in it over many years and those who have eyes to see and hearts to understand will find in its pages the spiritual history of his life. It was his own wish that The Divine Companion should be the last MS of his to be published. 'It is the story of my soul,' he said, 'and should be read last of all my books, so that the student may understand and find my message in its pages. Therefore hold it back until you have published everything else.' - Lily Allen Come with the celebrated author of As a Man Thinketh on a profound spiritual journey to discover the inner divinity that resides within each of us. Through poetic prose and meditative insights, Allen guides readers to cultivate a deeper connection with their higher self, offering practical wisdom for living a life of purpose, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. James Allen inspired countless seekers of truth and has been referenced in various spiritual and self-help works, including The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. For those seeking to transcend the mundane and embrace a life of spiritual awakening, The Divine Companion remains a beacon of light, offering timeless wisdom that continues to resonate across generations.

James Allen (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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From Henry IV To Richard III, A.D. 1399—1485: includes the War Of The Roses, Joan Of Arc, and Dick W

Step into the madcap medieval world of A Comic History of England, Book IV, where Gilbert Abbott à Beckett turns the tumultuous era of Henry IV to Richard III into a sidesplitting spectacle! From bumbling nobles to scheming kings, this uproarious volume skewers the Wars of the Roses, royal blunders, and the rise of the Tudors. It also explores Joan of Arc, and the truly astonishing Jacqueline of Hainault, a woman far more impressive than any English monarch. Whether it’s Henry VI’s hapless reign, Edward IV’s dramatic escapades, or Richard III’s infamous legacy, à Beckett proves that history’s darkest dramas are also its funniest. Perfect for fans of satire, history lovers with a sense of humor, or anyone who enjoys seeing pompous monarchs taken down a peg, this standalone volume delivers laughter alongside the Lancasters and Yorks, as they fight over the the princes in the tower and theendless succession of pretenders to the throne, while also pretending to the throne of France once England was in hand. After all, why should history be serious when it’s this absurd?

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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Meditations On Sickness, Recovery & Death: The meditations from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions &

By 1617, Donne had done it all. After being an MP, lawyer, womaniser, soldier, diplomat, father to twelve children by a secret wife, and the greatest poet of his age, he settled into the priesthood. Shortly thereafter, his wife died, prompting him to write a defence of suicide in God's eyes. She was soon followed by his 18 year old daughter died. Then Donne fell gravely ill. Physicians were called, but none could agree on what to do. It seemed certain that he would die. While bedridden from illness, Donne wrote a series of meditations, including his most famous piece, Meditation 17 (No man is an island) Weaving together his rage at his infirmity with deep insight on the interconnections between sickness, faith, monarchy, and the body social and politic, these meditations are immediately accessible to anyone that has suffered serious illness. Seven years later, he delivered his final sermon. On the first Friday in lent, 1632, he stood before Charles I at Westminster Abbey, visibly emaciated and weak, and gave a sermon filled with blood and fire and thunder, an acceptance and validation of death without any mercy or pity. The greatest and most complex lyricist of his age went as he lived, speaking words visceral and complex, subtle and profound and profane. 'The sermon is one of the most 'creepy' fragments of theological literature. There is not much that we should call doctrine, no pensive or consolatory teaching, no appeal to souls in the modern sense. The effect aimed at is that of horror, of solemn preparation for the advent of death,... The Dean of St. Paul's, whose reputation for learned sanctity had scarcely sufficed to shelter him from scandal on the ground of his fantastic defence of suicide, was familiar with the idea of Death, and greeted him as a welcome old friend whose face he was glad to look on long and closely.' - Edmund Gosse

John Donne (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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From The Accession Of Henry The Third, To The End Of The Reign Of Richard The Second. A.D. 1216—1399

'A fun introduction to English history for those who may find conventional history books dry and tedious... it offers an accessible and enjoyable alternative to more traditional texts.' 'a delightful blend of history, humor, and art. It provides readers with an entertaining way to learn about England’s past while enjoying the wit and creativity of A. Beckett. Whether you are a history buff or someone looking for a lighthearted approach to learning, this book offers something for everyone.' In the third drily hilarious volume of A Comic History Of England, we move forward to the thirteenth century, when a succession of Edwards and Henrys gain the throne and immediately use it to steal everything they can from the population, in order to fund attempts to conquer France (or pay their debts from conquering England). Along the way we get the fabled Black Prince, one of the greatest battles in English history, a queen far more powerful than her king or sons, and a consideration of the manners and condition of the English period up to this point in the history. Covers: Henry The Third, Surnamed Of Winchester. Edward The First, Surnamed Longshanks. Edward The Second, Surnamed Of Caernarvon. Edward The Third. Richard The Second, Surnamed Of Bordeaux. On The Manners, Customs, And Condition Of The People.

Gilbert Abbott à Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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The Quizziology Of The British Drama: A rollicking, satirical journey through the archetypes of Brit

Discover the Wit and Wonder of British Drama from the height of the Victorian era! Step into the captivating world of British theatre with The Quizziology of the British Drama, a delightful and witty exploration of the plays, playwrights, and performances that have shaped the stage. Penned by the brilliant satirist and dramatist Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett, this charming book explores the stage passions through extended verse, a motley crew of stage characters that no good play is without, and a series of one-act 'deleted' plays in the style of famous playwrights of the time. A'Beckett, a master of humor and keen observer of the theatrical arts, takes you on a journey through the triumphs and foibles of British drama. From Shakespearean classics to the farces and melodramas of the 19th century, The Quizziology of the British Drama offers a unique blend of exposition, critique, and playful commentary. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or a curious newcomer, this book promises to spark your curiosity and leave you laughing at the quirks of the dramatic world. Perfect for book clubs, drama students, or writers, The Quizziology of the British Drama is full of sharp wit and clever observations. With its engaging style and timeless appeal, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the magic of the stage. Don’t miss your chance to own this gem of theatrical literature. Add The Quizziology of the British Drama to your collection today and uncover the fascinating, funny, and unforgettable world of British theatre!

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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Men & Systems

'Man suffers through and himself. Where the effect is there is the cause. Its seat is within, not without. The things which men are reaping to-day are of the same kind which they formerly sowed. The good man of to-day may be reaping the results of past evil; the bad man of to-day may be reaping the results of past good. Seen thus, this divine principle throws an illuminating light on those cases (common enough) where the good suffer and fail, and the bad enjoy and prosper. Things as they are did not spring into existence without a cause. They have behind them a long train of causes and effects, and another such train will follow them in the future. In viewing the objects in a landscape we allow for perspective; we must do the same in viewing events. This principle of Divine Justice is not distinct from Divine Law. It is the same. Partial men separate justice from love, and even regard them as antagonistic, but in the divine life they blend into one.' This is perhaps Allen's most directly sociological and philosophical work. In it, he treats of the evolution of the systems man has created to help navigate and manipulate the world. Along the way, he unpacks the ways in which the new science of flight will lead to a different consciousness, just as the locomotive had done in his lifetime; the reason people so often misunderstand the meaning of 'survival of the fittest', and its appropriate application to human life; the nature of justice, whether worldly and law-bound or divine and universal; the nature of work, and our attitude towards and around it; and finally the birth of a new kind of courage, exceeding both physical and moral courage, that will be foundation of a greater humanity.

James Allen (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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From The Norman Conquest To The Death Of King John, 1066-1216

The second in an uproarious, sardonic and incisive look through English history. In this volume, we discover the actions of the Normans and King Richard, giving clear reasons why we history should hold them in nothing but contempt. It also covers the signing of the Magna Carta, the first bill of rights in England, which came about because a powerless king tried to go to war, realised that he had no-one behind him, and was bullied into signing in order to not simply be executed. Covers: William The Conqueror, and the thugs and mercenaries who bought titles and became England's gentry. William Rufus, and his utterly ridiculous death. Henry The First, Surnamed Beauclerc, his conquest of Normandy, and death from a finger wound. Stephen. Henry The Second, Surnamed Plantagenet, and his constant battles with both the church and his own family. Richard The First, Surnamed Cour De Lion, and how truly awful he was in every respect. John, Surnamed Sansterre, Or Lackland, and how tried to lead an army that deserted him and was forced into signing the Magna Carta.

Gilbert Abbott à Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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James Allen’s book of meditations for Every Day in the Year: Daily snippets of wisdom from a great u

366 bite-sized chunks of wisdom from history's most practical spiritual thinker, James Allen. 'James Allen may truly be called the Prophet of Meditation. In an age of strife, hurry, religious controversy, heated arguments, ritual and ceremony, he came with his message of Meditation, calling men away from the din and strife of tongues into the peaceful paths of stillness within their own souls, where the Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world ever burns steadily and surely for all who will turn their weary eyes from the strife without to the quiet within. Many of the Meditations were written as he came down from the Cairn in the early morning, where he spent those precious hours alone with God while the world slept. Others are gleaned from his many writings, published and unpublished, and are arranged for daily readings at his request, and, we believe, under his spiritual guidance. The book must ever be a stronghold of Spiritual Truth and blessing to all who read it, and especially to those who use it for daily meditation. Its great power lies in that it is the very heart of a good man who lived every word he wrote.' - Lily L Allen If you need a simple but deep introduction to James Allen's thoughts and work, then look no further. The only of Allen's 21 books to be published posthumously, this book blends his final conclusions along with revisions of his previous work, shaved down and purified until they become crystalline nuggets of deep thought. Compiled by his wife and editor, Lily L. Allen, it was first released the year after his death in 1912.

James Allen (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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From The Britons to the Battle Of Hastings: prehistory to 1066

A captivating, uproarious and informative journey through the beginnings of British history. Gilbert Abbott à Beckett was one of the great journalists of his time, being a descendant of Thomas Becket who edited Figaro, was a founder member of Punch, and wrote for The Times, The Morning Herald, and The Illustrated London News. He also wrote around fifty plays, as well as two operas, and is best known for this history of England. This volume covers: The Britons—The Romans—Invasion By Julius Cæsar Invasion By The Romans Under Claudius—Caractacus—Boadicea—Agricola—-Galgacus—Severus—Vortigern Calls In The Saxons. The Saxons—The Heptarchy. The Union Of The Heptarchy Under Egbert. The Danes—Alfred. From King Edward The Elder To The Norman Conquest. Edmund Ironsides—Canute—Harold Harefoot—Hardicanute—Edward The Confessor—Harold—The Battle Of Hastings.

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (Author), Charles Featherstone (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Charles Featherstone