Audiobooks narrated by Gary D. Macfadden

Learn about the many talents and achievements of Oscar Wilde—the playwright, novelist, critic, poet, and essayist. Author Charles J. Finger is critical of Wilde as a novelist, claiming that only The Picture of Dorian Gray will be remembered in posterity. But he is effusive in his praise of Wilde as a playwright and essayist, and explores each creative aspect of this talented man’s endeavors.

Charles J. Finger (Author), Gary D. Macfadden (Narrator)

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The Essays on History and Intellect

This collection includes two of Emerson’s essays: History and Intellect. Emerson wrote most of his essays to be presented as lectures first, and later revised them for print. The essay History explores the nature and importance of historical understanding. Emerson holds that history is not simply a jumble of events and facts, but rather a living and dynamic force that can inspire and guide human action. In his essay Intellect, Emerson notes that the intellectual power of humans separates them from all other living beings on earth. He describes how, when one for only a few moments withdraws oneself from the world and all of its stimulating rush, we place ourselves in a position where truths can be revealed.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (Author), Gary D. Macfadden (Narrator)

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

Together with The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most magical plays. One night, two parties creep from Athens into the surrounding forest. One party includes sweethearts Lysander and Hermia, fleeing from Athenian law and the disapproval of Hermia’s father to get married. In pursuit is Demetrius, the suitor of Hermia favored by her father, and the doleful Helena, formerly affianced to Demetrius. Six tradesman (the “rude mechanicals”) make up the other party. They hope to present a play at the upcoming nuptials of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and are seeking a private place for rehearsal. Surveying these disparate interlopers are the forest fairies, whose King Oberon and Queen Titania are engaged in a ferocious marital dispute. A magical love potion throws all into disarray. Attachments are disrupted, new ones are formed—but finally, conjugal harmony is established between lovers. In the last act the “rude mechanicals” win their chance to present their clumsy dramatic piece to the amusement and satisfaction of the aristocratic audience.

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Blaise Doran, Claudia Anglade, Emma Faye, Gary D. Macfadden, Gary Macfadden, Kendra Murray, Linda Barrans, Mark Crowle-Groves, Marty Krz, Pj Morgan, Tom Saer (Narrator)

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The Tragic Story of Oscar Wilde's Life

Charles Finger’s book efficiently covers Oscar Wilde’s background, his early years and education, and his beginnings as an author, poet, and critic for several magazines. The author then turns to the activities of Wilde that drew the attention of others, culminating in the Marquess of Queensbury calling Wilde out as a homosexual. Wilde sued for slander, but the Marquess was acquitted and materials brought forth during the trial resulted in Wilde being arrested and tried for homosexuality. He was convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor, from which he never really recovered. Wilde then moved to France and lived under the assumed name of Sebastian Melmoth until his death at the age of forty-six.

Charles J. Finger (Author), Gary D. Macfadden (Narrator)

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The Great Gatsby

Long considered one of America’s greatest novels, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, has remained the quintessential look at the “Roaring Twenties.” This new audio edition includes a nearly 2-hour study guide to The Great Gatsby, including a chapter-by-chapter analysis, descriptions of the key characters, and an overview of the important themes and symbols in the book. The novel unfolds as a memoir in the voice of Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest who travels to New York to try his hand at the bond business. By chance, Nick rents a house next door to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. Nick eventually befriends his neighbor, and learns that Gatsby had a relationship with his now-married cousin, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby’s guiding purpose in life is to rekindle that relationship with Daisy. Through illicit means, he has transformed himself from the penniless soldier who wooed Daisy into a millionaire who believes the past can be repeated. He enlists a somewhat naive Nick in his quest. Gatsby learns too late that money can’t buy social standing, which in part destroys his hopeless desire to reunite with Daisy. Beyond being a simple story of a love lost and perhaps again found, this iconic masterpiece is a study of the very tenets of the American Dream. Fitzgerald penned a stylish and engaging novel that explores not only the interrelationships of the key characters, but the social stigmas and opulent lifestyles of the so-called Jazz Age.

F. Scott Fitzgerald (Author), Gary D. Macfadden (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Gary D. Macfadden