Audiobooks narrated by Mark Bowen

Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is a witty and thought-provoking play that explores themes of social class, transformation, and the power of language. First performed in 1913, the play remains one of Shaw's most celebrated works, blending comedy with sharp social critique. The story follows Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, who makes a bet with his friend, Colonel Pickering, that he can transform a poor flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady simply by teaching her proper speech and manners. Eliza, eager to improve her station in life, agrees to the experiment. However, as her transformation progresses, she begins to question her own identity and independence. Shaw cleverly satirizes the rigid British class system, highlighting the superficiality of social status. He emphasizes that one's position in society is often determined by external factors such as language and appearance rather than intelligence or character. Eliza's journey raises important questions about self-worth, agency, and the true meaning of personal change. Unlike the traditional Pygmalion myth, where the sculptor falls in love with his creation, Shaw subverts expectations by making the relationship between Higgins and Eliza complex and ambiguous. While Higgins views Eliza as a project, she ultimately asserts her own autonomy, refusing to be merely a product of his experiment. Pygmalion is a masterpiece of wit and irony, blending elements of romance, drama, and social commentary. Shaw's sharp dialogue and insightful observations on class and gender make the play as relevant today as it was over a century ago. The play later inspired the famous musical My Fair Lady, further cementing its place in literary and theatrical history. With its engaging characters and thought-provoking themes, Pygmalion remains a timeless exploration of identity, transformation, and the human desire for respect and recognition.

George Bernard Shaw (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Ancient Greek Tragedies. Classic collection: Euripides. Medea; Sophocles. Antigone; Aeschylus. The O

This collection presents the works of the three fathers of ancient Greek tragedies: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. The reader of this collection will be able to comprehend how the plots and conflicts populating classical tragedy developed. The principle theme of Aeschylus' tragedies is the idea of fate being omnipotent and the futility in struggling against it. The tragedies of Sophocles reflect the era of the Greeks' victorious war against the Persians, which opened up commercial prosperity through trade. Euripides propels his dramas by incorporating conflicts from within the human psyche. Contents: Euripides: Medea Sophocles: Antigone Aeschylus: The Oresteia Agamemnon Eumenides The Choephori

Aeschylus, Euripides, Sophocles (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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A Confession

A Confession, or My Confession, is a short work on the subject of melancholia, philosophy and religion by the acclaimed Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. It was written in 1879 to 1880, when Tolstoy was in his early fifties. The book is a brief autobiographical story of the author's struggle with a mid-life existential crisis. It describes his search for the answer to the ultimate philosophical question: 'If God does not exist, since death is inevitable, what is the meaning of life?.' Without the answer to this, for him, life had become 'impossible'. The story begins with the Eastern fable of the dragon in the well. A man is chased by a beast into a well, at the bottom of which is a dragon. The man clings to a branch that is being gnawed on by two mice (one black, one white, representing night and day and the relentless march of time). The man is able to lick two drops of honey (representing Tolstoy's love of his family and his writing), but because death is inevitable, he no longer finds the honey sweet. Tolstoy goes on to describe four possible attitudes towards this dilemma. The first is ignorance. If one is oblivious to the fact that death is approaching, life becomes bearable. The problem with this for him personally is that he is not ignorant. Having become conscious of the reality of death, there is no going back.

Leo Tolstoy (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Pillars of fire

In Pillars of Fire, Ray Bradbury presents a gripping tale that intertwines themes of faith, doubt, and the quest for truth. Set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval, the story follows a group of individuals grappling with the impact of a devastating event that challenges their beliefs and perceptions of reality. Bradbury's characteristic lyrical prose immerses readers in a world where the boundaries between the sacred and the profane blur. As the characters navigate their personal crises and confront the pillars of their own convictions, they are forced to reevaluate what they hold dear. The narrative deftly explores the duality of human nature—the capacity for both destruction and creation—and the ways in which individuals seek meaning in times of chaos. With its evocative imagery and profound philosophical questions, Pillars of Fire is a compelling exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. This thought-provoking story resonates with readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs and the fires that shape their lives. A must-read for fans of Bradbury's thought-provoking speculative fiction, Pillars of Fire stands as a testament to his ability to weave powerful narratives that challenge and inspire.

Ray Bradbury (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Square pegs

In Square Pegs, Ray Bradbury explores the lives of individuals who don't quite fit into society's conventional molds. Set in a world where conformity is prized above all, the story centers on those who are seen as 'square pegs' in a world of round holes—people who dare to think differently, dream wildly, and challenge the status quo. With his signature lyrical prose, Bradbury crafts a tale that celebrates the uniqueness of the human spirit while examining the pressures to conform. The characters, vividly drawn with their quirks and eccentricities, struggle to maintain their individuality in a society that demands uniformity. As they navigate a world that seems determined to mold them into something they're not, Square Pegs becomes a poignant reflection on creativity, freedom, and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself.

Ray Bradbury (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Lorelei of the Red Mist

'Lorelei of the Red Mist' is a thrilling science fiction novella co-written by Ray Bradbury and Leigh Brackett. The story follows the adventures of Hugh Starke, a notorious space outlaw, who finds himself in an unusual predicament after his death. His mind is transferred into a new, powerful body by a mysterious woman named Rann, who rules a deadly world covered in red mist. With his new form, Starke is thrown into a chaotic struggle for power, involving alien creatures, treachery, and strange forces. Bradbury's vivid imagination, combined with Brackett's action-packed storytelling, makes the novella an engaging read. The story delves into themes of identity, transformation, and survival in a fantastical alien environment. Starke's internal battle between his old self and his new body adds complexity to the plot, making it more than just a typical space opera. 'Lorelei of the Red Mist' is a testament to Bradbury's early work and collaborative efforts, blending poetic descriptions with high-paced adventure. It offers a fascinating look at a dangerous world where survival is the key, and where betrayal can come from even the most unexpected places.

Ray Bradbury (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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50+ Self-Help Classics Collection: Napoleon Hill James Allen Kahlil Gibran Sun Tzu Lao Tzu Confucius

Contents: Napoleon Hill. Think and Grow Rich (The text is reproduced from the original publications of 1937) George Samuel Clason. The Richest Man In Babylon (The text is reproduced from the original publications of 1920-1924) James Allen. As A Man Thinketh James Allen. Out from the Heart Kahlil Gibran. The Prophet Sun Tzu. The Art of War Lao Tzu. The Tao Te Ching Confucius. Analects Benjamin Franklin. The Way to Wealth Benjamin Franklin. The Autobiography Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. The Meditations Of The Emperor Russell H. Conwell Every Man His Own University Ralph Waldo Emerson. Self-reliance Florence Scovel Shinn. The Game of Life and How To Play It Charles F. Haanel. The Master Key System W. D. Wattles. The Science Of Getting Rich Wallace D. Wattles. How To Get What You Want Wallace D. Wattles. The Science Of Being Well Wallace D. Wattles. The Science of Being Great Orison Swett Marden. An Iron Will Orison Swett Marden. He Can Who Thinks He Can Russell H. Conwell. Acres of Diamonds William Walker Atkinson. Thought Vibration: or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World P. T. Barnum. Art of Money Getting Or, Golden Rules for Making Money G.K. Chesterton. Orthodoxy Leo Tolstoy. A Confession

Benjamin Franklin, Charles F. Haanel, Confucius, Florence Scovel Shinn, G.K. Chesterton, George Samuel Clason, James Allen, Khalil Gibran, Lao Tzu, Leo Tolstoy, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Napoleon Hill, Orison Swett Marden, P. T. Barnum, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Russell H. Conwell, Sun Tzu, Wallace D. Wattles, William Walker Atkinson (Author), Alfred Costa, David J Miles, Joe Phoenix, Kenneth Elliot, Mark Bowen, Michael Goodrick, Peter Coates, Rick Walz, Simon Jackson, Stacey Patterson, Trevor O'Hare (Narrator)

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The Black Stone

'The Black Stone' is a short story by Robert E. Howard, first published in 1931, and is a classic example of cosmic horror. The story follows an unnamed narrator, an antiquarian and scholar, who becomes obsessed with an ancient monolith called the Black Stone after reading references to it in historical documents. The Black Stone is located in a remote region of Hungary, where strange and disturbing events have been associated with it for centuries. Intrigued, the narrator embarks on a journey to investigate the mysterious artifact. Upon reaching the location, he discovers that the local villagers are deeply superstitious about the monolith, avoiding it at all costs. As the narrator spends a night near the Black Stone, he experiences a terrifying vision that reveals the dark and sinister history of the monolith, tied to ancient and monstrous gods. The story reflects Howard's skill in blending adventure, horror, and mythology, drawing on the influence of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. 'The Black Stone' presents a chilling atmosphere and themes of human insignificance in the face of ancient, incomprehensible forces, making it a significant contribution to the genre of weird fiction.

Robert E. Howard (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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People of the Dark

'People of the Dark' is a short story by Robert E. Howard, first published in 1932. The tale blends elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure, set within the dark and mysterious world of ancient races and reincarnation. The protagonist, John O'Brien, experiences strange dreams in which he finds himself in a past life as a warrior named Conan. Through these visions, he discovers a lost civilization and becomes entangled in an ancient conflict. The story is notable for its exploration of themes such as the cyclical nature of time, the struggle for power, and the primal instincts buried deep within human nature. Howard's vivid descriptions of underground cities, eerie creatures, and brutal combat create a captivating atmosphere that pulls readers into the shadowy depths of a forgotten world. 'People of the Dark' is also significant for its early depiction of Conan, a character who would later become one of Howard's most famous creations. Although the Conan in this story is not fully developed as the iconic Cimmerian barbarian, the themes and tone foreshadow Howard's later works. This story exemplifies Howard's skill at blending action with an eerie sense of the supernatural.

Robert E. Howard (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Skull-Face

Skull-Face is a fantasy novella by American writer Robert E. Howard, which appeared as a serial in Weird Tales magazine, beginning in October 1929, and ending in December, 1929. The story stars a character called Stephen Costigan but this is not Howard's recurring character, Sailor Steve Costigan. The story is clearly influenced by Sax Rohmer's opus Fu Manchu but substitutes the main Asian villain with a resuscitated Atlantean necromancer (similar to Kull's bit character Thulsa Doom) sitting at the center of a web of crime and intrigue meant to end White/Western world domination with the help of Asian/Brown/African peoples and to re-instate surviving Atlanteans (said to lie dormant in submerged sarcophagi) as the new ruling elite.

Robert E. Howard (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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The Shadow Kingdom

The Shadow Kingdom is one of the earliest examples of sword-and-sorcery fiction, written by Robert E. Howard in 1929. The story is set in the mythic past, in the ancient kingdom of Valusia, ruled by King Kull, a barbarian warrior from Atlantis. As Kull takes the throne, he faces a hidden and insidious threat from a race of shape-shifting serpent people who have secretly controlled the kingdom for generations. The story explores themes of power, betrayal, and identity, blending elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure. Kull's struggle against these ancient forces highlights the precarious nature of kingship and the dangers of both external and internal enemies. Howard's rich world-building and atmospheric storytelling lay the foundation for much of the fantasy genre that followed, influencing works like Conan the Barbarian and later sword-and-sorcery tales.

Robert E. Howard (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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The Breaking of the Chain

'The Breaking of the Chain' is a historical adventure story by Robert E. Howard, best known for his creation of Conan the Barbarian and other iconic characters of pulp fiction. In this short tale, Howard delves into a more grounded, historical setting, evoking themes of rebellion, freedom, and the relentless struggle against oppression. The story is set during an unspecified time of turmoil, featuring a protagonist who rises against the chains of tyranny. True to Howard's signature style, the narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of battle, grit, and human resilience. The hero's journey is one of inner and outer conflict, as he fights both physical enemies and the weight of oppression. The language is forceful, evoking a sense of urgency and tension throughout the narrative. As with many of Howard's works, 'The Breaking of the Chain' highlights his fascination with history and the human spirit's enduring will to fight for liberty. The tale reflects his belief in individual strength and defiance against overwhelming odds, making it a compelling read for fans of action, historical fiction, and tales of personal heroism.

Robert E. Howard (Author), Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Mark Bowen