Audiobooks narrated by The Scythe

The Magic Mountain 1 & 2 Buddenbrooks Royal Highness

"The Magic Mountain is a classic novel set in a Swiss sanatorium during the years leading up to World War I. The story follows Hans Castorp, a young engineer, who arrives for a short visit to his ailing cousin but ends up staying for seven years. The novel explores themes of time, illness, and the clash of ideas, with the sanatorium serving as a microcosm of European society on the brink of war. Mann uses the setting to delve into philosophical debates between characters, blending irony, humor, and profound insights into the human condition. Buddenbrooks is a sweeping family saga that chronicles the rise and fall of the Buddenbrook family, a prosperous German merchant dynasty, over four generations. Set in the 19th century, the novel explores the decline of traditional values in the face of modernity, as the family grapples with changing social and economic landscapes. Each generation faces challenges that erode their wealth, status, and cohesion. Royal Highness is a satirical novel that follows the life of Prince Klaus Heinrich, a minor German royal in a fictional, declining principality. The story begins with Klaus Heinrich living a sheltered, ceremonial life bound by rigid traditions. His existence is transformed when he meets Imma Spoelmann, a wealthy American heiress whose independent spirit challenges the old-world conventions surrounding him. Through their relationship, Mann explores themes of social change, the clash between old aristocratic values and modern capitalism, and the possibility of personal transformation. The novel combines humor with a deeper critique of European society in the early 20th century."

Thomas Mann (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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The Magic Mountain 1 & 2 Buddenbrooks Royal Highness Death In Venice

"The Magic Mountain is a classic novel set in a Swiss sanatorium during the years leading up to World War I. The story follows Hans Castorp, a young engineer, who arrives for a short visit to his ailing cousin but ends up staying for seven years. The novel explores themes of time, illness, and the clash of ideas, with the sanatorium serving as a microcosm of European society on the brink of war. Mann uses the setting to delve into philosophical debates between characters, blending irony, humor, and profound insights into the human condition. Buddenbrooks is a sweeping family saga that chronicles the rise and fall of the Buddenbrook family, a prosperous German merchant dynasty, over four generations. Set in the 19th century, the novel explores the decline of traditional values in the face of modernity, as the family grapples with changing social and economic landscapes. Each generation faces challenges that erode their wealth, status, and cohesion. Royal Highness is a satirical novel that follows the life of Prince Klaus Heinrich, a minor German royal in a fictional, declining principality. The story begins with Klaus Heinrich living a sheltered, ceremonial life bound by rigid traditions. His existence is transformed when he meets Imma Spoelmann, a wealthy American heiress whose independent spirit challenges the old-world conventions surrounding him. Death in Venice is a novella that explores the tragic obsession of Gustav von Aschenbach, a renowned, aging writer. During a vacation in Venice, Aschenbach becomes infatuated with a beautiful young boy named Tadzio. His admiration turns into an all-consuming obsession, leading him to neglect his health and moral principles. As the city falls under the grip of a cholera epidemic, Aschenbach's descent mirrors the decay around him, symbolizing the conflict between the pursuit of beauty and the inevitability of death."

Thomas Mann (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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Anthem The Lost Manuscript Rand: Biography & Quotations

"Ayn Rand, a Russian-American novelist and philosopher, is best known for her philosophy of Objectivism, which champions reason, individualism, and capitalism. Her works, like The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, argue that pursuing rational self-interest is the highest moral good and that laissez-faire capitalism is the ideal system for human flourishing. While celebrated for inspiring movements emphasizing personal freedom and free markets, Rand’s philosophy remains polarizing, critiqued for its rejection of altruism and emphasis on individual over collective needs. Her legacy endures as a catalyst for debates on ethics, economics, and the role of government. Ayn Rand’s Anthem is a dystopian novella set in a world where individuality has been entirely erased in favor of collective identity. The story follows Equality 7-2521, a man who dares to think beyond the rigid confines of his society, where even the word 'I' is forbidden. Through his journey of self-discovery and defiance, Rand explores the dangers of extreme collectivism, portraying a world where conformity suppresses creativity, innovation, and the human spirit. Equality’s eventual embrace of his individuality and rejection of societal norms symbolize the triumph of personal freedom over oppressive conformity. The novella reflects Rand’s broader philosophical ideals, particularly her belief in the importance of reason and individualism. Anthem is a stark warning against losing personal identity and a celebration of the human capacity to think, create, and thrive when unshackled by collective control. Through its evocative prose and profound themes, the story challenges readers to consider the value of self-expression and the perils of a world that prioritizes the group over the individual."

Ayn Rand (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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Anthem The Lost Manuscript Rand: Biography & Quotations

Ayn Rand (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Magic Mountain 1

"The Magic Mountain, by Thomas Mann, published in 1924, is a monumental novel that explores the themes of time, illness, and the search for meaning. Set in a tuberculosis sanatorium high in the Swiss Alps, the story follows Hans Castorp, a young German engineer who initially arrives at the Berghof sanatorium to visit his cousin Joachim but stays for seven years. This prolonged stay turns into an intellectual and spiritual journey that challenges and reshapes his understanding of life. The novel is rich in symbolism and allegory, using the isolated, almost surreal atmosphere of the sanatorium as a stage for exploring the cultural and ideological conflicts of pre-World War I Europe. In the cloistered world of the Berghof, Hans encounters a cast of characters who each embody different philosophies and worldviews, representing a spectrum of political, social, and spiritual ideologies. Two key influences on Hans are Settembrini, a rationalist and humanist who advocates progress, and Naphta, a Jesuit who supports radical and authoritarian ideals. Their debates introduce Hans to conflicting philosophies, and through these interactions, Mann explores themes of humanism, existentialism, and radicalism. Time in The Magic Mountain is almost a character of its own. In the sanatorium, time becomes elastic, with days blending together in an almost hypnotic rhythm, reflecting the timelessness and detachment from ordinary life. This strange suspension of time allows Hans to deeply ponder existence, mortality, and the purpose of life—ideas that might have remained hidden in the bustle of the everyday world. Mann’s writing combines humor, irony, and a philosophical depth that challenges readers to think critically about the ideas being discussed."

Thomas Mann (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Magic Mountain 2

"The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, originally published in two volumes in German in 1924, is a profound and layered exploration of life, time, and human nature, set against the backdrop of a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. Volume 2, where much of the philosophical depth and climactic tension unfolds, delves deeper into the intellectual debates and psychological transformations of its protagonist, Hans Castorp. In this second volume, Hans continues to immerse himself in the sanatorium’s insulated world, engaging with the various patients and their ideas, which represent a microcosm of pre-World War I European society. Two central figures who dominate this volume are Settembrini, an Italian humanist advocating enlightenment values and progress, and Naphta, a radical, mystic thinker with authoritarian leanings. Through their frequent debates, Mann explores contrasts between reason and mysticism, humanism and extremism, and life and death. Hans’s extended stay at the sanatorium becomes increasingly symbolic of his personal journey and his grappling with concepts of time and illness. The mountain setting reflects his inner detachment from the conventional world, allowing him to explore his own existential and philosophical questions with a kind of intensity only possible in isolation. The final parts of Volume 2 shift into more dramatic territory as the rumblings of war reach the secluded world of the sanatorium, and Hans’s fate becomes symbolic of the generation caught between tradition and the chaos of modernity. Mann’s intricate writing combines wit, irony, and deep insight, making The Magic Mountain both a philosophical treatise and a compelling story of one man’s confrontation with the essential questions of existence."

Thomas Mann (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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The Divine Comedy: Full Cast Drama

"The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, written in the early 14th century, is one of the most influential works of Western literature, an epic poem that takes readers on an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Structured as three parts—Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso—the poem follows Dante himself, led by the Roman poet Virgil and later by his idealized love, Beatrice, as he travels to these realms to attain spiritual redemption. Inferno, the first part, is perhaps the most famous, where Dante descends into Hell and encounters souls suffering punishments that match their earthly sins. Each of the nine circles of Hell contains sinners guilty of specific vices, from lust and gluttony to betrayal and treachery, reflecting Dante’s belief in divine justice. His vivid depictions of these punishments serve as a moral and theological commentary on the human propensity for sin and the consequences of a life led astray. In Purgatorio, Dante ascends Mount Purgatory, where repentant souls undergo purification. Organized into seven terraces representing the seven deadly sins, this section contrasts with the unrepentant despair of Inferno. Here, souls have hope for salvation and work to atone for their sins, with a focus on repentance, patience, and spiritual growth. Dante explores the human capacity for change, redemption, and the desire for a union with God. The journey culminates in Paradiso, where Beatrice guides Dante through the nine celestial spheres of Heaven, which correspond to different virtues and degrees of blessedness."

Dante (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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The Red And The Black

"The Red and the Black by Stendhal is a classic novel without requiring lists to grasp its essence. This French novel, first published in 1830, explores themes of ambition, passion, and the social tensions of post-Napoleonic France. The protagonist, Julien Sorel, is a young man of a modest background with intense ambition. As he rises from a carpenter’s son to a tutor and clergyman, he faces both opportunities and opposition due to his lower status. His journey is driven by his desire for success and love, yet his inner conflict and moral struggles lead him to question his values, society, and the genuine meaning of happiness. The novel’s title, The Red and the Black, symbolizes this duality in Julien’s life—the red reflecting passion, desire, and military aspirations, and the black signifying the somber life of a clergyman, which represents compromise and calculated ambition. This tension between personal desire and societal pressure gives the novel its intensity, painting a vivid picture of individualism clashing with a rigid social structure. It's a deeply psychological work that examines human motivation, class barriers, and the power dynamics between ambition and authenticity."

Stendhal (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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The Magic Mountain 1 & 2

"The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann is a classic novel set in a Swiss sanatorium during the years leading up to World War I. The story follows Hans Castorp, a young engineer, who arrives for a short visit to his ailing cousin but ends up staying for seven years. The novel explores themes of time, illness, and the clash of ideas, with the sanatorium serving as a microcosm of European society on the brink of war. Mann uses the setting to delve into philosophical debates between characters, blending irony, humor, and profound insights into the human condition. Thomas Mann (1875-1955) was a renowned German novelist, essayist, and social critic, celebrated for his profound exploration of the human condition and the moral dilemmas of modern society. Born in Lübeck, Germany, into a wealthy merchant family, Mann's works often reflected the decline of bourgeois values and the tension between individual desires and social expectations. His early success came with the publication of Buddenbrooks (1901), a family saga that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929. Mann is best known for his philosophical and psychologically complex novels, including Death in Venice (1912), The Magic Mountain (1924), and Doctor Faustus (1947). His writing combines realism, irony, and symbolism, delving into themes like art, death, illness, and the interplay between reason and passion. A staunch critic of fascism, Mann left Germany in 1933 due to his opposition to the Nazi regime, eventually settling in the United States. He became a prominent voice in exile, using his platform to warn against the dangers of totalitarianism. Mann returned to Europe later in life, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century."

Thomas Mann (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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War Of The Worlds The Time Machine The Discovery Of The Future: A Dystopian Trilogy

"The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, published in 1898, is a landmark science fiction novel about a Martian invasion of Earth. Told through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, it depicts the terrifying arrival of advanced alien technology and humanity's desperate struggle to survive. The story explores themes of survival, colonialism, and the fragility of civilization, making it a timeless exploration of humanity's place in the universe. The Time Machine is a groundbreaking science fiction novella published in 1895. It introduces the concept of time travel through the perspective of the Time Traveller, an unnamed scientist who invents a machine capable of traversing the fourth dimension. The story begins with a dinner party where the Time Traveller explains his theory of time and demonstrates a small working model of his machine. Later, he embarks on a journey into the distant future, encountering the gentle Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks—two evolved forms of humanity. Through his observations, Wells explores themes of class division, evolution, and the ultimate fate of civilization. The Discovery of the Future is a 1902 essay exploring humanity's ability to predict and shape the future. Wells contrasts the past-focused mindset with a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the role of science, imagination, and planning in creating a better world. This influential work highlights the importance of progress and vision in human development."

H.G. Wells (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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The Private & Public Lincoln

"The Private and Public Life of Abraham Lincoln by Orville J. Victor offers a detailed look at both the personal and political sides of one of America's most iconic presidents. Published in 1864, during Lincoln’s lifetime, it blends biography with commentary on his rise to prominence, his leadership during the Civil War, and his commitment to ending slavery. Victor's work reflects the contemporary views of Lincoln’s presidency, capturing the tensions and hopes of the nation as it grappled with war and transformation. The book delves into Lincoln's humble beginnings, tracing his early life on the frontier, his career as a lawyer, and his growing influence in politics. It also highlights his moral convictions, humor, and deep empathy, qualities that shaped his approach to governance. On the public side, Victor emphasizes Lincoln’s role in preserving the Union, his evolving stance on slavery, and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Victor’s narrative offers both praise and critique, making it a nuanced portrayal rather than pure hagiography. As a contemporary account, it provides readers with a unique snapshot of how Lincoln was viewed during his presidency, bridging the gap between myth and reality. Narrated by Emmy Nominated actor Geoffrey Giuliano and The Scythe."

Orville Victor (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years

"Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years by Carl Sandburg is a two-volume biography that explores Lincoln's life from his childhood through his early political career, ending just before he became president. Published in 1926, Sandburg’s work combines detailed historical research with a lyrical, almost poetic style, reflecting his background as both a poet and a historian. The narrative captures the spirit of the American frontier, vividly portraying the world that shaped Lincoln’s character and values. The book provides insight into Lincoln’s formative years—his struggles with poverty, self-education, and early experiences with law and politics. Sandburg emphasizes the influences that helped mold Lincoln’s sense of justice and compassion, such as his time working as a laborer, his encounters with slavery, and his debates on moral and political issues. Throughout, Lincoln emerges not only as a brilliant politician but also as a deeply human figure, marked by humor, melancholy, and a profound sense of purpose. Sandburg’s approach blends history with storytelling, making the biography both informative and engaging. His attention to detail and vivid descriptions allow readers to feel immersed in Lincoln's world, setting the foundation for his later work, Abraham Lincoln: The War Years. Together, these books offer one of the most comprehensive portraits of Lincoln's life and legacy. Narrated by Emmy Nominated actor Geoffrey Giuliano and The Scythe."

Carl Sandburg (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Scythe (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by The Scythe