Classics Collection

Unique to this title is: A historical introduction and a study of the themes present in A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol and The Chimes. Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He was born in 1812 in Portsmouth. When his father was sent to jail because of unsettled debt, Dickens had to leave school and get a job in a factory. Dickens is believed to be the best novelist of the Victorian era and he became very popular during his lifetime. His novels are still widely read and translated.

The Greek poet, Hesiod, stands out as the first personality in European literature. The Theogony contains a genealogy of the gods from the beginning of time and an account of their violent struggles before the present order was established. The Works and Days, a compendium of advice for a life of honest husbandry, shines a unique and fascinating light on archaic Greek society, ethics, and superstition. Hesiod's poetry is the oldest source of the myths of Prometheus, Pandora, and the Golden Age.

A dazzling collection of magical tales by the world's best-loved storyteller. Perfect for children aged five and up! There are tales of the most powerful enchanters and conjurers in Fairyland in this bumper collection of short stories by Enid Blyton. But their spells don't always go smoothly! From witches who will cast an enchantment at the drop of a pointy hat to cheeky imps in search of spells to make some mischief, there's bound to be trouble!

Humphries has rendered (Ovid's) love poetry with conspicuous success into English which is neither obtrusively colloquial nor awkwardly antique.

Witches and pixies abound in this magical selection of 30 short stories, perfect for seasonal listening and sharing. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for listening to at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors, and her bumper short-story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of listeners.

Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost are two of Gene Stratton Porter's most famous novels. Set primarily in the Limberlost Swamp of Indiana, USA, Freckles follows the story of Freckles, a lame orphan whose innate character rises above his circumstances. A Girl of the Limberlost is the story of Elnora, blamed for her father's death by her mother, who nevertheless meets every challenge that comes her way with admirable resilience.

Experience the thrilling adventures of a young man seeking justice for himself and his family in 15th-century England. With his father unfairly outlawed by King Henry IV, Myles Falworth faces enormous odds before he can become a knight and champion his family's cause against powerful foes. With the help of loyal friends, Myles demonstrates courage and persistence as he confronts his opponents one-by-one, winning self-understanding and love along the way.

On their quest to reach the very core of the Earth, Professor Lindenbrock and his nephew, Axel, gain access to the interior by travelling north to cold and barren Iceland, where they enter the subterranean regions through the cone of the extinct volcano Sneffels.

Plato's Allegory of the Cave is what many believe to be the foundation of Western Philosophy. It addresses what is visible and invisible, seen and observed versus intuited and imagined, and what is public versus private and just versus unjust. It also concerns the meaning and importance of education, the state of the soul, the conflict between truth and beauty, animal urges versus higher aspirations, knowledge versus ignorance, and on and on.

The description “consulting detective” was often a reference to Sherlock Holmes, but that was inadequate to tell about his unusual characteristics. He was a loner who preferred to keep to himself and kept many secrets from others, including the few friends he had. Holmes did have a constant professional relationship with Dr. Watson, and it was the faithful Watson who once said, “I had no idea that such personalities exist outside of stories.”

The incredible saga of Hannibal and his invasion of Italy in 218 B.C. is the subject of this third volume of Livy's magnificent history. As only Livy can describe it, we are swept into the era of the Second Punic War and given a ringside view of the leadership of both sides. The stirring account of Hannibal crossing the Alps, the brutal description of Cannae, and the relentless Roman siege of Syracuse are some of the highlights of this remarkable story.

This story is a gem representing the delightful stories from the Indian subcontinent which capture the simple essence of everyday life in rural and urban India. The simple pleasures of life indicate a time gone by, before the advent of cellphones and Facebook, a time which almost stood still, a time where children could revel in the rain, make paper boats and race them down a drain, play marbles, and generally pass time.

The Liberty Collection includes: "The Law" by Frederic Bastiat (1 hour 20 minutes). Bastiat (bawst ya) (1801-1850) was an economist, a member of the French assembly and an influential libertarian speaker and writer. "The Law", Bastiat's most famous work, argues that the purpose of the law is the protection of individual rights, and that when governments adopt policies favoring particular industries or groups, the law becomes an instrument of injustice and oppression.

This collection features unabridged recordings of the final three novels in E.F. Benson’s beloved Mapp and Lucia series. Narrated by Prunella Scales and Lisa Daniely, this collection brings to life E.F. Benson’s comic tales of marriage, mishaps and mayhem.

The Frances Hodgson Burnett Collection includes book one, The Secret Garden (1911), the narrative of a child's journey into maturity, with themes of hope, healing, and redemption. Book two, A Little Princess (1905), tells the story of Sara Crewe, whose father dies and leaves her penniless. Making the best of the situation, she eventually triumphs. Book three, Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), is the story of a poor little boy from New York City who is called to England to become a member of the nobility.

From tales of humans and animals forced to violence and primitivism, to stories of chaos and civilizational collapse, this elegant collection gathers Jack London’s most famous and influential works for a modern audience. Reflecting the eloquent prose and gripping themes first written over a century ago, these stories speak to universal ideas and truths which have captivated the minds of fans for generations.

Here is the preface to 12 magnificent stories, originally part of The John Cheever Audio Collection, in which John Cheever celebrates - with unequaled grace and tenderness - the deepest feelings we have.

Enjoy a whole summer of fun with this fantastic collection of 30 short stories - the perfect holiday listen for children aged seven and up. From picnics in the sunshine to daring outdoor adventures, celebrate the excitement and magic of summertime with these fun-filled short stories by Enid Blyton. These entertaining tales are the perfect length for listening to at bedtime or in the classroom.

Bored with farm life, and anxious for some excitement, Henry Fleming sets off to join the Union troops fighting the Civil War. An inexperienced fighter, he is anxious to get into battle to prove his patriotism and courage. He swaggers to keep up his spirits waiting for battle, but when suddenly thrust into the slaughter he is overcome with blind fear and runs from the field of battle.

Celebrate the very special anniversary of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and share in 50 years of magic with this wonderful audio collection of five classic stories from the inimitable Judith Kerr.