Try free for 30 days
-
American Monsters
- The History of America’s Most Persistent Urban Tales About Strange Birds, Serpents and Wolfmen
- Narrated by: KC Wayman
- Length: 1 hr and 11 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $9.68
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also picked
-
The Battle of Fort Henry: The History of General Ulysses S. Grant’s Victory that Captured the Tennessee River for the Union
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Scott Clem
- Length: 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While the Lincoln Administration and most Northerners were preoccupied with trying to capture Richmond in the summer of 1861, it would be the little known Ulysses S. Grant who delivered the Union’s first major victories, over a thousand miles away from Washington. Grant’s new commission led to his command of the District of Southeast Missouri, headquartered at Cairo, after he was appointed by “The Pathfinder”, John C. Fremont, a national celebrity who had run for president in 1856.
-
The New York City Blackout of 1977
- The History of the Power Failure that Led to Looting and Arson Across the Big Apple
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What happens when the awesome - and occasionally awful - power of nature snatches light away from those who depend on it to feel safe? This question was answered in a most dismaying way in July 1977 when New York City was plunged into darkness for over 24 hours following a thunderstorm. New Yorkers across the city quickly learned that without the light, they could fall prey to looting and violence of just about every kind imaginable.
-
The Mughal Empire:
- The History of the Modern Dynasty That Ruled Much of India Before the British
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: KC Wayman
- Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
India has been the location of many different empires throughout its long history. The Indus Valley Civilization was home to one of the world’s first civilizations more than 5,000 years ago, which was followed by the Aryan-Vedic culture and then a host of other kingdoms that flourished across the subcontinent. India has also been the birthplace of many religions. The Vedic religion of the Aryans evolved into the Hindu religion, and Buddhism and Jainism were also born in India. By the Middle Ages, India was home to many different religions and ethnic groups.
-
The Cumans
- The History of the Medieval Turkic Nomads Who Fought the Mongols and Rus’ in Eastern Europe
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Before the Mongols rode across the steppes of Asia and Eastern Europe, the Cumans were a major military and cultural force that monarchs from China to Hungary and from Russia to the Byzantine Empire faced, often losing armies and cities in the process. The Cumans were a tribe of Turkic nomads who rode the steppes looking for plunder and riches, but they rarely stayed long after they got what they wanted. From the late 9th century until the arrival of the Mongols in 1223, there was virtually nothing that could be done to stop the Cumans.
-
Baba Vanga
- The Controversial Life and Legacy of the Influential Bulgarian Mystic
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
People’s timeless captivation with those supposedly endowed with supernatural powers - these gifted individuals oftentimes regarded as gods walking among everyone else - is a fascinating phenomenon in itself. Soothsayers and clairvoyants were particularly revered in past centuries, even by royals, nobles, and other influential figures, who placed oracles, mediums, and mystics in their retinues and sought counsel from them on a regular basis.
-
The Barbary Wars
- A Captivating Guide to the First Overseas Wars Conducted by the United States (U.S. Military History)
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Saffir
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover the captivating history of the first American wars in Africa! In this audiobook, you’ll learn about the Barbary Wars of 1801 to 1805 and 1815, the first American wars outside of North America. The enemies were the Muslim Barbary pirates of the North African coast. Discover how American sailors were captured and turned into slaves in Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. Why did this happen? And why didn’t the US Navy do more to stop it? Discover the answers to these in this comprehensive guide!
-
The Battle of Fort Henry: The History of General Ulysses S. Grant’s Victory that Captured the Tennessee River for the Union
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Scott Clem
- Length: 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While the Lincoln Administration and most Northerners were preoccupied with trying to capture Richmond in the summer of 1861, it would be the little known Ulysses S. Grant who delivered the Union’s first major victories, over a thousand miles away from Washington. Grant’s new commission led to his command of the District of Southeast Missouri, headquartered at Cairo, after he was appointed by “The Pathfinder”, John C. Fremont, a national celebrity who had run for president in 1856.
-
The New York City Blackout of 1977
- The History of the Power Failure that Led to Looting and Arson Across the Big Apple
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What happens when the awesome - and occasionally awful - power of nature snatches light away from those who depend on it to feel safe? This question was answered in a most dismaying way in July 1977 when New York City was plunged into darkness for over 24 hours following a thunderstorm. New Yorkers across the city quickly learned that without the light, they could fall prey to looting and violence of just about every kind imaginable.
-
The Mughal Empire:
- The History of the Modern Dynasty That Ruled Much of India Before the British
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: KC Wayman
- Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
India has been the location of many different empires throughout its long history. The Indus Valley Civilization was home to one of the world’s first civilizations more than 5,000 years ago, which was followed by the Aryan-Vedic culture and then a host of other kingdoms that flourished across the subcontinent. India has also been the birthplace of many religions. The Vedic religion of the Aryans evolved into the Hindu religion, and Buddhism and Jainism were also born in India. By the Middle Ages, India was home to many different religions and ethnic groups.
-
The Cumans
- The History of the Medieval Turkic Nomads Who Fought the Mongols and Rus’ in Eastern Europe
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Before the Mongols rode across the steppes of Asia and Eastern Europe, the Cumans were a major military and cultural force that monarchs from China to Hungary and from Russia to the Byzantine Empire faced, often losing armies and cities in the process. The Cumans were a tribe of Turkic nomads who rode the steppes looking for plunder and riches, but they rarely stayed long after they got what they wanted. From the late 9th century until the arrival of the Mongols in 1223, there was virtually nothing that could be done to stop the Cumans.
-
Baba Vanga
- The Controversial Life and Legacy of the Influential Bulgarian Mystic
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
People’s timeless captivation with those supposedly endowed with supernatural powers - these gifted individuals oftentimes regarded as gods walking among everyone else - is a fascinating phenomenon in itself. Soothsayers and clairvoyants were particularly revered in past centuries, even by royals, nobles, and other influential figures, who placed oracles, mediums, and mystics in their retinues and sought counsel from them on a regular basis.
-
The Barbary Wars
- A Captivating Guide to the First Overseas Wars Conducted by the United States (U.S. Military History)
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Saffir
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover the captivating history of the first American wars in Africa! In this audiobook, you’ll learn about the Barbary Wars of 1801 to 1805 and 1815, the first American wars outside of North America. The enemies were the Muslim Barbary pirates of the North African coast. Discover how American sailors were captured and turned into slaves in Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. Why did this happen? And why didn’t the US Navy do more to stop it? Discover the answers to these in this comprehensive guide!
-
The Gullah
- The History and Legacy of the African American Ethnic Group in the American Southeast
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Bill Hare
- Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There exists, an indispensable subculture based within a 500-mile radius of the coastal South Atlantic states and Sea Islands. These culture bearers, who refer to themselves as the Gullah Geechee, or the “Gullah” for short, are the descendants and rightful heirs of the once-shackled slaves who resided in these parts. As the guardians and torch holders of the incredible legacy left behind by their persevering ancestors, the modern Gullah spare no effort in preserving the inherently unique customs and traditions, complete with their own creole tongue.
-
The First Sino-Japanese War
- The History and Legacy of the Conflict That Doomed the Chinese Empire and Led to the Rise of Imperial Japan
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Completing the Meiji Restoration that heralded the dawn of a new era for both Japan and Asia, the island nation found itself thrust into the modern world, a world of industry and conquest. Flexing its new muscles, the burgeoning power soon came to blows with the regional power that for centuries dominated the area politically and culturally: China. Also seeking to modernize in the wake of Western exploitation, China struggled to adapt to the changing times, doing everything it could to maintain a balance between modernity and tradition. Japan found that balance.
-
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Exploring Ancient History
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jay Herbert
- Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You probably have heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But how much do you really know about it? The ancient world was home to some of the greatest civilizations in history. The Egyptians, the Greeks, the Babylonians, and others wanted to leave their mark on history so others would remember their greatness. Most people can list a few of the wonders of the top of their head. But few know that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon might never have existed or that the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus were used by the Knights Hospitaller.
-
The Moors of the Maghreb
- The History of the Muslims in North Africa During the Middle Ages
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The term Moor is a historical rather than an ethnic name. It is an invention of European Christians for the Islamic inhabitants of Maghreb (North Africa), Andalusia (Spain), Sicily and Malta, and was sometimes use to designate all Muslims. It is derived from Mauri, the Latin name for the Berbers who lived in the Roman province of Mauretania, which ranged across modern Algeria and Morocco. Saracen was another European term used to designate Muslims, though it usually referred to the Arabic peoples of the Middle East.
-
The Cook and Peary Expeditions: The History and Legacy of the Controversy over Who Reached the North Pole First
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Dan Gallagher
- Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the dreamland of most children in Europe and the Americas, and the mysterious home of the mythical Santa Claus, his devoted wife Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, and the many elves who make Christmas toys each year. In many ways, the North Pole is the first geographical location many kids learn, if only because children over the age of 3 can manage to tell any interested adult that Santa Claus lives there. In reality, of course, the North Pole proved to be as elusive for many brave explorers as jolly old Santa has been for children who wait up at night by the chimney.
-
The Siege of Masada
- A Historical Drama of the Famous Battle Between the Jews and Romans
- By: Kosta Kafarakis
- Narrated by: Scott Clem
- Length: 1 hr and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What made Masada qualitatively different from most of the battles Rome fought was not just the difficulty the Legions had in retaking control of it with incredibly disproportionate military equipment and numbers, but also the actions of the Judean defenders. In the final hours of the battle, just as the Romans were about to breach the walls of the city, the defenders gathered together and committed mass suicide, rather than being killed or taken captive by the Romans.
-
History of France
- An Enthralling Overview of Major Events and Figures (Europe)
- By: Billy Wellman
- Narrated by: Jay Herbert
- Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One could confidently say such a thing because of the long history of French polities taking charge in world history. Before France proper even existed, the tribes there, such as the Franks, played a central role in regional affairs. For example, as the Roman Empire was falling apart, the Franks were increasingly relied upon for the security of the ailing Roman state.
-
The Philadelphia Experiment
- The History of World War II’s Most Unshakable Urban Legend
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Steve Knupp
- Length: 1 hr and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The borderlands of the paranormal include some bizarre stories. However, none are more strange or unsettling than the tale of what became known as the Philadelphia Experiment, an alleged effort during World War II to make a US Navy ship invisible by using electrical power.
-
The Boxer Rebellion: The History and Legacy of the Anti-Imperialist Uprising in China at the End of the 19th Century
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Bill Hare
- Length: 1 hr and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 19th century saw the rise of one of the largest, most powerful empires of the modern era. The sun never set on the British Empire, whose holdings spanned the globe, in one form or another. Its naval supremacy linked the Commonwealth of Canada with the colonies in South Africa and India, and through them trade flowed east and west. An integral but underutilized part of this vast trade network included China, a reclusive Asian kingdom closed off from the Western world that desired none of its goods.
-
Alan Turing
- The Life and Legacy of the English Computer Scientist Who Became World War II’s Most Famous Codebreaker
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Dan Gallagher
- Length: 1 hr and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alan Turing: The Life and Legacy of the English Computer Scientist Who Became World War II’s Most Famous Codebreaker looks at the life of one of World War II’s unsung heroes. You will learn about Alan Turing like never before.
-
Early European Christian Relics
- The History of Holy Crowns, Icons, and Other Objects That Spread Across Europe in the Early Middle Ages
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Jim D. Johnston
- Length: 1 hr and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
That Jesus of Nazareth was crucified is the closest to a historical fact anyone can say about him. Biblical scholars have spent centuries debating the details of what Jesus did and said, but this crude fact—that Jesus suffered capital punishment at the hands of the Roman authority by crucifixion—is accepted by the overwhelming majority of scholars. That there once was a cross where Jesus suffered and died is, therefore, the sequential logical affirmation.
-
The Year Without Summer
- 1816 and the Volcano That Darkened the World and Changed History
- By: William K. Klingaman, Nicholas P. Klingaman
- Narrated by: David Colacci
- Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1816 was a remarkable year - mostly for the fact that there was no summer. As a result of a volcanic eruption at Mount Tambora in Indonesia, weather patterns were disrupted worldwide for months, allowing for excessive rain, frost, and snowfall through much of the Northeastern US and Europe in the summer of 1816.
Publisher's Summary
People have always been fascinated with the hidden, the mysterious, and the unexplained. Every society has its tall tales and ghost stories, its odd legends, and heroes. Also, every society has its stories of strange beasts, dangerous or benign, that live in the twilight world between the everyday and the legendary. Through most of history, people have been closely tied to nature, hunting in forests and having an intimate knowledge of the animals in their regions. So-called “primitive” peoples were walking encyclopedias of the natural world, and yet most believed there were more creatures lurking in those woods than the ones they usually encountered. Even as the world becomes more connected, the belief in strange creatures continues as strong as ever.
Indeed, the willingness to believe in exotic animals has been so widespread that some have made careers out of displaying oddities to the public at circuses and museums. Perhaps the most notorious individual to do this is P.T. Barnum, whose New York City museum was so popular in part because he was more than happy to invent items with which to fascinate the public, even if no such item actually existed. His first example of this was the now famous “Fiji mermaid.” Barnum rented this oddity from a Boston rival, Moses Kimball, in 1842, but while the creature floating in the jar of formaldehyde was described as a mermaid, it was actually the body of a very young monkey with a fish tail sewn on over its legs. Barnum leased the item long term for $12.50 per week and then marketed it as having been caught by his friend Dr. J. Griffin, a pseudonym for Barnum’s business associate Levi Lyman. For his part, Barnum saw nothing wrong with what he was doing, justifying the hoaxes by saying they were just "advertisements to draw attention...to the Museum…I don't believe in duping the public, but I believe in first attracting and then pleasing them."
Although cryptozoology is often scoffed at and widely considered a pseudoscience, one of the reasons it made men like Barnum rich and continues to fascinate people today is the fact that people realize they’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to identifying all the different forms of life on Earth. As Martin DelRio pointed out in The Loch Ness Monster, “Animals previously unknown to science have been found more than once in the past hundred years. For instance, there's the megamouth shark (megachasma pelagios), a fifteen-foot-long creature weighing nearly a ton. The first specimen was discovered on November 15, 1976, when it was found entangled in the drag anchor of a U.S. Navy ship. The new creature wasn't described scientifically until 1983…The megamouth remains the only species in its genus, and the only genus in its order.”
In one sense it shouldn’t be surprising that people across the United States have reported seeing weird cryptids, including giant birds, sea serpents, wolfmen, and a creature so bizarre it defies any rational classification. The only thing these monsters have in common is that all have been seen regularly and reported by seemingly sober, rational witnesses in the United States, even as conventional science suggests these monsters cannot exist and that all the sightings are mistakes, misidentifications, or hoaxes.
In some cases, this may be true, but in others, it’s harder to accept. For example, one story about a 10-year-old boy being carried off by a giant bird was witnessed by several other people. Likewise, the Gloucester sea serpent seen by hundreds of people and carefully and scientifically investigated, and during one week in 1909, hundreds if not thousands of people reported seeing the Jersey Devil.