Auriol, or The Elixir of Life cover art

Auriol, or The Elixir of Life

Auriol, or The Elixir of Life

By: William Harrison Ainsworth
Listen for free

About this listen

 What if you stumbled upon the elixir of life, granting you eternal youth, health, and vitality? Sounds like a dream come true, right? But what if that dream came with a dark twist—like signing a pact with the devil for unimaginable wealth? Auriol Darcy, our ill-fated protagonist, faces this very dilemma and soon discovers the steep cost of his choices. Escaping a deal with the devil is never simple, and Ainsworths gripping novel, split into three parts, culminates in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless. Written in 1844, the surreal plot and psychological depth give it a surprisingly modern feel. The vividly drawn characters from the lower echelons of society add a humorous contrast to the otherwise dark, gothic narrative. Dive into this tale of ambition, temptation, and the haunting consequences of ones choices. - Summary by SoniaCopyright Fiction Classics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 024 - Book 2 - Chapter VI Doctor Lamb again

    024 - Book 2 - Chapter VI Doctor Lamb again
    Feb 20 2026
    What if you stumbled upon the elixir of life, granting you eternal youth, health, and vitality? Sounds like a dream come true, right? But what if that dream came with a dark twist—like signing a pact with the devil for unimaginable wealth? Auriol Darcy, our ill-fated protagonist, faces this very dilemma and soon discovers the steep cost of his choices. Escaping a deal with the devil is never simple, and Ainsworths gripping novel, split into three parts, culminates in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless. Written in 1844, the surreal plot and psychological depth give it a surprisingly modern feel. The vividly drawn characters from the lower echelons of society add a humorous contrast to the otherwise dark, gothic narrative. Dive into this tale of ambition, temptation, and the haunting consequences of ones choices. - Summary by Sonia
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 023 - Book 2 - Chapter V New perplexities

    023 - Book 2 - Chapter V New perplexities
    Feb 20 2026
    What if you stumbled upon the elixir of life, granting you eternal youth, health, and vitality? Sounds like a dream come true, right? But what if that dream came with a dark twist—like signing a pact with the devil for unimaginable wealth? Auriol Darcy, our ill-fated protagonist, faces this very dilemma and soon discovers the steep cost of his choices. Escaping a deal with the devil is never simple, and Ainsworths gripping novel, split into three parts, culminates in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless. Written in 1844, the surreal plot and psychological depth give it a surprisingly modern feel. The vividly drawn characters from the lower echelons of society add a humorous contrast to the otherwise dark, gothic narrative. Dive into this tale of ambition, temptation, and the haunting consequences of ones choices. - Summary by Sonia
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 022 - Book 2 - Chapter IV The pit

    022 - Book 2 - Chapter IV The pit
    Feb 20 2026
    What if you stumbled upon the elixir of life, granting you eternal youth, health, and vitality? Sounds like a dream come true, right? But what if that dream came with a dark twist—like signing a pact with the devil for unimaginable wealth? Auriol Darcy, our ill-fated protagonist, faces this very dilemma and soon discovers the steep cost of his choices. Escaping a deal with the devil is never simple, and Ainsworths gripping novel, split into three parts, culminates in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless. Written in 1844, the surreal plot and psychological depth give it a surprisingly modern feel. The vividly drawn characters from the lower echelons of society add a humorous contrast to the otherwise dark, gothic narrative. Dive into this tale of ambition, temptation, and the haunting consequences of ones choices. - Summary by Sonia
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.