Episodes

  • 077 - Book 13 Chapter 1 A Story of the Past

    077 - Book 13 Chapter 1 A Story of the Past
    Apr 5 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    15 mins
  • 076 - Book 12 Chapter 6 Revelations of a Laugh

    076 - Book 12 Chapter 6 Revelations of a Laugh
    Apr 4 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    14 mins
  • 075 - Book 12 Chapter 5 A Returned Californian

    075 - Book 12 Chapter 5 A Returned Californian
    Apr 3 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    15 mins
  • 074 - Book 12 Chapter 4 How Overman Sealed a Contract in a Way Unknown to Chitty

    074 - Book 12 Chapter 4 How Overman Sealed a Contract in a Way Unknown to Chitty
    Apr 2 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    11 mins
  • 073 - Book 12 Chapter 3 Slapman vs Slapman

    073 - Book 12 Chapter 3 Slapman vs Slapman
    Apr 1 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    11 mins
  • 072 - Book 12 Chapter 2 Middle-Aged Cupid

    072 - Book 12 Chapter 2 Middle-Aged Cupid
    Mar 31 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    10 mins
  • 071 - Book 12 Chapter 1 The Cosmopolitan Window Fastener

    071 - Book 12 Chapter 1 The Cosmopolitan Window Fastener
    Mar 30 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    12 mins
  • 070 - Book 11 Chapter 7 Found and Lost

    070 - Book 11 Chapter 7 Found and Lost
    Mar 29 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    13 mins