Showing results by author "Dream audio books" in All Categories

Carmilla is a Gothic novella by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu. First published in 1872, it tells the story of a young woman's susceptibility to the attentions of a female vampire named Carmilla. Carmilla predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by over twenty years, had a strong influence on Stoker's famous novel. (Summary from Wikipedia)

Originally published in serial form in 1879-80, “The Brothers Karamazov” is recognized as one of the very greatest masterpieces of world literature. It is the last and finest novel of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who died before writing a planned sequel. The story is organized initially around the efforts of adult sons to deal with their cantankerous and exasperating father. More important, they also have to deal with the problem of how to live in a world where it is difficult to be sure of the truth — whether that be “truth” about others, about oneself, or about deep questions such as faith,...

Fairy Tales from Brazil by Elsie Spicer Eells is a collection of Brazilian folktales filled with magic, adventure, and moral lessons. Inspired by Indigenous, African, and Portuguese traditions, the stories feature enchanted creatures, clever heroes, and supernatural events. Tales like How Night Came, The Jabuti That Cheated the Man, and The Adventures of a Tortoise showcase Brazil’s rich storytelling heritage. Themes of kindness, wit, and justice prevail, as characters outsmart foes and overcome challenges. Eells preserves the oral tradition with vivid, engaging prose, making the book a ...

"William Blake" by G.K. Chesterton is a thoughtful exploration of the life and works of the iconic poet, artist, and mystic William Blake. Chesterton delves into Blake’s unique vision, profound spirituality, and rebellious creativity that defied conventions of his time. With sharp wit and deep admiration, Chesterton examines Blake's artistic philosophy, his vivid imagery, and his impact on art and literature. The audiobook captures Blake’s genius and his struggles, offering insights into his revolutionary ideas about imagination, religion, and the human spirit. A timeless tribute to an ...

Women of Versailles: The Court of Louis XIV explores the influential women who shaped the Sun King’s reign. From Queen Maria Theresa to powerful mistresses like Madame de Montespan and Madame de Maintenon, these women played key roles in politics, culture, and intrigue. The book delves into courtly life, scandals, and the rigid etiquette of Versailles. It highlights the influence of women in diplomacy, patronage of the arts, and even governance. Through detailed portraits, it reveals their ambitions, rivalries, and impact on Louis XIV’s rule. A fascinating glimpse into the opulent yet ...

René Descartes’ Six Metaphysical Meditations (1641) explores fundamental philosophical questions. He begins by doubting all beliefs to establish certainty (Meditation 1). He then proves his own existence (Meditation 2: "I think, therefore I am") and argues for the existence of God (Meditations 3 & 5). He distinguishes mind from body (Meditation 6), establishing dualism. His work laid the foundation for modern philosophy and rationalist thought. Summary by Dream Audiobooks

When Tocqueville visited America in the 1830s he found a thriving democracy of a kind he had not seen anywhere else. Many of his insightful observations American society and political system, found in the two volume book he published after his visit, still remain surprisingly relevant today. (Summary by the Bookworm)

Beowulf is an Early English legendary sonnet that recounts the tale of its gallant hero, Beowulf, a champion from Geatland. He goes to Denmark to help Lord Hrothgar, whose mead corridor is threatened by a beast named Grendel. Beowulf routs Grendel in fight and later kills Grendel's vindictive mother. He gets back a legend and ultimately becomes lord of the Geats. Years after the fact, Beowulf faces his last test: a furious mythical beast undermining his realm. However he kills the winged serpent, Beowulf is mortally injured and bites the dust. His kin grieve him, regarding his dauntlessness ...

The Life of Buddha by A. Ferdinand Hérold presents a graceful and accessible retelling of the story of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who renounced luxury to seek truth and enlightenment. Written with clarity and reverence, this work explores his spiritual journey, the trials he endured, and the wisdom he shared, which continues to inspire millions worldwide. Hérold’s account balances historical insight with timeless lessons, offering readers both an introduction to Buddhist philosophy and a moving portrait of the Buddha’s compassionate path. Description by Dream AudioBooks

Freeman Wills Crofts was part of the golden age of detective fiction, along with the likes of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler. His most famous creation, Inspector Joseph French of Scotland Yard, appeared in more than 30 novels between 1924 and 1957. Fellow golden age author Raymond Chandler described Crofts as "the soundest builder of them all”, and Agatha Christie included a parody of French in a 1929 collection of short stories. In this story, cinema box office cashiers are dying in mysterious circumstances. With few clues and little time, will Inspector French succeed in capturing ...

The modern British philosopher, Anthony M. Ludovici, said that this text “is unquestionably Nietzsche’s opus magnum.” However, he warns the reader that since “the book with the most mysterious, startling, or suggestive title, will always stand the best chance of being purchased by those who have no other criteria to guide them in their choice than the aspect of a title-page … ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra’ is almost always the first and often the only one of Nietzsche’s books that falls into the hands of the uninitiated.” He therefore recommends reading this text alongside some ...

Another installment in Carpenter's travels of the world. This time we visit Java, the East Indies, Sumatra, Borneo, The Moluccas, New Guinea, Celebes and the Malay Peninsula. (Summary by Betty)

First published in Space Science Fiction May 1953. "The claws were bad enough in the first place—nasty, crawling little death-robots. But when they began to imitate their creators, it was time for the human race to make peace—if it could!" When future war becomes so horrific that humans turn to machines and computers to design ways to kill each other strange things may happen. And DO in this classic Philip K. Dick story! (summary from the story blurb and Phil Chenevert)

I am Roderick Random. This is the contemporary story of my struggle against the adversity of orphan-hood, poverty, press gangs, bloody duels, rival fortune hunters, and the challenge to be well-dressed through it all. In the course of recounting my adventures to you, dear reader, I will give you a front row seat to the characters of English eighteenth century life including highway robbers, womanizing monks, debt-laden gallants, lecherous corrupt officials, effeminate sea captains, bloodthirsty surgeons, and my dear friend Miss Williams, a reformed prostitute. Educated in the classics, armed ...

"I do not pretend to say the young man is without faults; but they are all the faults of wildness and of youth; faults which he may, nay, which I am certain he will, relinquish."One of the great works of the English literary canon, this comic masterpiece, first published in 1749, draws us into the lives of two neighbouring Somersetshire squires and friends, one genial and generous, the other a hot-headed lover of the hunt and the bottle, who conspire together, on the basis of a mutual misunderstanding, to marry the former's nephew to the latter's daughter, very much to the discomfort of the ...

Beowulf was composed by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. Francis Barton Gummere translates this beautiful poem. Beowulf is an epic poem. The main character, Beowulf, proves himself a hero as he battles against supernatural demons and beasts. (Summary by Tad E.)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Illuminating Diary of a Professional Lady by Anita Loos is a satirical novel following the diary of Lorelei Lee, a beautiful but naïve blonde from Little Rock. She charms wealthy men, especially the older and generous kind, using her wit and beauty to secure a lavish lifestyle. With her friend Dorothy, a sharp-witted brunette, Lorelei travels from New York to Europe, indulging in diamonds, fine dining, and high society. Despite her apparent simplicity, she masterfully manipulates men for personal gain. The novel humorously critiques gender roles, materialism, and...

This a collection of poems recorded by LibriVox volunteers during the month of January 2009.

Leo Tolstoy’s Childhood (1852) is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the innocence, joy, and emotional depth of youth. The story follows Nikolenka, a young boy from an aristocratic Russian family, as he navigates early experiences of love, loss, and self-awareness. Through vivid, nostalgic prose, Tolstoy captures the simplicity of childhood alongside its quiet sorrows, such as separation from a beloved mother and the realization of life's hardships. The novel blends keen psychological insight with lyrical descriptions, offering a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of youth ...

Carlo Collodi (1826 - 1890)Translated by Carol Della Chiesa (1887 - 1972)Do today's children still learn what a "marionette" is? The beloved story of Pinocchio may represent a last lingering picture of a world not dominated by plastic or electronic toys.Pinocchio is a puppet made from a piece of wood that curiously could talk even before being carved. A wooden-head he starts and a wooden-head he stays - until after years of misadventures caused by his laziness and failure to keep promises he finally learns to care about his family - and then he becomes a real boy.For those who have seen the ...