Showing results by narrator "Chris Newman" in All Categories

Oscar Wilde was a wild one. His statements were bold, his career was successful, and his tongue was sharp. Not only did he disturb the common narrative of the nuclear family, the Catholic church, and the idea of patriotism, but he also blew many people away with his defense of his principles, his criticism of the state, philosophies on life itself, and more. Being open about being a homosexual in a time when it was unaccepted and even illegal, his life ended in imprisonment and exile. Yet, despite his orientation and his controversial preferences, his prose and poetry did not suffer.

Vincent van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most influential painters of the end of the 19th century. An entire museum in Amsterdam is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh. And even though his name is famous now, his life was tough, and he faced many fears, worries, and inner demons. The sad reality that this artist’s success wasn’t evident during his life but only after his death doesn’t change the fact that he is, nevertheless, a grand success. Let’s discuss the circumstances under which this Dutch painter lived, and what moved him to go in the direction he did.

The Netherlands has a history that dates far back, even before Roman times. Let’s take a look at what happened during the times of the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, or during it, we slowly see a transition into different cultures, habits, and beliefs, which inaugurated, at the time, the Medieval centuries, or the Middle Ages. Let’s explore what happened to the Netherlands area during that time as well.

This is a combo of 16 topics, and unique artists, composers, writers, and actors, compiled into a comprehensive biography guide. Listen to the struggles, the background, the poverty and wealth, and genius brains from the16th to the 20th century - all of which have brought certain insights, and understandings in artistic, literature, musical, or dramatic movements, to the next level. You will understand the motivation and circumstances of these great artists better. It will help you rethink your own life, your own legacy, and your plans for the future.

Mark Twain is arguably one of the most famous authors in the United States, with his books Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. His characters were a typical, yet deviant, episode of the time period in which he lived, depicting the circumstances under which many people lived. If you want to know more about this known author, this classical writer, then get started on listening right now!

William Shakespeare is the celebrated script writer of the most popular plays in the English language. By writing both tragedies, romances, and comedies in the 16th century, he made a name for himself and became successful in the art of drama. Shakespeare’s life and decisions led to his acclaim, and in this audiobook, we will lay out some of the most significant changes in both his personal choices and his career. Despite of his financial debts, his complex family life, and his background, he was able to entertain his audiences both in his time and for centuries after his death.

Most people have heard of Ludwig von Beethoven, one of the most famous composers of all time. His music had a certain aggression, passion, and beauty to it that still brings admirers to tears, more than 200 years later. His symphonies came from his creativity, the circumstances, and the trends in that time period in Germany and Austria. There is much to say about the historical context, the deep experiences, and the studies that Beethoven encountered during his life.

Many people have had the pleasure to listen to Mozart’s music. His legacy has lived on for more than two centuries. And although he only lived to be 35 years old, he has had a major impact on the classical music genre. From simple rebel to sheer genius, this intelligent composer has shown the world that despite all the odds, masterpieces and pure art can become a reality.

Marilyn Monroe has been part of the sexual revolution during the mid-20th century. Her influence in the movie industry, as an icon for attractiveness and femininity, have been noticed by hundreds of millions, even after her death. Did Marilyn Monroe have success? Yes. Was her life easy? Not by far. Her failed marriages, early childhood trauma, mood disorder, and some of the struggles with her sexuality, contracts, and Hollywood producers have made her life go up and down so much that I’m sure she would describe some moments as the ultimate bliss and others as a living hell.

Picasso’s work is famous. His art is intricate, yet bizarre. His personal life was filled with struggles, and his children weren’t any better off, creating substance abuse and suicidal headlines. Despite the dysfunctionality in his personal and family life, his artwork reflected something new and fresh. And in a variety of paintings, an underlying rebel message against totalitarian regimes. Having lived through many horrors of the Spanish war, as well as other 20th-century conflicts, the painter showed both style and morale in his works, and left a legacy studied by the masses.

There is no doubt that Michelangelo is one of the most influential artists of all time, together with some other Renaissance geniuses, such as Leonardo and Rafael. Michelangelo had a vision, a dream, and the talent to carry out those imaginations. His life, in our perspective, is a compilation of great works of art, architecture, sculptures, paintings, and intricate movements, contrast, colors, and anatomy of the human body. Religious and thematic symbolism are intertwined in his frescos and structures. Let us learn more about this great artist.

Don't think that because it is such a small country with only about 17 million people, it should be neglected. The Netherlands has a long history, with a high influence on our cultures, trading routes, the stock market, business, and art. The Dutch were all over the world. They "owned" and colonized a big portion of what was then the known world. They were among the first settlers, had the biggest haven, and biggest fleet for some time. The Dutch East-Indian Trading Company, or VOC, is probably the biggest or at least one of the biggest companies that has ever existed.

In this audiobook we will shed more light on the Batavians, a people in history with much bravery, innovation, and determination to form a republic with freedom for its citizens, with opposing enemies they resisted. The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands was followed by the Batavian Republic. It started on January 19, 1795, and ended on June 5, 1806, with Louis I's succession to the Dutch throne. The political, financial, and social modifications that took place at the time of the Batavian Republic's short existence have left an enduring mark.

There are doers and there are preachers. The people who were executing orders or abusing people in World War Two wouldn’t have been able to commit any atrocities if the country hadn’t warmed up to an inhumane narrative. That’s where propaganda came in. Propaganda has long been part of various countries and societies to make the population believe something, and to find culprits, create feelings of animosity, and glorify local leaders or military campaigns.

Jack the Ripper was an unknown serial killer active in the mainly poor parts around the Whitechapel district of London in the year 1888. In both the criminal case files and modern journalistic books, the killer was referred to as the Whitechapel Killer and Leather Apron.

Initially diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and after a separation of his parents, Edmund Kemper already showed his twisted mind at 15 years old, when he murdered both his grandparents, who were taking care of him. Whether through nature or nurture, this man didn’t show a promising future from the get-go. But perhaps nobody could have suspected the horrors he would inflict on his many victims later in his life.

One of the big lords of the drug cartels in Colombia is Pablo Escobar, a criminal who became a leader and expanded his influence on organized crime throughout the North and South American continents. With billions in his bank account, in cash, and in other assents, it’s not easy to ignore his name and the power he gained.

Ted Bundy was one of the most infamous rapists and sexual predators, necrophiles, and murderers in the western part of the United States. Having been abused in his childhood and fed pornographic material from an early age, his crimes became more daring, violent, and vicious as he got a thrill from dismembering or sexually tormenting one victim after another.

The infamous double murder that inspired elementary school rhymes is a controversial one: partially because of the insidious nature and grossness of the crime and on the other hand because some people still believe the defendant is innocent. There are many reasons to believe why Lizzie killed both her parents with an axe, and there are some that could be used to argue that she didn’t.

You are in luck! The thing is: You just came across a giant combo of a book with various topics in it. This is a great value, and all the topics are about political activists in history.