Showing results by narrator "Jim Hodges" in All Categories

Australia in the 1830s was a wild place. Reuben Whitney, escaping an inaccurate perception of him in England, enjoys an adventurous passage aboard the Paramatta, and sails "down under." Joining the police force, he makes his mark in conflicts with the Aborigines and Bushrangers. Finally, he saves the life of a squire's daughter who has emigrated to Australia following her father's financial ruin. This story is filled with adventure, close calls, and historical information about the early days of Australia!

Out on the Pampas was the exciting story overheard by a friend who encouraged Mr. Henty to have it published, launching his amazing career as "The Boys' Own Historian." In the mid-1800s, the Hardy family relocates to Argentina, joining other British settlers trying to start a better life for themselves in a new land. They face many obstacles and perils in this rugged lifestyle: surveying, building, planting, raising animals, and fighting off attacks from the natives.

Originally published in Harper's Magazine in 1895 as chapters attributed to the fictitious author Sieur Louis de Conte, Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc is what American novelist and humorist Mark Twain considered to be his greatest work. 

Six-year-old Mei-en screamed in terror when she realized her gypsy owner was about to sell her to a foreign lady. Orphans were often sold for pennies. But foreigners in China were considered "devils," and Mei-en thought surely the little woman in Chinese clothes would eat her for supper! But this time, Mei-en’s new owner was the compassionate and respected missionary, Gladys Aylward. Mei-en saw wonderful silver "birds" flying in the sky, but her delight turned to dread when they began dropping bombs that exploded all over the city. Their only escape was over the mountains! 

From 1413-1415 the butcher’s guild, otherwise known as the “White Hoods” of Paris, kept that city in a state of near anarchy. With a mad king, a virtual civil war between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy, and King Henry V of England claiming the French throne, there is plenty of opportunity for Guy Aylmer, a squire to Sir Eustace de Villeroy, to show his mettle in many a skirmish, finally winning his spurs at the lopsided victory of the English over the French at the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415. 

An urgent call for help cut through the morning mists that floated along the shore of Lake Shirwa. Two young African boys, Wikatani and Chuma, had been captured by slave traders, but their desperate cries would never reach their village. Overpowered by their captors, the boys’ only hope is to endure a ruthless march through the jungles that takes them far from their village to a destination unknown.  Fortunately for Wikatani and Chuma, help on the way. David Livingstone, a missionary and British government official, is doing everything he can to put a halt to the slave traders.

Few wars have been fought by each side with greater intensity of conviction in the rightness of its cause or with more abundant personal heroism than the War Between the States. The story begins with a great responsibility falling on Vincent Wingfield, the teenage son of a widowed Virginia plantation owner. Vincent must decide what course of action he should take when a problem arises on the plantation.

Mr. Henty weaves a story of the life and times of King Richard the Lion-hearted that is yet to be equaled. Cuthbert de Lance, the hero of the story, is of Norman blood on his father's side and Saxon by his mother. By providing timely aid to the Earl of Evesham, Cuthbert is rewarded by being allowed to go to the Crusade as his page. He gains a reputation for valor and prowess due to gallant deeds, and his resourcefulness not only helps King Richard but aids Cuthbert in many a 'hairbreadth escape'.

In this, the Henty novel covering the oldest time period of any, listeners will learn much about the domestic life, customs, religion, and military system of ancient Egypt. Amuba, a prince of the Rebu nation on the shores of the Caspian Sea, with his charioteer Jethro, is carried into slavery after losing a battle with the Egyptians. They become servants of the house of Ameres, an Egyptian high priest, and are quite happy there until the priest's son accidentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes.

It's 1864, and 12-year-old Jem Coulter knows that Goldtown, California, has seen the last of the gold rush. But the flecks of gold he, his sister Ellie, and an old prospector Strike find in their played-out claim on Cripple Creek spur their hopes of striking it rich. When Pa becomes sheriff of the lawless gold camp, Goldtown, the kids fear his badge will become a target for outlaws. Then the creek dries up, and Strike disappears. 

In the 1990s, Jim Brewster put his sons, Ben and Luke, to bed each night with an "Uncle Rocky, Fireman" story. During each story, they enjoyed making truck engine sounds, blasting the siren, and testing the air horn. They also developed hand and body motions and pantomimed getting dressed for the fire. However, the best part of each story was at the end when they mimicked Uncle Rocky as he said, "Glad to do it!"

Master storyteller Jim Hodges has partnered with Todd Wilson, the Familyman, to bring you these beloved Christmas stories, The Familyman's Christmas Treasury, in audiobook format. These wonderful stories will give your children hours of listening enjoyment as well as reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, ushered in the French Revolution. Within four years, the king was executed and a revolutionary tribunal was established to judge "enemies of the people." The property of nobles was seized and "enemies" tried and sent to the guillotine. Harry Sandwith, a companion of a French family, wins their confidence and becomes the protector of the three daughters. After the girls are condemned to death in the coffin-ships, Harry saves the girls and the gets them safely to England.

Set in 1585 through 1604, this sequel to By Pike and Dyke continues the story of the Dutch Protestant struggle for independence from their Spanish Catholic rulers. Two English brothers experience the major conflicts in the struggle meeting one of the greatest generals of the time, Sir Francis Vere. Their adventures include the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the battle of Cadiz and Ostend, life in Holland and Spain, and more. Henty’s legendary storytelling once again captures the reader’s imagination while educating his readers 

Liberty or death - this was the choice the people of 14th-century Scotland faced if they rose up against their English ruler. Most would say it was no choice at all. Many of the Scottish nobles were English supporters. Few could be expected to rise up against the numerically overwhelming English army. The hero of the story, Archibald Forbes, joins the struggle for Scottish freedom led by the valiant Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Bring history back to life through Jim Hodges' historically accurate, exciting, and edifying audio recordings. The conquest of the Aztec Empire by Hernando Cortez and a mere handful of Spaniards is one of the greatest romances of history. A writer of fiction would scarcely have dared to invent so improbable a story, but it is true. Fortunately Cortez was able to ally himself with many peoples conquered by the Aztecs who were all too happy to assist in their downfall.

Treasure maps! Pirates! Double crossings and ships at sea! Treasure Island, the adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, is the swashbuckling tale of "buccaneers and buried gold", universally known for its atmosphere, characters, and action, mostly focused on the quintessential pirate, the unforgettable Long John Silver. You will love this story!

In the Heart of the Rockies is packed with adventure! In 1860, 16-year-old Tom Wade leaves England for the American Far West to find his uncle and to improve his family fortunes. Arriving at the small western outpost of Denver to mine for gold, he soon encounters Native American warriors, takes part in big-game hunts, and learns how to survive a frigid mountain winter with nothing but resourcefulness and perseverance.

Owen Glendower, angered by the usurpation of the English throne by Henry IV, carried fire and slaughter to the Welsh counties, capturing most of the strong places held by the English and foiling three invasions led by the king himself. 

Beric, a boy chief of a British tribe, takes a prominent part in the insurrection against Rome under Queen Boadicea. These efforts are useless against the mighty Roman army. For a short time, Beric and his companions continue the fight but are ultimately defeated and taken as prisoners to Rome. Through the eyes of Beric, the listener learns of life in AD 61 Rome, the gladiatorial schools, the great fire, and life in Nero's court.