Goodbye Mr. Chips read by Christopher Plummer. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2021-11-04 | Author - James Hilton. Published in 1934, this book tells the story of an English boarding school teacher named Mr. Chipping from when he first arrived until his final moments. This out of circulation recording features a fantastic performance by Christopher Plummer who is best know as the Captain and father in the movie The Sound of Music. There is a message of not only the importance of good teachers who connect with their students, but also of how, over the years, a person who will be forgotten by history can make a profound impact. The accumulation of a lifetime of good work is of great value. Here's to all the Mr. Chips out there. Good Bye Mr. Chips is one of my all time favoritesNote: To see all the audiobooks on this channel, click VIDEOS on the homepage located between Home and Playlists.
Narnia Chronicles by CS Lewis. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2026-08-01 | The Chronicles of Narnia(1980): From 'The Magician's Nephew' to 'The Final Battle'. Abridged1. The Magicians Nephew 00:00:10 - Hour: Minutes: Seconds2. The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe 00:58:403. A Horse and His Boy 02:03:224. Prince Caspian 3:00:005. Voyage of the Dawn Treader 04:01:116. The Silver Chair 04:51:457. The Last Battle 05:49:20Warning: Each book is one cassette or about an hour. And good if you like a quick listen. But many vital parts are missing. A fantastic version from 2004 narrated by well known British actors like Patrick Stewart is unabridged can be streamed or bought as CDs and I highly recommend them.Anyway, this collection is a pleasant listen with some touching moments. But if you've never read the books, do that first.P.S. I'm taking a long sabbatical from posting Great Books on Tape. I'm glad so many of you have enjoyed these audiobooks. I may return or never be seen again....:-)
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by and read by John le Carré. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2026-03-17 | John le Carré (RIP) was a secret agent for the United Kingdom's MI5 and MI6 during the 1950's and 60s. Using his vast experience he wrote some of the greatest spy novels. The Spy Who Came In From the Cold was his 3rd novel and one of his best. In it, a disillusioned agent is sent on one last mission to infiltrate East German intelligence. This novel was also made into a movie starring Richard Burton. Enjoy!P.S. To come in from the cold means for a spy to return from his post and retire.
Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer By Robert L May Read by Ed Asner Great Books on Tape 2025-11-29 | This is the original 1939 story and it's for young children. Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night.
Christopher Lee reads: Game for Heroes by Jack Higgins. (abridged) Great Books on Tape 2025-10-26 | A Game for Heroes (1970) – As the fall of the third Reich draws near, a brilliant SS commander has turned a peaceful English Channel Island into a stronghold which he and his troops will defend at all costs. Now British spy and fortune hunter Lt. Col. Owen Morgan leads his misfit heroes on a do or die mission to rout these ruthless occupiers out. Will they succeed? One way to fine out 😊 Enjoy!Jack Higgins (1929 -2022) is one of the pseudonyms for Harry Patterson who was born in Newcastle on Tyne, England. At a young age (5-6), Harry developed his reading skills by reading the paper and books to his grandfather. At age 18 he began his two-year national service which included being part of the Royal Horse Guard Regiment. He helped with providing security at the east German border and I’d like to think it was on horseback. After discharge and more schooling Mr. Patterson lectured on criminology and social psychology at what is now know as Leeds Beckett University in West Yorkshire, England. Harry Patterson first book Sad Wind from the Seas, was published in 1959. His 18th book The Iron Tiger (1966), was the first published as Jack Higgins. He had a highly successful career as an author with his books selling over 250 million copies.Christopher Lee (1922-2015) was born a to a countess in London. He attended the same school as Patrick Macnee and both acted in school plays. During WW2 he served as a RAF liaison officer. His first credited film roll was in Corridor of Mirrors (1948). Now if you’re thinking to yourself ‘Wait a minute, wasn’t he in The Return of Captain Invincible?’ You’d be right, he was! He also made notable appearances in The Lord of the Rings, Man with the Golden Gun (as a James Bond villain), and The Wickerman (1973 cult classic). In all Mr. Lee appeared in 290 film, television, and videogames. He also cut a couple of Symphonic Heavy Metal albums late in life. It’s a thrill to hear him again in A Game for Heroes!Note: This old tape has some brief volume issues and faint voice sounds that seep in toward the end. I was able to clear up most of them.
A Country Year by Sue Hubbell Read by Alexandra OKarma. GBOT-Personal Favorite Great Books on Tape 2025-10-03 | A Country Year (1986) Living the Questions. Living on a hundred-acre wood in the beautiful Ozark Highlands of Missouri, Sue Hubbell has been eking out a living as a solo bee keeper for a dozen years. A Country Year is her collection of stories and observations from that life. Her insights on nature and droll wit gently draw the listener into the natural world she is part of. This book is a break from everyday hustle and bustle and a refreshing reminder that people aren’t the only remarkable creatures making a living.GBOT - This is an audiobook that grew on me when I got it back in the late 80s. It now comes off the shelf, so to speak, every few years. Sue Hubbell (1935-2018) was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan where her father Leroy was the superintendent of parks. After high school, Sue attended the prestigious Swarthmore College. She finished her undergraduate studies at U. of Michigan (which is cheaper and has a better football team). Sue Gilbert met her future husband Paul Hubbell during a high school craps game. Most of her early career was spent as a librarian at various colleges and raising her son. In 1973, the Hubbell’s moved to the Ozarks and became beekeepers. Living on the edge of financial collapse and the work itself wore out their 30-year marriage. Her husband left but Sue Hubbell stayed and continued as beekeeper.While beekeeping, Miss Hubbell made extra money writing articles for newspapers like the St. Louis-Post Dispatch and New York Times and magazines including, Time, Smithsonian, and the New Yorker. Eight books were published of which A Country Year was the first.Alexandra O’Karma (1948 - 2019) is the stage name of Alexandra Stevenson. She, like the author, attended Swarthmore college. Afterwards Alexandra acted in the theater and was in plays in the US, Canada, and Great Britain. She had a few small screen roles. But her legacy are her voice performances in many audiobooks such as this one. Enjoy!
Wizards First Rule by Terry Goodkind. Read by Dick Hill. Abridged. Great Books on Tape 2025-09-24 | Wizard’s First Rule (1994) In this popular fantasy novel, Richard Cypher’s seeks to find the murderer of his father. He teams up with a wizard and mysterious woman and encounters many adventures. And what is Wizard’s First Rule? Only one way to find out.Enjoy!Terry Goodkind (1948-2020) was born in Omaha Nebraska. He earned a living making cabinets, violins, and selling his paintings in local galleries. At age 46, his first novel, Wizard’s first Rule was published which would be become the first book of The Sword of Truth series which sold 25 million copies worldwide. It also led to the Legend of the Seeker TV series which is an entertaining watch.Quote: To exist in this vast universe for a speck of time is the great gift of life. Our tiny sliver of time is our gift of life. It is our only life. The universe will go on, indifferent to our brief existence, but while we are here, we touch not just part of that vastness, but also the lives around us. Life is the gift each of us has been given. Each life is our own and no one else's. It is precious beyond all counting. It is the greatest value we can have. Cherish it for what it truly is.... Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it. – Terry Goodkind.Dick Hill (1946-2022) was a prolific audiobook reader. You can read more about Dick Hill from the description of the audiobook The Gemini Man, here on GBOT, which he also reads.Note: Click 'Videos' on the home page to see all the audiobooks that have been uploaded.
Iceberg by Clive Cussler. Read by Bruce Greenwood. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2025-09-08 | Iceberg (1975) A long missing yacht has been discovered frozen in an Iceberg. Its crew have all been murdered. A secret and vital cargo is missing and its up to Dirk Pitt a National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) employee, to find the murderers and cargo.Iceberg is the 2nd of the highly popular book series featuring the character Dirk Pitt who works for a government marine organization that discovers villains as often as shipwrecks.Clive Cussler (1931-2020) was born in Aurora, Illinois and grew up in California. His father served in the German army during WW1 on the Western Front. He enlisted during the Korean war and served in the Military Air Transport Service. After his service he worked for the advertising industry. Mr. Cussler picked up writing and had his first novel published in 1973 where Dirk Pitt is introduced. Movies have been made from two of his DP novels, Raise the Titanic and Sahara which can be streamed. He also founded NUMA, named after the marine agency Dirk Pitt works for, which has discovered over 60 shipwreck including the heroic RMS Carpathia. Clive Cussler has written or cowritten 80 books and three of his book series have continued after his death. - His most famous character is named after Mr. Cussler’s son Dirk. - Mr. Cussler and Barbara Knight married in 1955 and stayed married 48 years until her death.Bruce Greenwood (1956 - ) was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. He has a successful career primarily playing supporting roles such as Captain Pike in the Star Trek (2009), President John J. Kennedy in the excellent historical drama 13 days, and also as a president in National Treasure: Book of Secrets. He has performed recurring roles on TV series such as Mad Men, St. Elsewhere, Road to Avonlea, and as the voice of Batman in the cartoon series Young Justice.
LONGSHOT by Dick Francis read by Kenneth Branagh Great Books on Tape 2025-08-08 | Longshot: To help pay the bills, travel writer John Kendall agrees to write the biography of a famed racehorse trainer. Things turn sinister when a young stable worker goes missing, only to have her corpse found later. John Kendall finds himself in a menacing situation as he helps investigate the murder. Enjoy! 4.6 stars from ≈3k reviews on Amazon. Dick Francis (1920-2010) Was born in Wales, UK. He served in the RAF during WW2, starting as a member of the ground crew and becoming a pilot. He flew Spitfire and Hurricane fighters and Wellington and Lancaster bombers.Post World War two, Mr. Francis became a celebrated jockey. He won 350 races. Following his retirement from racing he became a racing news correspondent and successful novelist. Many of his popular novels featured an aspect of horse racing. Kenneth Charles Branagh (1960 - ) was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. When he was 9 when his family moved to Reading, England. His first acting roles were in school plays. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He honed his skills on stage, acting in productions of Shakespeare, among others. His first performance in a film was as an extra in the Oscar winning Chariots of Fire. He has starred, and/or directed, and/or produced films based on; Shakespeare like the stunning Henry V, Agatha Christie novels, e.g. Murder on the Orient Express, Dunkirk, Thor, and Belfast. His television career includes Shackleton, Conspiracy, and the comedy The Lady’s not for Burning. Now enjoy Sir Branagh’s marvelous performance in Longshot. (Oh yes, he played a charming fraud in Harry Potter: The Chamber of Secrets.)Abridgement approved by author.
Will Rogers U.S.A. -A one man show portrayed by James Whitmore Great Books on Tape 2025-07-14 | Will Rogers (1879-1935) was born on his parent’s ranch in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory (a large expanse of lands set aside for displaced tribes). His mother died when he was 10. Will Rogers’ show business career began in South Africa performing rope tricks and horse stunts at a circus. He eventually returned to the US and got into vaudeville continuing his horse and rope act but adding an occasional humorous remark. This eventually changed to a career as a humorist. Will Rogers became a nationally syndicated columnist, star of his own radio show, lecturer, silent and sound film actor, and a round the world traveler. His signature phrase was “I never met a man I didn’t like.” Quote “When I die, I want to die like my grandfather who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car."James Whitmore (1921-2009) was born in White Plains, New York. As a marine during WW2, he fought in the pacific. Afterwards he went into acting and began a 5-decade career in theater, film, and television. He was a well know and often utilized character actor. His films include: The Undercover Man (1949 his first film) Tora, Tora, Tora, the original Planet of the Apes, The Shawshank Redemption (prison librarian), Them (big ants), Oklahoma (musical) among many others. TV series appearances include: Wagon Train, The Magical World of Disney, a sad episode of The Twilight Zone, and his final on screen appearance in a 2007 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Now enjoy his classic performance as Will Rogers.
Pride: The Charlie Pride Story Read and written by Charlie Pride with Jim Henderson Great Books on Tape 2025-06-29 | Pride: The Charley Pride Story by Charley Pride and Jim Henderson. Read by Charley Pride. (Check it out with a 10 minute listen.)Charley Frank Pride (1934-2020) was born in the very small town (about 400) of Sledge Mississippi, located 56 miles south of Memphis. Since the audiobook is about his life, it’s sufficed to say he had one of the great careers in country music. Mr. Pride had a remarkable life and tells it well. This book came out in 1994 when Charley was 60, and he ended up living another 26 years before succumbing to covid. Charley Pride’s music lives on and you can find it here on YouTube, including the Oscar nominated country spiritual All His Children. Enjoy Jim Henderson (1944 - ) was a journalist who had worked at Tulsa World news in Oklahoma, Dallas Times Herald in Texas, and freelanced for other organizations (currently retired). He received Pulitzer Prize nominations for: exposing the hundreds of murder confessions by Henry Lee Lucas as a hoax (cowritten with Hugh Aynesworth). The confessions had led many of those cases to be closed by law enforcement leaving the real killers at large; The consequences of atomic testing in America; Racism in the southern states in a 1983. There’s a nice bio of Mr. Henderson at kecofm.com/featured/an-elk-city-writers-storied-career
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness audiobook By Alan Burgess Read by Ingrid Bergman Great Books on Tape 2025-05-30 | The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958) was the name of the movie starring Ingrid Bergman. It is based (though they took liberties) on the Alan Burgess’ book The Small Woman (1957). This biography tells the story of Gladys Aylward (1902-1970) who was raised in a working-class family from Edmonton, North London, England. She was 5 ft/1.5 m tall and spoke with a cockney accent. Gladys felt called by God to become a missionary in China. And thus, her dangerous adventure begins, with both great triumphs and terrible hardship. This small woman had a lion’s heart. This audiobook stays true to the original book. Enjoy!Alan Burgess (1915 – 1998) was born during WW1 in Birmingham, England During WW2 he served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). His first published work was The Small Woman. Ironically, he cowrote this audiobook’s reader's autobiography. Ingrid Bergman: My Story. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.Ingrid Bergman – One of the Greats of Golden Hollywood. Just go to IMDB look at the films she’s in and pick one out (Casablanca is a good place to start). And if you want to know more, guess what? She has an autobiography! Ingrid Bergman: My Story. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. :-)
Invitation To Murder by Rex Stout Read by Saul Rubinek Great Books on Tape 2025-05-03 | Invitation to Murder (1953)In this novella, Nero Wolfe is hired by a Mr. Lewitt who is concerned that someone is trying to wrestle away the financial support he receives from his father’s inheritance. Detective Wolfe is reluctant to take such a trivial case, but could use the money. As Nero’s investigator, Archie Goodwin, turns up information for Nero to sort out, a darker deadly picture is revealed. Could it be murder? (Well clearly. It’s in the title after all.) Abridged I think.Rex Stout (1886-1975) was born in Noblesville Indiana which pays people $5,000 to move there. His first Nero Wolfe book was published during the great depression by Vanguard press, which Mr. Stout helped found. There were 72 Nero Wolfe books written by Rex Stout with the last published posthumously. 11 years after his death, the Nero Wolf mysteries were continued by Robert Goldsborough. This includes Silver Spire which is here on GBOT. Mr. Stout’s interesting life can be read about online.Saul Rubinek (1948 - ) was born in Föhrenwald, a post WW2 refugee camp, located in Wolftanshausen, Germany. At the camp, his father ran a theater. The family eventually moved to Canada. As a child, Saul acted on radio and in theater. As a young adult, Mr. Rubinek continued his theater acting and later became a busy and recognizable character actor on TV and film. He was a main character in Warehouse 13, worked with Tom Selleck in three Jesse Stone TV movies, and as a recurring character in A Nero Wolfe Mystery series from 2001-2. Oh, and he played Daphne’s fiancée in the final season of Frasier. You can see an interview about his Frasier experience on YouTube. I hope you enjoy Mr. Rubinek’s performance of Invitation to Murder. Perhaps one day there will only be fictional stories about murder.
Don Quixote by Cervantes. Read by Michael York Great Books on Tape 2025-04-12 | Don Quixote (1605) The book we know today was originally called El Ingenioso Hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha or The ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. It’s considered the first modern novel because of style and story elements. The book we know today was written as two parts, the first in 1605 and the second in 1615, one year before the author’s death. Don Quixote has both comedic and poignant elements as it tells the story of a late middle-aged man named Alfonso who has become completely delusional. He rechristens himself as Don Quixote a chivalrous knight errant. His delusions and behavior cause confusion, anger, and mockery among those he meets. His nonsensical beliefs lead to hazardous misadventure. What will happen to poor Don Quixote? Listen and find out. Enjoy! “To dream the impossible dream, that is my quest.” Don QuixoteMiguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) born in Arganda del Rey and was son of a barber-surgeon (they could cut your hair and lance your boil during the same visit). Miguel lived much of his life in poverty. As a young man, he served as an infantryman in the Spanish navy and lost the use of his left arm during battle at the age of 24. For five years he was held prisoner by pirates until ransomed by a religious order that specialized in ransoming prisoners. At one time he paid the bills by being a tax collector. His writing did not support him until Don Quixote was published in 1605. Michael York (1942- ) A film, tv, and theater actor known for his roles in The Three Musketeers, Austin Powers, Logan’s run and more. He’s also the reader of Voltaire’s Candide here on GBOT and you can read more about him there or online.Abridged (Note: The unabridged audiobook is 44 hours long.)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Read by Celia Johnson Great Books on Tape 2025-03-16 | Pride and Prejudice (1813) has charmed generations of readers for more than two centuries. Jane Austen's much-adapted novel is famed for its witty, spirited heroine, sensational romances, and deft remarks on the triumphs and pitfalls of social convention. Author Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist whose works of social realism achieved unprecedented critical and popular success, though Austen herself remained an anonymous writer throughout her life. (Goodreads)Note: A delightful adaption of Pride and Prejudice is the 1940 film starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Greer Garson also stars in the touching movie Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939), while the audiobook version of Goodbye Mr. Chips, superbly read by Christopher Plummer, is here on GBOT.Celia Johnson (1908-1982) was born in Richmond, Surrey which today is a borough of London. Celia’s first appearance on stage was at age 8. At St. Paul’s Girls’ School, she enjoyed performing in school plays and playing oboe in the orchestra which was led by Gustav Holst! (The Planets is his best-known work). As an adult Celia Johnson performed in the theater, on film and television. On stage she played the title character, Elizabeth, in Pride and Prejudice the same year the film version starring Greer Garson was released. (1940) Her next stage play bombed. That is the Theater was bombed during a Luftwaffe raid (WW2) and so she went into pictures. Her best films include; In Which we Serve (1942), Brief Encounter (1947) for which she was nominated for a best actress Oscar, and The Prime of Miss Jeanne Brodie (1969). Her final appearance on screen was in the highly rated miniseries Number 10 which came out one year after her death in 1982. Happily, many of her lively performances can now be seen or heard online including this late life reading of Pride and Prejudice. Enjoy!Abridgement approved by the author (via séance).
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut. Read by Kenneth Welsh Great Books on Tape 2025-02-22 | Jailbird (1979) This humorous, satirical, and odd tale is told by Walter Starbuck who was just released from prison for his involvement with the Watergate scandal. Through Starbuck eyes we witness the misuse of political power and riches. Fortunately, that doesn’t anymore. ;- )Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) was born and raised in Indianapolis Indiana, USA, Earth (maybe?). He was studying mechanical engineering in college before quitting and enlisting in the army during WW2. Captured by the Germans during the battle of the Bulge, he and his fellow prisoners survived the allied firebombing of Dresden by being interred in a slaughterhouse for cattle and hiding in the meat-locker. After the war he became a reporter and wrote his first book in 1952. His most famous work is the time travel, sci-fi, Dada-ish novel Slaughterhouse-Five. I recommend the book and the Ethan Hawke read audiobook. So it goes.Kenneth Welsh (1942-2022) was born in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. He studied acting in both in school and college. Kenneth went on to perform on stage at Stratford Shakespeare Festival, now called Stratford Festival, for 7 years. He then moved to New York, NY to perform in Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. Kenneth Welsh went on to TV and film roles winning 4 Gemini awards (Canadian Oscars) and one Daytime Emmy during his career. Notable films and TV shows Mr. Welsh performed in include: Miracle (2004-about 1980 US Olympic team), Twin Peaks (1991-10 episodes), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) Star Trek: Discovery (2020 2-episodes), Henry V (1966), Another Woman (1988) Wet Bum (2014 - Family movie about a teenage swimmer). I hope you enjoy his performance in Jailbird.Abridgement approved by the Author.Note: The EQ on your listening device needs to be adjusted to emphasis the reading if the reading is being drowned out by the music. P.S. The sketch on the cover is the author's self portrait and signature.
The Hundred Days (Master and Commander series) audiobook by Patrick OBrian read by Robert Hardy Great Books on Tape 2025-01-30 | The Hundred Days (1998) This is the 19th book in the series that began with Master and Commander featuring the exploits of Officer Jack Aubrey in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars. The Hundred Days refers to Napoleon who had been defeated and exiled, returning to France with his supporters. He raises an army and resumes his battles in which many tens of thousands of soldiers are killed or wounded. (What did they expect he would do?) Anyway, Jack Aubrey’s adventures continue. Enjoy!A brief Bio of Mr. O’Brian and Mr. Hardy can be found in the description of the Master and Commander audiobook here on GBOT. The Hundred Days was released 2 years before the author’s death. RIPAbridgement approved by author.Check your library for more books in the Aubrey-Maturin series.
James Bond in You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming. Read by Roger Blake. Great Books on Tape 2024-12-12 | You Only Live Twice - JAMES BOND IS DEAD is what the British public is reading in the morning’s newspaper. To them, the late and previously unknown Mr. Bond was announced in the obituary to have been in service of the British Crown. What happened? One way to find out. (Last words M-SNS) Enjoy! (P.S. The books and films have important differences.)Ian Fleming – (1908-1964. Killed by Spector assassins Smoke and Drink.) Young Ian survived the stupefying effects of being born into wealth and privilege. He served in WW2 as an officer in British naval intelligence. His father Valentine Fleming, had successfully founded a bank and was a member of British Parliament. Like millions of other men, Fleming died in combat during WW1 (1914-18). His obituary was written by Winston Churchill. (Interesting read in Wikipedia) Meanwhile, back at the ranch… At age 44 Ian Fleming wrote his first Bond novel Casino Royale. It was published in 1953 and the rest is history. You Only Live Twice, the 11th book in the Bond series was published in 1964. The film version starring Sean Connery has one of the best assault sequences on a villain’s lair in movie history. Quote: Never say ‘no’ to adventures……………………… Ian FlemingRoger Blake (b. 1957 - ) now retired, was a British voice and screen actor who performed primarily in small roles on British TV shows. But in this production, he plays the starring role narrating You Only Live Twice. Space comedy fans might remember Roger Blake portraying Noel Coward in an episode of Red Dwarf. And before Chris Hemsworth picked up the Hammer to play Thor, Mr. Blake portrayed a giant Thor in the miniseries Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story. Check it out.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. Read by Christopher Cazenove Great Books on Tape 2024-11-20 | The Phantom of the Opera (1910) This novel is the basis for plays, movies, and most famously the 1986 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical which celebrated its 35th year on Broadway in 2023. The Plot: At the Paris Opera House lurks a mysterious phantom who haunts and menaces the theater. Unusual happenings culminate with a stage hand dying. Was it by the Phantom? One thing is for certain, the Phantom has taken an unhealthy interest in the theater’s young leading lady Christine. Will this turn to tragedy? Find out now if you dare! Enjoy!Gaston Leroux (1868-1927) was born in Paris. He would later claim being descendant of William the Conqueror (the first Norman King of England - 1066 AD). A year post obtaining his law degree, Gaston received a large inheritance which he soon squandered. After stints as a court reporter and theater critic, Mr. Leroux turn to journalism. In 1907, he quit reporting and began writing fiction. The same year his first book The Mystery of the Yellow Room introducing the famous amateur detective Rouletabille was published. This was the beginning of a prolific career of writing novels, short stories, and even founding a film company. Quote: An author really ought to have nothing but flowers in the room where he works. Gaston LerouxChristopher Cazenove (1943-2010) was born in Shepton Mallet, England. In his youth, young Christopher was educated at The Dragon School (good name). He received his acting education at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Christopher Cazenove performed in film: Eye of the Needle with Donald Sutherland and Souvenir with Christopher Plummer. In television he starred in the series The Regiment and was a regular on Dynasty. Later in his career he performed in theater plays; The Importance of Being Earnest and My Fair Lady. Now, enjoy his voice acting in The Phantom of the Opera.
The Gemini Man - by Richard Steinberg read by Dick Hill. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2024-11-07 | The Gemini Man (1998) After being trained and sent into the Soviet Union the Gemini Man delivers a devastating blow to the communist regime. He is caught and spends 6 years in the frozen wasteland of a Siberia prison. The problem is, he might get out. Enjoy! Note: This story has nothing to do with the movie Gemini Man.Richard Steinberg (1958 - ?) There is very little information regarding this author, other than he is an expert in counterterrorism and international security. But perhaps his clandestine existence on the internet is for his own security. Perhaps there is no one by that name at all… Dick Hill – (1946-2022) After serving in the Marines during the Vietnam proxy-war, Mr. Hill began acting in theater and then became a voice actor performing in a thousand, give or take, audiobooks. He is best known for his reading of the Jack Reacher audiobooks. He has the voice that makes you think that you’ve heard it before. After dying from cancer, a fan named Brett Scott made a nice video about Dick Hill. It shows the pictures of his home and the paintings he enjoyed so much in creating during the later years of his life. Here’s the address. youtube.com/watch?v=lxOSYJ5QCVgRIP Dick Hill and thank you for reading the stories so many enjoyed.
On The Trail Tales by Donna Ingham Great Books on Tape 2024-10-10 | On the Trail Tales (2000) includes 4 stories of the old and not so old west, marvelously told by award round-up story-teller Donna Ingham. First, a story which features a Texas legend who showed that a man’s word is his bond. Up next is a tall tale of a longhorn steer with seven lives give or take. Side two commences with the rainy-day tale of a young pioneer woman who was twice bereft of her family. The final sweet tale tells of a child whose quest is to meet the King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers. He was the most famous singing cowboy in movies and on TV. You can listen to his most famous song Happy Trails which he sings with his wife and costar Dale Evans at: youtube.com/watch?v=ulgyEcfrBrsDonna Ingham Half of this bio is true. Born in a cactus patch in the Texas panhandle, little Donna developed a leaky hide at a very young age. This didn’t dampen her sense of humor nor her love of listening to the small and tall tales of the cowpokes around the branding campfire (The longhorns were less enthralled). The trials of her early life helped her stand up to all the whippersnappers she encountered as a professor of English. (Snooty Yankee English mixed with Texas drawl). After decades of beating linguistic sense into more than a few thick skulls, Mrs. Ingham traded in her pipe and tenure and headed for the open trail telling yarns to the working folk and their oft-springz. If you enjoy these Texas made collection of stories, you can find more of her stories here: donnaingham.comEnjoy Y’allThumbnail painting by Frederick Remington.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo read by Anthony Quayle Great Books on Tape 2024-09-19 | The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo read by Anthony Quayle. Abridged.The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831) takes place in Paris, France, 1482 AD. The novel tells the story of Quasimodo, a horribly deformed, deaf and mostly blind bell-ringer at the cathedral of Notre Dame (the one that caught fire a few years back). Frollo, the Catholic Archdeacon in Paris sends Quasimodo to kidnap a young gypsy woman who Frollo desires. And that's when the trouble begins. Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was born in Besancon, France. At age 17, Victor and his older brother Eugene published their own magazine. Mr. Hugo’s first novel Hans of Iceland, was published in 1823. However, what brought him to fame were his 5 volumes of poetry, the first one published in 1822. Victor Hugo is best remembered for the novels; The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserable. Les Miserable was originally panned by critics but very much enjoyed by the public. Mr. Hugo also enjoyed painting and you can see his works online. Quote Only one slave on Earth is enough to dishonor the freedom of all men.Anthony Quayle (1913-1989) was born in Ainsdale, England. At one time during his childhood, Anthony attended an all-boys boarding school. He was prepared for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began acting in plays in the 1930s. During WW2 he served in the British Army’s Royal Artillery. Beginning in 1948, Mr. Quayle spent 8 years acting at and managing the Shakespeare Memorial Theater located in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon. His film career began in 1935 and three years later he had a tiny role in the classic Pygmalion. Some of his film and tv roles include: Lawrence of Arabia, Masada (miniseries), and The Guns of Navarone, of which the audiobook version is here on GBOT. In 1970 he won a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance in Anne of a Thousand Days. Now, enjoy his voice acting in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Call For The Dead by and read by John Le Carré Great Books on Tape 2024-08-31 | Call for the Dead (1961) is the first of the popular spy series featuring George Smiley who works for British SIS (Secret Intelligence Service). It's also the first of the John Le Carré books to be published. The story takes place during the Cold War, and involves east German spying and marital intrigue. The most famous of this series is Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, also here on GBOT. Call for the Dead introduces the world to George Smiley and his clandestine life. It was made into a movie titled The Deadly Affair (1967) starring the legendary James Mason. This audiobook version is read by the author himself John Le Carré. Enjoy!John Le Carré (1931- 2020) is the pen name for David John Moore Corwell. He was born an Englishman but died an Irishman. He worked for MI5 and later MI6, the British domestic and foreign intelligence agencies respectively. His career ended when his cover was blown by a British/Soviet mole in the intelligence service. John Le Carré’s experiences gave him great insight into the spying game on which most of his books are based. An interesting man, good biography on Wikipedia.Off topic – If your spirits could use lifting, check out the short and uniquely animated film, The man who planted trees here on YT. It’s a favorite of mine.100th upload!Just realized this is the 100th upload to the channel. Hooray! I'm glad so many people have enjoyed it. The first upload is a favorite of mine, Goodbye Mr. Chips read by Christopher Plummer. If you haven't listen to it, the story is humorous and sentimental with a valuable message to hear when you feel that you're life doesn't amount too much. In short, little by little the good you do all adds up and spreads to places you'll never know.
Tales of Suspense from Alfred Hitchcocks Mystery Magazine Great Books on Tape 2024-08-19 | Tales of Suspense from Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine (1956-present) The movie master of suspense films, Alfred Hitchcock lent his name to this still published magazine which has been featuring original short stories for it’s bi-monthly since 1956. This enjoyable audiobook features 7 suspense stories published between 1985-1988. They include among others; a story of a radio personality who gives bad relationship advice especially to himself, a persistent man-stalking snake, and two boys stumbling upon a witch with sinister intent at a carnival. The Authors: Very little information is available online regarding the 7 authors. Only 2 authors had online photos. The stories and authors are: • The Dangling Woman by William Bunce.• A Summer Night’s Visitor by Gordon A. Reims• Old Flame by Taylor McCafferty*• Magic Nights by James A. Petrin• The Dear Departed by Dan Crawford• House on Cedar Hill by David Kaufman*• Out of Touch by Lyn Peters*Books by McCafferty and Kaufman can be found online. Readers: Lorelei King (1953 - ) was born and raised in the US, living at times in; Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and California. At age 27 Miss King moved to lovely Britain and has remained there. She’s now a citizen. Her career consists primarily of voice acting performance in movies, TV, audiobooks, BBC radio shows and video games. She has had small roles in British TV shows including Rumpole of the Bailey, (There are two Rumpole books on tape here on GBOT). You can also see her in the movie Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. You can find more of her audiobook voice acting online.Bob Sessions (1940-1998) was born in Knoxville Tennessee. Like Lorelei King, Bob Sessions spent much of his career living in England. He also appeared as a supporting actor in the series episode of Rumpole of the Bailey (did I mention the two Rumpole audiobooks on this channel?) He guest-appeared in a number of TV series including: The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes (1993 - an excellent series) and Oppenheimer (1980-miniseries). Enjoy!
On Wings of Eagles by Ken Follett Reader Barry Morse Great Books on Tape 2024-08-05 | On Wings of Eagles (1983) This story is an exciting thriller that happens to be true. Two men working in Iran for a Dallas Based company in 1978, were arrested and jailed on order of the Shah. The Shah’s prosecutor tried to extort the Dallas company by setting the bail at $12,750,000 which is $61,437,596 in today’s money. The owner of the company wasn’t having any of it. He got a team together developed a plan to rescue the two men from prison and extract all the employees during the midst of a violent revolution. His name: Ross Perot.Kenneth Martin Follett (1949 - ) was born in the capital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. His parents didn’t allow him to watch TV or movies for religious reasons. He studied philosophy in college. After graduating, Kenneth took a 3-month journalism course and got a job at a local newspaper in Wales. Mr. Follett began writing as a hobby and later said (likely tongue in cheek) he wrote his first book to earn money for his automobile repairs. Eye of the Needle, Ken Follet’s 10th book published in 1978, was a breakout and sold 10 million copies. Mr. Follet’s books have sold 160 million copies worldwide, with a number of them being adapted for the big and small screens. On Wings of Eagles was made into a miniseries.Quote: There is no reason in asking a man a question until you have established whether he has any reason to lie to you. -Ken FollettHerbert “Barry” Morse (1918-2008) was born in London England. During his prolific acting career, he performed in; radio series - Send for Paul Temple Again, A Touch of Greasepaint, plays- Crises in Heaven, Flowers for the Living, television- Space 1999, The Fugitive, Twilight Zone, The Winds of War, Film- Hounds of Notre Dame, The Changeling. Enjoy!Abridged.
Frankenstein Unbound audiobook by and read by Brian Aldiss. Great Books on Tape 2024-07-16 | Frankenstein Unbound Audiobook by and read by Brian Aldiss. AbridgedFrankenstein Unbound (1973) A terrible weapon has been unleashed in the modern era which causes disruptions in space-time. This results in random people being temporarily sent back in time through timeslips. This happens to the story’s main character Joe, as he is transported back two centuries and ends up confronting Dr. Frankenstein and his fearful monster.Brian Aldiss (1925-2017) was born in East Dereham, Norfolk County, England. During WW2 he served in the British Army in Burma which he found more tolerable than the boarding school he had been sent to as a boy. Toward the end of the war, Corporal Aldiss was training for the invasion of Japan which was called off after the Japanese surrender.In 1955, Mr. Aldiss first book The Brightfount Diaries was published. During his successful and productive career, Brian Aldiss wrote 40 novels and many short stories, primarily in the Science Fiction genre. He won two Hugo awards, one for most prominent new author the other for his novel Hothouse. His best know work is the wildly imaginative Helliconia trilogy (Spring, Summer, Winter) on which Steven Spielberg’s film AI: Artificial Intelligence is based. Now enjoy Frankenstein Unbound read by the author.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens read by Anton Rodgers. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2024-07-07 | Great Expectations (1861) Tells the remarkable story about and told by Pip as he rises from poverty as a childhood to becoming a Gentleman due to extraordinary circumstances. It is Charles Dickens' (1812-1870) final novel and is considered one of the great works in English literature. Please enjoy this audiobook from 1981 performed by the versatile British actor Anton Rodgers (1933-2007)
Mike Warnke Live Great Books on Tape 2024-06-20 | Mike Warnke was a popular and entertaining Christian comedian during the 1980s. This is one of his popular albums. Unfortunately, an investigative report by Cornerstone, a Christian magazine, reported that some of his stories were made up or exaggerations. This was a scandal back in 1991 when Christians still believed that being truthful was important. So, take his stories with a grain of salt. Any unconfirmed story you hear may or may not be accurate. Enjoy!
EMPIRE by Gore Vidal read by Catherine Walker Great Books on Tape 2024-06-14 | EMPIRE (1987) takes place during the late 19th and early 20th century. Two half siblings, Caroline and Blaise Sandford maneuver for control of their newspaper. This was a time when newspapers controlled much of how Americans viewed the world. What was called Yellow Journalism with its emphasis on sensational stories, scandals, and distortion of the truth was rampant (Yellow Journalism got its name from a comic strip character, a bald caucasian child who wore a yellow nightgown). The Sandford’s fictional lives intertwine with some of the most powerful Americans of that time, including Theodore Roosevelt and William Randolph Hearst. Empire is book 5 of Gore Vidal’s 7 book Narratives of Empire series, though it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Rating 4.5 stars on Amazon and 3.9 stars on Goodreads (out of 5 respectively) Abridged/movie length. Enjoy!Eugene Luther Gore Vidal (1925-2012) was born at the cadet hospital at West Point, New York since his father was an instructor at the military academy. He joined the US Army at age 17 during WW2 and served in the Transportation Corp. His first book Williwaw, based on his wartime experiences, was published in 1946. Mr. Vidal wrote novels, nonfiction books, essays, and plays during his career. Gore Vidal’s anthology United States: Essays 1952–92 won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1993.Quotes: Persuading people to vote against their own best interests has been the awesome genius of the political elite... There are a great many people who have a vested interest in maintaining the stupidity of the American public. – Gore VidalCatherine Walker (1975 - ) was born in Dublin Ireland. She has acted in a number of television productions including Shetland, Resistance, Finding Joy, The Walking Dead, Versailles, and The Clinic among others. Ms. Walker has performed in the 2023 movie Napoleon, the 2009 TV movie Northanger Abbey, the 2010 Rom-Com Leap Year, the 2022 Drama My Sailor My Love, and the shlock horror stinkaroo, Dark Touch. (They can’t all be classics.) And now, enjoy her nuanced performance in Gore Vidal’s EMPIRE.
Murder at the National Cathedral by Margaret Truman & D. Bain. Read by Rene Auberjonois. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2024-06-04 | Murder at the National Cathedral (1990) is one of the 31 Capital Crimes Novels which takes place in Washington DC the US Capitol. Mackensie Smith professor of law, and art gallery owner Annabell Reed, get married at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC. However, a priest who is a close friend is murdered and the couple set off to track down the killer. Murder at the National Cathedral received 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 3.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. The Capital Crime series have sold over 10 million copies. Enjoy! Margaret Truman (1924-2008) an only child, was born in Independence Missouri to Bess and Harry Truman the latter of which was president from 1945-1953 making Margaret First Daughter from age 21-29. During this time, she sang as a soprano with various orchestras. You can listen or download her prettily sung vinyl album American Songs at: trumanlibrary.gov/soundrecording-records/sr2004-1-sr2004-8-margaret-truman-album-american-songs …scratches included :-)Post White House Miss Truman got married and worked in radio and journalism. She cohosted a show with Mike Wallace, who later became a longtime contributor for 60 Minutes. In the 1960s she began writing novels and biographies. The biography was of her famous father has many first-hand accounts. Margaret Trumans most successful and enjoyed books were the Capital Crime Novels. Most of her Capital Crime books were cowritten with Donald Bain whose role was not revealed until 2014.Quote: The President is always abused. If he isn’t, he isn’t doing anything. Margaret's father - Harry TrumanRene Auberjonois (1940-2019) whose last name, pronounced as Oh BEAR shun wah, means armorer was born on the Isle of Manhattan, New York. On his mother’s side he is a descendant of Napoleon’s sister. His paternal grandfather was the post-impressionist painter Rene Victor Auberjonois. His curious art can be viewed online. At age 6 Rene decided to become an actor. As a young man he began with theater and later went on to win a Tony (1969) working with Katharine Hepburn in the play COCO, a musical about fashion designer Coco Chanel. His theater performances and play directing led to an induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame (2018).Mr. Auberjonois enjoyed a long and successful career in film and television. He was the original Father Mulcahy in the movie MASH, though replaced by William Christopher in the TV series. Mr. Auberjonois also voiced characters in animated shows and movies such as The Little Mermaid. He was a primary cast member in the TV series, Benson, Boston Legal, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as the no-nonsense shape shifting security constable Odo. And now, enjoy Rene Auberjonois voice performance of Margaret Truman and Donald Bain’s Murder at the National Cathedral.P.S. Last year while listening to the radio, I heard Rene Auberjonois perform the short story The Invisible Collection by Stefan Zweig. He gave a remarkable performance of this melancholy tale. Since then, I haven’t been able to find it online. There was one site that claimed to have his performance, but the site didn't work. If you should find it a site that actually plays it, please put a link in the comments. Thank you. GBOTP.P.S. The relief sculpture of people swirling around is located above the main doors of the Washington Nation Cathedral. I took the picture while visiting DC in 2017.
The Iron Pirate by Douglas Reeman read by Daniel Massey. Movie length Great Books on Tape 2024-05-18 | The Iron Pirate (1986) – Taking place during the summer of 1944 when the writing is on the wall for the Axis, The Iron Pirate tells a story of the German Cruiser Prinz Luitpold and her crew during WW2 as they risk death while sailing and battling on the Atlantic. It’s interesting getting a story told from the enemy’s side. For in the end the heroes, the enemies, the good, the evil, are all people, often manipulated by leaders, beliefs, and forces beyond their control. Enjoy!Note: A WW2 cruiser is smaller than a Battleship but larger than a Destroyer. The Prinz Luitpold on which this story takes place is a fictional ship. An actual German Cruiser from WW2 to look up for comparison is Prinz Eugene. Also in WWI, there was the cruiser Prinzregent Luitpold named after a German royal of the same name. It capsized after the war and is the only capsized ship with a house built on its keel. You can see that photo online.Douglas Reeman (1924-2017) was born in the town of Thames Ditton (England) which lies on the Thames and has been around since the 900s. In 1940, at age 16 he served as a midshipman on a destroyer in the Royal Navy. It was sunk while escorting a convoy by a depth charge, according to Wikipedia. This makes me wonder if it was caught in the explosion of its own death charge or from another destroyer while trying to sink a submarine. Later in the war he was injured on D-Day when a shell hit the landing craft he was operating. His first book, A Prayer for the Ship, came out in 1958. Douglas Reeman went on to become a successful author with 68 novels that sold 34 million copies worldwide. Mr. Reeman also wrote under the pseudonym Alexander Kent, the name of a friend and fellow officer who perished during WW2.Daniel Massey (1993-1998) Our English performer again displays his versatile voice acting skills as he did in The Big Sleep here on GBOT. During his life, Mr. Massey performed in theater, TV, and film. His first film role was in the WW2 classic In Which We Serve, and his last film role was in the well-made and well-told stop motion animation, The Miracle Maker. Both are worth watching.Off topic: Former US President Jimmy Carter said that his greatest achievement was not getting into a war with Iran during the hostage crises.
Ann Frank Remembered - by Hermine Gies - Read by Anjelica Huston Great Books on Tape 2024-04-01 | Anne Frank Remembered (1987) by Hermine “Miep” Gies. Read by Oscar winner Anjelica Huston, movie length.If you’ve never read the memoir Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Do yourself a favor and get the book, not the movie, not the graphic novel, but the book. If it’s been a few decades since you’ve read it, it's worth reading again. Though Anne was in many ways an ordinary girl, there is something extraordinarily compelling about her experiences and the unspoken sadness that a child like her could not have an ordinary carefree life. A type of life we take for granted. Our ordinary lives are filled with such beauty, wonders, and opportunities for happiness, if we look.Hermine “Miep” Gies (1909-2010) was one of the small group of people who risked imprisonment and worse by hiding and providing essential supplies for Anne’s family along with 4 others hiding in rooms that were hidden by a secret door behind a bookcase. This audiobook is Hermine's story as she worked to prevent the family being found out and sent to extermination camps. Anjelica Huston (1951- ) Our reader was born in Los Angeles. She was born to ballerina/model Enrica Soma and a Hollywood film director/actor John Huston. Mr. Huston received word of his daughter’s birth while in Uganda directing The African Queen, the audiobook version is here on GBOT. Though she first appeared in a film at age 16, it was a bad experience for her in part due to her inexperience and her father directing. Tragically, soon afterwards, her mother died in a car accident. Anjelica stopped acting and modeled for several years before returning to the screen where she has had a successful career in movies and on television winning an Oscar, Golden Globe and 6 Emmys. You may remember her as Morticia in two Adams Family films from the 1990s.Note: Hermine Gies reads the first few paragraphs of the audiobook before Ms. Huston takes over.
James Joyce 3 Stories Audiobook read by Gerard McSorley Great Books on Tape 2024-03-22 | Three Stories by James Joyce audiobook read by Gerard McSorley The Three Stories are: 1. The Dead - follows a man to a Christmas Party. He then muses on life and death after hearing his wife sing The Lass of Aughrim and then tell a story from her youth. The song The Lass of Aughrim is a tragic tale of a young mother carrying around her departed baby in the rain. Aughrim is a village in Ireland, the rain may be symbolic of her sorrow and tears. You can hear the song on YouTube. The Dead was made into a film directed by John Huston. Houston also directed Moby Dick and The African Queen, which audiobooks are here on GBOT. 😊2. Grace - is a story of an alcoholic who injured his tongue after falling down the stairs and the friends who visit him. They discuss various things of which they are somewhat ignorant about. Mr. McSorley does a good job speaking as a man with an injured tongue. 3. The Sisters – Father Flynn, a creepy and incompetent priest, is dying. A distressed young boy waits outside the door. His ultimate response to the death of Father Flynn is unexpected. Other characters berate the priest as corrupt. Is there any quality in such a man? Modern day critics opinion that perhaps the priest was suffering from late-stage syphilis which untreated can affect the brain and nerves and lead to death. (Joyce may have had syphilis himself). James Joyce (1882-1941) was born in Dublin, Ireland. Ireland wasn’t partitioned until 1922. He did well in school. Initially he attended the boarding school Clongowes Wood College which looks like an expansive castle. It’s a boarding school to this day. He attended and graduated from University College Dublin. James Joyce even considered pursuing a career as a tenor and gave concerts. He spent both world wars living in neutral Switzerland. Dubliners, a book with 15 short stories including the three on this audiobook was published in 1914. Mr. Joyce most heralded work Ulysses, which some scholars considered a revolutionary work because of its use of inner monologue, exact detail, and stream of consciousness, was published in the USA in 1934 and UK in 1936 after years of being prohibited due to charges of obscenity. Before being given the legal green light, Ulysses was illegally printed and distributed through an underground market. Mr. Joyce’s Ulysses and later Finigan’s Wake are difficult to read. However, the Dubliners stories in this audiobook are more down to earth. Enjoy!Quote “Hold to the now, the hear, through which all future plunges to the past.” James Joyce.Gerard McSorley (1950 - ) was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland. He began his acting career working in theater, often The Abbey Theater in Dublin. Over time he transitioned to TV and movies. He’s performed in: The Hanging Gale miniseries, starred in Omagh a tv movie, acted in three episodes of the Tudor series. He’s had roles in films including Braveheart, The Constant Gardner, Angela’s Ashes, and Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe.
A Morbid Taste for Bones audiobook by Ellis Peters read by Glyn Houston. Great Books on Tape 2024-03-06 | A Morbid Taste for Bones audiobook by Ellis Peters read by Glyn Houston. Movie length.A Morbid Taste for Bones (1977) takes place in 1137 AD, 840 years before the book’s publication date. Brother Cadfael lives at the monastery of Shrewsbury, growing herbs for medicinal purposes which he learned from Muslims while crusading. When a local landowner is murdered, Cadfael, who is also a sleuth, takes up the case. A Morbid taste for Bones is the first of 20 Cadfael novels which were very popular and later used to create a TV series starring Derek Jacobi (who reads 1984 here on GBOT). The Wall Street Journal ranked A Morbid Taste for Bones as “one of the five best historical novels.” Enjoy!Ellis Peters, pen name for Edith Pargeter. (1913-1995) was born in Horsehay, Shropshire, England the year before WWI broke out. Growing up, Edith attended Dawley Church of England School and a High School for Girls. During WW2, Miss Pargeter worked as a teleprinter operator as a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Following the war Miss Pargeter learned Czech and translated books by noted Czech authors into English. Also following the war, Edith Pargeter was able to support herself with her writings of novels, short stories, and articles for magazines. Her most famous work, the Brother Cadfael Medieval Mysteries was written under the pseudonym Ellis Peters. The first book, i.e. this one, came out when she was 64 years old, and she continued to write about Cadfael’s investigations with the last novel published a year before her death. Glyn Houston (1925-2019) was born in the mining town of Tonypandy, Wales. Mr. Houston was a character actor with 187 credits on TV and film. He performed in British television including; Inspector Morse, Freud, Dr. Who, Keep it in the Family, and The Long Chase. On the big screen he was seen in; The Mystery of Edwin Drood (based on Charles Dicken’s last novel), The Sea Wolves, Turn the Key Softly, and The Cruel Sea (of which an excellent audiobook version is here on GBOT).
Journey to the Center of the Earth audiobook by Jules Verne Read by Daniel Philpott Great Books on Tape 2024-02-28 | Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) was the 2nd novel published by French author Jules Verne. A young German man named Axel, tells of his travels with his Uncle Otto. Otto is a geologist who found a secret manuscript by the missing Icelandic explorer Arne Saknussemm, who describes his journey to the center of the earth. And so, the enthusiastic Otto and the dubious Axel set out to retrace Saknussemm’s trail. Many adventures and wonders are encountered. Will they make it? Only one way to find out. Enjoy your journey to the center of the earth.Movie Length/AbridgedJules Verne (1828-1905) was born in Nantes, France. Early impressions of adventure were imprinted on Jules by an uncle who had voyaged around the world. At the end of secondary school, Jules received his Baccalaureate after earning the grade “Good Enough.” Mr. Verne refused his father’s demand to pursue law and instead chose a writing career. He also studied science articles and books with which he enhanced his writings. His first commissions were for magazine stories. He also became a successful broker in a family business whose daughter he wanted to marry (and did). In the decade after his famous novels were published, From Earth to the Moon, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, etc., Mr. Verne was finally able live off his writings. To this day, Jules Verne’s novels are read throughout the world and he is considered a founding father of science fiction.Quote: Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.Daniel Philpott is British actor who has performed in many theater plays; The Cherry Orchard, The Strike of 1889, The Yeats Season, Hamlet… He appears in the 2023 film The Boys in the Boat, as Hitler. He also appeared in The Crown tv series, as Hitler. Most notably, Mr. Philpott has voiced over 150 audiobooks and gives a fine performance on this one. His robust vocal depiction of Uncle Otto makes me think he went home afterwards with a sore throat and hoarse voice. 😊
Hornblower and the Hotspur-audiobook by CS Forester read by Ioan Gruffud Great Books on Tape 2024-02-17 | Hornblower and the Hotspur (1962) Historical Fiction. The 11 volume Hornblower series takes place during the deadly wars of conquest waged by Napoleon (1803-1815). While the 3rd of 11 Hornblower books in chronological order, Hornblower and the Hotspur was the 10th book published and final book completed in its entirety by the author, who died before completing the 11th Hornblower book. Horatio Hornblower is an officer in the British Royal Navy. He began as a midshipman and has worked his way up in the ranks to become Commander of the Hotspur. Commander is one rank below Captain. While on a recon mission to spy on the French navy, war between England and France is declared and the battle commences. As if that weren’t enough Hornblower, for better or worse, experiences a great change in his personal life. Movie length.I wish you all Fair winds and following seas!C.S. Forester (1899-1966) Cecil Scott was born in Cairo Egypt and raised in London England. He initially studied medicine before dropping out to pursue writing. Most of his novels have a seafaring setting and his best-known books are the Horatio Hornblower novels which have been made into; a fine movie starring Gregory Peck, and seven entertaining TV movies starring the reader of this audiobook. Mr. Forester also wrote The African Queen of which there is an audiobook version here on Great Books on Tape.Quote The stinks of the true believers have to be smelt to be believed. (True believer – nothing will change their mind.)Ioan Gruffudd [Yo-wahn Griffith] (1973 - ) was born in Cardiff, the capitol of Wales, UK. At age 13, Ioan got a role on a Welsh language soap opera. At that age he also enjoyed singing and playing the oboe. His first big break was a small role in the mega-blockbuster Titanic as a crewmember in a rowboat looking for survivors and finding Rose “Turnabout!” He became well known with the 2 Fantastic Four films playing the stretchy Mr. Fantastic. Since then, he has starred in four well received TV series; Forever, Liar and Harrow, Horatio Hornblower, along with numerous guest star TV series appearances; Glee, Castle, Family Guy. and movie performances; Amazing Grace (where Yo-wahn gets to sing the title’s hymn), San Andreas, The Professor and the Madman. Enjoy!
633 squadron audiobook by Frederick E Smith read by Simon Ward Great Books on Tape 2024-02-13 | 633 Squadron (1956) From cassette-box - ‘Vesuvius’ was the name of the mission on which the success of ‘Operation Overlord’ depended. The chosen squadron was No. 633, whose pilots flew with skill and daring.Their target was a fjord in Norway where the Germans were known to be developing something so secret that not even the crews of the Mosquitoes which were to fly on the mission could be told about it. They knew it was a difficult mission, but they could not know just how dangerous it would turn out to be. Enjoy!Frederick Escreet Smith (1919-2012) was born in Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. His mother’s maiden name, Escreet, became his middle name. During WWII he served with the RAF and was a wireless operator and gunner. After the war he got married and moved to South Africa. During free-time from his accounting job, Frederick E. Smith wrote. He returned to Britain after an early book titled, Laws Be Their Enemy, which condemned South Africa’s apartheid policies, was banned and he received death threats. After returning to England he became a successful full-time writer, writing 40 novels and numerous short stories and travel articles. Two of his novels, 633 Squadron and The Devil Doll were made into movies. He fathered two children and was married once with his wife of almost 60 years dying in 2006. Simon Ward (1941-2012) was born in Beckenham, England. He began his acting education at age 13 and then continued his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He performed in theater, television, and film, becoming well know for portraying Winston Churchill in the film Young Winston. Other roles were in; Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, The Black Tulip, The Three Musketeers, Orsen Welles’ Great Mysteries, All creatures Great and Small, and Supergirl. He also played alongside his daughter, Sophie Ward of Young Sherlock Holmes fame, in Wuthering Heights (1992). Now enjoy his performance in 633 Squadron.
Flight of the intruder audiobook by Stephen Coonts. Read by Frank Converse. Great Books on Tape 2024-01-24 | Flight of the Intruder (1986) is a fictionalized story based on the author’s actual experience as a A-6 Intruder pilot during the Vietnam war. The novel was an instant bestseller. The A-6 series of Intruder war jets beginning with the A-6A (i.e. A-6) was used in service of the Navy and the marines, which are part of the Navy. Flying from aircraft carriers, and reaching speeds up to 644 mph, the Intruders would attack loaded with up to 18,000 lbs. (8200 kg) of missiles. The A-6 had a crew of two sitting side by side. The jet first came into service during the Vietnam war. The Intruder was in service from 1963 – 1997. Flight of the Intruder became an instant bestseller giving the reader a realistic look at flight combat and pilot life during the Vietnam war. Movie length audiobook.Stephen Coonts (1946 - ) born and raised in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Stephen graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Political Science. He got his A-6 Intruder training at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, Washington. Captain Coonts served aboard the USS Enterprise and clocked 1600 flight hours. He was awarded the Distinguished Fly Cross. After his service he got a degree in law. While working as a lawyer, Mr. Coonts wrote Flight of the Intruder. Thanks to the book’s success he became a full-time novelist, writing the Intruder series, the Saucer series, and Deep Black series. His latest work is The Russia Account published in 2019.Quotes: Mistakes are inevitable in Aviation…The trick is not to make a mistake that will kill you. (Flying) It’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done with your pants on.Frank Converse (1938 - ) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned a degree in drama at Carnegie Melon University. During his career, Frank Converse acted in numerous TV series, as well as movies and later in his career, on Broadway. Mr. Converse starred in the 1960s tv series NYPD where each episode was based on a real New York police case. He also starred as the man with amnesia whose life is in danger in the intriguing and strange Coronet Blue. He guest starred in shows such as; Columbo, Starsky and Hutch, Bionic Woman, and Baa Baa Black Sheep. (Black Sheep has a good theme song, it’s here on YT. BTW the saying “Black Sheep” came from sheep farmers. Black wool from black sheep was less valuable than white wool because….. it can’t be dyed.)
Jane Seymour Reads The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Audiobook Great Books on Tape 2024-01-12 | The Scarlet Letter Audiobook by Nathaniel Hawthorne read by Jane Seymour. Movie length.The Scarlet Letter (published in1850) takes place in Boston MA, in the 1640s. It is a time of Puritan law and breaking the strict code could lead to the stocks, whipping, or hanging. A widow named Hester is condemned for adultery after becoming pregnant. She is forced to wear a large letter “A” sewn on her blouse so all can see her iniquity and shame. The Scarlet Letter was very popular when it was published and has become a classic in literature. I was surprised at how much I liked this profound and touching story. Jane Seymour gives an excellent performance. Enjoy!Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was born in Salem Massachusetts. At age 15, Nathaniel created his own handwritten newspaper The Spectator. He attended Bowdoin college where he met future president Franklin Pierce who in 1853 as president gave Mr. Hawthorne a job. After college, Nathaniel Hawthorne worked at a customs house and later lived on a farm and shoveled manure. During his free time, he wrote. His first published book Twice Told Tales (1837), is a collection of short stories he had submitted to magazines. The Scarlet Letter is his best known novel. Mr. Hawthorne had a happy marriage and three children Quote: Love, whether newly born or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world.Jane Seymour/birth name Joyce Frankenberg (1951- ) was born in Middlesex, England. As a teen she pursued Ballet but injury changed her life course as she then pursued acting. Ms. Seymour became internationally famous playing the mysterious Solitaire in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973). She has since performed in numerous films and television productions most notably: Dr. Quinn-Medicine Woman, Sinbad, and the Eye of the Tiger (for you Harryhausen fans), the original Battle Star Galactica, Somewhere in Time a time travel romance with Christopher Reeve, The French Revolution as Marie Antoinette, and War and Remembrance an encompassing WW2 miniseries. Jane’s mother Mieke was a prisoner during WW2 at a Japanese interment camp in Indonesia. Her experience may have been a source for Ms. Seymour’s heartfelt performance in War and Remembrance. Quote: I've had two terrific relationships, but both ended in marriage. Joyce Frankenberg has 4 children.
The Big Sleep Audiobook by Raymond Chandler read by Daniel Massey Great Books on Tape 2023-12-30 | The Big Sleep audiobook by Raymond Chandler read by Daniel Massey. Movie length/abridgedThe Big Sleep (1939) Hard-boiled detective Phillip Marlowe makes his debut in a blackmail case involving a rich man and his two troubled daughters which leads to kidnapping and murder. Can Marlowe avoid The Big Sleep himself as he tries to solve this convoluted case? The Big Sleep was made into a movie in 1946 starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Goodreads rated it as the third best mystery novel of the 20th century. Enjoy!Raymond Chandler (1888 - 1959) was born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in the small town of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and at age 12 moved with his mother to London, England, after the alcoholic father abandoned the family. As a young adult he returned to the U.S. but during the Great War he fought in the trenches after joining the Canadian military. A decade after WWI, it was the Great Depression and financial distress that resulted in Mr. Chandler studying the work of Earle Stanley Gardner, who created Perry Mason (also here on GBOT). This learning experience enabled him to write and sell his first detective story to a pulp magazine. Mr. Chandler used elements of that story in The Big Sleep. He then went on to write 7 novels, all but the last being made into film. Sadly, he became a chronic alcoholic like his father and was one at the time of his death.Quote: Dead men are heavier than broken hearts.Daniel Massey (1933 - 1988) was born in London England. He was the son of the famous actor Raymond Massey (Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Things to Come) and they even starred in a film together, The Queen’s Guard. Daniel Massey received a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe and Oscar Nomination for his role in the movie Star!. His career also encompassed the British and Broadway stage. For those Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes fans, Daniel Massey guest starred in the Sherlock Holmes series, as the heartless husband accused of murder in The Problem of Thor Bridge. Mr. Massey also acted with Lawrence Olivier in the well-reviewed The Entertainer. Finally, before succumbing to cancer, Daniel voiced a character named Cleopas in the wonderful stop-action + animation film of Jesus, The Miracle Maker. In it, the future Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) provides the voice of Jesus. May you enjoy Daniel Massey’s performance in Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep.
Canterbury Tales Audiobook by Chaucer read by Martin Starke and Prunella Scales Great Books on Tape 2023-12-17 | The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Read by Martin Starkie and Prunella Scales. Movie length i.e. abridged. “When in April sweet showers fall…”The Canterbury Tales: The twenty-four stories of The Canterbury Tales were written by Chaucer from 1387 to the year of his death in 1400 AD. These stories are told by various pilgrims who are traveling to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. This audiobook contains 2 prologues and 5 stories. They include:• The Prologue• The Miller’s Tale• The Nun’s Priest’s Tale• The Wife of Bath’s prologue• The Wife of Bath’s Tale• The Merchant’s TaleGeoffrey Chaucer: (c.1343 – 1400) was born in London, England. He grew up to be a man of many talents. Besides being a writer and poet, he also studied astronomy and law, was a civil servant, and member of parliament. During the 100 -Years war when England invaded France, Chaucer was captured and held for ransom by the French. The ransom was paid for by King Edward III.Quote: All that’s written down has some truth to tell. Take the wheat and let the chaff lie still.Martin Starkie (1922-2010) was born in Burnley, England. He received his college education and acting skills and Oxford University and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art respectively. He appeared on various British TV movies and series during the 1950s including Sherlock Holmes (1951), BBC-Sunday Night Theater, among others. Later he wrote for the 7-episode Canterbury Tales which aired on the BBC, and cowrote the musical Canterbury Tales which won 4 Tony Awards. He also founded the annual Chaucer Festival and this Chaucer enthusiast narrated our audiobook. Enjoy!Prunella Scales (1932 - ) was born in the village of Sutton Abinger, England. Beginning 1949, she received her theater training at The Old Vic* aka Royal Victoria Hall. Prunella Scales is best known for playing wife Sybil Fawlty alongside John Cleese in the madcap series, Fawlty Towers. She also performed in the movies Howard’s End and The Littlest Horse Thieves.*From 2003-2015, the artistic director at The Old Vic was Kevin Spacey.
Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad. Audiobook read by Simon MacCorkindale Great Books on Tape 2023-11-18 | Lord Jim by Joseph ConradLord Jim: A young British seaman who first mate on the ship Patna joins the captain and officers in making a terrible yet understandable decision which hounds Jim for the rest of his life. Can their be redemption for such an act? It is thought by some historians that Lord Jim was inspired by a similar incident aboard the ship SS Jedah in 1880. Enjoy! Film length i.e. abridged.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski was born in Berdychiv Ukraine. At age 4, Joseph had to follow his father, who had been convicted by Russia for his pro Poland activism, into exile, along with his mother. By age 12, both parents had died of tuberculosis. His upbringing was then provided by a caring uncle. At age 16, Joseph began his life on the high seas. At 21, he first came to Britain and decided to stay even though he spoke little English. He spent the next 16 years working in the British Merchant Navy, and at age 29 he earned his master marine certificate and became a British Citizen. Finally at 36 Joseph Conrad gave up sailing and became a writer. Mr. Conrad’s writing was influenced his experience at sea and a particularly awful 4 month stay in the Congo which led to his most grim work, Heart of Darkness. Quote We live as we dream – alone.Simon MacCorkindale (1952-2010) Born in Ely, England, young Simon’s family moved frequently throughout Europe due to the father’s military career. Simon chose acting over becoming a diplomat. His role in Death on the Nile (1978), was an important career break, after which he moved to the US. He had the starring role in the strange short-lived series Manimal. Other films he performed in include: Jaws 3D, The Sword and the Sorcerer, the pre–WWI Thriller: The Riddle of the Sands which starred Michael York who reads Candide here on GBOT 😊. On TV Simon MacCorkindale made a number of guest appearances in TV series and miniseries: Jesus of Nazareth, Beasts, I Claudius, The Dukes of Hazard, Hammer House of Horror. Mr. MacCorkindale was a regular on Falcon Crest and starred in the popular series Counterstrike and Casualty. Simon also starred in a short film An Outpost of Progress based on the story with the same name by Joseph Conrad. It can be streamed here on YT. I hope you enjoy his performance in Lord Jim.
Dracula by Bram Stoker. Audiobook. Read by Anthony Valentine. Great Books on Tape 2023-10-11 | Dracula by Bram Stoker. Read by Anthony Valentine. abridged.Dracula – Published in 1897, Dracula which the author thought meant “Devil”, invents and tells the story of the what would become the world’s most famous vampire through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. It became famous worldwide after his death in thanks largely to the 1931 film Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. (Definitely worth seeing.) Nosferatu (1922) was the first film adaption (i.e., plagiarism) of Dracula, but Bram’s wife had not been asked, given permission, or compensated for the film. She won a lawsuit where she received compensation and all prints of Nosferatu were to be destroyed. However, one copy survived and it is considered a classic. You’ll notice the differences between the book and any film or TV adaptations you’ve seen. The book is deservedly a classic. EnjoyAbraham "Bram" Stoker (1847-1912) was born in Dublin, Ireland. He spent most of his career as a theater manager and critic. Mr. Stoker also authored 13 novels and numerous short stories. including Dracula. His other works have been largely forgotten though you can find most of them online at Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive. Anthony Valentine (1939-2015) Born in Blackburn England first had a theater role as a tap dancer at age 9. His first screen role was in a 1949 movie titled No Way Back. He performed in theater, British TV, and movies as well as narrated several documentaries. He is best remembered as a villain appearing in 30 episodes the TV series Callan (which starred Edward Woodward who reads African Queen here on GBOT). He also played a ruthless WW2 German POW camp officer in the series Colditz. On a brighter note, Mr. Valentine leads as the gentleman thief in the TV series Raffles which is free on YouTube. Enjoy his performance!
Special Delivery audiobook by Danielle Steel. Read by Richard Poe. Unabridged. Great Books on Tape 2023-10-01 | Special Delivery Unabridged.Special Delivery (1997) If you like Romance novels, this one’s for you. I’m not a fan, but a friend from long ago enjoyed them, so this is for her. Special Delivery tells the story of Jack who runs a successful high-end boutique, and Amanda a former actress who recently lost her husband. Their experiences together give them a new perspective in life. A number one best seller. Enjoy!Danielle Steel (1947 - ) Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Stell was born in New York City, Danielle spent much of her early childhood in France and then attended a bilingual French school in NYC. Primarily raised by her divorced father, Miss Schuelein-Steel studied fashion design and writing at Pason School of Design and New York University respectively. After moving to San Francisco, Danielle Steel first romance novel, Going Home, was published. Her website states that the prolific author has written 212 books (while raising 9 children, married 5 times-Reuters news) which have sold over 1 billion copies in 69 countries. Accord to Wikipedia, Danielle Steel is the 4th bestselling fiction author of all time behind #1 Shakespeare, #2 Agatha Christie #3 Queen of Romance Barbara Cartland (who wrote 723 novels)Richard Poe (1946 - ) Born in Portola, California, US. He served in the US Army after graduating from the University of San Francisco. Richard Poe began acting in the theater and later moved on to television and film acting. He appeared in the movies: Born on the 4th of July, Speechless, and Transamerica, and on TV he performed in the series: Star Trek TNG, DS9, & Voyager (as a Cardassian), Frasier, Loving, and Gotham.
Flight Into Danger audiobook, by Hailey & Castle. Read by Edward Albert Great Books on Tape 2023-09-19 | Flight Into Danger (1956) Was initially a television script by Arthur Hailey that was turned into a 1-hour adventure TV episode in Canada with a budget of $18,000 (Canadian). Plot - the cabin crew and most of the passengers, are incapacitated with food poisoning. All hopes rest on a former WW2 fighter pilot to bring the airliner down safely. The script was turned into a short novel by John Castle and published in 1958 as Runway Zero-eight. The 1956 TV episode, shown on the Alcola Hour was very well received and shown internationally. The episode starred James Doohan who later would become famous as “Scotty” in the original Star Trek. Contact the CBC to see if they still have it. In 1957, a feature film version titled Zero Hour and starring Dana Andrews was released. Flight into Danger was later used as the basis for the 1980 hit comedy film Airplane! Enjoy! John Castle: I mistakenly put in a photo of actor John Castle in the video. John Castle is a pseudonym for the writing team of Ronald Payne and John Garrod. Their other book, The Password is Courage.Arthur Hailey (1920-2004) Born in Luten, England famous for its straw-hat production, young Arthur enjoyed reading and writing from a young age. Mr. Hailey served as a pilot during WW2 and afterwards moved to Canada. He maintained various jobs while honing his writing craft. Flight into Danger was his first professional writing job. He went on to great success selling over 170 million copies of his books, including; Hotel, Airplane, Wheels.Edward Albert (1951-2006) was the son of movie and Green Acres star Eddie Albert. He performed in 130 movie and TV shows. Movies: Butterflies Are Free- received a Golden Globe Nomination, Midway, Guarding Tess, Mimic 2. TV: Kung Fu, Ellery Queen, Love Boat, Murder She Wrote, a ABC after School Special (Daddy can't read), Deep Space Nine.
Walden or Life in the Woods, Audiobook by Henry David Thoreau, read by Michael O’Keefe. Abridged Great Books on Tape 2023-09-14 | ( Note: When you feel the need for Spring during a dreary episode of winter in your life, listen from 1:34:24.)Walden or Life in the Woods (1854). Henry Thoreau spent two years living in a rustic home in the woods near the shores of Walden Pond. This classic book is the accumulation of his thoughts and philosophy while living a simple life away from the complexities and mundanities of city life. There are marvelous insights and descriptions as well as some eye-rolling proclamations. The last 7 minutes or so has a conclusion that makes it all worthwhile. Enjoy!Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was born in and died in, at age 44, Concord Massachusetts. Mr. Thoreau was a prolific writer of poems, essays (E.G., Civil Disobedience), and novels of which Walden is the best known. He wrote essays against slavery and believed that humans where inherently good but it was human institutions that corrupted them. Henry died during the second year of the American Civil War.Michael O’Keefe (1955 - ) was born in Mount Vernon, New York. Michael studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and New York University. Mr. O’Keefe first appeared on screen in the forgotten TV series The Texas Wheelers. He is best known for his roll in the movie Caddyshack. Michael O’Keefe has an extensive list of guest starring appearances on TV shows such as; MASH (RIP Loretta Swift), The Waltons, Police Story, House, among others. Michael O’Keefe received a best support actor Oscar nomination for his roll in The Great Santini.
The African Queen audiobook by C S Forester, read by Edward Woodward Great Books on Tape 2023-09-01 | The African Queen audiobook, by C.S. Forester, read by Edward Woodward. AbridgedThe African Queen (1935) Taking place in German East-African (Tanzania) at the beginning of World War 1 (1914-1918 referred to as The Great War not WW1 since WW2 had begun) a refined missionary woman named Rose Sayer finds herself isolated after her brother dies and the village natives are involuntarily drafted into the local German Army. A small steam powered supply ship, African Queen, captained by Charlie Allnutt, takes Rose on board and they steam down the Ulanga (aka Kilombero) River, encountering danger and adventure, not the least of which are each other. In 1951, a film adaptation was released starring the eminent actors Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. They were respectively nominated for best actor and actress for the 1952 Academy Awards with Bogart receiving the Oscar.C.S. Forester (1899-1966) Cecil Scott was born in Cairo Egypt and raised in London England. He initially studied medicine before dropping out to purse writing. Most of his novels have a navel setting and his best-known work is the Horatio Hornblower series which later was made into a TV miniseries. More recently the Tom Hank’s film Greyhound was adapted from Forester’s novel The Good Shepard.Quote: I formed a resolution to never write a word I did not want to write...Edward Woodward (1930-2009) After his acting education, this English actor began his career in theater before moving on to British television. His breakout hit was starring as a spy in the British TV series Callan. But it was the American series The Equalizer which earned him his widest recognition along with 5 Emmy nominations. Enjoy his performance in this audio presentation of The African Queen.
The Great Hunt audiobook by Robert Jordan Read by Mark Rolston Great Books on Tape 2023-08-22 | The Great Hunt Audiobook by Robert Jordan Read by Mark Rolston. Abridged to movie length. The Great Hunt (1990) The main story is about a group of young heroes, Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, who join Shienaran soldiers in a quest to get the Horn of Valere, which can raise dead heroes, out of enemy hands. Rand is a farm-boy who is thought to be the Dragon Reborn, the leader prophesized to save the world at a terrible cost. Average rating on Good Reads 4.3 out of 5 with over 300,000 votes. 4.7 on Amazon with over 28,000 votes. Book 2 of The Wheel of Time series.Rick Jordon (1948 - 2007) Born James Oliver Rigney Jr. in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. He served two tours of duty as a helicopter gunner during the Vietnam war (1955-75). Afterwards he attended The Citadel and got a BS degree as a nuclear engineer. He began writing at age 29. Rick Jordon is best known for writing 11of the 14 novels (3 novels were written after his death by another author) of the extraordinarily popular The Wheel of Time series which has sold over 100 million copies. He also wrote 7 novels in the Conan the Barbarian series. Fun Fact: It would take over 19 days to listen to all the unabridged audiobooks of The Wheel of Time series. (Listening party at my place! Bring your sleeping bag and snacks!)Mark Rolston (1956 - ) Born in Baltimore, Maryland (a merry place to visit), Mark wanted to be an actor since age 9 and studied acting overseas in London. He has acted in numerous TV series: Touched by an Angel, NCIS, Star Trek -TNG, ER, Babylon 5, Bosch and appeared in movies: he played one of the sisters (a nasty piece of work) in The Shawshank Redemption, Rush Hour, and Aliens (the 2nd alien movie, Starring Sigourney Weaver and directed by James Cameron of Avatar and Titanic fame).
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES audiobook by Lucy Maud Montgomery Read by Megan Follows Great Books on Tape 2023-08-13 | Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908 and tells the story of a lively and talkative eleven-year-old orphan girl named Anne Shirley who goes to live with Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert, middle-aged sister and brother who live on their farm, Green Gables, located on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The book, the first of a series, has sold over fifty million copies and been translated into 36 languages. There have been stage, TV, movie, animation, anime, and radio adaptions of the book. There is also a delightfully illustrated Anne of Green Gables Graphic novel which the digital edition is free to read if you are an Amazon Prime member. If not check your library or bookstore. My favorite production is the 1985 four-hour Canadian TV series starring out reader, Megan Follows which I’m sure is streaming somewhere. (P.S. This book is not just for girls or children 😉) Quotes“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”“‘Dear old world,’ she murmured, ‘you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.'”Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1943) born in New London, Prince Edward Island, Young Lucy experienced tragedy when her mother died of illness while Lucy was still a toddler. Her mother’s parents became her caretakers until her father remarried 4 years later. Lucy began writing poems and short stories when she was young. Miss Montgomery was a school teacher until her paternal grandfather died. She moved in with her paternal grandmother to take care of her for 13 years. She earned extra money with her writing during this time and her career and income flourished upon the publishing of Anne of Green Gables. Miss Montgomery married a reverend and had two living children. Megan Follows (1968- ) Born in Toronto, Canada, Megan followed her parents into the acting profession. As a teenager she was selected over 3000 other girls for the role of Anne Shirly in a Canadian miniseries of Anne of Green Gables which came out in 1985. Megan gave the performance of a lifetime. Since then she has reprised her roll of Anne twice, and has made appearances on multiple television series such as; Longmire, House, Rabbit Hole, and CSI: Miami. She even played Shania Twain’s mother in a TV biopic about the famous singer. Finally, she portrayed the Queen of France in all 4 seasons of Reign which was a popular and well-reviewed series about Mary, Queen of Scotts. Now enjoy Megan's performance in Anne of Green Gables.
The Rise and Fall of The Great Society. Comedy album by Charlie Manna and cast. unabridged Great Books on Tape 2023-08-07 | The Rise and Fall of the Great Society. Released in 1966, in this comedy album, comedian Charlie Manna and his cast present skits that take a skewed view of then modern American thinking. The ludicrous scenarios include; a supreme court indecency case, a possibly missing H-Bomb, and a riot by dog lovers, among others. Comedy was different in the 60s than today. It also helps to know some history to better understand the context of the routines. Enjoy!Charlie Manna (1920-1971) was a stand-up comedian with a background in opera. He appeared on stage and on various early TV talk shows. One of his routines was titled Alcatraz – The Musical. He died of cancer at age 51.Link or copy paste.My art/photo site address. pixels.com/profiles/kells-chi-rhoCheck out my two books on Amazon.Ludwig Richter: The Story ArtistAnnotated Astrologaster
Moonshot audiobook by A. Shepard, D. Slayton, Jay Barbree, Howard Benedict. Read by Barry Corbin. Great Books on Tape 2023-07-22 | Moonshot: The inside story of America’s Race to the moon. AbridgedMoonshot: Published in 1994 and featuring the experiences and insights of 2 Mercury astronauts, Moonshot tells the story from Mercury to the moon landing in 1969 with a surprise ending of a Soviet Union and US space hookup during the cold war. It was made into an inspiring and memorable documentary by TBS in 1994. Narrated by Barry Corbin it featured many of the astronauts and other NASA members. It’s currently on YouTube and I highly recommend watching it. Moonshot was also made into an audiocassette, the one you’re going to listen to, and is also narrated by Barry Corbin. Moonshot tells one of the world’s greatest stories and tells it well.Alan Shephard: (1923-1998) was born in East Derry, New Hampshire. He attended the US Naval Academy and then served during WW2 onboard the destroyer USS Cogswell. After the war, Alan Shephard trained to be a pilot and then test pilot testing among other planes, the F3H Demon of which 519 were later built. In 1959 he became part of NASA’s famed Mercury 7 (See movie The Right Stuff) and was the first American in Space and in 1971 walked on the moon.Quote “Light This Candle!”Deke Slayton (1924-1993) Born in Sparta Wisconsin, Deke Slayton was a pilot during WW2 flying 50 bombing missions, and the Korean war. Afterwards he became a test pilot and then one of Mercury 7 astronauts for NASA. Health issues grounded him but not giving up, he became Chief of the Astronaut Office. But there was one last twist in his life story. What was it? You’ll have to listen to this audiobook to find out. Enjoy!Barry Corbin: (1940 -) A prolific actor who is best known for playing a former NASA astronaut for the TV series Northern Exposure, and the father of the main character in The Closer. He was also the gung-ho General in the movie Wargames. His narration on the TBS Moonshot documentary and this audiobook is terrific.Jay Barbree (1933-2021) Co-author of Moonshot, was a news correspondent for NBC news and covered every NASA launch beginning with Alan Shephard’s historical first flight. Over the years he became acquainted with some of the Astronauts, going out to dinner with them and socializing with them on cocoa beach. Neil Armstrong carried a gold coin for him on apollo 11. Howard Benedict: (1928-2005) Co-author of Moonshot, was an AP correspondent covered NASA launches, as well as numerous missile and other rocket launches, for 37 years, beginning with Alan Shepards first flight through the 34th Shuttle mission. He as known as a consummate reporter the “Dean of space reporting.”
