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

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

Charlotte Bronte's classic novel Jane Eyre is narrated by the title character, an orphan who survives neglect and abuse to become a governess at the remote Thornfield Hall. She finds a kindred spirit in her employer, the mysterious and brooding Mr. Rochester, but he hides a terrible secret that threatens their chances of happiness. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott is a satirical novella that explores dimensions through the lens of a two-dimensional world. The story follows A. Square, a resident of Flatland, who discovers the existence of a third dimension when visited by a Sphere from Spaceland. As he struggles to comprehend higher dimensions, he faces resistance from his rigid, class-based society. Abbott cleverly critiques Victorian social hierarchy and limited perspectives while introducing readers to mathematical concepts of dimensions, making Flatland both a fascinating philosophical ...

Thomas Traherne's best known work is a collection of paragraphs, divided into what he called "Centuries", meditating in a particularly intense and visionary manner on God, nature and His relationship with the life of man. - Summary by Nicole Lee

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

Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog), published in 1889, is a humorous account by Jerome K. Jerome of a boating holiday on the Thames between Kingston and Oxford. The book was initially intended to be a serious travel guide, with accounts of local history along the route, but the humorous elements took over to the point where the serious and somewhat sentimental passages seem a distraction to the comic novel. One of the most praised things about Three Men in a Boat is how undated it appears to modern readers — the jokes seem fresh and witty even today. (Wikipedia)

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

The Far Country by Winston Churchill (not to be confused with the British leader) is a romantic and political novel set in the 20th century. The story follows Victoria "Torie" Randolph, a young woman from an aristocratic British family, as she navigates love, societal expectations, and personal growth. Torie moves to the Australian outback, where she discovers resilience and passion while forging a new life. Through vivid landscapes and contrasting cultural norms, Churchill explores themes of identity, class, and the pursuit of freedom in a rapidly changing world.Summary by Dream AudioBooks

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

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

A parody of its famous predecessor, this short piece was written by Owen Wister for the Harvard Lampoon

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

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

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

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

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875 - 1950)This is the fifth of Burroughs' Tarzan novels.Tarzan finds himself bereft of his fortune and resolves to return to the jewel-room of Opar, leaving Jane to face unexpected danger at home. (Summary written by Sarah Jennings.)

The d'Artagnan Romances, Vol 1: The Three Musketeers (version 3)Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870)Translated by William Robson (1785 - 1863)The d'Artagnan Romances are six volumes that intertwine exciting events (real and fictionalized) from 17th-century Europe and the life of the most adored French musketeer of that period, Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan. Volume 1 introduces d’Artagnan as a young man, seeking to earn the glory of serving in the King’s Musketeers. While in pursuit of this aim, d’Artagnan befriends three musketeers – Athos, Porthos, and Aramis – who aid him in ...

Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912)Dracula is an 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. It introduced Count Dracula, and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy. The novel tells the story of Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so that he may find new blood and spread the undead curse, and of the battle between Dracula and a small group of men and a woman led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing. - Summary by Wikipedia

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

Ferdinand Count Understand by Tobias Smollett is a picaresque novel that follows the existence of the shrewdness and deceitful Ferdinand Comprehend. Raised by a manipulative mother, Understand develops into an expert of misdirection, gifted in control and misrepresentation. He plots his direction through society, taking advantage of others for individual addition. Be that as it may, his presumptuousness and indecent conduct lead to his defeat. After various turns, double-crossings, and brushes with death, he faces equity. The original features subjects of ravenousness, trickery, and the ...