6.28.2007

Episode 4: The Black Moth 1-2

Not a "typical" romance, this author's skill will surprise you.
Prologue, chapter 1 and chapter 2.

Rating: G
Suitable for everyone, although young children won't necessarily understand what is going on.

Links

The Black Moth

The Book
Look for this book and other Georgette Heyer novels at your library, local or used book stores or on Amazon. This book is in the public domain.
The Fashions
The Pretender
Charles Edward Stuart: a.k.a. Bonnie Prince Charlie

The Slang
Cant and Expressions
Slang not included in the above list:
  • Make a leg: A bow, esp. in the phrase to make a leg; probably from drawing the leg backward in bowing. [Obs.][1913 Webster]

  • High Toby: The high toby, the high-road the low toby, the by-road. A highwayman is a “high tobyman;” a mere footpad is a “low tobyman.”

Read in:

6.20.2007

Episode 3: Shirley Jackson Sampler

Shirley Jackson usually calls to mind horror fiction but she also wrote some very funny stories about her family.



Episode 3: Shirley Jackson humor sampler

Rating: G
Suitable for everyone.

Look for this book and other Shirley Jackson novels at your library, local or used book stores or on Amazon. Links are in the show notes which are here.

Episode 3: Show Notes

Notes for Episode 3

About the author
Shirley Jackson

Charles
Miette reads Charles

The Books
These books are under copyright.

Featured Podcast
Librivox: Free audiobooks from the public domain.

Much thanks
To those who have so kindly mentioned Forgotten Classics.

6.13.2007

Episode 2: Topper

Do you think you know all about Topper if you saw the movie or television show? Wrong! The book is so much better ...

Episode 2: Topper Sample

Why is this episode so long? There's a really good reason and you won't mind. I promise!

Rating
PG (fine for older kids and up).

Look for this book and other Thorne Smith novels at your library, local or used book stores or on Amazon.

Show notes are here.

Episode 2: Show Notes

Helpful information
  • dys·pep·sia n. Disturbed digestion; indigestion.
  • White duck trousers
  • "Race relations...": remember that this book was written in less politically correct times, although the reference is fleeting and the author's take on it very modern.
  • General: still working with the learning curve on volume levels, microphone placement, etc. Hopefully all is smooth enough not to detract from listening pleasure but if so, rest assured I am working on it.
About the author:
Thorne Smith

The Book
Topper (Modern Library)
This book is under copyright.

Much thanks
To those who have so kindly mentioned Forgotten Classics:
  • Maria Lectrix, a podcaster extraordinaire of classics in sci-fi, mystery, the Church Fathers, and much more.
  • The Curt Jester, one of my favorite bloggers who knows how to appreciate and review a good book.
  • CraftLit, the podcast that made me realize listening to books while knitting was such a genuine pleasure. Without Heather's insistence I surely wouldn't have thought of putting together a promo, much less getting around to actually doing it.
  • Christopher Bailey
  • Mike Aquilina

6.06.2007

Episode 1: A Tale of Three Tales


A South American folk tale that has a personal connection ...
all about the days
"When the rat had a tail like a horse ..."
Story rating
Kid friendly.

Featured Work
Tales from Silver Lands: A Tale of Three Tales

This book is in the public domain.


Podcast Highlight
Henry James, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen ... Heather's got 'em for you at CraftLit

And I just hafta say ... the cover above is from the 1974 hardcover. I always thought that it was quite hideous ... until I saw the atrocity on the newest version. Just try to ignore this if buying the book and focus on the folk-tale-ish goodness on the inside.