The Ancient category has 62 audiobooks on Listento.it, with an average listener rating of 4.7★ across 263 ratings. The most-rated is Arabian Nights: Volume 1.
The Apology of Socrates According to Plato
Summary
The Apology of Socrates, written by Plato, is a Socratic dialogue of the speech of legal self-defense which Socrates spoke at his trial for impiety and corruption in 399 BC. Specifically, the Apology of Socrates is a defense against the charges of "corrupting the youth" and "not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel" to Athens. Among the primary sources about the trial and death of the philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC), The Apology of Socrates is the dialogue that depicts the trial, and is one of four Socratic dialogues, along with Euthyphro, Phaedo, and Crito, through which Plato details the final days of the philosopher Socrates.
Public Domain (P)2020 Robin Homer
Othello Adapted in a Moroccan Style
Summary
Othello, by William Shakespeare, is adapted in a Moroccan style by David Serero. Starring David Serero as Othello.
©2016 David Serero (P)2016 David Serero
Mahabharata: The Roll of the Dice
Summary
In the second book in this three-part series, the roll of the dice reverses the fortunes of the Pandavas. The peaceful years following the division of the kingdom of Bharata are soon to end because of Duryodhana's jealousy. Along with his uncle, Sakuni, he plots to secure the entire kingdom. The twisted path of simmering tension between the royal cousins culminates in an unfair game of dice. The Pandavas accept Duryodhana's challenge to gamble, fully aware that they can never win against the cunning Sakuni. Yudhishtira, the architect of his misfortune, gambles away his territory, his wealth, his brothers, himself, and even his wife. Blinded by the lust for power, the blood ties melt away. What do they do now? Where do they go next?
©2009 DC BOOKS (P)2012 DC BOOKS
Antony and Cleopatra
Summary
A Shakespeare Society Production. The complete play in five acts. William Shakespeare lived between 1552-1616, but his work endures and is enjoyed the world over.
Public Domain (P)1995 HarperCollins Publishers
The Jew of Malta: Adapted by David Serero
Summary
The Jew of Malta, by Christopher Marlowe, starring David Serero as Barrabas. Cast album recording of 2017 off-Broadway production. Directed and adapted by David Serero.
©2018 David Serero (P)2018 David Serero
Charmes
Summary
Abordant les thèmes de la nature, de la vie et de la mort, la magnifique poésie de Paul Valéry invite le lecteur à l'introspection, à la découverte de son soi intérieur. Chacune de ses poésies, qu'elles soient longues ou courtes, font de ce recueil la marque de l'un de nos plus grands poètes.
©domaine public (P)2020 FV Éditions
Lais
Summary
Marie de France visse nel XII secolo, e di lei si sa pochissimo, solo quello che scrive di se stessa: "Il mio nome è Maria e sono di Francia. Visse probabilmente alla corte di Enrico II d'Inghilterra e di Eleonora d'Aquitania, ed è la più antica narratrice nelle letterature volgari d’Occidente. Questa è una collezione di storie cortesi (originalmente in lingua d’oïl ) – famose novelle d’amore tutte tramandate da canzoni bretoni. Marie de France, accanto a Chretien de Troyes, inaugura il cosiddetto Ciclo di Bretagna, che deriva dalla fiaba di Artù e Merlino. La traduzione di Serafino Balduzzi in prosa e versi liberi ha mantenuto tutta la freschezza e la leggerezza dell’originale. Please Note: This audiobook is in Italian.
©2013 Serafino Balduzzi (P)2013 Silvia Cecchini
Richard II
Summary
Richard II is dangerously out of touch with his kingdom. He wastes money, raises taxes to support his lavish lifestyle, plays favorites, and cares more about his vanity than the common good. When Henry Bolingbroke - father of the future Henry V - challenges Richard for the throne, it's a fight the king can't win. But in losing his crown he gains far greater things: his humanity and his soul. Shakespeare's luminous, poetic masterpiece is the first of four plays that chronicle the House of Lancaster's rise and the beginning of the Wars of the Roses.
Public Domain (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
The Lays of Marie de France
Summary
The 12 Lays of Marie de France offer one of the most striking collections of short narrative poems of the 12th century - two centuries before Chaucer. Written in Anglo-French, they contain beguiling and entertaining stories of love and romance, of chivalry and adventure with sometimes even a magical twist. They are especially unique in early literature by being ascribed to a female poet, Marie de France: in the very first Lay - 'Guigemar' - is the introductory line: ‘Hear my Lords, what Marie says, who does not wish to be forgotten in her time.’ In this modern prose translation by Edward J. Gallagher, professor of French studies, Wheaton College, Norton Massachusets, the vigour and spirit of the Lays is foremost, balanced by gentle poetry and story-telling. Professor Gallagher, in his introduction, explains: ‘If Chrétien de Troyes’ five romances and the two Old French versions of the Tristan story constitute the medieval precursors of the modern novel, The Lays can be considered the medieval antecedents of the modern short story. What is undeniable is Marie de France’s place in literary history as the most accomplished writer of lays.’ Each of the Lays focuses on some extraordinary adventure involving in all cases a problematic love relationship in a chivalric society. The geographic setting is frequently, but not exclusively, Britain or continental Brittany. These are tales of honourable love, adulterous love, old men attempting to guard young wives, betrayal, hope and despair. Often, strict moral codes expected by the Church of the time are flouted as love conquers all. The Lays are read engagingly by Georgina Sutton. A short introduction leading to the Lays, and scholarly notes to conclude by Professor Gallagher are read by David Rintoul. In addition, the recording is accompanied by a PDF containing the prologue and the first Lay, 'Guigemar', in Anglo-Norman for further interest and insight. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2010 Hackett Publishing Company (P)2020 Ukemi Productions Ltd
A Drama of the Gouldium
Summary
The Broadway Rapture: A Drama of the Gouldium. Against uncomfortable competition in national telegraphy, the Western Union Company, led by Jay Gould, with a number of new telegraphic firms warred to maintain her primacy. When the murderer of Jim Fisk becomes a partner in one of his competitors, revengeful competition is pursued by Gould. The Broadway Rapture is of historical fights for capital superiority. This play is one of the Gouldium, a series of dramas on the life and times of Jay Gould. As in most of these plays there are seven scenes of dialogue and seven choral episodes.
©2012 F.L. Light (P)2013 Frederick Lazarus Light
The Verge
Summary
Susan Keating Glaspell (1876 - 1948) was a novelist, playwright, journalist and actress. The Verge reflects Glaspell's observation of the way in which Victorian society left some women feeling trapped in roles for which they were unsuited. The story is about Claire, a woman who lives her life on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Trying to create a new type of plant, Claire spends most of her time in the greenhouse. One winter, with a house full of guests, she diverts the heat to the greenhouse. She tries to leave her family and friends outside, in the cold, and their attempts to bring her back to the real world drive her over the edge into utter insanity. The language of The Verge is unusual. The characters sometimes speak in poetic fragments rather than everyday speech. What’s more, symbolism features heavily in the play. Of course, it all ends in death and destruction, with Claire humming "Nearer My God, to Thee” and with a smoking gun in her hand and a dead man at her feet.
Public Domain (P)2019 Woodkeep Audio
Redl singt Villon
Summary
Ein einzigartiges literarisches Klangerlebnis: Der Schauspieler und Musiker Christian Redl hat mit seiner Band die Texte des französischen Dichters François Villon vertont und entführt einen dabei auf sowohl literarisch wie musikalisch reizvolle Weise ins Frankreich des 15. Jahrhunderts. Dort geht es hoch her - Lust und Leid, Prostitution und Tod, Musik und Kriminalität sind an der Tagesordnung.
©2004 SAGA Egmont (P)2020 SAGA Egmont
The Children of the New Forest
Summary
The Roundheads under Cromwell and the Cavaliers under Charles I, have fought a bloody Civil War: the defeated King has escaped south towards the New Forest. The Parliamentry troops believe he will hide in the home of Colonel Beverly, a famous Cavalier - they surround the house believeing they will smoke him out. No King is found and they are told that they have killed the four children who were in the house - but they escape with the old forester, Jacob Armitage, who must now teach them to lose their lace, and velvet manners and behave and look like Puritans. He must also teach them how to hunt, farm and survive in the magnifiecent New Forest, first laid out by William the Conquerer. Edward, the oldest, Humphrey and their sisters, Alice and Edith will find a new life, and for Edward, new love with the Superintendents' daughter, Patience Heatherstone. Captain Marryat tells this story with loving attention to the details of living in the forest and to History where the balance between King and Parliament has changed forever.
Public Domain (P)2013 Lumen Arts
Summary and Analysis of Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Summary
Death of a Salesman is a 1949 play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. It was the recipient of the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. The play premiered on Broadway in February 1949, running for 742 performances, and has been revived on Broadway four times, winning three Tony Awards for Best Revival. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. (Disclaimer: This is NOT the original book. If you’re looking for the original book, it is available from Amazon.)
©2018 Michael Peters (P)2018 Michael Peters
Agamemnon
Summary
Agamemnon is the first part of the Oresteia trilogy by the Greek playwright Aeschylus. Each of the plays that form part of The Oresteia can stand alone, but they perfectly complement one other in a longer narrative. Agamemnon provides the seed of all the themes that are explored in part two, The Libation Bearers, and three, The Eumenides. Agamemnon tells the story of the homecoming of Agamemnon, the King of Mycenae, after the fall of Troy. Waiting for him at home was his wife, Queen Clytemnestra, with murder in her heart. She wants him dead to avenge the sacrifice of her daughter Iphigenia, to be able to openly embrace her lover Aegisthus, and to become ruler of Mycenae. Clytemnestra’s action would trigger a spate of tragedies.
Public Domain (P)2019 Museum Audiobooks
Daily Stoic: A Daily Journal
Summary
This audiobook is a collection of Stoic sayings organized to allow daily reference and inspiration. Including quotes from: Marcus Aurelius Seneca Epictetus And much more The Stoic advice covered in this volume runs the gambit from personal problems, to interpersonal relationships, to advice on work and productivity, to dealing with the hand of fate. Meditations in this audiobook are split up by seasons. There are meditations for each season, covering the four seasons. Face the world with a new light with the help of these immortal thinkers and learn both to conquer yourself and to come to terms with those things you cannot control.
©2018 George Tanner (P)2018 George Tanner
Roar: Cyprus
Summary
One fateful winter evening, Cyprus Reyner - a young Whisper - befriends Victoria d'Audrieu through a shared desire to learn more of the Kingdom of Rhoryn. After years of friendship and perseverance, they develop a bond that withstands the test of time. But when Jeremi Terryn comes to their home city of Lorelyn, their relationship will be tested in ways they never thought possible. Cyprus must make the most important decision of his life; let the woman he loves live her dreams, or beg her to stay by his side.
©2016 Catherine LaCroix (P)2020 Catherine LaCroix
Amazing Insecurity
Summary
The day before the rebellion of the Earl of Essex in London, the Lord Chamberlain's Men performed upon commission Richard II, a play wherein Bolingbroke might be taken for Essex and King Richard for Queen Elizabeth. Amazing Insecurity presents two scenes from that performance, as revised by F. L. Light in Sophoclean English classicized. A description of the insurrection and Shakespeare's response thereto are in this play included. The protagonist is Shakespeare. This historical drama maintains the classical form of tragedy in English with seven scenes of dialogue and seven choral performances.
©2014 F. L. Light (P)2015 Frederick Lazarus Light
Pale Sister
Summary
Antigone stood defiant in the face of tyranny. Best-selling and award winning author Colm Tóibín wrote this new dramatisation of the Greek tragedy especially to be performed by Irish actor Lisa Dwan. Pale Sister gives voice to Antigone’s sister, Ismene, who recounts her sister’s defiance of the king as pressures mount on her to act to vindicate her sister, or even follow her example. Pale Sister tells Antigone’s story through Ismene: the quiet person in the corner, bearing witness to everything. Dwan’s skilled theatrical performance delivers words that give power to those without, and a message that resonates deeply in today’s world. With sound design by Sinead Diskin. The stage performance was produced by Audible and The Gate Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, 2019.
©2020 Colm Tóibín (P)2020 Audible, Ltd
Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey
Summary
No one knows if there was a man named Homer, but there is little doubt that the epic poems assembled under his name form the cornerstone of Western literature. "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", with their incomparable tales of the Trojan War, Achilles, Ulysses and Penelope, the Cyclops, the beautiful Helen of Troy, and the petulant gods, are familiar to most people because they are so pervasive. They have fed our imaginations for over two-and-a-half millennia, inspiring everyone from Plato to Virgil, Pope to Joyce, Dante to Wolfgang Petersen.In this graceful and sweeping addition to the Books that Changed the World series, Alberto Manguel traces the lineage of these epic poems. He considers their original purpose, either as allegory or record of history; surveys the challenges the pagan poems presented to the early Christian world; and traces their spread after the Reformation. Following Homer through the greatest literature ever created, Manguel's book above all delights in the poems themselves, the "primordial spring without which there would have been no culture".
©2007 Alberto Manguel (P)2008 Tantor