Alastair Cameron has narrated 15 audiobooks on Listento.it by 18 authors, with an average listener rating of 5★ across 8 ratings. The most-rated is Two Treatises of Government.
Two Treatises of Government
Summary
Two Treatises of Government is a work of political philosophy that outlined a concept foreign to the American people who, at the time, were still under English monarchy. This concept is what we now call democracy and advocated for a system in which all people were afforded rights to freedom and property ownership. The book was intended to push forward the ideas on contract theory and natural rights. Thomas Jefferson borrowed many of the ideas of Two Treatises of Government while writing the Declaration of Independence. The first treatise was an attack on the contemporary religious philosopher at that time, Sir Robert Filmer. Locke argues that the theory of Adam, being ordained through God to have dominion over all people of the earth, was absurd. The theory of monarchs being direct descendants of Adam, therefore having a right to the throne, could not possibly be proven as the lineage was not able to be traced. In the second treatise, Locke engaged in a political discussion regarding power, government, and reason. He argues that the state of nature, a theory of the time that all humans were born with in a condition of absolute freedom and equality, was an idea that government systems needed to be built upon. Based on this theory, Locke develops a government that guarantees three basic rights to all people - life, liberty, and property.
©2016 A.R.N. Publications (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
Poor People
Summary
This gloomy book is written in the form of letters exchanged between two cousins, Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova, who live on the same street in a shockingly deprived part of St. Petersburg Russia. Makar is a lowly clerk, who is being bullied at work and lives in the screened-off corner of someone else's kitchen and Varvara has taken in sewing as a means of avoiding falling into prostitution to make money. Their friendship is touching and sentimental, but it begins to suffer. Will they find their way out of poverty, either by marriage or other means? Will their friendship recover, or will money eventually come between them? This novel deals with themes of extreme poverty and marginalization, and was originally written to raise funds to pay off Dostoevsky's mounting gambling debts, when money was very much on his mind.
Public Domain (P)2017 A.R.N. Publications
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Summary
Seven Pillars of Wisdom is the autobiographical account of T. E. Lawrence's role in the Arab Revolt against the Turkish Empire. The book is mostly set in the deserts of Arabia with a great deal of time spent marching through them with camels and the telling of the events through Lawrence's eyes. Lawrence, educated at Oxford, began by working for a museum on an archaeological dig in the Middle East at the onset of World War I, after which he was commissioned into the British Army where is granted many military distinctions and special recognition for his achievements during the war years. Lawrence began not as a professional soldier but functions as an advisor to the Arab leadership and a liaison between the British headquarters and Hussein and his sons. Adopting the Arab garb at the suggestion of Feisal, he was accepted as one of the Arab leadership and became known as "Lawrence of Arabia" for his work in the revolt. After the war, the extraordinary and gifted man serves as an Arab consultant at peace conferences and as a political adviser to the colonial office of his government.
Public Domain (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
On Liberty
Summary
On Liberty is a book by John Stuart Mill, one of the most celebrated philosophers on the subject of leadership and governing ideals. The book focuses on Mill's philosophy on utilitarianism which is one of his defining principles. The principles of the book are focused on developing a relationship between the ruling authority and liberty. The work was meant to be a short essay but it was expanded to cover all his principles about liberty and utilitarianism. The work begins like most of his philosophical works; by introducing the historical background about the struggle that has always existed between liberty and authority. Mill argues that in a way democracy encourages what he terms as "tyranny of the majority". He argues that the authority of the ruling class should be controlled by the liberty and the freedoms of the citizens. With these views he sets the tone for the whole book and goes into great details about the relationship between liberty and authority. Mill stated that this book was not his work alone because he collaborated with his wife Harriet Mill and this is evident especially when compared to his previous essays. The book was well received and it remains a philosophical classic.
Public Domain (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
The History of Rome: The Complete Works
Summary
Titus Livy's only known surviving work is a monumental history of Rome that was originally written in Latin. It is estimated that Livy's The History of Rome was written between 27 and 9 BC and covers the legends of Aeneas, the fall of Troy, the city's founding in 753 BC, and Livy's account ends with the reign of Emperor Augustus. The History of Rome is a must-have for anyone interested in ancient history and the Roman era. With colorful detail and intriguing insight, Titus brings to life some of the most turbulent times in human history. Most scholars believe Titus Livy was born sometime between 64 and 59 BC. He is estimated to have died between AD 12 to 17, leaving behind one of the most complete works on ancient Rome available to modern historians.
Public Domain (P)2018 A.R.N. Publications
Triplanetary
Summary
Although Triplanetary by Edward E. Smith was first published in a magazine prior to the creation of Smith's Lensman series in 1938, it was eventually expanded and reworked to cover the period of the storyline before the first Lensman novel. Written in two parts, Triplanetary introduces the concept of two warring alien races: the Arisians and the Eddorians, whose battles on Earth are unknown to the human race, and in fact the humans are unaware that the Arisians have been secretly and selectively breeding the humans to use as weapons for these battles. From the time of Rome to World War II, the author takes the listener on a lightning-fast journey through Earth's history as the warzone for aliens. The two specially bred lines of humans, the Kinnison and the MacDougall, are described and their importance in the novel is implied. In the second part of the novel, Smith tells the story of humankind healing after the battles with the help of the Arisians. With Arisian technology, the humans are finally able to travel through space. Together with the humans on Mars and Venus, Earth's humans form what they call the Triplanetary League which must stand together as enemies on Jupiter threaten to crush the new alliance.
©2016 A.R.N. Publications (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
A Princess of Mars
Summary
The classic science-fiction fantasy novel A Princess of Mars, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs is the first in the series that takes place on the planet Mars also called Barsoom. Mars is seen as a hot, dry planet that houses many kinds of alien races including the green Tharks and the Red Martians. John Carter, a former Civil War soldier, is mysteriously teleported to Barsoom when he explores an ancient cave in Arizona. The difference in gravity on Barsoom gives John Carter amazing speed and strength, which he uses to rise up as a valued member of the Thark tribe. The Red Martian princess, Dejah Thoris, is captured by the Tharks. John Carter attempts to stay alive as he tries to return Deja to her people. The warring Tharks are then led by Carter to attack the city of Zodanga; an enemy of Dejah Thoris and her people. Because of his heroic actions, Dejah Thoris falls in love with John Carter, and they rule the Helium region for nine years. When Barsoom finally feels like home, disaster strikes in the form of the breakdown of a factory that supplies the planet with air. Desperate to save the planet, John Carter uses his knowledge to teleport himself and a worker inside the factory to fix the machine. There, Carter finds himself choking inside of the factory and awakens to find himself back on planet Earth; with no sign of Thoris.
©2016 A.R.N. Publications (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
The Federalist Papers
Summary
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, The Federalist Papers have long been considered to be some of the most important works in political science ever written. The Federalist Papers establishes a method of constitutional government that was the building block for the type of government the United States has operated under for over 200 years. At the time, the idea that man has a basic right be self-governing was considered radical but these ideas grew in popularity prior to and during the American Revolutionary War. This collection of essays and articles was originally published serially in the Independent Journal and the New York Packet between October 1787 and August 1788 and would later become known as The Federalist Papers. The authors published the collection hoping to influence the vote to ratify what would later become the Constitution and the cornerstone of the United States of America.
Public Domain (P)2017 A.R.N. Publications
When Lightning Strikes Twice
Summary
Two shadowy brothers slain on the very same day! When a leading authority on antique books is summoned to a remote Northumbrian mansion, he's struck at once by its faded grandeur and the raw beauty of his new surroundings. However, barely has Mr. Middlebrook unpacked his bags before a curious murder mystery is underway. At its heart lies the strange slaying of two brothers, dead within hours of each other, at opposite ends of the country. Although the killer's motives, obscure as they are, appear bound up with the murky past of the murdered pair and their obsessive quest for buried treasure. As this past is gradually unearthed, we learn that the double homicide has its origins in the Far East and is directly related to another baffling mystery: the unknown fate of a tramp steamer, the Elizabeth Robinson, which disappeared without trace in the South China Sea. When Lightning Strikes Twice is a vintage murder mystery, expertly plotted, and with enough likely suspects and plausible deniability to keep the reader guessing. It also benefits from a splendid array of atmospheric backdrops, and motley cast of characters, who both offer a wonderful snapshot of England in the years leading up to the First World War. An early example of golden-age detective fiction, the novel also harks back to the sensational fare of Wilkie Collins with its gothic overtones and air of oriental mystery; all described by the narrator, with perfect accuracy, as "a series of adventures so extraordinary and fraught with danger that I am still wondering how I ever came safely through them.” Originally published in 1922 as Ravensdene Court, this novel is the first in a series of classic reissues from Second Wind Press, with more to follow shortly. Sensitively reedited with the modern reader in mind, it still retains all of its period charm and particular flavour. The aim being to unearth undervalued literary works - and give them a much deserved polish - for a brand new audience to enjoy.
Public Domain (P)2021 Neil Addison
Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
Summary
Written from his death bed, The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant are written by the most well known Civil War General himself, Ulysses S. Grant. In a review of his life as a private citizen, as well as a general, Grant lets the listener know what a heroic figure he really was. Like so many men before him, Grant describes being pressured into a certain way of life by his father. He never aspired for a military career, but his father insisted on West Point Academy for his schooling. Grant takes us through the Mexican-American War, his short retirement after the war, and his involvement in the Civil War. He points out specific historical figures that directly lead to successes and failures in his military career. Grant also immerses the listener in battle scenes that leave you visualizing an old western movie. His depiction of the war leaves an impression as he goes into deep details about the little parts of daily life in the military, like the food, supplies, and ammunition wagons that delivered their goods to them. Grant gives intellectual commentary on why he believes the Civil War happened, why the South was doomed from the beginning, and surprisingly, how they were all the better for it in the end.
©2016 A.R.N. Publications (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications
Trixter
Summary
Trix Woodcutter is the long prophesied boy who talks to animals. He's also a foundling prankster scamp who places his family under a sleeping spell so that he can run away from home. Compelled by a vision of his dead birth mother, Trix departs on the eve of a great catastrophe, only to find himself caught in the maelstrom. Armed with little more than his wits and the wisdom inherent in all fey-blooded youth, Trix confronts a legendary animal king, faces off against a ghostly feline, rescues a damsel in distress, and discovers more about himself than he ever wished to know. And this is only the beginning.
©2015 Alethea Kontis (P)2016 Alethea Kontis
Trix & the Faerie Queen
Summary
Join Trix Woodcutter on an epic new animal-filled adventure! Fey magic and animal magic: that troublemaking imp Trix Woodcutter has both, if not the ability to use them to their full potential. While traveling with his companion - the golden girl Lizinia - to see the King of Eagles, Trix is sent a vision of the Faerie Queen, who is in desperate need of his help. An evil sorceress has stormed Faerie and trapped all the fey magic under the hill, leaving the Faerie Queen powerless! Trix's talent for communicating with animals is desperately needed...but before he braves the wild world of Faerie he must arm himself with nothing less than the bow and arrows of a god. With the help of his gilded companion, her ghost-cat godfather, a blind brownie and a sister or two, the boy who talks to animals must befriend a mischievous leprechaun, best a wolf, and journey into the depths of Faerie to restore order and free the fey magic before the imbalance destroys the world.
©2016 Alethea Kontis (P)2016 Alethea Kontis
Ethics
Summary
From the mind of one of the world's paramount philosophers comes a profound insight into the universe and man's place in the world. Widely considered to be Benedict de Spinoza's greatest work, Ethics paints an intriguing portrait of reality, the ethical life, and the path to sustainable happiness. Decades ahead of its time, Ethics provides a step-by-step guide to an ethical life. Spinoza provides insights into the human mind, God, emotions, and man's bondage to emotion. Spinoza guides the listener through his thoughts on shifting from speculation of the eternal nature of the universe to man's place in the natural order as well as the significance of freedom and the power of understanding. During the second half of the 17th century, Benedict de Spinoza made significant contributions in the area of philosophy. His writings reveal the influences of Jewish Rationalism, Stoicism, and Machiavelli.
Public Domain (P)2017 A.R.N. Publications
The Jewish War
Summary
The Jewish rebellion against Rome was a significant turning point in Jewish history. Although Josephus is known for his divided loyalties in the rebellion, his account is the most detailed record available of the Jewish life and revolt under Roman rule. Born in Jerusalem to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed royal ancestry, Josephus was a first-century Romano-Jewish scholar, hagiographer, and historian. Josephus began as a Jewish leader of the rebellion but when captured by the Romans, he switched sides to work as a negotiator in their effort to suppress the resistance. As Josephus was in a position to view the conflict from both sides, his account is extremely insightful. Josephus's words create a vivid picture from the capture of Jerusalem to the mass suicides at Masada. The Jewish Wars is a historic account useful not only for biblical study but for history lovers as well. Josephus's recorded histories include the Antiquities of the Jews, along with The Jewish War.
©2017 A.R.N. Publications (P)2017 A.R.N. Publications
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Summary
This is the complete and unabridged collection of all six volumes from The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (an English historian) is a six-volume collection that examines the fate of one of the most renowned civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. This historical account by Gibbon is widely considered by many as one of the greatest works of history ever written. In this masterpiece, Gibbon covers the time periods from the second century A.D. to the 15th century, and takes a look at the history of early Christianity along with the Roman State church, the history of Europe and the Middle East along with the rise of Islam, and the events that lead to the collapse of the Roman Empire among many other historical events.
©2020 Goffin Media (P)2020 Goffin Media