Select Period Type
Indie only
Top 15 Biography Podcasts
Apr 27, 2024
The Best Biography Podcasts from millions of podcasts available on the Goodpods platform and ranked by listens, ratings, comments, subscriptions and shares.
662 Episodes
|
Avg Length 50m
|
Latest episode 4 days ago
Share
Learn from history's greatest entrepreneurs. Every week I read a biography of an entrepreneur and find ideas you can use in your work. This quote explains why: "There are thousands of years of history in which lots and lots of very smart people worked very hard and ran all types of experiments on how to create new businesses, invent new technology, new ways to manage etc. They ran these experiments throughout their entire lives. At some point, somebody put these lessons down in a book. For very little money and a few hours of time, you can learn from someone’s accumulated experience. There is so much more to learn from the past than we often realize. You could productively spend your time reading experiences of great people who have come before and you learn every time." —Marc Andreessen
163 Episodes
|
Avg Length 10m
|
Latest episode 4 days ago
Share
Each week, we aim to bring you interesting information about interesting people in about five minutes in the form of short biographies which can also be read on our website.
35 Episodes
|
Avg Length 38m
|
Latest episode 12 months ago
Share
Marlon and Jake Read Dead People is a podcast hosted by the Man Booker Prize-winning and internationally bestselling author Marlon James and his editor, Jake Morrissey, Executive Editor at Riverhead Books. In each episode, Marlon and Jake talk about authors—specifically dead authors. Authors they like. Authors they hate. Great books, terrible books, and books they love that you’d never expect them to. As a writer and an editor, Marlon and Jake have read thousands of books between them, and they’re not shy in expressing their opinions about them. Sometimes they’ll agree, sometimes they won’t, but in every episode, they’ll tell you what they think— uncensored and with no holds barred. (That’s why the authors have to be dead.) So, listen along to hear about the spectacularly good, the hilariously bad, and the brutally honest.
75 Episodes
|
Avg Length 58m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
Share
Phil Williams and Natalie Jamieson interview the world's biggest selling writers of fiction, non-fiction, sport, cookery, children's and biography books. These are big selling, easy to read books you'll love. Featuring writers who've sold millions and uncovering gems from new talent.
Each episode will feature a writer who'll read an extract of their book to you, discuss it with Phil & Natalie and also give their recommendations for other books to read.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
236 Episodes
|
Avg Length 29m
|
Latest episode 16 days ago
Share
“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith.
62 Episodes
|
Avg Length 43m
|
Latest episode 15 days ago
Share
My Dark Path explores the fringes of history, science, and the paranormal. In every episode, creator and host MF Thomas illuminates a topic taken from the dark corners of our world. Combining his personal, on-location research with insights from experts, researchers and historians, every episode will intrigue, excite, and perhaps, send a shiver down your spine. Visit www.mydarkpath.com for more information.
31 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Confessions (Latin: Confessiones) is the name of an autobiographical work, consisting of 13 books, by St. Augustine of Hippo, written between AD 397 and AD 398. Modern English translations of it are sometimes published under the title The Confessions of St. Augustine in order to distinguish the book from other books with similar titles, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions.
55 Episodes
|
Avg Length 21m
|
Latest episode 10 days ago
Share
The Jewish Lives Podcast is a monthly show that explores the lives of influential Jewish figures. Hosted by Alessandra Wollner, each episode includes an interview with an acclaimed Jewish Lives author. Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of biography published by Yale University Press and the Leon D. Black Foundation. Join us as we explore the Jewish experience together.
63 Episodes
|
Avg Length 61m
|
Latest episode 4 months ago
Share
Vintage Americana true crime stories of the most impactful sibling relationships in history. SEASON 2 OUT NOW! Video episodes available on YouTube; bonus content on Patreon!🎙✨ .....is blood always thicker than water, or will the love of money break even the tightest of bonds?
625 Episodes
|
Avg Length 79m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Share
Join host Rivers Langley and his hilarious pals on an intrepid expedition through the world of ridiculous news items, oft-forgotten pop culture, deep dives on a theme, and whatever else on L.A.'s longest-running independent comedy podcast, "The Goods from the Woods"! "The Goods from the Woods" will leave you enlightened. It will leave you enraptured. You will find yourself changed, daddy! Also, you will laugh.
152 Episodes
|
Avg Length 62m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Share
A podcast that is centered around the life story of the podcast guest.
13 Episodes
|
Avg Length 37m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, written in 1789, is the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano. It discusses his time spent in slavery, serving primarily on galleys, documents his attempts at becoming an independent man through his study of the Bible, and his eventual success in gaining his own freedom and in business thereafter. The book contains an interesting discussion of slavery in West Africa and illustrates how the experience differs from the dehumanising slavery of the Americas. The Intereresting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is also one of the first widely read slave narratives. This work was produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Great Britain.
20 Episodes
|
Avg Length 17m
|
Latest episode 1 year ago
Share
Welcome to 20 Minute History, where every episode brings you the engaging story of an unknown or misunderstood historical concept, broadening your horizons and correcting the record on some popular misconceptions. Our show is carefully researched, taking into consideration as many different sources and perspectives as possible, so you can trust that we’re getting the information right. But we also know that most folks don't have a lot of time on their hands, which is why each of our lessons is over in twenty minutes or less. And most importantly, we recognize that being well-informed takes more than just memorizing the names, dates, and places, which is why we always strive for our narratives to include a deeper analysis. After all, knowing what happened on a particular date means almost nothing without a comprehension of why it matters to begin with. We may be just one small, independently-run podcast...but we genuinely believe that the more we do to widen our collective awareness of the past, the better our chances of repairing our communities and narrowing the divide in this country. If you are someone who shares these concerns, or if you’re simply a history fanatic, we humbly ask you to tune in.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/20-minute-history.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
105 Episodes
|
Avg Length 103m
|
Latest episode 8 months ago
Share
Welcome to Back To Your Story. A podcast about real people and real stories. The journey of life has always fascinated BTYS host Brock Goldberg. Listen as he takes you down the rabbit hole filled with Rockstars, Activists, Cyber Security Specialists, Hairstylists, Pornstars, Entrepreneurs and so much more. Nothing is held back on BTYS. Tune in each week to find out what crazy guest Brock will bring on next.
23 Episodes
|
Avg Length 35m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Two years, two months and two days! This is what forms the time line of one man's quest for the simple life and a unique social experiment in complete self reliance and independence. Henry David Thoreau published Walden in 1884. Originally drafted as a series of essays describing a most significant episode in his life, it was finally released in book form with each essay taking on the form of a separate chapter. Thoreau's parents were in financial straights, but rich intellectually and culturally. The young Henry was educated in the best of schools in their home town, Concord, Massachusetts and went on to graduate from Harvard, where he read history, philosophy, theology and literature. He commenced working as a school master in Concord but soon quit when he discovered that he was not ideologically suited to methods employed in those days which included corporal punishment. During this time, a chance meeting with the great philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson marked a turning point in his life. Deeply influenced by Emerson's ideas and his Transcendentalism cult, Thoreau embarked on the Walden experiment. The Transcendentalism movement was an amalgam of Buddhism, German and English Romanticism, Hindu teachings, Confucianism and placed great emphasis on emotional wellbeing, self reliance and personal truths rather than social norms. It rejected society's dominance over the individual. Walden Pond was located in a property owned by Emerson. Here, Thoreau built a cabin and proceeded to live a completely self sufficient life, gathering his own food and preparing it, sleeping and reading and appreciating nature as the whim took him. He meticulously recorded every experience and this forms the body of work known as Walden. The book received a lukewarm reception when it first appeared, but went on to gather cult status with the advent of the Flower Power generation, the anti-establishment movements against the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. The concepts of individual freedom and individual choice became ingrained in the American psyche as a new generation of Americans re-discovered Walden. Walden's main appeal lies in its exploration of themes like solitude, economy, the simple life and the Higher Laws that he describes which relate to man's relationship to nature. Thoreau's style is attractive and easy, full of nuggets of folksy wisdom. Modern proponents of simplifying life, those who oppose our over reliance on technology and advocates of inner spiritual awakening are sure to find Walden a valuable and rewarding read.
Check out these Biography Podcasts
10 Episodes
|
Avg Length 14m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
This is a collection of ten short, entertaining, informative picture-book biographies of famous composers. Each book tells about the childhood and great achievements of a composer, and includes a short musical example.
25 Episodes
|
Avg Length 74m
|
Latest episode 3 years ago
Share
People are fascinating! Every one of us has a story and they're all worth hearing. In a culture consumed with celebrity and self, I want to get past the surface and find the common threads that allow us to have greater empathy for each other. Each episode is an open-ended conversation about their experiences, choices, triumphs and regrets. This is life, warts and all.
22 Episodes
|
Avg Length 65m
|
Latest episode 2 years ago
Share
Welcome to the Philly People, Now Deceased, a Philadelphia History Brother and Sister Podcast. Each time we meet, Michiko, who lives in Pennsauken and Leonard, who lives in West Philly, talk about the sordid, exalted, infamous and famous lives of interesting Philadelphians with one caveat...they are all already deceased, May their souls rest in peace. Follow us on Twitter: @DeadPhillyPeeps or like us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/deadphillypeeps/
379 Episodes
|
Avg Length 70m
|
Latest episode 5 days ago
Share
The Powell Movement is the podcast that pushes the envelope and is designed to be the go-to show for sports enthusiasts who want to know what it takes to achieve success.
20 Episodes
|
Avg Length 21m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
“There are very few persons who have not heard of the fame of Peter the Great, the founder, as he is generally regarded by mankind, of Russian civilization. The celebrity, however, of the great Muscovite sovereign among young persons is due in a great measure to the circumstance of his having repaired personally to Holland, in the course of his efforts to introduce the industrial arts among his people, in order to study himself the art and mystery of shipbuilding, and of his having worked with his own hands in a ship-yard there. The little shop where Peter pursued these practical studies still stands in Saardam, a ship-building town not far from Amsterdam. The building is of wood, and is now much decayed; but, to preserve it from farther injury, it has been incased in a somewhat larger building of brick, and it is visited annually by great numbers of curious travelers.The whole history of Peter, as might be expected from the indications of character developed by this incident, forms a narrative that is full of interest and instruction for all.” (from the Preface of Peter the Great)
30 Episodes
|
Avg Length 9m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Famous Men of Rome is a series of biographical sketches written for the purpose of making the study of history lively and interesting by giving insight into the men who lived during this time.
85 Episodes
|
Avg Length 50m
|
Latest episode 2 months ago
Share
An in depth biography of Prophet Muhammad by Sheikh Azhar Nasser, presented by WhyQuran. Watch these lectures with video at http://why-quran.org
38 Episodes
|
Avg Length 29m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
John G. Nicolay was Abraham Lincoln’s private White House secretary. With assistant secretary, John Hay, he wrote the two volume definitive biography of Lincoln, “Abraham Lincoln, a Biography.” Although this is a condensation by Nicolay of that biography, it is still a sizable work and a fairly thorough treatment of the life of the 16th president of the United States.
22 Episodes
|
Avg Length 26m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
THE author of the following narrative has peculiar qualifications for her task. She is a daughter of Lord Yu Keng, a member of the Manchu White Banner Corps, and one of the most advanced and progressive Chinese officials of his generation. she became First Lady-in-Waiting to the Empress Dowager, and while serving at the Court in that capacity she received the impressions which provide the subject-matter of this book. Her opportunity to observe and estimate the characteristics of the remarkable woman who ruled China for so long was unique, and her narrative throws a new light on one of the most extraordinary personalities of modern times. Yielding to the urgent solicitation of friends, she consented to put some of her experiences into literary form, and the following chronicle, in which the most famous of Chinese women, the customs and atmosphere of her Court are portrayed by an intimate of the same race, is a result.
Design Radio
New
1 Episodes
|
Avg Length 2m
|
Latest episode 8 years ago
Share
Design Radio provides a weekly conversations exploring ideas, histories and profiles of leading designers and creatives. The series explores graphic design, furniture, craft and architecture. It provides a collaborative platform aiming to increase awareness and appreciation of design and develop new audiences. Design Radio is produced by MADE NORTH and hosted by Patrick Murphy. Found out more visit http://www.designradio.org/ Also visit MADE NORTH http://www.madenorth.co.uk and host Patrick Murphy hosted http://www.patrickmurphystudio.co.uk
27 Episodes
|
Avg Length 13m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones) was a legendary labor organizer. She was a founding member of the International Workers of the World (the IWW, or the Wobblies), and was active in the United Mine Workers and the Socialist Party of America.
112 Episodes
|
Avg Length 32m
|
Latest episode 4 days ago
Share
Raising a glass to books and the past! Welcome to History, Books and wine where we chat about books and fun historical tidbits all while raising a glass of vino!
12 Episodes
|
Avg Length 32m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
The French mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal once remarked, “Cleopatra's nose. Had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed!” Such was the legendary power and attraction of this most famous woman ruler that generations of artists, readers, writers, historians and poets have ensured that she remains immortal and unforgettable. Jacob Abbott's Cleopatra is a work of historical biography, told in a highly dramatic and gripping style. It brings the characters and the circumstances to vivid life, making it an entertaining read for people of all ages. The authentic rendering of ancient Rome, Egypt and the famous characters who played their part in this ancient drama are wonderfully depicted. The romance, betrayal, war, hatred, destruction, murder, the power and the glory of empire are all captured in this sweeping narrative. Abbot's brief preface gives a glimpse of how much this fabulous queen has indeed altered the course of human lives. Cleopatra's history is portrayed in great detail. The book opens with the lines, “The story of Cleopatra is a story of crime” and frankly speaks of the incestuous practices that existed in ancient Egypt. The queen was by birth an Egyptian but the blood of her Greek ancestors flowed in her veins. Abbot describes the land of Egypt in glowing terms and ascribes many of Cleopatra's faults to the luxury and surrounding she was brought up in. The mighty dynasty of the Ptolemies, the fabled city of Alexandria, Cleopatra's ascent of the throne as a blooming young lass of fifteen, her marriage and exile, the circumstances under which she meets Julius Caesar, their relationship and Caesar's assassination in Rome are all the stuff of legend. Today, most students of history and literature would be familiar with many aspects of the story. Shakespeare himself famously dealt with it in his Antony and Cleopatra, poets and musicians depicted her almost unbelievable power over men, while historians have undertaken serious research into all these claims. However, the lady has, centuries after her tragic and spectacular suicide, remained an enigma. Jacob Abbot wrote primarily for children. In Cleopatra, he presents history not in the usual vapid, dull way, but in a manner that makes the events come alive, thus making them memorable and interesting for children and adults alike. As a biography that attempts to solve the riddle of Cleopatra's amazing life and times, this is indeed a fascinating read.
4 Episodes
0|
00Latest episode 5 years ago
Share
None
9 Episodes
|
Avg Length 30m
|
Latest episode 6 days ago
Share
Finding inspiration and a will to persevere might be challenging at times, especially when you have been prevented by outside forces, in a way or another, to achieve your goals. Although actions speak louder than words, stories of people that succeeded despite opposition can have the power to put wind into someones deflated sails and perhaps also fight against the impostor syndrome so many of us experience . Here I hope you will find such stories, which are mostly focused on scientific figures maybe less popular, but who greatly contributed to the development of science and in the process showed perseverance through obstacles. I will also highlight each individual's humanity, struggles and strength, and break the coldness that I feel exists between science/ scientists and the general public. Be prepared for sarcasm and a bit of fooling around sometimes, because what's life but empty without humour. Enjoy!
13 Episodes
|
Avg Length 9m
|
Latest episode 5 years ago
Share
Written by the Meowmy (Janet West), this is the bittersweet story of the last days of a magnificent and revolting cat who has made the most of his 9 lives and wants to pass on his wisdom before he passes on.
19 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
The writer is as earnest in recommending ladies who belong to the higher class of settlers to cultivate all the mental resources of a superior education, as she is to induce them to discard all irrational and artificial wants and mere useless pursuits. She would willingly direct their attention to the natural history and botany of this new country, in which they will find a never-failing source of amusement and instruction, at once enlightening and elevating the mind, and serving to fill up the void left by the absence of those lighter feminine accomplishments, the practice of which are necessarily superseded by imperative domestic duties. To the person who is capable of looking abroad into the beauties of nature, and adoring the Creator through his glorious works, are opened stores of unmixed pleasure, which will not permit her to be dull or unhappy in the loneliest part of our Western Wilderness. The writer of these pages speaks from experience, and would be pleased to find that the simple sources from which she has herself drawn pleasure, have cheered the solitude of future female sojourners in the backwoods of Canada.
20 Episodes
|
Avg Length 19m
|
Latest episode 9 years ago
Share
Lars Brownworth, author of "Lost to the West" and creator of the "12 Byzantine Rulers" podcast presents "Norman Centuries", a podcast on the Normans. While popular Norman history focuses on the regions of France and England, Norman Centuries covers the lesser known Italian Normans as well. Visit us at http://NormanCenturies.com/
14 Episodes
|
Avg Length 21m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
“The Memoir of my Aunt, Jane Austen, has been received with more favour than I had ventured to expect. The notices taken of it in the periodical press, as well as letters addressed to me by many with whom I am not personally acquainted, show that an unabated interest is still taken in every particular that can be told about her. I am thus encouraged not only to offer a Second Edition of the Memoir, but also to enlarge it with some additional matter which I might have scrupled to intrude on the public if they had not thus seemed to call for it. In the present Edition, the narrative is somewhat enlarged, and a few more letters are added; with a short specimen of her childish stories. The cancelled chapter of ‘Persuasion’ is given, in compliance with wishes both publicly and privately expressed. A fragment of a story entitled ‘The Watsons’ is printed; and extracts are given from a novel which she had begun a few months before her death; but the chief addition is a short tale never before published, called ‘Lady Susan.’ I regret that the little which I have been able to add could not appear in my First Edition; as much of it was either unknown to me, or not at my command, when I first published; and I hope that I may claim some indulgent allowance for the difficulty of recovering little facts and feelings which had been merged half a century deep in oblivion.” – James Edward Austen-Leigh in the Preface to Memoir of Jane Austen
69 Episodes
|
Avg Length 45m
|
Latest episode 11 months ago
Share
A weekly mental vacation from life's worries by providing information formatted on medical related historical topics, events, and biographies in a fun and critically thinking way with a nurse and sometimes other history enthusiasts.
5 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Rosa Luxemburg war eine bedeutende Vertreterin der europäischen Arbeiterbewegung und des proletarischen Internationalismus. Sie gehörte zu den Gründungsmitgliedern der KPD, deren Programm sie hauptsächlich verfasste. Während des ersten Weltkriegs verbrachte Rosa Luxemburg drei Jahre und vier Monate im Gefängnis, ein Jahr im Berliner Weibergefängnis (Barnimstraße), dann zwei Jahre und vier Monate in Berlin, Wronke und Breslau. Während dieser Zeit schrieb sie viele persönliche Briefe an Sophie Liebknecht, die einen tiefen Einblick in die starke Persönlichkeit dieser ungewöhnlichen Frau geben. Die Leser lernen “den Reichtum ihres unermüdlich quellenden Herzens kennen. Sie sollen sehen, wie diese Frau, über ihren eigenen Leiden stehend, alle Wesen der Schöpfung mit verstehender Liebe und dichterischer Kraft umfängt, wie ihr Herz in Vogelrufen erzittert, wie Verse beschwingter Sprache in ihr widerklingen, wie Schicksal und tägliches Tun der Freunde in ihr geborgen sind.” (Aus der Einleitung) Am 15. Januar 1919, nur zwei Monate nach ihrer Freilassung wurde sie unter teils ungeklärten Umständen zusammen mit Karl Liebknecht von rechtsradikalen Freikorps-Soldaten ermordet.
398 Episodes
|
Avg Length 40m
|
Latest episode 3 days ago
Share
Deep conversations with people who are making a difference in the world. Opportunities to hear their stories, life journeys, lessons learned along the way, and their visions for the future. Real conversations and real stories. Inspiring. Uplifting. Enlightening. No script. No limits.
22 Episodes
|
Avg Length 28m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Lytton Strachey’s first great success, and his most famous achievement, was “Eminent Victorians” (1918), a collection of four short biographies of Victorian heroes. With a dry wit, he exposed the human failings of his subjects and what he saw as the hypocrisy at the centre of Victorian morality. This work was followed in the same style by “Queen Victoria” (1921).
18 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Up From Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools—most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama—to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. He reflects on the generosity of both teachers and philanthropists who helped in educating blacks and native Americans. He describes his efforts to instill manners, breeding, health and a feeling of dignity to students.
6 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin is the autobiography of the British naturalist Charles Darwin which was published in 1887, five years after his death. Darwin wrote the book, which he entitled Recollections of the Development of my Mind and Character, for his family. He states that he started writing it on about May 28, 1876 and had finished it by August 3. The book was edited by Charles Darwin’s son Francis Darwin, who removed several passages about Darwin’s critical views of God and Christianity. It was published in London by John Murray as part of The life and letters of Charles Darwin, including an autobiographical chapter. The omitted passages were later restored by Darwin’s granddaughter Nora Barlow in a 1958 edition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Origin. This edition was published in London by Collins under the title of The Autobiography of Charles Darwin 1809-1882, with the original omissions restored, edited and with appendix and notes by his granddaughter Nora Barlow. The original is in the public domain as its copyright has expired, but the later version remains under copyright.
23 Episodes
|
Avg Length 10m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
An autobiography of Helen Keller published when the author was still in her early 20's. The narrative reveals how her mind developed and matured until she began her studies at Radcliffe College
13 Episodes
|
Avg Length 15m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark – In the years 1804, 1805, and 1806, two men commanded an expedition which explored the wilderness that stretched from the mouth of the Missouri River to where the Columbia enters the Pacific, and dedicated to civilization a new empire. Their names were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This book relates that adventure from it’s inception through it’s completion as well as the effect the expedition had upon the history of the United States.
8 Episodes
|
Avg Length 6m
|
Latest episode 2 years ago
Share
The real story of how medicine moves forward, one smart person at a time.
146 Episodes
|
Avg Length 3m
|
Latest episode 3 years ago
Share
Stories of the lives of Christians who have made a difference in the world because of their Christian religion. Is so doing they have become world shapers. These recordings are from a Christian radio program in Melbourne, Australia called "Songs of Hope" on radio station Southern FM 88.3
14 Episodes
|
Avg Length 29m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
These pages record some of the adventures of the First South Carolina Volunteers, the first slave regiment mustered into the service of the United States during the late civil war. It was, indeed, the first colored regiment of any kind so mustered, except a portion of the troops raised by Major-General Butler at New Orleans. These scarcely belonged to the same class, however, being recruited from the free colored population of that city, a comparatively self-reliant and educated race. (From the text)
12 Episodes
|
Avg Length 30m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Tutored by Aristotle, compelled to ascend the throne at the age of 20 when his illustrious father was assassinated, driven by a passion for expanding the borders of his tiny kingdom, Alexander of Macedon was one of the most towering figures of ancient history. He is brought to vivid life in this gripping volume by the American children's writer Jacob Abbott. In his short but eventful life, the young Macedonian king went on to rule over one of the most powerful and largest empires in the ancient world, breaking the hegemony of the powerful Persian dynasty of Darius. Alexander's sudden death in Babylon is one of the enduring mysteries of history. With him ended the glorious empire he had created, which stretched from the Adriatic in Europe to the Indus River on the Indian subcontinent. Jacob Abbott's book meant for young readers portrays Alexander as a military genius, endowed with remarkable intelligence, physical beauty and courage. Some of the early incidents in his life as when he tames a wild and vicious horse are described in compelling terms. Alexander's youth, his father's insistence on making him a regent for Macedonia when he was just 16 and his experiences on military campaigns with his father in Boeotia, where he displayed remarkable qualities of coolness, courage and wisdom are strikingly portrayed. Philip's separation from his wife, Olympia, Alexander's mother is also described and Abbott traces some of Alexander's less endearing qualities to this imperious queen. His haughtiness, pride and short temper which sometimes led him to be stubborn, envy and resentment of his father's powerful conquests are described as well, giving us an objective and well rounded picture of the young hero. Alexander's glorious reign and his remarkable military campaigns, the historic crossing of the Hellespont, his defeat of Darius and the conquest of territories in Asia Minor, Tyre and Egypt are the stuff of legends. At twenty-six he was the greatest ruler the ancient world had ever seen, but he had already begun to descend into a life of debauchery. His army commanders began to rebel and then followed a bloody trail of murders and assassinations. Alexander's final days are also captured in the closing chapters of this riveting book. Jacob Abbott brings all his skills as a historian and children's writer to this retelling of the life of one of the most unforgettable figures in history that appeals to both young and older readers.
12 Episodes
|
Avg Length 25m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
The history of a woman who rose above and beyond tragedy, grief and personal loss to become one of the most powerful figures in sixteenth century Europe is wonderfully told in this biography Queen Elizabeth, by Jacob Abbott. Beginning with the tragic circumstances of Elizabeth's mother, the lovely and doomed Anne Boleyn's execution and Henry VIII's dissolution of the English Catholic Church, the story of Elizabeth's rise to power is reflective of the England's domination of world politics as well. As a three year old, the young Elizabeth was destined to be raised as an orphan while her authoritarian, lustful and forceful father took on several more wives and created a new Church in England. He was survived by three children, Mary, Elizabeth and Edward, all by different wives and greatly separated from each other in age, upbringing, politics and faith. Elizabeth was imprisoned as a traitor for several years by her sister Mary, who feared that she may claim the throne. Elizabeth had to wait till her older sister Mary died, to be crowned Queen. Her early reign was marked by intense political turmoil, palace intrigues, wars, religious strife and opposition. She also had to contend with numerous claimants to the throne, including the lovely and tragic Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Jane Grey and many others. However, the masterful handling of the complex situations that confronted a young and solitary woman, the way she dealt with the powerful heads of state in Europe, her long list of admirers and suitors, the admiration and awe she evoked in her courtiers are all told in compelling detail in Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth's insistence on remaining the Virgin Queen was as much a political move as a personal choice. She suffered no lack of suitors or lovers, but kept them all guessing! Her long reign was marked by immense peace, prosperity and wise administration. The horrible religious and sectarian wars that had consumed earlier monarchies were stilled as England began to monopolize the world stage. Her own devious plots and schemes to retain power, her ruthless elimination of her enemies, her unsurpassed vanity and jealousy and her violent temper and her fondness for ceremonies, pomp and fanfare are all documented in Queen Elizabeth. She remains one of the most famous yet most enigmatic figures in history. Published first in 1849, the original text had many charming engravings that illustrated the main events and characters. Jacob Abbott was well-known for his biographies and children's literature. A fascinating and interesting read!
22 Episodes
|
Avg Length 12m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Share
Nat Love was born a slave, emancipated into abject poverty, grew up riding the range as a cowboy and spent his maturity riding the rails as a Pullman Porter. For me, the most amazing thing about him is that despite the circumstances of his life, which included being owned like a farm animal solely because of the color of his skin and spending later decades living and working as an equal with white coworkers, he was an unrepentant racist! Convinced that the only good Indian was a dead one, and that all Mexicans were “greasers” and/or “bums,” he rarely passed up a chance to shoot a member of either group, whether in self-defense or cold blood, and shows no sign of having appreciated the difference. At one point, he fell in love with a Mexican girl but, apparently unable to tolerate this reality, considered her “Spanish.” Nat Love was a fascinating character who lived in equally interesting times, and one only wishes his autobiography was much longer and more detailed.
33 Episodes
|
Avg Length 6m
|
Latest episode 6 years ago
Share
A 31-day journey with the heroes of the Reformation.
17 Episodes
|
Avg Length 8m
|
Latest episode 4 years ago
Share
This is a storytelling venture, telling embellished stories of real people and events blurring the line between fact and fiction. Written by Gerard Ryan