Audiobooks by Booth Tarkington

Porch Swings, Parlors & Pryin’ Eyes: Gossip, Gumption, and the Glories of Small-Town Life

"In the towns where the porch lights glow late, the screen doors creak often, and no secret stays secret for long, life unfolds with charm, chatter, and more than a touch of mischief. Porch Swings, Parlors & Pryin’ Eyes invites you into parlors both prim and peculiar, where romances are whispered behind teacups, rivalries simmer at choir practice, and widows form committees with suspicious speed. Within these sixteen short stories, you’ll find aging sopranos and checker champions, tangled telegrams and moonlit deacons, poker parties gone sideways and gossip spun tighter than a handmade scarf. Each tale captures the distinct rhythms of small-town American life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—with all its humor, heartbreak, and sly subversion of social norms. These are stories not just of people, but of places—of communities that cradle, confine, and sometimes surprise those who call them home. Pull up a chair, pour something sweet, and don’t be surprised if someone starts talkin’ about you next. Featuring the work of renowned authors and some hidden gems of classic American fiction, including: The Gay Old Dog, by Edna Ferber Melinda's Humorous Story, by May McHenry Friends in San Rosario, by O. Henry The Associated Widows, by Katharine M. Roof The Tale of the Tangled Telegram, by Wilbur D. Nesbit A Village Singer, by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman A New England Nun, by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman The Scarf, by Madeline Yale Wynne The Champion Checker-Player of Ameriky, by James Whitcomb Riley How The Widow Won The Deacon, by William James Lampton Evan Anderson's Poker Party, by Benjamin Stevenson A Rivermouth Romance, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich Not According to Schedule, by Mary Stewart Cutting A Reward of Merit, by Booth Tarkington Sand Flat Shadows, by Carl Sandburg Mrs. Lathrop's Love Affair, by Anne Warner"

Anne Warner, Benjamin Stevenson, Booth Tarkington, Carl Sandburg, Edna Ferber, James Riley, Katharine M. Roof, Madeline Yale Wynne, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Mary Stewart Cutting, May McHenry, O. Henry, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Wilbur D. Nesbit, William James Lampton (Author), A.J. Schuck, Alex Picard, Emma Faye, John Hopkinson, Meghan Kelly, Rebecca Stern, Shannon Nicole Locke (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Magnificent Ambersons

"The Magnificent Ambersons tells the story of the rise and fall of a wealthy Midwestern family as America transitions from a genteel, aristocratic society to a fast-paced, industrial age. At the center is George Amberson Minafer, the spoiled heir of the proud Amberson family, who struggles to accept change and the loss of his family's social status. As new technologies like automobiles reshape the world, George's arrogance and resistance to progress alienate those around him, including his once-promising love interest, Lucy. Meanwhile, the Amberson fortune fades, and George is forced to confront the consequences of pride and the unstoppable march of modernity."

Booth Tarkington (Author), Adam Sims (Narrator)

Audiobook

An American Christmas Treasury: A Collection of Classic Holiday Stories of Joy, Magic, and Tradition

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. A keepsake collection of America’s most beloved Christmas stories. Gathered from the golden age of American storytelling, An American Christmas Treasury brings together heartwarming tales of joy, generosity, and holiday magic. Perfect for family listening and fireside evenings, these timeless stories capture the spirit of Christmas in every page. A celebration of tradition, warmth, and the magic of the season. Edited by Professor Raywat Deonandan, this audiobook contains 12 stories from: - Louisa May Alcott - L. Frank Baum - Willa Cather - Francis P. Church - Elizabeth Harrison - O. Henry - William Dean Howells - Clement Clarke Moore - Booth Tarkington - Henry Van Dyke"

Booth Tarkington, Clement C. Moore, Elizabeth Harrison, Francis P. Church, Henry Van Dyke, L. Frank Baum, Louisa May Alcott, O. Henry, Raywat Deonandan, Willa Cather, William Dean Howells (Author), Digital Voice Christopher E (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Beasley Christmas Party

"'The Beasley Christmas Party' is a short story by Booth Tarkington, first published in 1917. Booth Tarkington, a renowned American author and Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for his keen observations of society and his engaging storytelling. In 'The Beasley Christmas Party', Tarkington presents a humorous and satirical take on the holiday season. The story revolves around the Beasley family and their annual Christmas party, offering a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century American social life. Through the lens of this festive gathering, Tarkington explores themes of social pretension, family dynamics, and the often comical nature of holiday celebrations. The narrative captures the eccentricities and social interactions of the characters, painting a lively picture of the party and its participants. Tarkington’s sharp wit and observational humor shine through as he delves into the dynamics of the Beasley family and their social circle, providing both entertainment and a subtle critique of societal norms. The Beasley Christmas Party is celebrated for its clever dialogue and detailed characterizations, making it a delightful read for those who appreciate early 20th-century American literature with a touch of humor and social commentary."

Booth Tarkington (Author), Robert Noel, The Rainbow (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Foundations of Fiction - Modernism

"In this series we turn the pages of classic short stories to put together the literary building blocks of how a particular genre or theme began, how it built its foundations to become the well-loved and well-worn genre that it is today.Do authors have the same ideas at more or less the same time? Or can they sniff out an opportunity as to which way the tastes of an audience are moving. Success undoubtedly builds success and in literary terms we can more politely say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the surest way to reach a hungry readership is to build on the fortune and flair of your literary colleagues. It’s a reality that the term ‘modernism’ was first used for stories well over a century ago. Like fine wines they have aged remarkably well. In this volume the talents of Virginia Woolf, F Scott Fitzgerald, Katherine Mansfield, James Joyce are testament to the craft, imagination and literary chops these authors have brought to prose in one of its most enduring literary movements. 01 - Foundations of Fiction - Modernism - An Introduction2 - Bliss by Katherine Mansfield3 - Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F Scott Fitzgerald4 - The Legacy by Virginia Woolf5 - The Dead by James Joyce6 - Here We Are by Dorothy Parker7 - Odour of Chrysanthemums by D H Lawrence8 - If I Were A Man by Charlotte Perkins Gilman9 - Tomorrow by Eugene O'Neill10 - Friday by Zona Gale11 - The Defense of Strikerville by Damon Runyon12 - Rooms by Gertrude Stein13 - The Mark on the Wall by Virginia Woolf14 - The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield15 - Eveline by James Joyce16 - His Smile by Susan Glaspell17 - A Cullenden of Virginia by Thomas Wolfe18 - Miss Brill by Katherine Mansfield19 - The Golden Honeymoon by Ring Lardner20 - Winter Dreams by F Scott Fitzgerald21 - Kew Gardens by Virginia Woolf22 - Ariel's Triumph by Booth Tarkington23 - Speed by Sinclair Lewis24 - Araby by James Joyce25 - The Ice Palace by F Scott Fitzgerald26 - The Fly by Katherine Mansfield27 - White Bread by Zona Gale28 - A Dill Pickle by Katherine Mansfield"

Booth Tarkington, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, D.H. Lawrence, Damon Runyon, Dorothy Parker, Eugene O'Neill, F Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, Ring Lardner, Sinclair Lewis, Susan Glaspell, Thomas Wolfe, Virginia Woolf, Zona Gale (Author), Eric Meyers, Eve Karpf, Laurel Lefkow (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alice Adams

"'Alice Adams' is a novel written by Booth Tarkington and published in 1921. This captivating work received the 1922 Pulitzer Prize for the Novel1. Let's explore the world of Alice Adams: Plot Summary: The story revolves around the character of Alice Adams, a young woman with aspirations to climb the social ladder. Set in a lower-middle-class household in an unnamed Midwest town shortly after World War I, the narrative follows Alice's journey. She longs to win the affections of the wealthy young man Arthur Russell. The novel delves into themes of social status, love, and personal transformation. Key Moments: Alice's attempts to fit in with the upper class lead to both humorous and poignant situations. Her interactions with Arthur Russell become central to the plot. The dance scene, where Alice faces embarrassment and tries to maintain appearances, highlights her struggle. Adaptations: Film Versions: 'Alice Adams' was adapted into films in 1923 by Rowland V. Lee and more famously in 1935 by George Stevens. Pulitzer Prize: The novel's recognition with the Pulitzer Prize solidified its place in literary history. 'Alice Adams' captures the complexities of social mobility and the human desire for acceptance. '"

Booth Tarkington (Author), Addison Flores (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alice Adams

"Alice Adams follows the day-to-day life of a young woman who dreams of climbing the social ladder and escaping from her middle-class background. She struggles with the constant tension between her parents and her older brother. When a wealthy young man becomes interested in her, she weaves a fictional life during their discussions—but how long can she maintain the façade?"

Booth Tarkington (Author), Gary Macfadden, Scott Cluthe (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Top 10 Short Stories - The Modernists

"Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author's brain, their soul and heart. A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted 'Top Tens' across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions - Why that story? Why that author? The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme. Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature.Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made. If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something.In this volume our authors show that Modernism was once cutting edge. A way to explore, create, show and share in new ways. Decades may have passed but their words still seem fresh and new and cutting edge. Genius in every name.01 - The Top 10 - The Modernists - An Introduction02 - The Dead - Part 1 by James Joyce03 - The Dead - Part 2 by James Joyce04 - The Legacy by Virginia Woolf05 - The Defense of Strikerville by Damon Runyon06 - Bliss by Katherine Mansfield07 - The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman08 - Youth - Part 1 by Joseph Conrad09 - Youth - Part 2 by Joseph Conrad10 - Rooms by Gertrude Stein11 - Here We Are by Dorothy Parker12 - Speed by Sinclair Lewis13 - Ariel's Triumph by Booth Tarkington"

Booth Tarkington, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Damon Runyon, Dorothy Parker, Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, Katherine Mansfield, Sinclair Lewis, Virginia Woolf (Author), Eve Karpf, Jim Norton, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mr. Beasley’s Christmas party

"A melodramatic folksy Christmas story, a little like Dickens – with a Tiny Tim, but also with some romance. Tarkington’s writings are very much set in his early 1900s American culture. We are meant to sympathize with the crippled child but not even notice the slights of the black servants. Still, Tarkington promotes kindness and uses a milder style of humor than many authors of his day. Newton Booth Tarkington was an American novelist and dramatist best known for his novels The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams. He is one of only four novelists to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once, along with William Faulkner, John Updike, and Colson Whitehead."

Booth Tarkington (Author), Cyril Taylor-Carr, The Cliff (Narrator)

Audiobook

The American Short Story - Volume 5

"The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation.From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own.America prides itself on liberty, on justice for all and, if you are a wealthy white man, that is essentially true. Sadly, many other segments of society find it difficult to feel or become part of this endeavour.Within this chronological history of the American short story, that prejudice has helped shape the borders of those two endless questions about any anthology. Why that story? Why that Author?We made some hard choices. We start with Uriah Derrick Dárcy, an unlikely American name and, to all intents, it appears to be a pseudonym, about whom little is known or can be verified. He leads our literary parade. From here leviathans appear on a regular basis; Hawthorne, Poe, Melville, Twain but also note how many women are here and not just Stowe, Alcott and Chopin. Women’s status as writers is often neglected or undervalued, predominantly due to their second-class social status throughout much of history but their stories, their angles of approach to writing are both expertly crafted and refreshing. Another stain on the social and cultural fabric of American has been that of Race. Black people were harshly and unfairly treated as a matter of course. The Civil War may have opened the door but in reality little changed. The majority of the stories included here written by black authors are disturbing in the wrongs they were accused of, and the burdens they were forced to carry. This eye-opening literature enables us to once more take stock and applaud and bring some glimmers of recognition to their struggles and their art. There are some authors, liberally sprinkled throughout, both male and female who may previously have escaped your attention. Enjoy them. Adore them. Make them part of your everyday reading and listening. These forgotten voices are fine examples both of their craft, their art, and their take on society as it was then.In the period we cover from the late 18th Century, around the time of the American Revolution, up until the catastrophe of World War 2, the printing press was creating a market to share words. With industrialization and a large swathe of people eager to be distracted from hard working lives, a plethora of magazines and periodicals shot up, all clamoring for works to publish, to share those words, to introduce new ideas and explain how some of us view ourselves and each other. Some of these authors were only published that way, one story wonders—hitched to the fading star of a disposable periodical. And, of course, the elephant in the room was the English. In its early days US copyright law was non-existent and didn’t recognise anyone else’s. Publishers were free to take the talents of Dickens or Trollope and freely print it without permission or coin. Competing against that, gave you a decided disadvantage.Within these stories you will also find very occasional examples of historical prejudice. A few words here and there which in today’s world some may find inappropriate or even offensive. It is not our intention to make anyone uncomfortable but to show that the world in order to change must reconcile itself to the actual truth rather than put it out of sight. Context is everything, both to understand and to illuminate the path forward. The author’s words are set, our reaction to them encourages our change.Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: The American short story Literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look. Which is here. The American Short Story Collection - A Chronological History – Volume 6 - An IntroductionThe American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation.01 - The American Short Story - A Chronological History - An Introduction - Volume 602 - Paul's Case by Willa Cather03 - Rooms by Gertrude Stein04 - White Bread by Zona Gale05 - The Stones of the Village by Alice Dunbar Nelson06 - The Avenger by Edgar Rice Burroughs07 - To Build a Fire by Jack London08 - A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell09 - Brothers by Sherwood Anderson10 - Devereux's Last Smoke by Izola Forrester11 - The Octoroon's Revenge by Ruth D Todd12 - Guests Unexpected. A Thanksgiving Story by Maude K Griffin13 - The Defense of Strikerville by Damon Runyon14 - Breaking the Color Line by Annie McCary"

Booth Tarkington, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Stephen Crane (Author), Darrell Joe, Eric Meyers, Kelly Burke (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beasley's Christmas Party

"A melodramatic folksy Christmas story, a little like Dickens - with a Tiny Tim, but also with some romance. Tarkington's writings are very much set in his early 1900s American culture. We are meant to sympathize with the crippled child but not even notice the slights to the black servants. Still, Tarkington promotes kindness and uses a milder style of humor than many authors of his day. Produced by Devin Lawerence Edited by Macc Kay Production executive Avalon Giuliano Music By AudioNautix With Their Kind Permission ©2020 Eden Garret Giuliano (P) Eden Garret Giuliano"

Booth Tarkington (Author), Eden Giuliano And The Icon Christmas Elves (Narrator)

Audiobook

Penrod

"Penrod is a collection of comic sketches by Booth Tarkington that was first published in 1914. The book follows the misadventures of Penrod Schofield, an eleven-year-old boy growing up in the pre–World War I Midwestern United States, in a similar vein to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Like most children, Penrod gets caught up in his own elaborate lies with hilarious results. His friends and his dog accompany him on his many jaunts, from the stage as “the Child Sir Lancelot,” to the playground, to school. They make names for themselves as “bad boys” who, fittingly, always have the most fun. This humorous, thoughtful story is a wonderful example of the real-life characterization and attention to detail for which Tarkington is celebrated. Over a century after it was first published to incredible popularity and acclaim, Penrod remains wildly funny and entertaining to adults and children alike."

Booth Tarkington (Author), Stefan Rudnicki (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks by Booth Tarkington

Join Our Community