Browse audiobooks by Hilaire Belloc, listen to samples and when you're ready head over to Audiobooks.com where you can get 3 FREE audiobooks on us
"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. One of Hilaire Belloc's most famous works, 'Cautionary Tales for Children' satirizes a genre of admonitory children's literature popular in England in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The seven stories contained in this work are macabre parodies of childhood lessons, and will entertain more sophisticated readers who can appreciate these tales of disproportionate punishment. Presented in a classic picture book style, illustrators have captured the foibles of children like Jim, who let go of his nurse's hand and was eaten by a lion; Matilda, who told lies, and was burned to death; and Henry King who swallowed string. The consequences range from naughty children being whimsically eaten by lions, to stern reprimands for a boy who fires a loaded gun at his sister. Originally written nearly a century ago, Belloc's sprightly verses are a quick and cathartic read for teenagers, and reflect a trend of literature that is still popular today."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Digital Voice Martin G (Narrator)
Audiobook
"First and Last is a collection of essays by Hilaire Belloc, offering sharp insights on history, politics, literature, and human nature. Written over several decades, these pieces reflect Belloc’s wit, intellectual rigor, and deep commitment to Catholicism and Western tradition. He explores timeless themes such as the nature of power, the importance of property, the decline of civilization, and the enduring truths of faith. With clarity and conviction, Belloc critiques modern trends while affirming enduring principles rooted in reason and tradition. Though diverse in subject matter, the essays are united by his belief in the centrality of religious and cultural foundations to societal health. This work stands as a testament to Belloc’s enduring relevance as a thinker and commentator on the enduring struggles of man and the state."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
"In Europe and the Faith, Hilaire Belloc presents a sweeping historical and cultural analysis of Europe’s deep-rooted connection to Christianity, particularly Catholicism. Arguing that the Christian faith is the foundation of European identity, Belloc traces this relationship from antiquity through the early 20th century, examining how religious belief shaped politics, art, philosophy, and social order. With a blend of scholarship and conviction, he warns against the dangers of secularism and the fragmentation of Western civilization in the absence of a unifying spiritual tradition. Though written in 1920, his thesis remains provocative, offering a bold defense of Christendom’s enduring influence on European history and destiny. This work is essential reading for those interested in understanding the religious underpinnings of Western culture and the ongoing tension between faith and modernity."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
"In On Nothing & Kindred Subjects, Hilaire Belloc masterfully blends humor, philosophy, and social commentary in a series of essays that explore seemingly trivial or abstract topics—what he playfully calls 'Nothing.' With wit and wisdom, Belloc delves into themes like idleness, the absurdities of conversation, and the fleeting nature of modern trends, all while revealing deeper truths about human nature and society. Though lighthearted in title and tone, the book offers sharp critiques of contemporary culture and the loss of enduring values. Rooted in Belloc’s Catholic worldview and love for reason, these reflections encourage readers to see significance in the mundane and to question the emptiness of superficial pursuits. A delightful and thought-provoking read."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
"In On Something, Hilaire Belloc delivers a collection of essays that blend wit, wisdom, and sharp social critique. Touching on themes such as human nature, politics, religion, and the absurdities of modern life, Belloc writes with characteristic eloquence and conviction. Each essay explores a different facet of existence, often revealing the deeper truths hidden in everyday matters. Though titled 'On Something,' the book covers a wide range of subjects, all unified by Belloc’s incisive mind and literary charm. He challenges prevailing trends of his time—secularism, materialism, and the erosion of tradition—while affirming the enduring value of faith, reason, and common sense. This work is a testament to Belloc’s enduring ability to provoke thought and inspire reflection in readers across generations."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
"In The Historic Thames, Hilaire Belloc offers a richly woven exploration of the River Thames, blending history, geography, and personal reflection. Tracing the river’s course from its source to the sea, Belloc illuminates the landscapes, towns, and events that shaped England’s cultural and political identity. With lyrical prose and keen historical insight, he connects the river’s physical presence to the broader narrative of English civilization, emphasizing its role in trade, warfare, religion, and daily life. Rooted in his deep appreciation for tradition and place, the book is both a travelogue and a meditation on the enduring spirit of England. Combining scholarship with literary charm, The Historic Thames invites readers to see the past embedded in the land itself."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
"In Hills and the Sea , Hilaire Belloc offers a lyrical celebration of the natural world, blending travel writing, philosophy, and personal reflection. With vivid prose and deep emotional resonance, he explores the spiritual and intellectual significance of landscapes—particularly the rolling hills and vast sea that symbolize freedom, permanence, and the divine order of creation. Drawing from his walks across southern England and reflections on the English Channel, Belloc meditates on history, faith, and man’s connection to place. Rooted in his Catholic worldview and love for tradition, the essays convey a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the beauty and meaning embedded in the natural world. A timeless work for lovers of nature, travel, and thoughtful contemplation."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Finian Silverwood (Narrator)
Audiobook
Selected Poems for Children by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Caroll, Edward Lear and others.
"Delight in the whimsical world of childhood through the writing of some of the most beloved poets in English literature. Selected Poems for Children brings together works by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc, and Robert Browning—poems that brim with imagination, humour, and unforgettable characters. In this charming collection, Simon Hester's warm, engaging narration and evocative music bring to life timeless classics such as Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse, Lear's eccentric Nonsense Poems, Carroll's fantastical Jabberwocky, and the misadventures of The Hunting of the Snark. You’ll also enjoy Belloc's somewhat macabre Cautionary Tales and the tragic story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin—all narrated with the perfect blend of joy and intrigue that children (and the young at heart) will treasure."
Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc, Lewis Carroll, Robert Browning, Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Simon Hester (Narrator)
Audiobook
"'The Free Press' by Hilaire Belloc critically examines the role of the press in modern society. Belloc delves into the impact of media ownership on information dissemination and the potential consequences for democracy. Through his insightful analysis, Belloc raises thought-provoking questions about journalistic integrity, the concentration of media power, and the implications for a truly free and informed public. This work serves as a poignant reflection on the challenges and responsibilities inherent in the pursuit of a genuinely free press. Read in English, unabridged."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), George Easton (Narrator)
Audiobook
More Beasts for Worse Children
"This book of thirteen silly rhymes about strange animals is sure to delight and confuzzle its young listeners. 'More Beasts for Worse Children', a collection nonsense verse for children, was written by English-French writer, historian and satirist, Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953). Poems in order: 1. More Beasts for Worse Children - Introduction 2. The Python 3. The Welsh Mutton 4. The Porcupine 5. The Scorpion 6. The Crocodile 7. The Vulture 8. The Bison 9. The Viper 10. The Llama 11. The Chamois 12. The Frozen Mammoth 13. The Microbe"
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Sarah Bacaller (Narrator)
Audiobook
"These humorous verses were originally written for children but the taste is much more to an adult liking. They are strange, perverse, and the morals they provide....well, that's for you to decide. Luckily Joyce Grenfell is narrating, so it's double the experience. Here's what you can look forward to hearing: 'Algernon, Who Played with a Loaded Gun, and, on Missing His Sister, Was Reprimanded by His Father'; 'The Example'; 'About John, Who Lost a Fortune by Throwing Stones'; 'Jim, Who Ran Away from His Nurse, and Was Eaten by a Lion'; 'Maria, Who Made Faces and a Deplorable Marriage'; 'Henry King, Who Chewed Bits of String, and Was Early Cut Off in Dreadful Agonies'; 'Charles Augustus Fortescue, Who Always Did What Was Right, And So Accumulated an Immense Fortune'; Sarah Byng, Who Could Not Read and Was Tossed into a Thorny Hedge by a Bull'; 'Jack and His Pony, Tom'; 'Tom and His Pony, Jack'; 'Lord Lundy, Who Was Too Freely Moved to Tears, and Thereby Ruined His Political Career'; 'Lord Lundy (Second Canto)'; 'Matilda, Who told Lies, and Was Burned to Death'; 'Godolphin Horne, Who Was Cursed with the Sin of Pride, and Became a Boot Black'; 'George, Who Played with a Dangerous Toy, and Suffered a Catastrophe of Considerable Dimensions'; 'The Garden Party'."
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Joyce Greenfell (Narrator)
Audiobook
"I propose to discuss in what follows the evil of the great modern Capitalist Press, its function in vitiating and misinforming opinion and in putting power into ignoble hands; its correction by the formation of small independent organs, and the probably increasing effect of these last. (Introduction by Hilaire Belloc)"
Hilaire Belloc (Author), Sean McClain (Narrator)
Audiobook
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