Asia Audiobooks | History

A Brief History of Japan: A Short Odyssey of Samurai, Shoguns, and Sacred Legends—Perfect for Travel

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Discover the untold story of Japan—an epic journey through myths, samurai battles, and imperial ambition that shaped one of the world’s most fascinating nations. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by dense history books that drown you in endless dates and jargon? Do you want to truly understand Japan’s rich past without spending weeks wading through academic texts? Or perhaps you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to fully appreciate its culture, legends, and traditions? This book cuts through the complexity to deliver Japan’s history in a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for an accessible introduction, this book reveals the key moments and figures that shaped Japan—without sacrificing depth or drama. Inside, you’ll discover: - Japan’s origins—from ancient myths and imperial legends to the rise of samurai. - Dramatic battles and shogunate power struggles that defined entire eras. - The Meiji era’s political upheavals and the rapid modernization that reshaped Japan. - World War II’s impact and Japan’s miraculous postwar recovery. - Insights into modern Japan’s identity and its enduring cultural traditions. From the age of mythical emperors to the rise of mighty samurai and modern global influence, A Brief History of Japan weaves together war, honor, and tradition into one unforgettable narrative. This is not just a book about history—it’s a gateway into the soul of Japan. Listen today and uncover the story of a nation that continues to inspire the world! *PDF copy included with purchase"

Dominic Haynes (Author), Digital Voice Martin G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Taiwan Story: How a Small Island Will Dictate the Global Future

"Brought to you by Penguin. An urgent, indispensable guide to why Taiwan matters – for China, the West and everyone’s future When the bloody Chinese Civil War concluded in 1949, two Chinas were born. Mao’s Communists won and took China’s mainland; Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists fled to Taiwan island. Since then, China and Taiwan have drifted into being separate political and cultural entities. Taiwan is now a flourishing democracy and an economic success story: just one of its companies produces over 90 per cent of the semiconductors that power the world’s economy. It is a free and vibrant society. For the United States and the West, the island is a bastion of freedom against China’s assertive presence in the region. And yet China, increasingly bellicose under Xi Jinping, insists Taiwan is part of its territory and must be returned to it. Should China blockade the island and mount an invasion, it would set off a chain reaction that would pitch it against the US – escalating a regional war into a global one. Taiwan is thus a geopolitical powder keg. The Taiwan Story helps us understand how and why we’ve arrived at this dangerous moment in history. With unparalleled access to Taiwan’s political leaders and a deep understanding of the island’s history and culture, Professor Kerry Brown provides a new reading of Taiwan, its twenty-three million people, and how they navigate being caught in this frightening geopolitical standoff. This is the essential book delving into Taiwan’s unique story, buried beneath the headlines, told in an accessible, expert and urgent way. ‘Kerry Brown is one of our most perceptive and accurate foreign observers of China’ JOHN SIMPSON ‘Thorough and nuanced’ MICHAEL BOOTH ‘Compelling’ ELLIOT ACKERMAN ‘Factual, thoughtful and very well-written’ SIR MALCOLM RIFKIND © Kerry Brown 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024"

Kerry Brown (Author), Kerry Brown (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mission to Mao: US Intelligence and the Chinese Communists in World War II

"From 1941 to 1947, the United States planted a liaison mission in the headquarters of Chinese Communist forces behind the lines. Nicknamed the 'Dixie Mission,' for its location in 'rebel' territory, it was an interagency delegation that included intelligence officers from the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Mission to Mao is a social history of the OSS officers in the field that reveals the weakness of United States intelligence diplomacy in the 1940s. Drawing on over 14,000 unpublished records from five archives as well as white papers and memoirs from the participants, Sara B. Castro demonstrates how the OSS officers clashed with political appointees and Washington over the direction of the United States relationship with the Chinese Communists. Initially, the OSS officers were sent to gather intelligence that would help the war effort against Japan, but interagency and political conflicts erupted over whether the mission would later involve operations with the Communists. Castro shows how potential benefits for the war effort were thwarted by politicization and the OSS officers' own biases and blind spots. Mission to Mao is a fresh look at United States intelligence in World War II China and takes listeners beyond the history of 'China hands' versus American anticommunists, introducing more nuance."

Sara B. Castro (Author), Eric Jason Martin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Becoming Babasaheb: The Life and Times of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Volume 1): Birth to Mahad (1891-19

"There are many intellectual biographies of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, but until now none has sought to reveal the personality of the man. They will tell you what he thought or what he wrote, but remain silent about who he actually was, his inner struggles, how he felt. They give information about Ambedkar, but do not talk about his interior life, his personal growth or how he came to be the man who left such an indelible mark on modern India's constitutional, political, social and religious landscapes. The first of an ambitious two-volume biography, Becoming Babasaheb traces Ambedkar's life journey, from his birth in 1891 to the transformative Mahad Satyagraha in 1929. It takes a completely fresh look at Ambedkar's lived experiences and teases out the nature and character of the man behind the legend. It offers an extensive, personality-driven narrative covering Ambedkar's life, along with salient aspects of his contemporary legacy, unfolding as a tale of remarkable tenacity, which it chronicles in all its rich vitality. All of Ambedkar's books and speeches are publicly available, so large volumes will forever appear interpreting his writings and presenting his ideas. Meanwhile, old myths and inaccurate 'facts' about his thought and life events, even his relationships, persist. Becoming Babasaheb has been written on the basis of entirely original archival research to set the historical record straight. A vivid portrait of the man in his times, both volumes of this biography will present readers with a new Ambedkar, the true Ambedkar."

Aakash Singh Rathore (Author), Adwait Karambelkar (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - Libro rojo de Mao

"COMPILACIÓN DE LAS CITAS Y PENSAMIENTOS DEL LÍDER REVOLUCIONARIO CHINO MAO ZEDONG El Libro Rojo de Mao, también conocido como el Pequeño Libro Rojo o Citas del Presidente Mao Zedong, ofrece una visión profunda de la ideología y estrategias que moldearon la China moderna. Publicado por primera vez en 1964 por el Ejército Popular de Liberación de China, este pequeño volumen se convirtió en un símbolo de la Revolución Cultural y en un elemento omnipresente en la vida cotidiana de millones de chinos. El libro es una compilación de citas extraídas de discursos y escritos de Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung), líder del Partido Comunista de China desde 1949 hasta su muerte en 1976. A través de sus páginas, Mao aborda temas como el marxismo-leninismo, la lucha de clases, la revolución agraria y la construcción del socialismo en China. El objetivo principal era proporcionar una guía ideológica para los cuadros del partido y para toda la población. Durante la Revolución Cultural (1966-1976), el Libro Rojo adquirió una importancia sin precedentes. Fue utilizado como herramienta de propaganda y educación política, y se convirtió en un objeto de devoción casi religiosa. Los guardias rojos, grupos de jóvenes movilizados por Mao, lo llevaban consigo en todo momento y lo citaban en reuniones, debates y ceremonias públicas. Su posesión y estudio eran considerados actos de lealtad al partido y al propio Mao. El impacto del Libro Rojo trascendió las fronteras de China. En los años 60 y 70, en medio de movimientos de liberación nacional y protestas estudiantiles, fue traducido a múltiples idiomas y adoptado por grupos revolucionarios en todo el mundo. Su influencia se sintió en países como Francia, Estados Unidos y diversos estados africanos y latinoamericanos, donde inspiró a activistas y pensadores de izquierda."

Mao Zedong (Author), José Peña Coto (Narrator)

Audiobook

100 Amazing Facts about Thailand: Amazing discoveries in the heart of Asia

Marc Dresgui (Author), Marc Dresgui (Narrator)

Audiobook

Modi’s India

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Modi's India: Vision, Transformation, and the Road Ahead Explore the dynamic era of Narendra Modi in 'Modi's India: Vision, Transformation, and the Road Ahead,' a detailed narrative that delves into India's evolution under one of its most influential leaders. This book offers an unbiased examination of Modi's tenure, combining economic reforms, technological advancements, and socio-political changes. Witness a nation navigating modernization while retaining its cultural heritage. Understand Modi's initiatives like the Digital India campaign, GST rollout, and environmental strategies. Analyze Modi's leadership style and its impact on democracy, international relations, and national identity, alongside the controversies and achievements marking his governance. Speculate on the future implications of Modi's policies and the challenges and opportunities facing India. This book caters to political enthusiasts, modern history students, and anyone interested in the transformative forces shaping contemporary India. It provides insights into the aspirations and hurdles of a nation crucial to the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. 'Modi's India: Vision, Transformation, and the Road Ahead' invites readers on a journey through the evolving landscape of one of the world's most vibrant democracies. Engage with this comprehensive account of a significant period in India's history."

Amit Prakash Sharma (Author), Digital Voice Martin G (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of Nepal: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms, Unification, Dynastic Rulers, a

"From Himalayan legends to modern democracy: Explore the amazing story of Nepal!Nepal may be a small country, but it has a very rich and exciting history. This audiobook takes you on a journey from the early days of Nepal’s first settlers to modern times, where kings have been replaced by democratic institutions. Here’s what you’ll discover in this audiobook: - Explore Nepal’s early days: Dive into stories about gods, warriors, and the first people who made this land their home. - Mighty dynasties and grand kingdoms: Learn about powerful rulers who built amazing temples and palaces while shaping Nepal’s culture and religion. - The clash of three kingdoms: Experience the drama as three different kingdoms fought for control of this rich and beautiful land. - The unification of Nepal: Follow the daring leader who brought these fractured kingdoms together into one nation. - The rise of aristocratic power: Navigate the tricky and dangerous world of the Thapa and Rana families, who ruled from behind the palace walls. - The push for freedom and democracy: Watch as the people of Nepal worked together to bring about huge changes, moving from kings to a government chosen by the people. - The dawn of a new republic: Finally, see how the past and present mix as Nepal continues to grow, looking toward a brighter future. This audiobook is perfect for anyone who loves history and adventure or just wants to understand more about this incredible country. Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to grab your copy today!"

Captivating History (Author), Jason Zenobia (Narrator)

Audiobook

Japanese Mythology: Kami, Demons, Spirits, and Myths of Japan

"Japanese mythology is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of ancient stories, religious beliefs, and cultural practices that have evolved over centuries. At its core, this mythology provides a window into the Japanese worldview, where nature, spirituality, and humanity are deeply interconnected. It reveals how the Japanese people have understood their place in the universe, the origins of their land, and the divine forces that shape their existence. Central to Japanese mythology is the concept of kami, which are spirits or deities that embody natural elements, ancestral spirits, and forces of nature. Unlike many Western interpretations of divinity, kami are not omnipotent or detached from the world; they exist alongside humanity, influencing daily life and requiring respect through rituals and offerings. This spiritual symbiosis between humans and kami has profoundly shaped Japanese cultural identity and continues to manifest in traditional practices and beliefs. The two primary sources of Japanese mythology, the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), are texts that blend myth, history, and legend. Compiled in the 8th century, these works serve as foundational narratives for understanding the creation of Japan, the lineage of its emperors, and the values upheld by society. From the celestial plains of Takamagahara to the mysterious underworld of Yomi, these texts introduce readers to a vivid cosmology populated by gods, demons, and legendary heroes."

Matthew Fillard (Author), Marge Hellum (Narrator)

Audiobook

Korean Mythology: Tigers, Tricksters, and the Celestial Kingdom

"Korean mythology is a rich tapestry of stories and traditions that have shaped the cultural and spiritual identity of the Korean Peninsula for millennia. Rooted in shamanistic practices, Confucian ideals, and Buddhist teachings, these myths reflect the deep connection between humanity and nature, the moral dilemmas of human life, and the celestial order of the universe. The stories span from tales of creation and mythical heroes to encounters with trickster spirits and fearsome tigers. They serve as a bridge between the past and present, offering timeless lessons on resilience, community, and respect for the unseen forces that shape our world. The unique characteristics of Korean mythology are closely tied to the geography and history of the region. The Korean Peninsula, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the sea, provided a fertile backdrop for the imagination of its people. Myths and legends often feature these elements as symbolic representations of life, death, and the balance of power between the human and the divine. From the founding myth of Dangun, the legendary progenitor of Korea, to the tales of celestial dragons and fox spirits, these stories capture the dynamic interplay between the mundane and the mystical. "

Matthew Fillard (Author), Marge Hellum (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of Tibet and Nepal: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Kingdoms, Spiritual Traditions, and Their

"Explore the Fascinating Histories of Tibet and Nepal: Two Captivating Journeys in One AudiobookTwo manuscripts in one audiobook: - History of Tibet: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Kingdoms, the Tibetan Empire, Mongol Invasions, Buddhism, Chinese Rule, and Modern Times. - History of Nepal: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms, Unification, Dynastic Rulers, and Modern Times. Uncover the Mysteries of Tibet: - Learn about Tibet's early days and the spiritual traditions that shaped its people. - Discover the story of the Dalai Lama and the role of Buddhism in Tibetan life. - Follow the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms and the impact of Mongol invasions. - Understand the history of Tibet under Chinese rule, made simple and clear. - See how Tibetans have continued to fight for their independence over the years. Dive into Nepal's Rich History: - Discover stories of when gods and warriors roamed Nepal’s ancient lands. - Explore the dynasties that built temples and shaped Nepal's culture. - Experience the drama as three kingdoms battled for control of Nepal. - Follow the leader who united Nepal’s kingdoms into one strong nation. - Peek into the world of Nepal’s ruling families, the Thapas and Ranas. - Witness Nepal's journey from a monarchy to a democracy led by its people. - Imagine Nepal’s future as it blends its past with modern hopes. Start your journey into the past—get your copy today and explore the captivating histories of Tibet and Nepal!"

Captivating History (Author), Jason Zenobia (Narrator)

Audiobook

Genghis Khan: The Secret Recipe of Traditional Food of Ancient Mongolia (The History of the Mongol E

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. At genghis khan’s birth divine signs indicated he would consolidate the scattered mongol clans into one nation and become the conqueror who ensured that the empire of mongolia ruled the world. By 1224, he had founded the empire of mongolia, a nation that stretched from the pacific to caspian sea. Genghis khan’s fearsome reputation of being a ruthless invader preceded him. Yet one of his captives taken from the land of the indus river holds a mysterious power over the tyrant. What gives her this power? Does she know a secret that compels the formidable emperor to reveal his mortality? Is her magical spell strong enough to make it into a weapon that can bring the khan to his knees? Readers will discover: - The strength of loyalty and the sacrifices genghis khan made to unite his people - The code of yassa, the law that brought unity to a diverse empire - The beauty and resilience of the mongolian steppes, from the unforgiving elements to the nomadic way of life - The universal themes of family, leadership, and vision that define genghis khan’s story This was an individual who established an empire that survived for more than a century after his demise, and it did so to such an extent that it was the longest continual empire to have ever been created in the history of the world. A wonderful battlefield commander, a prime tactician, he had a need to conquer the world that shaped this man into a fearless leader that would ultimately go on to shape what we now know as the modern world."

Kenneth Shockley (Author), Digital Voice Mason G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Asia Audiobooks in History