Asia Audiobooks | History

"The Chinese Dragon by L. Newton Hayes is a compelling exploration of the mythical creature that has long symbolized power, wisdom, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Written in the early 20th century, this insightful study draws upon folklore, religious beliefs, visual arts, and first-hand accounts to paint a vivid picture of the dragon’s enduring significance in Chinese tradition. Hayes examines the creature's diverse roles—from divine guardian to celestial force—while contrasting its revered image in the East with the often fearsome depiction in Western mythology. Blending academic scholarship with cultural storytelling, this audiobook offers listeners an enlightening journey through the historical, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions of one of humanity’s most iconic legendary beings."

L. Newton Hayes (Author), Richard Stibbard (Narrator)

Audiobook

Musings of a Chinese Mystic

"'Musings of a Chinese Mystic' is a classic selection from the philosophical writings of Chuang Tzu, a disciple of the great Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. An important figure in Chinese philosophy, Chuang Tzu helped to bring prominence to the philosophy of Taoism in ancient China. Drawn from the translations of Professor H. A. Giles with an introduction by Lionel Giles, 'Musings of a Chinese Mystic' is an excellent introduction to the important Taoist philosophical writings of Chuang Tzu."

Chuang Tzu (Author), Peter Coates (Narrator)

Audiobook

China and the 20th Century: The History of the Wars and Reforms that Reshaped Asia’s Biggest Country

"In 1937, the fledgling Empire of Japan once more went to war with China, which by then had become a nation broken into petty warlord fiefdoms and wracked by civil war. The Japanese enacted a brutal campaign over the fragmented realms that made up China, committing atrocities just as horrendous as their Axis allies in Europe. Despite this, the sheer size of China, coupled with Japan’s overextension, allowed the larger, less developed nation to endure throughout World War II. At the same time, China was experiencing an equally brutal civil war between Nationalist and Communist forces, which became inextricably intertwined with the fighting raging across the globe. In fact, the sheer scale of the horrors of the civil war remain hard to believe today, even as action in that theater is often overlooked because of events in Europe. What most people remember about the civil war is that it was ultimately won by Mao Zedong and the Communists, ushering in a new era of Communism in China and exiling the Republic of China’s government to Taiwan. Political tensions between Taiwan and China remain precarious to this day. The Republic of China’s most famous leader and general was Chiang Kai-Shek, who rose from humble origins as the son of a local trader to become, as he liked to remind visitors, the ruler over more people than any other world leader. He certainly became one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, yet today, he is considerably less well-known than many other figures from that period, which was so rife of chaos and tumultuous change. Chiang had come to power at a time when China was rebuilding itself after a period of internal conflict and turmoil, attempting to unify the nation in the face of the Japanese and the man who would become his arch-rival: Mao Zedong, leader of the Chinese Communists. These ideological - and military - conflicts would decide the fate of Asia's biggest country going forward."

Charles River Editors (Author), Jim Walsh (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Dutch; Flemish] - Max Havelaar: of de Koffij-veilingen der Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij

"Welkom in Max Havelaar – het meeslepende luisterboek over macht, moed en moreel falen, geschreven door Multatuli, pseudoniem van Eduard Douwes Dekker. Deze literaire klassieker, diepgeworteld in het koloniale Nederlands-Indië (het huidige Indonesië), is meer dan een roman: het is een vlammend protest tegen onrecht, corruptie en uitbuiting onder het Nederlandse bewind. Multatuli baseerde het verhaal op zijn eigen ervaringen als ambtenaar in Indonesië. Vanuit Amsterdam reisde hij naar Batavia en Lebak, waar hij van dichtbij zag hoe regenten en gouverneurs het volk onderdrukten. In dit luisterboek volg je de jonge idealist Max Havelaar, die het systeem van binnenuit probeert te veranderen – met alle gevolgen van dien. "

Eduard Douwes Dekker, Max Havelaar, Multatuli (Author), Varia, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Panjabi] - Sikh Nasalkushi Da Khurakhoj Part-2: ( Chashamdeedan ate Sbutaan di Zubani )

"Sikh Nasalkushi Da Khura Khoj Part - 2: Authored by Gurjant Singh Ball and Sukhjeet Singh Sadarkot Most people know about the Sikh genocide in places like Delhi, Kanpur, Bokaro, and Hondh-Chillar. But the violence didn’t happen only in these cities. Sikhs were targeted in many other parts of India in the same way. The book series 'Sikh Nasalkushi da Khura Khoj' is the first of its kind. It deeply studies and explains what happened to Sikhs in different states. The first part of the book talks about events in six states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Part 2 of the book continues this research and gives details about what happened in five more states: Manipur, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. You can order it from Sikh Siyasat and get it delivered anywhere in the world."

Gurjant Singh Ball, Sukhjeet Singh Sadarkot (Author), Mehar Singh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Women of the Ming Dynasty: Scholars, Empresses, and Innovators

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Ming Dynasty, spanning from 1368 to 1644, was a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural transformations in China. During this time, the status of women was deeply influenced by Confucian ideals, which emphasized patriarchal structures, filial piety, and the subordination of women to men. These values shaped the roles that women played in both public and private spheres, defining their identities and limiting their opportunities for autonomy. In the family, women were primarily valued for their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers. Their primary function was to maintain the household, produce heirs, and ensure the continuity of family lineage. The Confucian concept of “three obediences” dictated that a woman must obey her father in her youth, her husband in marriage, and her sons in old age. This hierarchical structure reinforced a woman's dependence on male family members throughout her life. While the family was central to a woman’s role in society, marriage was another defining aspect of her life. Marriages were often arranged by parents, and the bride had little say in the choice of her husband. This practice was deeply embedded in the Confucian social order, which valued family alliances over individual desires. Women were expected to fulfill their duties within the marriage, maintaining the household and raising children, with little opportunity for personal ambition or career aspirations."

Layla Gupta (Author), Digital Voice Charlotte G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Women of the Qing Dynasty: Empresses, Dowagers, and Revolutionaries

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Qing Dynasty, lasting from 1644 to 1912, was a time of immense political, social, and cultural transformation in China. As the last imperial dynasty, it played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of modern China. The role of women during this period was both complex and nuanced, marked by rigid Confucian ideals, social stratification, and shifting political dynamics. Women in the Qing Dynasty were influenced by various forces, including imperial policies, gender expectations, and the changing landscape of Chinese society. One of the most significant factors shaping women's roles in Qing China was the strong influence of Confucianism, which permeated every aspect of society. Confucian teachings emphasized a hierarchical social structure, with women at the bottom of the familial and social hierarchy. The ideal woman was expected to embody the principles of filial piety, obedience, and modesty. Women’s primary responsibilities were to manage the household, bear children, and maintain familial harmony. This gendered division of labor confined most women to the domestic sphere, limiting their access to education and participation in public life. However, the Qing period also saw some departures from these traditional norms, particularly in the realms of politics, education, and the arts. While the majority of women lived under the constraints of Confucian expectations, the Qing Dynasty was also a time of notable exceptions. Empresses and royal women held substantial power, particularly in the imperial court, where women exercised political influence behind the scenes. Empress Dowager Cixi, the most famous of these women, was a powerful figure who effectively ruled China for several decades during the late Qing period."

Layla Gupta (Author), Digital Voice Charlotte G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Women of the Mongol Empire: Rulers, Warriors, and Mystics

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Mongol Empire, one of the largest empires in history, has long been celebrated for its military conquests, expansive territories, and influential leaders. However, much of the historical narrative surrounding the empire has focused on its male rulers and warriors, leaving the significant contributions of women largely overlooked. Women in the Mongol Empire were not passive bystanders but played pivotal roles as rulers, warriors, mystics, and advisors. Their influence shaped not only the empire’s internal structure but also its interactions with other cultures, religions, and political systems. In Mongol society, the roles of women were complex and multifaceted, with their status varying based on class, family, and geographic location. Mongol women, particularly those in the ruling class, enjoyed a level of autonomy and authority that was rare in other contemporary cultures. They were often consulted on political matters, wielded power behind the scenes, and occasionally even led military campaigns. This was in stark contrast to the patriarchal norms of many neighboring societies, where women were relegated to domestic roles with little opportunity for political or military involvement. The traditional Mongol lifestyle, characterized by its nomadic nature, placed a premium on the strength and endurance of both men and women. While men were typically responsible for hunting, warfare, and leadership, women played vital roles in maintaining the household, managing livestock, and supporting the logistical needs of the army. Women’s work was not confined to the home; many participated directly in the economic, political, and social spheres of Mongol life. Their roles were vital to the survival and expansion of the Mongol Empire, as they ensured the smooth functioning of the empire’s vast territories."

Layla Gupta (Author), Digital Voice Mary G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Women of the Samurai: Warriors, Strategists, and Leaders

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Bushido Code, the guiding set of principles for the samurai class, shaped the social and moral fabric of feudal Japan. This code emphasized values such as loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discipline. While these ideals are often associated with male samurai, women in samurai families were not exempt from the strictures of the Bushido Code. In fact, women were expected to embody many of the same virtues and uphold the samurai way of life, albeit in ways that were unique to their gendered roles. The samurai class was primarily made up of warriors, but women of the samurai were equally essential in maintaining family honor and legacy. They were often responsible for managing the household, protecting the family, and ensuring the education of their children, particularly sons, who were expected to follow the warrior tradition. These women were not mere supporters of the samurai way—they were active participants in shaping it. For example, women were charged with safeguarding the family home when their husbands went off to war. In times of conflict, some women even took up arms to defend their homes and loved ones, displaying the courage and loyalty that were central to the Bushido ethos. Moreover, samurai women played an essential role in their husbands’ military and political endeavors. They were often involved in the strategic planning of defense, including managing provisions, organizing retreats, or overseeing fortifications. During periods of unrest or invasion, samurai women had to act swiftly, embodying the strength and discipline of their warrior counterparts. The expectations of honor and duty were clear for these women: they too had to put the greater good of their family, clan, and community above personal desires or safety."

Layla Gupta (Author), Digital Voice Mary G (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Tamil] - Vendrargal Nindrargal - Tamilnaattu Thozil Niruvanangalin Vetri Kathaigal: தமிழ்நாட்டுத் த

"Vendrargal Nindrargal - Tamilnaattu Thozil Niruvanangalin Vetri Kathaigal - A proud Aurality tamil audio book production ebook by Swasam Publications. Download FREE Aurality app now on play store and or iphone ios store கோடிக்கணக்கில் பணம் இருந்தால்தான் தொழில் தொடங்கி வெல்ல முடியும் என்பது பொதுப்புத்தி. ஆனால், தொழில் நிறுவனங்களின் வெற்றிக் கதைகள் சொல்வதோ, வெற்றிக்குத் தேவை பணம் அல்ல, ஆர்வம், அர்ப்பணிப்பு மற்றும் உழைப்பு என்பவற்றைத்தான். பல தொழிலதிபர்கள் வெறும் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் மூலதனத்தில் தொழில் தொடங்கி, கோடிக் கணக்கில் வியாபாரம் செய்திருக்கிறார்கள். அப்படிப்பட்ட வெற்றிக் கதைகளைப் படம் பிடிக்கிறது இந்தப் புத்தகம். தமிழ்நாட்டில் இத்தனை தொழில் நிறுவனங்கள் இருந்தனவா என்ற ஆச்சரியத்தைத் தருகிறது இந்தப் புத்தகத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டிருக்கும் நிறுவனங்களின் பட்டியல். இந்தியத் தொழில்முனைவோர்கள் பேசப்பட்ட அளவுக்கு தமிழ்நாட்டுத் தொழிலதிபர்கள் அதிகம் பேசப்படவில்லை என்னும் குறையைக் குறைக்கும் வகையில் இந்தப் புத்தகத்தை எழுதி இருக்கிறார் ஜெயராமன் ரகுநாதன். தொழிலில் வென்றவர்களின் கதைகளோடு, வெல்லப் போராடியவர்கள் மற்றும் இன்றைய புதிய முகங்களைப் பற்றியும் ஆசிரியர் சொல்வதால், தமிழ்நாட்டுத் தொழில்துறை பற்றிய வரலாற்றுப் பார்வையையும் இந்தப் புத்தகம் தருகிறது என்பது இந்த நூலின் கூடுதல் சிறப்பு. எழுத்தாளர் ஜெயராமன் ரகுநாதன்.எழுதி சுவாசம் பதிப்பகம் வெளியிட்டிருக்கும் புத்தகத்தின் ஒலிவடிவம் கேட்போம்"

Jayaraman Raghunathan (Author), Uma Maheswari (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beneath the Dust: Discovering the Indus Valley People

"Beneath the Dust: Discovering the Indus Valley People offers a compelling journey into one of the most enigmatic and advanced civilizations of the ancient world. Located along the banks of the mighty Indus River, the Indus Valley Civilization flourished over 4,000 years ago, yet its legacy continues to captivate scholars, historians, and curious minds alike. This book takes readers on an exploration of the civilization's cities, people, culture, economy, and mysterious script, shedding light on the extraordinary achievements of a society that thrived without the centralized power of kings. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, Beneath the Dust uncovers the secrets of Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and other urban marvels that showcase sophisticated urban planning, advanced sanitation systems, and flourishing trade networks. It delves into the daily lives of the Indus people, from artisans and farmers to traders, revealing the rich social structure and cultural practices that shaped their world. The book also explores the haunting mystery of the Indus script, offering insight into the ongoing efforts to decipher it, and reflects on the theories surrounding the civilization's sudden decline. More than just an exploration of an ancient society, this book highlights the lasting influence of the Indus Valley Civilization on South Asia's art, culture, religion, and social systems, offering lessons on sustainability, cooperation, and the resilience of humanity. From the enigma of the Indus script to the enduring echoes of its people, Beneath the Dust presents a thoughtful reflection on how this forgotten civilization continues to shape our understanding of the past—and our future. Richly illustrated and filled with in-depth analysis, Beneath the Dust is an essential read for anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology, and the profound legacy of one of humanity's greatest but most elusive cultures."

Priyank Agrawal (Author), Eva (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alamat: Book 1 Lam-ang

"The war of the three realms begins here… In the heart of the Samtoy Nation during the pre-colonial era of Philippine history, the world of Filipino heroes, deities, and mythological monsters collide in an ambitious re-telling of a classic Filipino epic. Our story begins with Namongan, a healer and midwife from an isolated village in the Ilocos Region who discovers that she is destined to bear a child blessed by the Poon deities. This child is Lam-ang and he is the first Lakandian. Maturing at a rate unheard of amongst mere mortals, Lam-ang also possesses the strength of a hundred men and was trained to be the greatest warrior for good the mortal realm has ever seen. Together with Mangmankik, an anito spirit assigned to look after him by the Poons, Lam-ang sets out on a quest to find the missing pieces of the Gayaman Amulet and rescue his father who was abducted by the insidious night creatures on the night that he was born. This book covers the first half of the life of Lam-ang, derived from the Ilocano epic Biag ni Lam-ang. The story follows the adventures of our hero as he uncovers the truth about himself as well as the truth about his role in the war between the forces of good and evil that threatens not just the fate of the world of men but all the realms of the spirit world as well."

Herbert De Leon (Author), Joshua Leaño (Narrator)

Audiobook

Asia Audiobooks in History