Audiobooks narrated by David Thorn

A very provocative look into the inner workings of the Catholic Church. This novel The Prince Dethroned, is part one of the Vatican thriller trilogy, Wolves Among the Ruins. The novel was published in March 2005. Expertly read by Mr. David Thorn of Oxford England, the story begins with the vigilante execution of a pedophile priest and the death of John Paul II. An obscure bishop from Palencia Spain is elected to the Papacy in a surprising move during the subsequent conclave. In an effort to bring stability back to the Catholic Church, which has been in chaos since the revolution spawn by the Second Vatican Council 1962-1965, Pope Francis I comes face to face with the real enemy intent on destroying the Church from within. This is a ""What If?"" fictional tale of Vatican intrigue and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. AUTHOR A.J. West is a theologian, philosopher, historian who brings all of his research, expertise, and experience to his writings. He received his degree with honors in philosophy and history from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He completed his studies in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy where is also graduated with honors with a Masters of Divinity. Mr. West had many audiences with Pope John Paul II during his time in Rome and also became friends with Mother Teresa of Calcutta while working with her Missionaries of Charity. His association and experience with various Vatican officials, along with years of research, gives him insight into the Vatican government and politics that qualifies him as a Vatican insider. He presently resides in Northern California. (Amazon.com) COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Wolves Among the Ruins: The Prince Dethroned A story of future history looks at the present-day inner workings of the Catholic Church. Most of the story takes place at the Vatican with the selection of a pope. The influences of liberalism attack the church from the outside, but the real danger, according to West, is the threat from the inside subversives. The spellbinder of this production is the narration of David Thorn. His voice, often sinister, keeps the listener alert from the start.Thorn has the ability to deliver several accents, project different age ranges, and vary intensity, causing one to wonder if more than one person is performing. His masterful performance breathes life into what might otherwise be a lesser book. N.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08] "

A.J. West (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

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Wolsey, Cardinal Thomas-His Life and Death

This extraordinary ""eye-witness"" account of Wolsey's rise and fall from power was written between 1554-1558 by his gentleman usher, George Cavendish. Cavendish was privy to much of the Cardinal's ambitious endeavours. Cavendish died three years after its completions at the age of 62. This rare document considered ""the most important single source for our knowledge of Wolsey"", was edited for easy comprehension by Roger Lockyer, former faculty member, Royal Holloway College, University of London and an authority on the tumultuous Tudor period which was so pivotal in England's storied history. This book was published with the kind permission of Roger Lockyer, with deference to The Folio Society of London. AUTHOR George Cavendish (1494-1562) was a British author, his best know work was ""Thomas Wolsey, Late Cardinall, his Lyffe and Deathe"". He was a player in the court of King Henry VIII, and offers detailed descriptions of court life and the politics of England in the 1500s. Cavendish spent many years in service to Cardinal Wolsey and was an eyewitness to the volatile events that turn England from Catholic to Protestant. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, His Life and Death In CARDINAL THOMAS WOLSEY we have a primary source that presents like a novel. Intriguing historical figures such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Wolsey himself are given increased color and depth through the contemporaneous observations of Wolsey's gentleman usher, George Cavendish. Most listeners will liken narrator David Thorn's presentation to that of a Shakespearean actor, which is appropriate since the major personages are featured in Shakespeare's HENRY VIII. Thorn's accent and command of English of the 1500s allow him to take on the persona of the good and faithful Cavendish with particular ease and authenticity. This skillful handling allows what could be stilted and difficult to be natural sounding and entertaining. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2009] "

George Cavendish (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Wind in the Willows

Since publication in 1908, The Wind in the Willows has established itself as one of the most popular children's books ever written. Rat, Toad, Mole, Badger are emotional, vibrant and fully realized characters with their own share of flaws and virtues. They become loyal friends and meet strange and wonderful characters along their journey. The magical fantasy starts on the river bank and goes to the heights of Toad Hall, a truly fine mansion of many secret passages. All children will delight and be taken away on the wings of imagination. Table of Contents: Chapter 01: The River Bank Chapter 02: The Open Road Chapter 03: The Wild Wood Chapter 04: Mr. Badger Chapter 05: Dulce Domum Chapter 06: Mr. Toad Chapter 07: The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn Chapter 08: Toad'S Adventures Chapter 09: Wayfarers All Chapter 10: The Further Adventures Of Toad Chapter 11: ""Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears"" Chapter 12: The Return Of Ulysses AUTHOR Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was a children's novelist and bank executive, with a long a successful career at the Bank of England. Grahame was born in Scotland, but after the death of his mother when he was five, went to live with his grandmother in a charming country village in Berkshire, England. Grahame and his siblings had an idyllic childhood, their surroundings inspired the setting for The Wind in the Willows. Grahame's writing career was inspired by the stories he told his beloved only child, who suffered poor health his very short life. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of The Wind in the Willows Made a school assignment EASY! In our homeschool, The Wind in the WIllows is to be read to a second grader. With our style of schooling I end up doing a lot of reading to the children. These chapters are long and my voice was dying. Audibles to the rescue!! My 7 year old and I enjoyed curling up on the couch and listening to this story as we followed along in the book and enjoyed the illustrations. David Thorn does an amazing job with the voices. They just seem so right. You can picture the characters by his voice. So if your voice is tired, snuggle up with a youngster and a copy of the book and share the love as you listen to David Thorn reading to both of you. You won't regret it! Listener Review - Audible.com "

Kenneth Grahame (Author), A Full Cast, David Thorn (Narrator)

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Wild Animals I Have Known

Unromanticized Observations Of Animal Life In The Early Days Of Rough and Ready Rural America Ernest Seton's stories reach inside the animals he writes about, in telling their stories. He gives us a greater understanding of their lives on planet earth. Adventure, comedy and sadness all intertwine to make these stories hard to put down until the last word. Table of Contents: 1. Lobo, the King of Carrumpaw 2. Silverspot, The Story of a Crow 3. Raggylug, the Story of a Cottontail Rabbit 4. Bingo, The Story of My Dog 5. The Springfield Fox 6. The Pacing Mustang 7. Wully, The Story of a Yaller Dog 8. Redruff, The Story of the Don Valley Partridge AUTHOR Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946) was an influential writer, wildlife artist and one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America. Born in England, raised in Canada, Seton eventually moved to New Mexico and became part of the arts community with Georgia O'Keefe. Always interested in nature, the environment and Indian lore, Seton's literary work was among the first in the genre of modern wild-animal fiction, depicting character with a sense of compassion. "

Ernest Thompson Seton (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn, Laurellee Westaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Wild Animals I Have Known

Ernest Seton's stories reach inside the animals he writes about, giving us a greater understanding of their lives on planet earth. Adventure, comedy, and sadness all intertwine to make these stories fully engaging clear to the last word. Stories include: Lobo, the King of CurrumpawSilverspot, the Story of a CrowRaggylug, the Story of a Cottontail RabbitBingo, the Story of My DogThe Springfield FoxThe Pacing MustangWully, the Story of a Yaller DogRedruff, the Story of the Don Valley Partridge

Ernest Thompson Seton (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn, Laurellee Westaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Throne of Jade

When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo–an unhatched dragon’s egg–Capt. Will Laurence of HMS Reliant unexpectedly became master and commander of the noble dragon he named Temeraire. As new recruits in Britain’s Aerial Corps, man and dragon soon proved their mettle in daring combat against Bonaparte’s invading forces. Now China has discovered that its rare gift, intended for Napoleon, has fallen into British hands–and an angry Chinese delegation vows to reclaim the remarkable beast. But Laurence refuses to cooperate. Facing the gallows for his defiance, Laurence has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East–a long voyage fraught with peril, intrigue, and the untold terrors of the deep. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await. From the Paperback edition.

Naomi Novik (Author), David Thorn, Simon Vance (Narrator)

Audiobook

Thomas Wolsey, the Late Cardinal: His Life and Death

Listen to a personal account of a prominent figure during one of the most pivotal times in England's history: the Tudor period. This extraordinary 'eye-witness' account of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's rise and fall from power was written between 1554 and 1558 by his gentleman-usher, George Cavendish, who was privy to so much of the Cardinal's ambitious endeavors. However, Cavendish prudently waited a long time before chronicling his observations for fear of his life, as there were those who may have take his memoirs the wrong way. Cavendish describes in great detail the daily life of Wolsey, listing his huge household of servants to give a good idea of the magnitude of this larger-than-life man who outdid Henry VIII in lifestyle and riches, which was his undoing.'Throughout the book, he records Wolsey's endless'acquisitions of'bishoprics'including the very rich monastery of St. Albans, even though he was never a monk'all to feather his already very wealthy nest.'Cavendish also tells of Wolsey's scheme to put himself over and above the Archbishop of York, the senior prelate in England, later to be named Pope. Wolsey is eventually charged with treason but dies in Leicester, and it is said that had he'not died, he would have been more than likely subject to a beheading. Cavendish also delves into the lives of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, the infamous Duke of Norfolk, and other prominent figures of the Tudor period, all to bring the sixteenth century to vivid life. This rare document, considered 'the most important single source for our knowledge of Wolsey,' was edited for easy comprehension by Roger Lockyer, a former faculty member of Royal Holloway College, University of London, and an authority on the tumultuous Tudor period which was so pivotal in England's storied history. 'In Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, we have a primary source that presents like a novel. Intriguing historical figures such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Wolsey himself are given increased color and depth through the contemporaneous observations of Wolsey's gentleman usher, George Cavendish. Most listeners will liken narrator David Thorn's presentation to that of a Shakespearean actor, which is appropriate since the major personages are featured in Shakespeare's Henry VIII. Thorn's accent and command of English of the 1500s allow him to take on the persona of the good and faithful Cavendish with particular ease and authenticity. This skillful handling allows what could be stilted and difficult to be natural sounding and entertaining.''AudioFile Edited by Roger Lockyer

George Cavendish (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

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This Country of Ours: Early Explorers to World War I; Complete Set

This series, in seven parts, tells the story of America from the earliest founding through the days of Woodrow Wilson and World War I. The seven main topics include: Stories of Explorers and Pioneers Stories of VirginiaStories of New England Stories of the Middle and Southern Colonies Stories of the French in America Stories of the Struggle for Liberty Stories of the United States under the Constitution

Henrietta E. Marshall (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn, Laurellee Westaway (Narrator)

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This Country of Ours, Part 7: Stories of the United States under the Constitution

This series, in seven parts, tells the story of America from the earliest founding through the days of Woodrow Wilson World War I. Part 7 continues the series with the development of the United States under the presidents from Washington to Wilson. Stories include: Washington: First in War, First in Peace Adams: How He Kept Peace with France Jefferson: How the Territory of the United States Was DoubledJefferson: How the Door into the Far West Was OpenedJefferson: About an American Who Wanted to Be a KingMadison: The Shooting Star and the ProphetMadison: War with Great BritainMonroe: The First Whispers of a Storm; Monroe's Famous Doctrine Adams: The Tariff of AbominationsJackson: 'Liberty and Union, Now and Forever'; Van Buren; Hard TimesHarrison: The Hero of TippecanoeTyler: Florida Becomes a StatePolk: How Much Land was Added to the United StatesPolk : The Finding of GoldTaylor: Union or Disunion Fillmore: The Underground RailroadPierce: The Story of 'Bleeding Kansas' Buchanan: The Story of the Mormons Buchanan: The First Shots Lincoln: From Bull Run to Fort Donelson Lincoln: The Story of the First Battle between Ironclads Lincoln: The Battle of Shiloh and the Taking of New Orleans Lincoln: The Slaves Are Made Free Lincoln: Chancellorsville; the Death of Stonewall Jackson Lincoln: The Battle of GettysburgLincoln: Grant's Campaign; Sheridan's RideLincoln: Sherman's March to the Sea; Lincoln Reelected PresidentLincoln: The End of the War; The President's DeathJohnson: How the President Was ImpeachedGrant: A Peaceful VictoryHayes; Garfield; ArthurCleveland; Harrison; ClevelandMcKinley: War and Sudden DeathRoosevelt; TaftWilson: Troubles with MexicoWilson: The Great War

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Country of Ours, Part 7

This series, in seven parts, tells the story of America from the earliest founding through the days of Woodrow Wilson the Great War (World War I). Part 7 continues the series with the development of the United States under the Presidents from Washington to Wilson. Table of Contents: 1. Washington First in War, First in Peace 2. Adams - How He Kept Peace with France 3. Jefferson - How the Territory of the United States Was Doubled 4. Jefferson - How the Door into the Far West Was Opened 5. Jefferson-About an American Who Wanted to Be a King 6. Madison - The Shooting Star and the Prophet 7. Madison - War with Great Britain 8. Monroe - The First Whispers of a Storm - Monroe's Famous Doctrine 9. Adams - The Tariff of Abominations 10. Jackson - ""Liberty and Union, Now and Forever"" - Van Buren - Hard Times 11. Harrison - The Hero of Tippecanoe 12. Tyler - Florida Becomes a State 13. Polk - How Much Land was Added to the United States 14. Polk - The Finding of Gold 15. Taylor - Union or Disunion 16. Fillmore - The Underground Railroad 17. Pierce - The Story of ""Bleeding Kansas"" 18. Buchanan - The Story of the Mormons 19. Buchanan - The First Shots 20. Lincoln - From Bull Run to Fort Donelson 21. Lincoln - The Story of the First Battle between Ironclads 22. Lincoln - Thru Battle of Shiloh and the Taking of New Orleans 23. Lincoln - The Slaves are made Free 24. Lincoln - Chancellorsville - the Death of Stonewall Jackson 25. Lincoln - The Battle of Gettysburg 26. Lincoln - Grant's Campaign - Sheridan's Ride 27. Lincoln - Sherman's March to the Sea - Lincoln Re-elected President 28. Lincoln - The End of the War - The President's Death 29. Johnson - How the President Was Impeached 30. Grant - A Peaceful Victory 31. Hayes - Garfield - Arthur 32. Cleveland - Harrison - Cleveland 33. Mc Kinley - War and Sudden Death 34. Roosevelt - Taft 35. Wilson - Troubles with Mexico 36. Wilson - The Great War AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of This Country of Ours, Part 7 We are nearly to the end of our second time through This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall, and I'll be sorry when we reach the end, for it has been a fascinating journey. The first time we went through the book, I read aloud to our older children. This time we are using Alcazar Audioworks' unabridged reading of the book on CD. The book, just shy of one hundred chapters, is divided into eight volumes of CDs so that you only need to purchase the portion that relates to the particulars of your study of U.S. history. That's a help to the budget! Part Seven A: Stories of the United States under the Constitution opens just after the ending of the American Revolution, describing how George Washington, having stepped down from commanding the young nation's army, was called out of retirement to be its first president. The stories continue through the administrations of the next fourteen presidents, through the beginning of Lincoln's first term, and the war between the Northern and Southern states, culminating in the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac. You'll hear about Lewis and Clark, the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, ""Tippecanoe and Tyler too!"" and much, much more. With our students listening to history this way, I get to be a listener, too. I like the fact that we can be folding laundry or washing dishes while doing our history reading! The CD are divided into tracks, making it easy to break up the reading and have the listeners tell back (or narrate) what they've heard. Two readers alternate, helping to keep the listener's interest; Bobbie Frohman and David Thorn do an excellent job of infusing life into an already well-told story. H.E. Marshall, the author of This Country of Ours and other history books for young people, was a gifted storyteller with a passion for her subject. Her writing, though full of historical events, dates, and facts, is never dull nor dry, being a series of stories about individuals and the events they shaped or found themselves caught up in. To get an idea of the book, look for it online as a free e-text. These are not merely names and dates, places and events, these are stories about real people, vividly described. A note of caution: As This Country of Ours was published in 1917, it does not meet today's standards of political correctness. For example, Native Americans are referred to in places as ""Redmen."" The story of the Mormons, presented in a chapter set during the presidency of Buchanan, though based on historical accounts, does not agree with the official record as set forth by the Mormon church. This Country of Ours is one of the books used in the Ambleside Online curriculum. The sets correspond to the divisions within the book, rather than Ambleside Online years. However, it is not difficult to figure out which set(s) are needed, if you compare the chapter listings on Alcazar's and Ambleside's websites. Whether or not you are using Ambleside Online's reading list, you'll find This Country of Ours a fascinating look at American History, livelier than anything you'll find in a textbook. Highly recommended. Reviewed By: Virginia Jones - Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Country of Ours, Part 6: Stories of the Struggle for Liberty

This series, in seven parts, tells the story of America from the earliest founding through the days of Woodrow Wilson World War I. Part 6 continues the series with the stories of the struggle for liberty. Stories include: The Boston Tea PartyPaul Revere's Ride - The Unsheathing of the SwordThe First Thrust - The Battle of Bunker Hill The War in Canada The Birth of a Great Nation The Darkest Hour - Trenton and Princeton Burgoyne's Campaign - Bennington and OriskanyBurgoyne's Campaign - Bemis Heights and SaratogaBrandywine - Germantown - Vally Forge War on the Sea The Battle of Monmouth - The Story of Captain MollyThe Story of a Great Crime A Turning Point in the World's History

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Country of Ours, Part 6

This series, in seven parts, tells the story of America from the earliest founding through the days of Woodrow Wilson the Great War (World War I). Part 6 continues the series with the stories of the struggle for liberty: Table of Contents: 1. The Boston Tea-Party 2. Paul Revere's Ride - The Unsheathing of the Sword 3. The First Thrust-The Battle of Bunker Hill 4. The War in Canada 5. The Birth of a Great Nation 6. The Darkest Hour - Trenton and Princeton 7. Burgoyne's Campaign - Bennington and Oriskany 8. Burgoyne's Campaign - Bemis Heights and Saratoga 9. Brandywine- Germantown - Vally Forge 10. War on the Sea 11. The Battle of Monmouth - The Story of Captain Molly 12. The Story of a Great Crime 13. A Turning Point in the World's History AUTHOR Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (1867 - 1941) was a British author, most famous for her works of history for children. For decades, Marshall's books were ubiquitous in schools and home libraries. Much of the popularity of her works stems from her talent for making history read like good storytelling. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of This Country of Ours, Part 6 I can hardly tell you how much we've been enjoying This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall. This is our second time through the book. The first time I read it aloud to our older ones. This time I get to be a listener, too! We're listening to Alcazar Audioworks' version of this book on CD. I like the fact that we can be folding laundry or washing dishes while doing our history reading! The CD is divided into tracks, making it easy to break up the reading and have the listeners tell back (or narrate) what they've heard. H.E. Marshall, the author of This Country of Ours and other history books for young people, was a gifted storyteller with a passion for her subject. Her writing, though full of historical events, dates, and facts, is never dull or dry, being a series of stories about individuals and the events they shaped or found themselves caught up in. Alcazar AudioWorks has undertaken to make this book available on CD, unabridged, but divided into eight parts. This makes it easier to buy just the chapters I need for our current history studies, which helps our homeschool budget. To get an idea of the book, look for it online as a free e-text. Part Six: Stories of the Struggle for Liberty is comprised of chapters 51 to 63 in the book. Here are the stories of the American Revolution that you heard when you were younger - or maybe you didn't! To give you an example from my own experience, I can't remember hearing so many details about the names I memorized in school. So far as I was concerned, Benedict Arnold was a byword for treason. I didn't know that he was a dashing, heroic figure, regarded by George Washington as one of his best officers. Here are stories of Washington himself, of Paul Revere's ride, the Boston Tea Party, Patrick Henry's famous speech, the Declaration of Independence, the winter at Valley Forge, of a woman who fought alongside her husband and kept fighting after he fell in battle, and more. But these are not merely names and dates, places and events, these are stories about real people, vividly described. Here's an excerpt that brings to life Henry Knox (formerly in my mind just a famous name, nothing more): He was a stout young man with a lovely smile and jolly fat laugh, who greatly enjoyed a joke. He had been a bookseller before the war turned him into a soldier. And now as he felled trees, and made sledges, and encouraged his men over the long rough way he hugely enjoyed the joke of bringing British guns to bombard the British out of Boston. Two readers alternate, helping to keep the listener's attention, and they read in a lively manner that adds interest to an already gripping story. These are the sorts of tales that make for vivid re-enactments later, especially of battles and thrilling adventures, though you might want to exercise caution on the behalf of sensitive young listeners. (We have one especially sensitive listener who sometimes breaks into tears at the ""sad parts."") One more note of caution: As This Country of Ours was published in 1917, it does not meet today's standards of political correctness. For example, the account of the Boston Tea Party describes how the men dressed up like ""Red Indians."" This Country of Ours is one of the books used in the Ambleside Online curriculum. The sets correspond to the divisions within the book, rather than Ambleside Online years. However, it is not difficult to figure out which set(s) is needed if you compare the chapter listings on Alcazar's and Ambleside's websites. Whether or not you are using Ambleside Online's reading list, you'll find This Country of Ours a fascinating look at American History, livelier than anything you'll find in a textbook. Highly recommended. Reviewed By: Virginia Jones - Eclectic Homeschool Online "

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (Author), Bobbie Frohman, David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by David Thorn