Europe Audiobooks | Travel

American Hero: The Life and Death of Audie Murphy

As a teenager Audie Murphy left his home in Texas to join in the fight against the Nazis. By the end of the war, he had fought in the bloody battle of Anzio, helped liberate Rome, marched his way across France, repelled German counterattacks in Alsace, before finishing in Germany. He was wounded three times, killed over two hundred enemies, and won every medal for valor that the United States had to offer. Charles Whiting charts Murphy's journey through World War Two, shedding light on his courageous actions. Yet what price did young Audie Murphy pay for becoming America's most decorated soldier of the Second World War? Rather than simply focusing on Murphy's achievements in combat, Whiting also explores his life after the war when he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction problems, and even twenty years after the war slept with the lights on and a loaded Walther pistol beneath his pillow. American Hero draws upon numerous contemporary sources and a wealth of information drawn from interviews with Murphy's friends and comrades to provide insight into the rise and fall of Audie Murphy.

Charles Whiting (Author), Dallas Britt (Narrator)

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Tempest: The Royal Navy and the Age of Revolutions

A major new history of the Royal Navy during the tumultuous age of revolution The French Revolutionary Wars catapulted Britain into a conflict against a new enemy: Republican France. Britain relied on the Royal Navy to protect its shores and empire, but as radical ideas about rights and liberty spread across the globe, it could not prevent the spirit of revolution from reaching its ships. In this insightful history, James Davey tells the story of Britain's Royal Navy across the turbulent 1790s. As resistance and rebellion swept through the fleets, the navy itself became a political battleground. This was a conflict fought for principles as well as power. Sailors organized riots, strikes, petitions, and mutinies to achieve their goals. These shocking events dominated public discussion, prompting cynical-and sometimes brutal-responses from the government. Tempest uncovers the voices of ordinary sailors to shed new light on Britain's war with France, as the age of revolution played out at every level of society.

James Davey (Author), Philip Battley (Narrator)

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Volcanic: Vesuvius in the Age of Revolutions

A vibrant, diverse history of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples in the age of Romanticism Vesuvius is best known for its disastrous eruption of 79CE. But only after 1738, in the age of Enlightenment, did the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii reveal its full extent. In an era of groundbreaking scientific endeavor and violent revolution, Vesuvius became a focal point of strong emotions and political aspirations, an object of geological enquiry, and a powerful symbol of the Romantic obsession with nature. John Brewer charts the changing seismic and social dynamics of the mountain, and the meanings attached by travelers to their sublime confrontation with nature. The pyrotechnics of revolution and global warfare made volcanic activity the perfect political metaphor, fueling revolutionary enthusiasm and conservative trepidation. From Swiss mercenaries to English entrepreneurs, French geologists to local Neapolitan guides, German painters to Scottish doctors, Vesuvius bubbled and seethed not just with lava, but with people whose passions, interests, and aims were as disparate as their origins.

John Brewer (Author), Mike Cooper (Narrator)

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Beyond the Secret Garden: The Life of Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett's favorite theme in her fiction was the reversal of fortune, and she herself knew extremes of poverty and wealth. Born in Manchester in 1849, she emigrated with her family to Tennessee because of the financial problems caused by the cotton famine. From a young age she published her stories to help the family make ends meet. Only after she married did she publish Little Lord Fauntleroy that shot her into literary stardom. On the surface, Frances' life was extremely successful: hosting regular literary salons in her home and travelling frequently between properties in the United Kingdom and America. But behind the colorful personal and social life, she was a complex and contradictory character. She lost both parents by her twenty-first birthday, Henry James called her 'the most heavenly of women' although avoided her; prominent people admired her and there were many friendships as well as an ill-advised marriage to a much younger man that ended in heartache. Her success was punctuated by periods of depression, in one instance brought on by the tragic loss of her eldest son to consumption. Ann Thwaite creates a sympathetic but balanced and eye-opening biography of the woman who has enchanted numerous generations of children.

Ann Thwaite (Author), Anne Flosnik (Narrator)

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Vienna: How the City of Ideas Created the Modern World

How can one European capital be responsible for most of the West's intellectual and cultural achievements in the twentieth century? Viennese ideas saturate the modern world. From California architecture to Hollywood Westerns, modern advertising to shopping malls, orgasms to gender confirmation surgery, nuclear fission to fitted kitchens-every aspect of our history, science, and culture is in some way shaped by Vienna. The city of Freud, Wittgenstein, Mahler, and Klimt was the melting pot at the heart of a vast metropolitan empire. But with the Second World War and the rise of fascism, the dazzling coteries of thinkers who squabbled, debated, and called Vienna home dispersed across the world, where their ideas continued to have profound impact. Richard Cockett gives us the entirety of this extraordinary story. Tracing Vienna's rich intellectual history from psychoanalysis to Reaganomics, Cockett encompasses everything from the communist rebels of Red Vienna to the neoliberal economists of the Austrian School. This is the panoramic account of how one city made the modern world-and how we all remain inescapably Viennese.

Richard Cockett (Author), Gareth Richards (Narrator)

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How to Survive in Medieval England

Imagine you were transported back in time to Medieval England and had to start a new life there. Without mobile phones, iPads, internet, and social media networks, when transport means walking or, if you're fortunate, horseback, how will you know where you are or what to do? Where will you live? What is there to eat? What shall you wear? How can you communicate when nobody speaks as you do and what about money? Who can you go to if you fall ill or are mugged in the street? However can you fit into and thrive in this strange environment full of odd people who seem so different from you? All these questions and many more are answered in this new guidebook for time-travelers: How to Survive in Medieval England. A handy guide with tips and suggestions to make your visit to the Middle Ages much more fun, this lively and engaging book will help the listener deal with the new experiences they may encounter and the problems that might occur. Know the laws so you don't get into trouble or show your ignorance in an embarrassing faux pas. Enjoy interviews with the celebrities of the day, from a businesswoman and a condemned felon, to a royal cook and King Richard III himself. Have a go at preparing medieval dishes and learn some new words to set the mood for your time-traveling adventure. You'll have an exciting visit with this helpful guide.

Toni Mount (Author), Derek Perkins (Narrator)

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The Waterloo Campaign - A Study

A Dusty Tomes Audio BookIn Cooperation with Spoken Realms The Waterloo Campaign - A Study by Lieut.-Colonel Sisson C. Pratt. Special Campaign Series No. 5 published by Swan Sonnenschein 1907. Publisher’s Preface to the Series: The “Special Campaign” Series deals with the history of war in its technical aspect, and the text of each volume is interspersed with strategic and tactical comments … subsequent volumes will deal with those campaigns of the nineteenth century that present features of exceptional military interest. It is hoped that this series will not only be useful for examination purposes but may form the nucleus of an interesting library for the military student. From the Author’s Preface: The centenary of the Wars of Liberation is now close at hand, and from the hitherto unpublished archives and private records that are known to exist in Germany some fresh light will probably soon be thrown on the downfall of Napoleon. This brief study of a notable campaign may be of some help to the student of the past and the historian of the future.

Lieutenant Colonel Sisson C. Pratt (Author), Joseph Tabler (Narrator)

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Jane Austen: The True Story of the Life & Times of the Great Author

Interested in Jane Austen's life but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for an hourly history tour of her remarkable story. Ever since her debut novel Sense and Sensibility was anonymously published in 1811, Jane Austen's work has enjoyed lasting popularity. Her themes of love, marriage, and money remain relevant today, often echoed in modern drama. Discover the extraordinary woman behind the beloved characters. Her seemingly quiet life as a country parson's daughter granted her remarkable insight into human nature, still resonating over two centuries later. This tour provides a condensed yet comprehensive look at: - Her family, early years, and relationships - Writings, experiences in Bath, and seaside pleasures - Financial challenges, relocations, and happier years - Literary successes and family tragedies - Her battle with illness, death, and lasting legacy Explore Jane Austen's life in this concise journey, with links for deeper research.

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

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Catherine Cookson: The True Story of the Life & Time of the Great Author

Interested in Catherine Cookson, the renowned author, but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for a concise, hourly history tour of her life. Catherine Cookson's name conjures images of a bygone era, as she masterfully depicted her North East England upbringing in her literary works. Often labeled a romantic novelist, her stories offer unique insights into Tyneside life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transcending traditional love tales. Set against the industrial backdrop of South Shields' Dockyards, Coal Mines, and Northern factories, Cookson's resilient heroines defy poverty's grip. Characters like Kate Hannigan, Tilly Trotter, and Hannah Boyle inspire hope amid adversity that drove others to early graves or perilous paths. Cookson's heroines, strong and determined, often find love with heroic figures from different walks of life, contributing to her romantic reputation and unmatched book sales. Yet, fact sometimes outshines fiction. Explore Catherine Cookson's life: - Her birth, family, and challenging childhood - The Industrial Revolution's impact, alcoholism, and changing landscapes - Interwar years, workhouses, and her departure from the North East - World War II, her love story, miscarriages, and battles with depression - Characters like Kate Hannigan, The Fifteen Streets, and her relationship with her mother - Catherine Marchant, her return to the North East, and lasting legacy Unearth the captivating life and times of Catherine Cookson in this condensed historical journey.

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

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Chaplin: The True Story of the Life & Time of the Comic Genius Charlie Chaplin

Interested in learning more about Charlie Chaplin but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for a concise, hourly history tour of his life. Charlie Chaplin's enduring legacy is etched in the timeless films that continue to bring laughter to audiences of all generations, transcending language barriers. As you delve deeper into the life of the man behind the beloved Tramp persona, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the undisputed King of silent comedy. This journal takes you on a journey through his remarkable life. You'll discover: - Charlie's birthplace and early life in slums, including time in workhouses - His parents' struggle with poverty and alcoholism, the stigma of state assistance - His mother's battle with insanity, her commitment, and his early stage experiences - The pivotal role of Mack Sennett, his debut in movies, and the rise of the Tramp character - The million-dollar contract, his time with Essenay Films, and tumultuous marriages - His meeting with Oona Chaplin, ostracism, and move to Switzerland, as well as awards and legacy Embark on this fascinating tour to uncover the life and times of Charlie Chaplin, the iconic figure in silent comedy.

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

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D.H. Lawrence: The True Story of the Life & Time of the Great Author

Interested in learning about the great author D.H. Lawrence but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for an hourly history tour of his fascinating life. D.H. Lawrence, one of the most controversial writers of the twentieth century, challenged societal norms with his novels, leading to bans and legal battles. Born into a working-class mining community in Nottinghamshire, he aspired to rise above his roots. However, as fame brought success and new friends, he felt increasingly out of place. Today, you can explore the landscapes that inspired his renowned works like "Sons and Lovers," "The Rainbow," and "Lady Chatterley's Lover." This tour sheds light on: - His life from start to finish - Family life and residences - Early-life tensions that fueled his creativity - How his surroundings influenced his writing settings - His affair with a married woman Discover the captivating life of D.H. Lawrence, a literary giant, with links for further exploration.

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

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Marie Antoinette: The True Story of the Life & Time of the Infamous Queen of France

Women in history, often queens born or married into power, have diverse narratives. Marie Antoinette, the renowned Queen of France, is a prominent figure who faced both admiration and criticism. Marie Antoinette is typically associated with luxury at Versailles while her subjects endured hardship, epitomized by the phrase "Let them eat cake." However, a deeper look reveals a complex story. In today's world, public figures, including royalty and politicians, endure media scrutiny and varying public opinions. Similarly, Marie Antoinette faced challenges in her time, which ultimately marred her historical reputation. Yet, contemporary historians are reevaluating her legacy, offering alternative perspectives. Discover: - Her life from beginning to end - Insights into her royal lineage - Factors influencing the French Revolution - The grandeur of Versailles - The intriguing diamond necklace affair - Marie Antoinette's final words before the guillotine - Her resting place

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

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Europe Audiobooks in Travel