Showing results by narrator "Geoffrey Giuliano" in All Categories

Born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in 1857 in Poland, Joseph Conrad had a difficult childhood due to his family's involvement in Polish nationalism, which led to their persecution by the Russian authorities. Conrad started his career as a sailor and traveled extensively, which inspired his literary work. In 1895, he published his first novel "Almayer's Folly," which was followed by a string of successful works, including "Heart of Darkness," which was published in 1899.

Persuasion is a novel by Jane Austen that follows the story of Anne Elliot, an unmarried woman struggling to reconcile her feelings for a man she met and fell in love with eight years earlier, Captain Frederick Wentworth. The fast-paced novel explores themes of love, class, and social expectations in 19th-century England. Austen uses Anne's character to highlight the societal limitations placed upon women during this time. Women were expected to marry for financial security and status, rather than for love.

Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic who lived during the 19th century. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era and is known for his vivid portrayals of the social and economic conditions of the time. His works often addressed issues of poverty, social injustice, and class struggle, and he is credited with helping to raise public awareness of these issues. Some of his most famous works include "Oliver Twist," "A Tale of Two Cities," and "Great Expectations."

A Study in Scarlet is the first novel of the famous Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The novel introduces the iconic detective character of Sherlock Holmes, who along with his friend Dr. John Watson, solves a case of murder in London. The novel is known for its intricate plot, vivid characters, and brilliant display of Sherlock Holmes' deductive reasoning skills.

1984 centers on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and repressive regimentation of persons and behaviors within society. Orwell modeled the totalitarian government in the novel after Stalinist Russia. More broadly, the novel examines the role of truth and facts within politics and the ways in which they are manipulated. The story takes place in an imagined future, the year 1984 when much of the world has fallen victim to perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, historical negationism, and propaganda.

"The Watsons" is a story about a family of four sisters and their relationships and interactions with each other and with the people in their community. The main character is Emma Watson, who has been raised by a wealthy aunt and is now returning home to live with her father and stepmother. The novel explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and courtship. Although the novel is unfinished, it still offers valuable insights into Austen's writing style and the themes that are present in her completed works.

Emma tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and beautiful young woman who enjoys matchmaking in her small town. However, Emma's efforts to find love for others often lead to unintended consequences, and she learns important lessons about the dangers of meddling and the importance of humility. Along the way, Emma must confront her own flaws and biases, and reassess her relationships with the people in her life, including her close friend Mr. Knightley. The novel explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the importance of self-awareness in one's personal growth.

"Love and Friendship" is a short epistolary novel by Jane Austen, written in 1790, when Austen was just 14 years old. The story is told through a series of letters between the characters, primarily the protagonist, Laura, and her close friend, Isabel. The novel is a satirical take on the romantic fiction of the time, with Laura's escapades and misadventures serving as a critique of the societal norms of the day. The story follows Laura's attempts to navigate the social scene and find a suitable husband, which leads to a series of humorous and ridiculous situations.

The story begins when Carol, a recent college graduate, takes a job as a secretary for a wealthy businessman named Edward Norton. Norton seems like a charming and respectable man, but as Carol becomes more involved in his business affairs, she realizes that he is involved in some shady dealings. Norton is involved in smuggling and counterfeiting, and Carol is soon drawn into a dangerous web of intrigue.

With clear logic and entertaining dialogues, the author presents many reasons for a vegetarian rather than a “flesh-eating” diet, and his arguments for not eating meat are as compelling today as when they were written.

"Understood Betsy" is a beloved children's book that was first published in 1916. It tells the story of Elizabeth Ann, a young girl who has been raised in a sheltered and overprotective environment by her Aunt Frances. Elizabeth Ann is a timid and obedient child who has never been allowed to make her own decisions or take risks. She has always been told what to do and how to behave. However, when Aunt Frances falls ill and is unable to care for Elizabeth Ann, she is sent to live with her previously unknown relatives in rural Vermont.

Up from Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington, sharing his personal experience of having to work to rise up from the position of a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton Institute, to his work establishing the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to help black people learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves up by the bootstraps. He reflects on the generosity of both teachers and philanthropists who helped in educating blacks and Native Americans.

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, published in 1831. It focuses on the unfortunate story of Quasimodo, the Romani street dancer Esmeralda and Quasimodo's guardian, the Archdeacon Claude Frollo in 15th-century Paris.

The Turn of the Screw is an 1898 horror novella by Henry James which first appeared in serial format in Collier's Weekly. In October 1898, it was collected in The Two Magics, published by Macmillan in New York City and Heinemann in London.

"The Spike" and "A Hanging" are two essays written by George Orwell that deal with themes of institutional cruelty, powerlessness, and injustice. "The Spike" describes Orwell's experience of living in a spike, or homeless shelter, and the brutal conditions and dehumanizing treatment he witnessed there. The essay explores the plight of the poor and marginalized in society, as well as the indifference and cruelty of those in power. "A Hanging" describes Orwell's experience of witnessing a hanging during his time serving as a police officer in Burma.

"Jane Austen and Her Times" was first published in 1905. The book provides a detailed look at the social and cultural context in which Jane Austen lived and worked, exploring topics such as fashion, food, travel, and leisure activities.

Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, became one of the most prominent abolitionists, orators, and writers in American history. His life story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of freedom. Douglass escaped slavery in his early twenties and dedicated his life to the abolitionist cause. Through his powerful speeches, autobiographical writings, and activism, he fought for the rights of African Americans and became a leading voice in the fight against slavery.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, led the nation through one of its most challenging periods in history—the American Civil War. Born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln's journey from a self-educated lawyer to the leader of a divided nation is a testament to his determination, intellect, and moral compass. Lincoln's unwavering commitment to preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, and promoting equality left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the United States to this day.

Ashe is sent to the planet Wolf, where he discovers a mysterious gateway known as the "Door through Space." The Door is said to lead to a mythical world known as the "Forbidden Planet," where ancient and powerful aliens are said to reside. Ashe must navigate treacherous alien terrain, outwit dangerous adversaries, and confront his own demons in order to unravel the mystery of the Door and the secrets it holds.

In this dynamic, hard-hitting audiobook, music biographer Geoffrey Giuliano examines the turbulent life and times of Elvis Presley. With an in-depth, insightful narration by the author as well as rare, archival, unheard interviews. Here is the perfect collection celebrating the king of rock for every dedicated fan, music historian, the media as well as all school, library, institutional, and university collections.