Short Nonfiction Collection Vol. 009


Lu par LibriVox Volunteers

(3.9 étoiles; 5 critiques)

Explore a diverse array of ideas and insights in this collection of fifteen short nonfiction works. Curated by LibriVox Volunteers, these essays, speeches, and reports span a wide range of topics, including history, politics, philosophy, nature, and religion.

Each piece offers a unique perspective, inviting listeners to engage with thought-provoking themes and explore the complexities of the human experience. The independent selection of works ensures a rich tapestry of voices and viewpoints, making this collection a valuable resource for anyone interested in the breadth of nonfiction literature.

Whether you seek to deepen your understanding of a specific subject or simply enjoy the art of concise writing, this anthology provides a stimulating listening experience that encourages reflection and discussion.

Chapitres

Select a chapter to play

The Application of Thought to Textual Criticism 39:04 Lu par Philippa
Before the Diet of Worms 7:34 Lu par T. Wellington
The Book of Accidents, Designed for Young Children 24:40 Lu par Peter Eastman
Christ Triumphant 37:19 Lu par Jordan
Fourth Not Really Independence Day 11:13 Lu par Jan MacGillivray
The Fable of the Bees 41:50 Lu par Anna Simon
Introduction to "Madrigals in the Time of Shakespeare" 48:59 Lu par Ruth Golding
On the Method of Grace 14:39 Lu par T. Wellington
On Running After One's Hat 8:04 Lu par Jerome Lawsen
The Place of Science in a Liberal Education 21:41 Lu par J. M. Smallheer
A Plea for Captain John Brown 55:05 Lu par Matthew Westra
Public Prayer 12:32 Lu par T. Wellington
USAF Fact Sheet 95-03: Unidentified Flying Objects and Air Force Project Blue Bo 3:34 Lu par James Christopher
What the Tortoise Said to Achilles 7:36 Lu par Annoying Twit
Wonderful Discover of Elizabeth Sawyer, A Witch 37:59 Lu par David Nicol

Critiques

These "collections" of short works ...


(5 étoiles)

... never seem to get reviewed, because they typically consist of a bunch of unrelated pieces. Too bad the Archive doesn't give each its own page, because there are often some gems. I'm only reviewing four tracks here. 1. The Application of Thought to Textual Criticism, by A. E. Housman. This is a great, cranky essay about the failings Housman saw in his fellow textual critics -- basically, that they refused to think critically and made specious generalizations. The bits of Latin he quotes might not mean anything to me, but everything else comes through and is still relevant. The female, high-voiced, British-sounding reader gives an excellent, clear, expressive reading. Good recording quality, no skips or pops. Five stars. ***** 10. The Place of Science in a Liberal Education, by Bertrand Russell. A thoughtful essay. Good, clear reading by a female, American-sounding reader. Good recording quality. Four stars. **** 11. A Plea for Captain John Brown, by Henry David Thoreau. A very passionate defense of the abolitionist John Brown, almost a canonization. The male, American-sounding reader is clear and fairly expressive. Good recording quality. Four stars. **** 15. The Wonderful Discovery of Elizabeth Sawyer, a Witch, by Henry Goodcole. Actually the full title is "The wonderfull discouerie of Elizabeth SaWyer a Witch, late of Edmonton, her conuiction and condemnation and Death. Together with the relation of the Diuels accesse to her, and their conference together," and it was written in 1621. As you can imagine, this is awesome, as well as very unsettling. The reader (male and British-sounding, and very expressive) gives the poor condemned woman an accent and a rather silly voice, and the sheer ridiculousness of her confession makes it all hilarious and disturbing. Very good recording quality, in my opinion. Five stars. *****

doesn't really stick to the prose in the Fable of the bees.


(3 étoiles)

didn't follow the meter, just read the story like a narrative.