Discover the Best Sellers Audiobooks in History, European

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Title: The Knights Templar

Subtitle: On the Trail of the Treasure

Author: Conrad Bauer

Narrator: Charles D. Baker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-17

Publisher: Conrad Bauer

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

The Knights Templar treasure is one the world's most enduring mysteries. Is it a myth or a reality? Where could it possibly be hidden?

The Knights Templar existed officially for less than 200 years. Founded to protect pilgrims who were traveling through the Holy Lands, their rise to power was sudden. They became some of the most feared warriors in the region, they had a mandate from God, they controlled perhaps the world's first real banking system, and they waged war against anyone who tried to wrestle Christianity's holiest grounds from the control of the Catholic Church. Within their short lifespan, they quickly became one of the most powerful societies in Europe, if not the world.

Full of incredible turns of events including secrets, deceits, lies and betrayals, the history of the Knights Templar from their triumphant conquests to their abrupt fall still fascinates. But nothing comes close to the stories surrounding the mysterious hidden treasures the Knights Templar have accumulated during their short existence and the relics they protected.

This book is a guide to the Knights Templar's and possible locations of their mysterious treasure. Questions answered include:

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Good book, would recommend.

Handy Guide for Researchers

Great basic info all in one compact volume. If you prefer lists, charts and highlighted information all in one place, you'll appreciate this short book which contains most fairly well-known snippets regarding the Knights Templar.

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Title: The Venetian Arsenal

Subtitle: The History and Legacy of the Weapons Industry that Made Venice the Mediterranean's Strongest Naval Power

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Scott Clem

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-16-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

The mystical floating city of Venice has inspired awe for generations and continues to be one of the most visited European cities for good reason. Tourists are drawn to the stunning blend of classical, Gothic, and Renaissance-inspired architecture across the picturesque towns and villages, the charming open-air markets, the mouthwatering traditional cuisine, and of course, the famous gondolas drifting down the twinkling blue waters. While these gondolas, along with the time-honored models of the Venetian vessels docked in the harbors, are one of the city's most defining landmarks, their beginnings are shrouded in a more obscure part of Venetian history.

To the first settlers of the unpromising, marshy islands of Venice in the fifth century BCE, it appeared as if any attempt at civilization was doomed to fail. Yet, even with the cards stacked against them, the artful inhabitants mastered the unlivable terrain and slowly pieced together a society that would put the small, unassuming city right on the map. In time, the city evolved into the most powerful maritime empire in all of Europe. And behind this flourishing nautical force was the interconnected system of shipyards and armories - the legendary Venetian Arsenal.

Members Reviews:

Mass production and the greatness of Venice

This e-book by Charles River Editors is the primary reason why I like to read their books; their e-books contain a lot of information that is written a concise manner. I know very little about Italian history and next to nothing about Venetian history. This e-book by Charles River Editorsâ the Venetian Arsenal: The History and Legacy of the Weapons Industry that Made Venice the Mediterraneanâs Strongest Naval Power provided me with enough information in about one hourâs time that allowed me to decide if I was interested enough in the topic to research and read more about it. The book starts out by discussing the history of assembly lines followed by how Venice used the concepts of mass production to create a network of armories and shipyards that became known as the Venetian Arsenal. Next, the authors describe the founding of the city of Venice in the mid-fifth century BC. After that, the type of government that was established in Venice was described. It was interesting to note how fishing and the selling of salt helped fund the economy that would make Venice at one time the richest city in (future) Italy. As Venice became richer by trade, there was a necessity to build ships for trading and ships for the protection (or war) of those trade. Lastly, the book describes how Venice lost trading opportunities and ultimately its freedom has a free city. I did like the book, and I intend to read more on the history of Italy.

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Title: Barrow's Boys

Author: Fergus Fleming

Narrator: James Gillies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

Barrow's Boys is a spellbinding account of perilous journeys to uncharted areas under the most challenging conditions. Fergus Fleming captures the passion for exploration that led a band of men into situations that would humble today's bravest adventurers.

After the Napoleonic wars, John Barrow, Second Secretary to the Admiralty, launched the most ambitious exploration program the world has ever seen. For the next 30 years, his teams of elite naval officers went on missions to fill the blanks that littered the atlases of the day. From the first disastrous trip down the Congo, Barrow maintained his resolve in the face of continuous catastrophes. His explorers often died of sickness or at the hands of unfriendly natives. They struggled under budgets that forced them to resort to pulling enormous ships across floating ice fields; to eating mice, or their own shoes; and even to horrifying acts of cannibalism. While many of the journeys failed, Barrow and his men ultimately opened Africa to the world, discovered Antarctica, and pried apart the mandibles of the Arctic. Many of the missions are considered the greatest in history, but have never before been collected into one volume that captures the full sweep of Barrow's program.

Members Reviews:

Wow

The narrator was just fantastic for the material. His voice was perfect to relate the pathos, irony, humor, and simple facts as they occurred.

The material presented was a beautiful summary of all the other books I've had the pleasure of listening to on Adudible. There was also plenty of new information given about the men and the expeditions. Simply fascinating! I could never withstand the hardships they endured and seemed to shrug off. A great listen, if you like adventure.

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Title: History of European Union

Author: IntroBooks

Narrator: Andrea Giordani

Format: Unabridged

Length: 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-18-17

Publisher: IntroBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

The European Union is the result of a group of leaders who looked forward to a peaceable, united and thriving Europe. Besides its founding fathers, there are several who have strived hard to uphold the peace and prosperity of the nations who are a part of the European Union. There were just six countries who agreed to partake in the treaty in the beginning but now it is a powerful union of with 28 member countries in it. There is a long history behind the formation of the European Union. The Union is an emerging power bloc. The decisions and changes in rules and regulations of the European Union largely affect the other countries of the world too.

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Title: Castles

Subtitle: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Author: Marc Morris

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-04-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

Beginning with their introduction in the 11th century, and ending with their widespread abandonment in the 17th, Marc Morris explores many of the country's most famous castles, as well as some spectacular lesser-known examples.

At times this is an epic tale, driven by characters like William the Conqueror, King John, and Edward I, full of sieges and conquest on an awesome scale. But it is also by turns an intimate story of less eminent individuals, whose adventures, struggles, and ambitions were reflected in the fortified residences they constructed. Be it ever so grand or ever so humble, a castle was first and foremost a home.

To understand castles - who built them, who lived in them, and why - is to understand the forces that shaped medieval Britain.

Critic Reviews:

"Captivating and entertaining. More than just a study of architecture, weaponry, and personalities,

Castles pieces together a comprehensive overview that gives a fresh take on medieval and early modern Britain and the forces that shaped it." (

BBC History Magazine)

Members Reviews:

A wild ride through history!

It brings a whole new level of appreciation for castles and the incredible place they hold in our history.

A vivid, rich and accurate view of England, Wales and Scotland in the medieval period

Castles are recognized as seats of power. At once fortresses and homes, they conjure images of medieval knights and fairy tale princesses. But what are they exactly? In CASTLES: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain, author Marc Morris takes readers on a tour of some of the greatest, most important, most beautiful and most interesting castles in England, Wales and Scotland. While each castle is visually striking, Morris puts his examples into historical context, providing history lessons from a unique vantage point. Seeking to answer the question of how to precisely define castles, he has created a riveting tale of politics and violence, technology and innovation.

Castles are potent symbols, illuminating the strengths and weaknesses, goals and dreams, of their inhabitants, and the ingenuity and skill of their designers and builders. Amidst the swirl of war, religion, technology and nation building, castles in medieval Britain served the purpose of defending and protecting communities as well as a means of cultural and personal expression. Morrisâ account begins in the ninth century with the âHumble Originsâ of castles in Britain. The structures themselves were modeled on those already being built and utilized in the Normandy region of France. And, in fact, many of the great architects of British castles were Normans who were hired to replicate French designs or create new ones for the specific needs of their British patrons.

Starting in 1051 with King Edward and moving forward through time, Morris chronicles how Britain was shaped by castles and, in turn, shaped castles to meet its needs. From the early Norman-style defensive structures, castles evolved in times of peace and prosperity into luxurious homes for the aristocratic and royal families of Britain. And, in times of conflict and need, these less defensible castles were called upon to serve as vital war posts, even when they had not really been designed to do so.

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Title: Buckingham Palace

Subtitle: The History of the British Royal Family's Most Famous Residence

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kenneth Ray

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-04-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

When people think of the British Royal family, and more specifically where they live, the first image that often pops into mind is that of stately Buckingham Palace, with its changing of the guard and the occasional royal coach leaving or entering. Others may think of the royal country estate of Windsor Castle, a favorite of both Britain's longest-reigning and second longest-reigning monarchs. And there was a time when both royal residences played second fiddle to a much better known home, the elegant Kensington Palace.

In his multi-volume work, Old and New London (1878), Edward Walford wrote, "It has often been said by foreigners that if they were to judge of the dignity and greatness of a country by the palace which its sovereign inhabits, they would not be able to ascribe to Her Majesty Queen Victoria that proud position among the 'crowned heads' of Europe which undoubtedly belongs to her. But though Buckingham Palace is far from being so magnificent as Versailles is, or the Tuilleries once were, yet it has about it an air of solidity and modest grandeur, which renders it no unworthy residence for a sovereign who cares more for a comfortable home than for display."

This is ultimately what palaces are all about: power and impressions. Buckingham Palace is not different, for though it was originally built as a home of a private citizen, once a king bought it, its future was sealed. Walford continued, "Indeed, it has often been said that, with the exception of St. James's, Buckingham Palace is the ugliest royal residence in Europe; and although vast sums of money have been spent at various times upon its improvement and embellishment, it is very far from being worthy of the purpose to which it is dedicated - lodging the sovereign of the most powerful monarchy in the world. It fronts the western end of St. James's Park, which here converges to a narrow point; the Mall, upon the north, and Birdcage Walk, upon the south, almost meeting before its gates."

While this was often true, fortunately it was just as often untrue, as men and women of high and low rank worked through the years, in times of life and death, and peace and war, to make it a home the British people could be proud of. Buckingham Palace: The History of the British Royal Family's Most Famous Residence examines the long and storied history of one of England's most famous landmarks.

Members Reviews:

Three Stars

Interesting

This is a great book that chronicles how Buckingham Palace became the Royal ...

This is a great book that chronicles how Buckingham Palace became the Royal Family's favorite place to live. Charles River also put out a book on Kensington Palace recently and this one is kinda like a companion to that one.Â

Five Stars

Great, as advertised

Detailed History of London's Continuous InHabited Palace

Having visited this stunning home of several of England's reinging

monarchs, the author, Charles River Editors gives us a well laid out history of the this storied Palace and the famous Kings, Queens, and past members of England's aristocracy that have influenced the look of a Palace that is still occupied by the present Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Not a long read, but, one that is full of interesting historical detail.

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Title: Kensington Palace

Subtitle: The History of One of the British Royal Family's Most Famous Residences

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kenneth Ray

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-14-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

When people think of the British Royal family, and more specifically where they live, the first image that often pops into mind is that of stately Buckingham Palace, with its changing of the guard and the occasional royal coach leaving or entering. Others may think of the royal country estate of Windsor Castle, a favorite of both Britain's longest-reigning and second longest-reigning monarchs. But there was a time when both royal residences played second fiddle to a much better known home, the elegant Kensington Palace.

Like many royal residences, Buckingham and Kensington began their lives as large private homes, and it was only after a king, or in Kensington's case, a king and queen, took notice of them that they were expanded into the size and grandeur that they display today. Even this work was not the product of one major overhaul but of several, spread across decades of changes in architecture, interior design, and even technology.

King William III purchased Kensington Palace in the early years of his reign, less than three short decades after the Stuarts returned to the throne, and he and his queen were the first monarchs to move the British court there. Later, his successors became more attached to the palace, and by the time King George I, the first king from the House of Hanover, came to the throne, Kensington was considered the best place for the king and his family to live.

Members Reviews:

This book does a really good job of covering the history of the palace and ...

This book does a really good job of covering the history of the palace and describing how it was built, what it's like inside, and what's taken place there.Â

I enjoyed reading about the history of Kensington Palace

I enjoyed reading about the history of Kensington Palace. There are also a number of pictures included with the book.

Too Short for such a big and famous place...

This is more of a pamphlet than a book...it is very concise and does give you a flavor of the place.

One Star

This book not an edge to edge cover as is pictured. Instead, it is a low res reproduction.

Four Stars

Most enjoyable

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Title: The Huguenots

Subtitle: The History and Legacy of the French Protestants and Their Religious Conflicts with the Catholics

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Scott Clem

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-09-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

In the 16th century, corruption, debauchery, and the general perversion of ethics were running rampant within the Roman Catholic Church. The public began to grow leery of the crooked church, and soon, they could no longer bite their tongues. Among the church's most vocal opponents was Martin Luther, whose publication of the 95 Theses gave rise to the Protestant movement. This reformed brand of Christianity gradually spread throughout Europe, planting flags across the continent. France was among the first to latch onto the movement, and these new-wave Protestants became known as the "Huguenots". The exact origins of the Huguenot name is still disputed to this day, but most historians have agreed it is a French and German translation of the Swiss-German term, eidgenossen, meaning "oath-fellowship". The Huguenots mostly resided in the southern regions of France, along with the northern regions of Normandy and Picardy. They shared quite a few similarities with the Protestant Walloons, who lived in what is now Belgium, but the two groups were unique communities. Even so, both groups frequently convened to worship together as refugees.

The Huguenots, whose belief system incorporated a blend of unorthodox Waldensian and Calvinist teachings, continued to bloom, which did not sit well with the authorities. Critics attributed the rise of Protestant-led riots to the no-good Huguenots. The Huguenots were known iconoclasts who rejected statues, paintings, idols, and other religious images, as often seen in the numerous statues and stained glass artwork in Catholic churches. Across Europe, rebellious Protestants seized Catholic churches and swiped all heretical images, destroying them with axes and hurling them into roaring bonfires. The string of ambushes included the 1562 Looting of the Churches in Lyon, which were followed by similar attacks in Zurich, Copenhagen, Geneva, and many more.

Even in the face of persecution, the Huguenot influence gained momentum in France. A year before the looting, 2,500 Protestant congregations had already been established across the nation. The Huguenots held their services behind the curtains of secrecy, most commonly in the dead of the night. Some historians believe this clandestine operation could be related to the origin of their name. Le roi Huguet, meaning "King Huguet", referred to purgatory spirits who haunted the living at night. Their perseverance eventually caught the eye of a pallid-faced Venetian ambassador, who purportedly warned his Catholic superiors that "3/4 of France was contaminated with the heretical doctrine".

The Huguenots' burgeoning power and alleged attempts to infiltrate the world of politics soon alarmed the French authorities. They suspected that these Huguenots were low-profile republicans, involved in a terrible conspiracy to conjure up an uprising to overthrow the monarchy and re-brand France as a federal state. The royal government of France would attempt to tread lightly in the beginning, keeping their hands clean on neutral grounds, but a nightmare was about to unfold.

In the 1560s, French authorities called for the violent and bloody persecution of all Huguenots.

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Title: Fifty Shades of Lady Mary Grey

Subtitle: More Sex Scandals That Shook the Tudor Court

Author: T S Wiseman

Narrator: Katherine Littrell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-17

Publisher: Burton Crown Limited

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

Sex!

The Tudor's loved it. It was often considered a sport, just like hunting and jousting. The court was always awash with rumours and innuendo. For many at the royal court promiscuity was a way of life and marriage was normally no barrier. However, on occasion, events would occur that would be considered shocking for even this, most liberal, of royal courts.

This is the second audiobook in the series and we look at more of the sex scandals that were to shake the royal court.

We look at the sexual morals of the first Tudor queen. Did she really sleep with her own uncle and support the poisoning of her aunt?

We question why Lady Mary Grey, second in line to the throne, repeated the foolish mistake of her elder sister Catherine and married in secret.

We look at the virgin queen's own relationships and ask if she was complicit in murder.

We look at two more obscure figures from Tudor history, the sister in law of a queen that eloped with a prior and the heir presumptive to the throne who left her husband and took up sorcery as a hobby.

We wonder what the daughter of the diplomat could possibly have done to get called the great and infamous whore.

We delight in possibilities of a Tudor love triangle. A triangle that contained a very surprising figure.

Finally an audiobook on Tudor sex scandals could not be complete without a rundown of some of the rumours of about Henry VIII's mistresses and conquests.

This is a fun audiobook that is supposed to be enjoyed in an hour, it is simply written to entertain.

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Title: Windsor Castle

Subtitle: The History of England's Oldest Castle Still in Use

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Jim D. Johnston

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: History, European

Publisher's Summary:

Windsor Castle is one of the most significant residences of the British Monarchy ever conceived, and it has continued to maintain that perfect balance between ancient traditions and modern needs. Built by a conqueror to defend his new domains, it now hosts tourist groups from around the world. The castle has often served as a refuge, with its early battlements offering shelter to royals for centuries, while the castle helped shield others from the attacks of French kings and the Nazis. At the same time, it's known as one of the Royal Family's coziest homes, and it has long been preferred by monarchs with many children, including George III and his famous granddaughter, Victoria. Even today, Queen Elizabeth stays there with four generations of royals, as Prince George and Princess Charlotte scamper across the same lawns that she and her late sister once played on.

Given its importance, it's no surprise Windsor Castle has long been an important national symbol to the English. During the time of the English Civil War, the Puritans held Windsor Castle and used its once beautiful chapel as a prison, but when Charles II came back into power, he turned the castle into a symbol of his dynasty and the permanence he hoped it would enjoy, and though his dynasty did not endure, the castle has.

That said, the buildings themselves have suffered much in their nearly millennium-long history, suffering everything from dry rot to flooding to fire. As recently as 1992, 20% of the castle was destroyed in a fire that began with burning drapes and raged for hours, but each time it looks like the building has finally outlived its usefulness or has been damaged beyond repair, someone comes along, usually someone with a crown or his or her head, and sets it right and restores it. In this way, Windsor Castle, and the British Monarchy, are both likely to last for decades to come.

Members Reviews:

Interesting

I gave it only 3 stars because of the whistle in the recording. It distracted from what would have been an interesting history. The recording was just not very good.

That was disappointing and took away from what could have been an other wise interesting part of English history.