Listen Legally to Best Full Audiobooks in Classics, European Literature

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Narrator: Nick Sandys

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-18

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Now, Bram Stoker's Dracula - the pinnacle of Gothic horror for generations - rises again with hauntingly dramatic digital artwork from two-time Eisner Award winner J. H. Williams III.

When young English lawyer Jonathan Harker arrives in Transylvania on the eve of Saint George's Day, he cannot shake a strange feeling of uneasiness. Dogs howl throughout the night, villagers speak fearfully of evil omens, and the air grows colder as he arrives at his destination: the castle of Count Dracula.

Jonathan has been summoned by the count for business, and while he finds his new host obliging and polite, he can't help but notice the man's pallid skin, odd lack of appetite, and long daytime absences. Puzzled, the young solicitor begins to search the castle for clues - and unearths a deadly secret that could endanger him and those he loves most.

Journey through the Carpathian Mountains, lose yourself in the shadowy streets of London, and experience all the action, suspense, and terror of this classic tale. Just be sure to leave a light on.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: A Study in Scarlet

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Bob Neufeld

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-12-17

Publisher: Paperless

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A Study in Scarlet is an 1887 detective novel by British author Arthur Conan Doyle. Written in 1886, the story marks the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who would become two of the most famous characters in popular fiction. The book's title derives from a speech given by Holmes, an amateur detective, to his friend and chronicler Watson on the nature of his work, in which he describes the story's murder investigation as his "study in scarlet."

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

great product

Five Stars

good

Five Stars

excellent

Good

Nice

Five Stars

Great!

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Homers Odyssey: An Audio Course

Author: Fr. Gregory I. Carlson SJ DPhil

Narrator: Fr. Gregory I. Carlson SJ DPhil

Format: Original Recording

Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-12-17

Publisher: Now You Know Media Inc.

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Discover fresh insights into one of the greatest works of literature ever composed: Homer's Odyssey.

Why does this ancient epic poem continue to mesmerize listeners from all walks of life? You're undoubtedly familiar with the Odyssey in some form. Now, this exciting literature course invites you to hear Homer's text with new eyes.

Your presenter, Rev. Gregory Carlson, SJ (DPhil, University of Heidelberg), is a renowned classicist and award-winning literature professor who has taught at Georgetown University, the College of the Holy Cross, and Creighton University. In his 12 lively lectures, the Western world's most engaging story comes alive again with all its poetry, drama, and action. As you voyage through the Odyssey book by book, you will gain profound insights into Homer's artistry.

In this course, you will journey to fantastic lands filled with sea monsters and sirens, gods and giants, and a colorful cast of characters. Rev. Carlson brings familiar stories alive by drawing out their implications and challenges for the unusual hero Odysseus.

As Rev. Carlson brings the poem to life, you will be surprised by the poem's enduring relevance to our day and age. Indeed, Homer will challenge your perceptions about success, women, friendship, and human identity.

Odysseus was born for challenges, and this course in turn invites you to challenge yourself. Follow Odysseus on his journey today.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Happy Prince, and Other Stories

Author: Oscar Wilde

Narrator: Johanna Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-17

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Happy Prince lived in the Palace of Sans Souci, where sorrow was not allowed to enter, and only pleasure was experienced. Then, a gilded statue set on top of a high column allowed him to see all the wretchedness of the poor, the sick, and the lonely who inhabited his great city. What develops is a story of sacrifice and redemption that is a parable for our time. This audiobook includes nine of Oscar Wilde's magical and haunting fairytales. Written for his own sons, Wilde's tales will provide equal delight for children of today. Included here are:

Members Reviews:

Lovely, bittersweet, and nostalgic

I had an audio book of The Happy Prince when I was a child, which id what made me look for this book now. Mind you, this story is slightly different than the one I listened to in my youth(the one I had didn't end on a religious note, to be sure), but I still enjoyed it. The addition of several other selfless tales of love were a delightful surprise (I suppose I didn't read the description too carefully). These stories are beautiful and bittersweet, descriptions of selfless love given without expectation of reciprocation. Enjoy and share with the young.

An Entirely Different Side of Oscar Wilde

This collection - one of thousands of worthwhile 'freebies' available for Kindle - offers a side of Oscar Wilde unknown to those who've only experienced his witty, cynical plays. These 'fairy tales' are gentle, moralistic, and only sometimes sardonic. I downloaded it in order to have my favorite of Wilde's short stories, "The Selfish Giant", which blends children's fantasy with Christian iconography in a charming, emotionally affecting way. Now I've read them all and I'm glad I have the set. This also led me to download another freebie, "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime", also recommended.

Heartbreaking Tales of Magic and Life

These stories are beautifully written (of course!) and enchanting for little ones.

Some are more accessible than others (for example The Remarkable Rocket went a little above my five year old's head, while they could relate very well to The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant).

The stories do raise some potentially heavy topics for children (for example death, sacrifice, God, poverty...) so I think it's good to be prepared for questions afterwards, as you might end up talking about the stories with your children long after they have finished.

Oscar Wilde's story of the HAPPY Prince is a timeless story for both young and ...

Oscar Wilde's story of the HAPPY Prince is a timeless story for both young and old as it defines greatness as one who cares for others more than self - and sacrificing, even unto death for the good of others. Wilde sums up what inspires one to act in the behalf of others, is one who has a loving, caring, and humble heart whether that heart is the prince of the sparrow. It is the 'heart' of the prince that remains when his battered and eye sore statue is torn down and melted,

Good moral tales!

These are moral tales of selflessness and selfishness. I was very touched by each of them and still feel a little choked up just thinking about most of them. They would be good for everyone to read as older children or adults, but I think might be too sad for young children.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Canterville Ghost

Author: Oscar Wilde

Narrator: Al Kessel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-17-17

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The classic haunting tale by Oscar Wilde, "The Canterville Ghost" is the story of an American family moving in to the ancient Canterville Chase in England, which has all the accoutrements of the traditional English haunted house! Lord Simon Canterville, the resident denizen of the afterlife, haunts the halls of this hallowed home with all the superiority his ghostly skills have afforded him lo these past centuries. That is, of course, until the Otis family, from America, move in and give him a devil of a time!

Members Reviews:

I finally understand it now as an adult.

I read this over and over in sixth grade. I don't think it's meant for teenagers. I recently downloaded it to my phone as a free classic, and read it all in a half hour and derived much more pleasure from it now than I did then.

The Ghost was not a nice guy, but a practical American family who aren't afraid of him, and their stalwart, beautiful daughter help him to grow as person (it's never too late to mature!) and to attain salvation.

I'm not a weeper, but I had to cry a little bit over this one.

Cute Ghost Story!

What a cute little story this was! Someone over at Booklikes recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I followed through.

The Canterville Ghost is not scary at all, but it IS funny and as the story goes on, rather pitiful. I found myself laughing at some portions and then all but shedding a tear towards the end.

This is a short story which is available for free, or at least this version is, at Amazon, and you can add the Audio for a nominal fee.

Quite Enjoyable!

It was nice to read the story of The Centerville Ghost and to laugh at his attempts to scare the American family, it was quite different from the film versions of the story and yet it was moving in its own unique way, I look forward to reading it again.

The Canterville Ghost...

Very quick read. A bit disappointing, I didn't know it was more satirical than scary. Though I'm glad to be reading books that weren't part of the approved book list in school.

Sweet satire tale with dry humor

I love British people. I love their writings, their funny accent and their attitude. But the one thing they almost never do well is portray Americans as people who are not the villains. In Wilde's case, I make an exception.

The story opens with the family of an American minister who have come to England for his work and purchased a very old mansion from a poor family of nobles. The family consists of the father, mother the oldest son, a daughter and twin sons. They each have their own personality quirks and faults, but also their good points. The Americans' attitudes are used to create some humor for the reader at times, like (SMALL SPOILER) when they use a patent stain remover to get rid of a bloodstain that no one has been able to remove for over four centuries. The British servants at the hall are horrified and predict a grave future for the Americans who dare to disturb the stain, but none of the Americans seem very much bothered by their superstition. In fact, the family treats the whole ghost incident with such nonchalantness that the ghost believes he is losing his powers to frighten!

Which brings us to the ghost himself. His history is the turning device of much of the plot, so I'll try not to give anything away.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Fir Tree

Author: Hans Christian Andersen

Narrator: Phil Gigante

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-15-17

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Originally published in 1844 in one of CA Reitzel's New Fairy Tales collections, "The Fir Tree" is a moralistic tale that reveals the importance of appreciating what you have. In it, a young fir tree is so fixated on growing up that he does not value his life in the forest. But when Christmas comes, he discovers that what he thought he wanted wasn't what he expected it to be. This presentation of "The Fir Tree" was recorded as part of Dreamscape's Classic Christmas Stories: A Collection of Timeless Holiday Tales.

Members Reviews:

The illustrations were great just hoped for more

wished there more illustrations in the story. The illustrations were great just hoped for more.

The Fir Tree Illustrated for Kindle

Though called a children's story, it should be read with both. It is a little sad, but what a good way to teach, don't always think, "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence."

Beautifully done.

An attractive and well made hardcover. Larger print and a story well worth reading whether a child or an adult.

This is better than the "experienced" reviewer gives credit

I don't know about you, but at my age, hearing the same old Christmas songs and stories...bore me. The brass arrangements are incredible and Paul Kennedy has a wonderful story telling voice. Did I mention that the brass arrangements are incredible. Of course, your ear has to be mature enough to appreciate some dissonance blending in with consonance. God forbid you bring dissonance into a child's life.

Though sad, it's not sadistic, or so graphically over the top that a child couldn't possibly stand to hear it. I don't know how many kids would have nightmares over the life cycle of a tree. Do I look annoyed? It must be because I felt the story was beautiful.

I came to Amazon after this was aired on the radio, and only 1 cd was left in stock. There must be plenty of people who disagree with the "professional" review.

Five Stars

Great book and on time shipping.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Mysterious Island

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: David McCallion

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-05-17

Publisher: Take 2 Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Like many Jules Verne classics, The Mysterious Island takes you on an unforgettable journey of adventure and reflection. During the American Civil War, a group of Union soldiers escape their confederate captors when they steal a balloon. What they didn't anticipate is the violent storm that awaits them and leads them into uncharted territory.

When the storm-damaged balloon crashes, the men are marooned on a desert island. While awaiting rescue, the soldiers must work together to stay alive by making use of their survival skills and taking advantage of the vast resources on the island. Eventually, the men make the island into a home away from home, naming it Lincoln Island, after President Lincoln.

All is well until the group discovers a box of guns and ammunition that shouldn't be there. They begin to suspect the mysterious island may have its own secrets. Can the men survive long enough to be rescued off the island?

Members Reviews:

One of Jules Vernes Best

The Mysterious Island is the book that got me hooked on scientific adventures long ago. I read this as a kid and decided to reread it again as an adult. There are several aspects of this story that make it a must-read for children and adults alike.

The Mysterious Island is a fantastic sequel to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, following the story of four Confederate POW prisoners who escape and become castaways when they crash land on an island. It tells of their quest for survival on the mysterious island and how they make use of science to create something out of practically nothing.

In spite of its age, this book wont fail to keep you on the edge of your seat and is one of Vernes best works. The reader, David McCallion, did a wonderful job in reading this book. I truly enjoyed his accent and character differentiations. This is the perfect book for those who like adventure and intrigue, along with a good dose of science fiction.

My all time favorite book, perfectly read.

This was a fantastic listen, while on the night crew, cleaning messy wineries. I highly recommend it.

Loved this book

I've always been a fan of the classics if you're like me you like a good adventure this is the book for you

I gave up

It is rare for me to abandon a book. I listen to plenty of fiction from this era but this one just defeated me. I think I need to avoid Verne in future as I only just made it through 20,000 leagues. (Although I enjoyed "..80 days" and "journey to the centre..")

So what is the problem?

At times listening to Verne feels like sitting through a very boring powerpoint presentation with Neville from accounts telling you about his day at the Zoo and explaining the chemistry behind the making of gunpowder.

It might well be interesting but it is probably a bit weak on narrative and suspense.

There is also a rather basic problem with castaway stories like this and Swiss Family Robinson. If a character on one page says "What would be really handy is if we had a Gas Cooled Fast Breeder Reactor" you can bet your sweet life that on the next page one will wash up on the beach or fall out of a tree as he walks through the forest.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Around the World in 80 Days

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: Felbrigg Napoleon Herriot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-21-17

Publisher: FNH Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

FNH Audio presents an unabridged reading of Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne.

Phileas Fogg is a man of regular orderly days, down to the minute. His acquaintances know where he will be and when, with perfect regularity. Discussion in the Reform Club turns to an article concerning a theorised journey around the world in only 80 days. From this a gentleman's bet is placed, and there is nothing more important to a gentleman than a bet!

Mr Fogg's life is thrown into turmoil as he commences the journey around the world. Taking his servant, one change of clothes, and a carpetbag stuffed with money, he starts leaping from train to train to steamer. Alas for him, his journey will not follow the carefully planned itinerary! Before the trip is over, there will be battles, rescues, arrests, mishaps and piracy.

Members Reviews:

Around the World in 80 Days

Everyone knows the basic story, but reading the book was quite painful and not enjoyable for a middle schooler who chose it from the summer reading list. It's written in a stuffy, 19th century style, which is great if one enjoys such writing. As an adult, I love the stuff, but it really was hard to wade through the formal prose and starchy descriptions. I don't recommend modernizing it, although that would introduce it to a generation that will otherwise not make an effort.

Accompanies the Video Trip

Having seen this television series of Michael Palin's trip, this is a nice way to refresh the memory. I understand that the book follows the video series very closely. I intend to read it at some time. I got it for my late husband and he did enjoy reading it. Mr. Palin's observations of the world were very interesting.

David Niven was a perfect choice.

Wonderful book. It evoked my memories of the original movie I watched in younger days. It is also quite a lesson in changing perceptions AND realities. It was, after all, written 143 years ago, and the world has changed a bit. Now you can circumnavigate the globe without even an engine (solar airplane), but between Homeland Security, customs officials everywhere, infrastructure maintenance failures and other modern inconveniences, Mr. Fogg's record might beat yours if you attempted the same route. I wonder if TripAdvisor could set me up . . .

Good translation and nice themes

One of the more simple works of Verne in my opinion. Good translation and nice themes. The characters themselves didn't attract me a great deal. Fine quality book and a fairly easy read.

I Always Love This One

I give it five stars. It's always a favorite. I read it with my eleven year old in our homeschool. She said, "It's not my favorite book, but it's okay." I, on the other hand, love the beauty behind the message of Mr. Fogg's journey. It would seem as though there really are some things in life that mean more than glory and riches. ;)

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: Alan Munro

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-17

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A mysterious sea monster, theorized by some to be a giant narwhal, is sighted by ships of several nations; an ocean liner is also damaged by the creature. The United States government finally assembles an expedition to track down and destroy the menace. Professor Pierre Aronnax, a noted French marine biologist and narrator of the story, master harpoonist Ned Land, and Aronnax's faithful assistant Conseil join the expedition.

After much fruitless searching, the monster is found, and the ship charges into battle. During the fight, the ship's steering is damaged, and the three men are thrown overboard. They find themselves stranded on the "hide" of the creature, only to discover to their surprise that it is a large metal construct. They are quickly captured and brought inside the vessel, where they meet its enigmatic creator and commander, Captain Nemo.

Members Reviews:

The Deadpan of Alan Munro

Great novel, always been a favorite and deserving of its status as a classic. This was my first encounter with the narrator, and I have endured him through many since. The novels he narrates are always priced cheap, so if you can tolerate him then it's a good deal.

Unabridged & so rich in 19th C. scientific detail!

What made the experience of listening to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea the most enjoyable?

Jules Verne was clearly brilliant, captivated by new discoveries and the possibilities chemical and mechanical engineering presented 150 years ago. This work was prescient in many respects, yet full of natural "flaws" from the science of the day. The narrator rolls dreamily through the myriad Latin names for creatures, imparting the character's awe at the wonders of the deep. I loved it.

What about Alan Munros performance did you like?

Here's the only fault I found: the volume was insufficient! I had to amplify by connecting my Kindle to my radio. Otherwise, the recording was excellent.

Poor audio quality

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Great story, so-so narrator, very poor audio quality

Any additional comments?

I would gladly listen again to another version of this book with better audio quality

Great book, terrible reader!

It is sad that when you search this book it is one of the first ones that pop up if I wasnt in such a hurry I would never have spent a penny on this reader.

A naturalists delight

Although the painstakingly detailed descriptions of marine ecosystems may become tedious and boring to some folks, it is a rare treat for anyone with a naturalists bent. The storyline is also quite enjoyable, daring you to believe the inconceivable. A true classic.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Anna Karenina

Author: Leo Tolstoy

Narrator: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Format: Unabridged

Length: 35 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-12-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2079 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Winner: Audible's Best of 2016 - Classic

"Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books. But when I agreed to read it for Audible, I had no idea how much work it would be, how intense it would be, and how deeply I would fall in love with it. There were places where I thought 'if I don't give Alexey Alexandrovitch the respect that he deserves in my reading of this scene, a critical part of the book will be ruined. If I don't give EVERYONE the utmost respect and understanding, I'm not doing justice to this brilliantly compassionate book.' But at the same time, I also wanted to have a light touch in the way I played the different characters, so that the magnificence of the novel could shine through. I feel like performing this novel is one of the major accomplishments of my work life - it was so challenging and so deep, a real pleasure." (Narrator Maggie Gyllenhaal)

Leo Tolstoy's classic story of doomed love is one of the most admired novels in world literature. Generations of readers have been enthralled by his magnificent heroine, the unhappily married Anna Karenina, and her tragic affair with dashing Count Vronsky. Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight, The Honourable Woman) cites Tolstoy's epic as one of her favorite books of all time, and her love for the literature permeates her performance. Anna Karenina is a masterpiece not only because of the unforgettable woman at its core and the stark drama of her fate but also because it explores and illuminates the deepest questions about how to live a fulfilled life.

Editorial Reviews:

Editors Select, September 2016 - July 2016 - Something magical happens when a great performer narrates something he or she truly loves, as is the case with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who told us before recording that Anna Karenina is one of her all-time favorite novels. (It also happens to be a huge favorite of pretty much the entire world, being named the "greatest book ever written" in a recent poll of leading contemporary authors, as well as a personal favorite of Nabokov and Faulkner.) However, despite my love of the classics, I hadn't tackled this one until picking up Gyllenhaal's marvelous rendition, and now I can't imagine experiencing it any other way. She conveys the pulse-racing breathlessness of consuming love and the sighing breathiness of a bored aristocracy with equal precision, and she untangles Russian names that my reader's eye might have struggled to articulate. She takes great care with this great work, delivering one of the best performances I've ever heard. Emily, Audible Editor

Members Reviews:

Not to be rushed but to be savored

This is not the dull endless drama I read in college. Maggie Gyllenhaal brings every word to life. Tolstoy in spite my youthful opinion many years ago, created characters that are exciting, brilliant, often frustrating, selfish, funny and in many ways just like our own family members. I didn't want it to be over and I know I will listen to this again. Right now I wish I could talk to other readers to share all the deep thoughts and feelings this book awakens.

Top Notch Performance

I've listened to several audiobook recordings of this classic novel. This one may be the best.

The narrator is a famous American actress who obviously devoted a lot of time and effort. I admire her because audiobook narrators are famously underpaid.