Persuasion

Love and Freindship (Dramatic Reading) by Jane Austen.

Love and Freindship [sic] is a melodramatic epistolary novelette written by Jane Austen when she was fourteen years old. Although the novels Austen became known for were not published until she was in her thirties, she was an active writer from the age of twelve, frequently composing epistolary works such as Love and Freindship. Austen eventually compiled 29 of her early writings in three notebooks that became known as the Juvenilia and that she called “Volume the First”, “Volume the Second”, and “Volume the Third”, including Love and Freindship in “Volume the Second”. Love and Freindship is set contemporaneously to Austen’s writing and consists of a series of fifteen letters, most of which are written from the perspective of the protagonist, Laura, who recounts her extraordinary personal history to her friend Isabel’s daughter.

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Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org).

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Collection of Letters (Dramatic Reading) by Jane Austen.

A Collection of Letters is an epistolary short story collection written by Jane Austen when she was fourteen years old. Although the novels Austen became known for were not published until she was in her thirties, she was an active writer from the age of twelve, frequently composing epistolary works such as A Collection of Letters. Austen eventually compiled 29 of her early writings in three notebooks that became known as the Juvenilia and that she called “Volume the First”, “Volume the Second”, and “Volume the Third”, including A Collection of Letters in “Volume the Second”. A Collection of Letters is set contemporaneously to Austen’s writing and consists of a series of five letters, each written by a woman of high society living in Great Britain.

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Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org).

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The Watsons by Jane Austen.

The Watsons is an abandoned novel by Jane Austen, probably begun about 1803. There have been a number of arguments advanced as to why she did not complete it, and other authors have since attempted the task. A continuation by Austen's niece was published in 1850. The manuscript fragment itself was published in 1871. Further completions and adaptations of the story have continued to the present day.

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Public-domain audiobook.

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Persuasion (version 2) by Jane Austen.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot fell in love with a poor but ambitious young naval officer, Frederick Wentworth. The Elliots were dissatisfied with Anne's choice, feeling he was not distinguished enough for their family, and her older friend and mentor, Lady Russell, acting in place of Anne's deceased mother, persuaded her to break off the match. Now 27 and considered a spinster, Anne re-encounters her former fiance, now a captain, as he courts her spirited young neighbour, Louisa Musgrove. The self-interested machinations of Anne's older sister Elizabeth, of Elizabeth's friend Mrs. Clay, and of Anne's father's heir, William Elliot, constitute an important subplot.

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Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org).

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Love and Freindship, and Other Early Works by Jane Austen.

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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (alt).

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Anticipations by H. G. Wells.

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"Persuasion" by Jane Austen is a timeless exploration of love, regret, and the complexities of human relationships. This novel delves into the themes of persuasion and the impact of societal expectations on personal choices, highlighting how external influences can sway one's decisions and lead to missed opportunities. Austen's keen observations on the nuances of communication and the struggle for authenticity resonate deeply, reminding listeners of the importance of staying true to one's feelings amidst external pressures. The story's enduring relevance lies in its portrayal of the delicate balance between duty and desire, making it a poignant reflection on the choices we make and the paths we take. As listeners engage with Austen's rich prose, they will find themselves contemplating the delicate interplay of emotion and reason in their own lives.

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"Problem in Modern Ethics" by John Addington Symonds delves into the complexities and challenges of ethical thought in contemporary society. This work explores the intricacies of moral philosophy, examining how personal beliefs and societal norms intersect in the realm of ethics. Its themes of individual conscience and the quest for moral clarity remain profoundly relevant today, as people continue to navigate the often murky waters of right and wrong. Symonds' insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own ethical frameworks and the influence of cultural contexts on moral decision-making.

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"Human Nature and Conduct" by John Dewey explores the intricate relationship between human behavior and social conduct, culminating in its insightful conclusion. Dewey delves into the nature of human impulses and the moral implications of our actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements in shaping society. This work remains relevant today as it encourages listeners to reflect on their own behaviors and the societal norms that influence them. By examining the foundations of human nature, Dewey's conclusions prompt a deeper consideration of how we navigate our interactions and the ethical dimensions of our choices, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition.

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