Season 1 Episode 25

Tono Bungay is a satirical novel written by H.G. Wells, one of the most celebrated science fiction authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. First published in 1909, the novel explores themes of social class, ambition, and the corrupting influence of capitalism. "Tono Bungay" offers a scathing critique of the society and culture of the time.

The plot revolves around the ambitious George Ponderevo, a young man who seeks to rise above his humble origins and make a name for himself. He becomes involved in his uncle's dubious business venture, the creation of a miracle cure-all tonic called Tono Bungay. As the tonic gains popularity and success, George's life becomes entangled in a web of deceit, greed, and moral compromise. The novel follows George's journey as he navigates the complexities of his business dealings, personal relationships, and societal expectations.

H.G. Wells' "Tono Bungay" is a biting social commentary that exposes the illusions and contradictions of the modern world. Through his vivid storytelling and compelling characters, Wells explores the relentless pursuit of wealth, the struggle between personal fulfillment and societal expectations, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing society.

While there is no specific information regarding a radio presentation of "Tono Bungay" through the "NBC University Theater," it is worth noting that the series aired from 1948 to 1951 and featured adaptations of various literary works. The program aimed to bring classic literature to a wider audience through radio dramas, providing an opportunity for listeners to experience the story in an audio format. However, there is no record of "Tono Bungay" being adapted for the "NBC University Theater."

Books in Sound is a free podcast series that presents a collection of hundreds of the world’s greatest books through the magic of the performing arts.

Different from audiobooks: Instead of having a single narrator read an audiobook, these performances have a full cast of actors, suitable background music, and special effects that help define the drama.

Most presentations are from old time radio theater broadcasts that have been remastered to remove most of the hissing, clicking and volume fluctuations. Many of the presentations are from the 1930's and 1940's, so a significant amount of work went into the remastering process.

Most presentations are about one hour, some are multiple hours, and some are abbreviated presentation that last about half an hour, making this series wonderful for bedtime stories, self-improvement by learning about literature, or simply as a very imaginative form of entertainment.

The episodes are not sequential, but we do recommend listening to the complete collection starting with the first episode so that you can grow and benefit from the wide assortment of styles and content.

For more information visit https://www.booksinsound.com