Audio Books

Quilts, Their Story and How to Make Them

Marie D. Webster
Although the quilt is one of the most familiar and necessary articles in our households, its story is yet to be told. In spite of its universal use and intimate connection with our lives, its past is a mystery which -- at the most -- can only be partially unraveled. (from the Introduction)

Blottentots and How to Make Them

John Prosper Carmel
There are many short verses: the first verses tell you how to make a blottentot with a blot of ink on a piece of paper. You then fold the paper and press it gently to spread out the ink into peculiar shapes. The rest of the verses describe the funny creatures which you can make. I'm sure it could also be done with different colours using thin paint instead of ink, and it looks a lot of fun!
The author John Prosper Carmel is believed to be a pseudonym of Raymond Carter, who was the calligrapher, but of whom also nothing is known.

London and Country Brewer

Anonymous
The unknown author of this book, appears to have experienced too many unwholesome and unpleasant beers and ales on his numerous travels in London and at various other locations around the British Isles.

In this treatise on the matter, he has identified each stage of the brewing process and details what he considers is the best practice at each significant stage for the production of a high-quality drink.

Whilst listening to the book, you might consider that some of the author's ideas have undoubtedly stood the test of time. Other ones however, such as the use of pond water as the liquor to be used in the mash, might nowadays be deemed a tad extreme - even for a modern-day enthusiast who may wish to recreate an authentic 18th century beer.

So, why not chuck another log on the fire, top up your glass and settle back for a complete worts and all exposition of the brewing industry as it was in the year 1736?( Steve C)

How to Appreciate Music

Kobbé, Gustav
Originally published in 1906, this book is essentially a how to guide on music appreciation. Includes sections on the pianoforte, orchestral, and vocal music. Good for anyone who wishes for a greater appreciation of the wonders of music.

Studies in the Art of Rat-Catching

Henry C. Barkley
This book is often described as an instruction manual on the subject of rat-catching. It does indeed contain a good deal about rats, ferrets and dogs, but it is much more than that. Barkley fills the book with humour, sharp observation, and his sheer joy of living in the countryside. The framework of the book is indeed a course by fictional rat-catcher Bob Joy, who suggests that rat-catching might be a suitable alternative career for boys at Eton, Harrow and the other major English public schools. We follow Bob as he takes us through some typical days working at both rat catching and rabbit catching using dogs and ferrets.

Barkley adds in more sly digs at the public school system, stories about dogs, stories about country folk, and more stories about dogs. A glorious hodge-podge of a book. (Clive Catterall)

Enquire Within Upon Everything

Robert Kemp Philp
Enquire Within Upon Everything was a book of how to do things in domestic life It was first published in 1856 by Houlston and Sons of Paternoster Square in London. Robert Kemp Philp. It was then continuously reprinted in many new and updated editions as additional information and articles were added. The book was created with the intention of providing encyclopedic information on topics as diverse as etiquette, parlour games, cake recipes, laundry tips, holiday preparation and first aid.

Little Tea Book

Arthur Gray
After all, tea is the drink! Domestically and socially it is the beverage of the world. There may be those who will come forward with their figures to prove that other fruits of the soil—agriculturally and commercially—are more important. Perhaps they are right when quoting statistics. But what other product can compare with tea in the high regard in which it has always been held by writers whose standing in literature, and recognized good taste in other walks, cannot be questioned? (From the Preface)

A Little Tea Book is a clever book about all things tea- Eastern and Western tea history, stories, culture, quotes, and even poetry. A good little read for tea lovers everywhere.

Exercises in Knitting

Mee, Cornelia
Mrs. Mee, her husband, and her sister ran a yarn and needlework import/warehouse business in Bath, England. Her books primarily contain practical everyday items that knit up quickly with the busy homemaker in mind. At this time, published knitting "receipts" did not contain abbreviations and were laborious to use. They were, however, rich in error! Later in her career, due to circumstances of war and the resulting social stress and poverty, many of her knitting books were printed for ladies' charitable societies, which used her knitting "receipts" to clothe the poor mill workers who were out of work due to the American Civil War and the embargo of cotton. In addition to recording the original patterns, LibriVox knitters have also knitted samples of these patterns, displayed at the KntiWiki, and have attempted to condense and clarify the patterns for the enjoyment of modern day knitters.

Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion

Frederick Milnes Edge
Paul Morphy, born in New Orleans in 1837, was considered the greatest chess player of his era. He was a child prodigy who learned playing chess simply by watching family members play, and when he was only 9 years old, he was hailed as the best chess player in New Orleans.
This book describes Morphy's trip to Europe, i.e., England and France, where he wanted to play the European Champion Staunton, a match that never came about as the correspondence included in this book shows. He did play - and beat - virtually every other strong player in Europe though, and tales of these matches and people make up a large part of this book. After his triumphs in Europe, Paul Morphy was considered the unofficial World Chess Champion, as official championship tournaments were only held from 1886.
Morphy retired from chess in 1859 in order to devote himself to his law practice. He died from a stroke in 1884.

Stamp Collecting as a Pastime

Edward J. Nankivell
Edward J. Nankivell was an early stamp collector in England. In this book he describes the hobby of stamp collecting. He was the editor of the Philatelic Record and Stamp News.

Games for Hallow-e'en

Mary E. Blain
This charming book starts with a brief history of Hallowe'en. There are sample invitations for a Halloween (or Hallowe'en) party, decorations, and then many party games. A number of them have to do with who your future mate might be, although there are games and activities for younger children as well. All games seem to utilize common household objects, like sewing needles, pencils and paper, apples, and pumpkins. There is also a long list of riddles!

Lost Art of Reading

Gerald Stanley Lee
Gerald Stanley Lee speaks here-in of books and self in the time of factories, tall buildings and industry and big city making, the effects of modern civilization on the individual.

Theory and Practice of Brewing

Michael Combrune
This is an elaborate treatise on how to brew beer. That art is as noble today as it was in 1761, when this book was first published, and Mr. Combrune was a master of his art. After reading his work on this topic, a glass of beer can be enjoyed on quite a different level.

American Bee Journal. Vol. XVII, No. 11, Mar. 16, 1881

Various
The American Bee Journal is the “oldest bee paper in America established in 1861 devoted to scientific bee-culture and the production and sale of pure honey. Published every Wednesday, by Thomas G. Newman, Editor and Proprietor” In this issues are topics from Colchian Honey and Honey-Producing in California to Early Importations of Italian Bees and Tardiness in Fecundity.

Story of a Loaf of Bread

Thomas Barlow Wood
According to the author in the preface, he has "ventured to write this little book with some diffidence, for it deals with farming, milling and baking, subjects on which everyone has his own opinion." The earlier chapters give a brief sketch of the growing and marketing of wheat, followed by chapters on various aspects that impact the quality of wheat, the baking process and the characteristic of the final product, bread. The author aimed at making the reader realise that the farmer’s share in the production of the staple food of the people is by no means the simple affair it appears to be.

English Audio Books

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