Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep artwork

Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep

302 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 349 ratings

Boring Books for Bedtime is a weekly sleep podcast in which we calmly, quietly read something rather boring to silence the brain chatter keeping you awake. Think Aristotle, Thoreau, and whoever wrote the 1897 Sears Catalog—mostly nonfiction, mostly old, a perfect blend of vaguely-but-not-too interesting.

If you're on Team Sleepless, lie back, take a deep breath, and let us read you to rest.

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Episodes

The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Part 1

August 15, 2022 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MB

Let’s relax with a much-requested book and drift off as Mr. Smith defines the division of labor, details the connections of commerce, and takes a swipe at the lie of meritocracy. Economical!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The Wealth of Nations” here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3300   Music: "earth 2 earth,” by PC III, licensed under ...

The South American Tour, by Annie S. Peck, Part 1, REMASTERED

August 08, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Let’s rewind to 2020 with a remastered version of this marvelous travelogue from an equally marvelous woman. Experience all the dreamy wonders of South America for a mere $1,000. Or more if you’re fancy and like magazines and air conditioning.   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The South American Tour” here https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59715...

Cottages, or HInts on Economical Building, Part 1

August 01, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

For our 200th episode, let’s get cozy and relax with advice on planning the perfect cottage. Which apparently includes a library, billiard room, and nursery. Sleepy simplicity!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “Cottages” here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67922   Music: "Heaven Be Here,” by PC III, licensed under CC-BY   If you'd like...

The Book of Household Management, by Isabella Beeton, Part 8 - Cookery

July 25, 2022 11:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MB

Let’s return to a sleepy favorite and relax with Mrs. Beeton's thoughts on a cook’s duties, French vocabulary, and asparagus. Also, we learn to make Bread Soup. Yay?   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The Book of Household Management” here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10136   Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, licensed un...

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 6

July 18, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

Let’s celebrate the JWST with more from one of my favorite sleepy books. We hear about Jupiter’s moons, dissect Saturn’s rings, and consider whether the Moon could harbor life. Dreamy!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Astronomy for Young Folks” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45112   Music: "Exit Exit” by PC III, lic...

Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, Part 2

July 11, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MB

Let’s continue with our revolutionary relaxation courtesy of Thomas Paine, who has even more thoughts on breaking up with Britain and replacement systems for the republic. Yawn!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Common Sense” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/147   Music: "Dream Colours” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under ...

Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, Part 1

July 04, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB

Let’s relax and sleep with this treatise on human rights and the failure of monarchical systems to reflect or ensure them. Plus, a lot of chatter that ties kings to…original sin? Whew!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Common Sense” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/147   Music: "Dream Colours” by Lee Rosevere, licensed...

An Account of Egypt, by Herodotus, Part 2

June 27, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MB

Let’s travel the sands of sleep once again with Herodotus, and learn about flying serpents, fish migration, and the third-cheapest way to embalm your loved ones. It’s balmy bookishness for your weary mind.   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "An Account of Egypt” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2131   Music: "Cosmic Ting...

Moving Pictures - How They Are Made and Worked, Part 1

June 20, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

This week let’s relax with information about a revolution in visual entertainment and education. We learn about the persistence of vision and some history that led us to what we today call “movies.”   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Moving Pictures” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67972   Music: "Boring Books for Bedt...

REWIND! The Politics, by Aristotle, Part 1 (Remastered)

June 13, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

This week, while your reader tussles with a certain virus, let’s revisit a perfectly sleepy combo of ponderous Victorian introduction and ancient Greek philosophy, freshly remastered for your relaxation pleasure.   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Politics” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6762   Music: "Peace” by L...

REWIND! Bacteria, by Sir George Newman, Part 1 (Remastered)

June 06, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB

This week, while your reader is laid up with a certain virus, let’s revisit one of my favorite sleepy science reads. Enjoy this remastered intro to a brand new branch of study (in 1899), bacteriology!   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Bacteria” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48793   Music: "Exit Exit” by PC III, lice...

The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 3

May 30, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44 MB

Let’s sail to sleep with more from this lovely work about the seas. This time, we learn the rigging of a schooner, praise the prowess of Pacific Islanders, and head to Iceland with Vikings.   Help us stay 100% listener-supported and ad-free for all! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Book of the Ocean” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56311   Music: "Ocean Tapping” by PC III...

On Molecular and Microscopic Science, by Mary Somerville, Part 2

May 23, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

Let's relax with more sleepy science from a woman so talented that the word “scientist” was coined to describe her. This time, we learn about all the forces holding us together.   Help us stay 100% listener supported! All supporters in May will be entered into a drawing for our first-ever SWAG! Details here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "On Molecular & Microscopic Science” at Project Gutenberg: http...

A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 5

May 16, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

Let’s continue our sleepy stroll through history with the fall of Assyria, the literary bedrock of the Jews, and the birth of philosophy in Greece. Rather a lot to cram into an hour, but Wells makes it sound easy.   Help us stay 100% listener supported! All supporters in May will be entered into a drawing for our first-ever SWAG! Details here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "A Short History of the World...

Spices, Their Histories, Part 1

May 09, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

Let’s take a sleepy tour of the spice cabinet and the origins of allspice, chilies, cinnamon, and cloves, with a pinch of insight into faking spices with brick dust. Useful!   Help us stay 100% listener supported! All supporters in May will be entered into a drawing for our first-ever SWAG! Details here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Spices, Their Histories” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenbe...

Bird Biographies, by Alice E. Ball, Part 3

May 02, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MB

Let’s fly off to relaxation with more from this lovely book about our feathered friends. This time, we learn about the birds of early spring, and marvel at the sleepy songs of the sparrows.   Help us stay 100% listener supported! All supporters in May will be entered into a drawing for our first-ever SWAG! Details next week. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Bird Biographies” at Project Gutenberg: https...

Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 2

April 25, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MB

Let’s conclude a month of relaxing travels with more from this tour of America’s national parks, sleepily agog at the Grand Canyon and the weird grandeur of Yellowstone.   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Our National Parks” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60929   Music: "Watching Whales on the Moon” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY ...

Faery Lands of the South Seas, by Hall and Nordhoff, Part 1

April 18, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

Our month of relaxing voyages continues as we head to the distant South Seas. We set off first for sleepy Tahiti and meet a man with little history but a lot of chickens. And profuse apologies if I sound a bit stuffy. I am!   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Faery Lands of the South Seas” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54479   Music: "Oc...

Pictures From Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 2

April 11, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

Let’s continue our month of relaxing voyages and rejoin Charles Dickens on his sleepy sojourn to Italy. On the way, we visit a dungeon, pass a madhouse, and end up bemused in Genoa.   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Pictures from Italy” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/650   Music: "Peace,” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY   If y...

Mount Everest - The Reconnaissance of 1921, Part 2

April 04, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

Let’s kick off a month of relaxing travelogues with more from the first attempt to map the world’s tallest mountain. This time, we take the road from India to Tibet, marvel at flowered forests, and consider the leech.   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Mount Everest, The Reconnaissance of 1921” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39421   Musi...

Ten Acres Enough, by Edmund Morris, Part 1

March 28, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MB

Let’s throw off the stress of city cares and head out into the country for a simpler life, which apparently was as much a desire back in the 1850s as it is today.   If you support us in March 2022, you’ll help us stay 100% listener supported AND be entered into a raffle for your very own printed copy of the 1897 Sears Catalog, which is neat. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Ten Acres Enough" at Project G...

The ABC of Relativity, by Bertrand Russell, Part 1

March 21, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 45.8 MB

Let’s relax with some sleepy physics, as Bertrand Russell unravels the Theory of Relativity. Drugging people and putting them in balloons is somewhat mentioned. Science!   If you support us in March 2022, you’ll help us stay 100% listener supported AND be entered into a raffle for your very own printed copy of the 1897 Sears Catalog, which is neat. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The ABC of Relativity a...

1897 Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog, Grocery Department

March 14, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MB

Let's grab a basket and take a relaxing stroll through the Grocery Department of the Amazon of its day. Coffee beans, cherry phosphate, canned gooseberries—Sears had it all.   If you support us in March 2022, you’ll help us stay 100% listener supported AND be entered into a raffle for your very own printed copy of the 1897 Sears Catalog. Huzzah! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Music: "Heaven Be Here” by PCIII...

The Woman and The Car, by Dorothy Levitt, Part 2

March 07, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

Let’s motor to sleep with more from this wonderful manual for the lady driver, written by race car and speedboat champion Dorothy Levitt. Mechanics and manners are all you need!   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Woman and The Car” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58956   Music: "Gentle Whisperings,” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC ...

The Poetics of Aristotle, Part 2

February 28, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MB

Let’s return to the earliest known work on Western dramatic theory and learn about character, verbs, and why Homer is always right. Also “women can also be good,” which is…something? No worries, it gets a lot better after that.   Help us stay 100% listener supported: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Poetics of Aristotle” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1974   Music: "eart...

The Principles of Chemistry, by Dmitry Mendeleev, Part 3

February 21, 2022 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

Let’s return to the relaxing wonders of science with more from a foundational work of modern chemistry. This time, we finally finish…the introduction! It’s the perfect compound for sleep.   We are 100% listener supported, and you can help. Everyone who supports us in February 2022 will be entered into a raffle to win a made-just-for-you episode! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Principles of Chemistr...

Natures Garden for Victory and Peace, by George Washington Carver

February 14, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

This week, let’s appreciate the culinary wonders of weeds with this relaxing guide to nature’s bounty by George Washington Carver. Salads have never seemed so special.   We are 100% listener supported, and you can help. Everyone who supports us in February 2022 will be entered into a raffle to win a made-just-for-you episode! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Music: "Heaven Be Here,” by PCIII licensed under CC ...

On the Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin, Part 3

February 07, 2022 12:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Let’s return to sleepy science with more from Charles Darwin on domestic breeding, pigeon mating, and messy definitions. What is a species anyway? It’s a mystery!   We are 100% listener supported, and you can help. Everyone who supports us in February 2022 will be entered into a raffle to win a made-just-for-you episode! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "On the Origin of Species” at Project Gutenberg: h...

The Decoration of Houses, by Edith Wharton, Part 1

January 31, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MB

Sink into tasteful slumber this week with the history of home decor from the Queen of The Gilded Age. Basically, "like Italy and be rich" seems to sum it up.   We are 100% listener supported, and you can help. Everyone who supports us in February 2022 will be entered into a raffle to win a made-just-for-you episode! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "The Decoration of Houses” at Project Gutenberg: https:...

Farm Engines and How to Run Them, Part 4

January 28, 2022 23:31 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MB

Let’s relax and sleep with more from this bucolic delight, and learn about managing our traction engine, getting out of life’s inevitable ditches, and the qualities of a good grease.   Help keep us 100% listener supported here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Farm Engines and How to Run them” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43867   Music: "Exit Exit,” by PCIII, licensed unde...

Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to Antiquities, Part 4

January 17, 2022 12:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

Let’s return to the sleepy sands of Egypt and finish our exploration of religious architecture, with symbolic temples, towering obelisks, and shrines that held...puppets, apparently? Who knew!   Support us and keep us 100% listener supported here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Manual of Egyptian Archaeology” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14400   Music: "Exit Exit,” by PC...

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 5

January 10, 2022 12:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MB

Let’s return to the heavens and relax with some sleepy stardust about our solar system, learn a bit about our neighbor planets, and consider how they got here in the first place. Far out! Support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read "Astronomy for Young Folks” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45112   Music: "Exit Exit,” by PCIII, licensed under CC BY   If you'd like to s...

Practical Mind Reading, by William Walker Atkinson, Part 2

January 03, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MB

Let’s sense our way to sleep with a book I forgot reading from! This time we learn exercises to hone our skills as psychic parlour performers, which was a for-real thing in 1907.   Support us and keep us 100% listener supported here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Practical Mind Reading” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41358 Music: "Exit Exit" by PCIII, licensed under CC BY If you'd like to s...

The Book of Household Management, by Isabella Beeton, Part 7 (Maids, Dairy & Stable)

December 27, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

Let's dive back into one of your sleepy favorites, and learn about the life of the maid-of-all-work, the perfect dairy layout, and some fine advice about stable ventilation. Support us and keep us 100% listener supported here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of Household Management” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10136 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC ...

Night and Moonlight & Walden Pond in Winter, by Henry David Thoreau

December 20, 2021 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MB

Let’s relax into the natural world with two essays by Henry David Thoreau, in which we take a poetic walk by moonlight, and then contemplate the wintry depths of Walden Pond. Transcendental! December Raffle! Support us on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee by December 24th to be entered to win a three-month subscription (that's three free audiobooks!) from Libro.fm. Yay! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Night and Moonlight” in “Excu...

The Hive and the Honey Bee, by LL Langstroth, Part 2

December 13, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

Let’s once again be lulled to sleep by the hum of beautiful, busy bees, learn all about the workings of the queen bee, and hear every permutation of the word “fecund” possible. December Raffle! Support us on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee by December 24th to be entered to win a three-month subscription (that's three free audiobooks!) from Libro.fm. Yay! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Hive and the Honey Bee” at Project Gut...

The History of Bread, by John Ashton, Part 3

December 06, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

Let’s return to the relaxing world of bread and fall asleep to European peasant loaves, the origin of the croissant, and the heraldry of London’s bread guilds. Delish! Also, I announce our December raffle for supporters! Support us on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee by December 24th to be entered to win a three-month subscription (that's three free audiobooks!) from Libro.fm. Yay! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The History of ...

The Characters of Theophrastus, Part 2

November 29, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Let’s relax with the second half of this classic of Greek literature, in which the great Theophrastus defines 30 character types found in literature and life. Trust me, you know a few. Support us here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Characters of Theophrastus” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58242 Music: "earth 2 earth" by PCIII, licensed under CC BY If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free...

Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 1

November 22, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

Let’s wander through the wonders of nature, as conservationist John Muir guides us through the wild spaces of the American West and the flower-filled tundra of Alaska. Honestly, friends, this one is just lovely. Support us here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Our National Parks” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60929 Music: "Watching Whales on the Moon" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY https:/...

How to See the British Museum in Four Visits, Part 1

November 15, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

Let's take a relaxing wander through the mind-boggling British Museum, learn a bit about its origins, consider the mullingong, and ponder why our author holds such a low opinion of owls. Support us here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "How to See the British Museum in Four Visits” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13755 Music: "Cosmic Tingles" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY https://leerosevere...

REMASTERED - The Problems of Philosophy, by Bertrand Russell, Part 1

November 08, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47 MB

In this remastered episode from 2018, we revisit a relaxing work that poses interesting philosophical questions, like "When is a table not a table?" Don't worry, there's no actual answer, so you won't miss anything when you fall asleep. NOTE: This is the second of our remastered episodes of readings from the wayback that I think are great (and newer listeners have probably missed), but which definitely need some polishing. Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? Support ...

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving, Part 2

October 31, 2021 11:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

Tonight, we conclude the mysterious happenings in Sleepy Hollow, which involve a surprising amount of charming detail about autumnal harvests, twittering birds, and pastries, come to find out. And all our lovely supporters in October will be getting a full, uninterrupted recording of the entire story as a Halloween treat! Support us here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at Project Gutenberg: ...

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving, Part 1

October 25, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB

Let's wrap ourselves in the secrets of Sleepy Hollow, which seem a lot less scary than cartoons would have us believe. Irving’s descriptions of country life are surprisingly relaxing. This is Part 1 of a two-parter that concludes next week. And all of our lovely supporters in October will be getting a full, uninterrupted recording of the entire story right after that as a Halloween treat! Support us here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com...

Wild Flowers Worth Knowing, by Neltje Blanchan, Part 1

October 18, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MB

Let’s sleep among the wildflowers with this relaxing tour through some lovely native American blooms, plus skunk cabbage and the murderous Jack-in-the-pulpit. Flowers…so much more than pretty! Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? Support us here! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Wild Flowers Worth Knowing” at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8866 Music: "earth 2 earth" by PC III, lic...

Utopia, by Sir Thomas More, Part 2

October 11, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB

Let’s return to this classic of social and political commentary from the 16th century. If you stay awake long enough, you’ll discover how little has changed in 500 years. So, no need to pay attention.  PS You're not seeing things. We have a new logo! Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? Support us here! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Utopia” at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2130 ...

A General History of the Pirates, by Daniel Defoe, Part 2

October 04, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

Let’s sail the high seas of sleep with more from this classic of pirate history. Enjoy a booty chest of boredom, including the story of Henry Avery, King of the Pirates, who was…a bit of a coward, come to find out. Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? Support us here! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "A General History of the Pirates” at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40580 Music: "...

REMASTERED - American Pomology (Apples), Part 1

September 27, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MB

In this remastered episode, we revisit a perfectly sleepy book that celebrates a symbol of autumn. This 19th century ode to apples includes history, health advice, and a nod to Johnny Appleseed, because of course it does. NOTE: This is the first in what will be occasional remastered episodes of readings from the past that I think are great (and newer listeners have probably missed), but which could definitely use some refreshment to better audio standards. Want to help us stay 100% liste...

Mars and Its Canals, by Percival Lowell, Part 2

September 20, 2021 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

Let’s relax and sleep with more studies of the beautiful red planet, including observations of its icy poles, which, unlike that whole “Mars has canals” thing, are actually correct. Everyone who helps us stay 100% listener supported will get a gift this month—the complete recording of "The Book of Tea"—in thanks. Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Mars and Its Canals” at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4701...

Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 1

September 13, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MB

Let’s relax and sleep on a journey with famed author Charles Dickens, as he wends his way to Italy to spend a year in Genoa. We don’t actually get there, but never mind. The journey is still a delight. Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? We have a special gift of appreciation for everyone who supports in September, the full recording of "The Book of Tea"! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of Te...

The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 2

September 06, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

Let's rock to sleep on the waves as we learn all about the workings of tides, currents, climate, and the early history of boats. It’s an ocean of relaxing information, just for your tired mind. Want to help us stay 100% listener supported and ad-free? We have a special gift of appreciation for everyone who supports in September, the full recording of "The Book of Tea"! Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of the Ocean”...

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@boringbookspod 27 Episodes