The Devil's Dictionary

Coffee Break Collection 040 - Beaches is a delightful anthology featuring a selection of stories and poems that celebrate the beauty and allure of coastal life. With pieces that explore beach vegetation, wildlife, and the joys of vacations by the sea, this collection captures the essence of what makes beaches so enchanting. Perfect for short commutes or relaxing coffee breaks, these readings invit...

Catherine's Coquetries: A Tale of French Country Life by Camille Debans invites listeners into the enchanting world of a beautiful woman who, despite her respectable marriage, revels in the art of matchmaking, flirting, and playful mischief. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic French countryside, this story explores the dynamics of relationships and the impact of a charming manipulator on a si...

"Curious Republic of Gondour and Other Whimsical Sketches" showcases Mark Twain's imaginative storytelling through a collection of his fanciful and eccentric works. These stories range from insightful political commentary to reflections on humanity's desire for remembrance, all wrapped in a whimsical narrative style. Twain's ability to convey profound truths through humor and absurdity makes this...

"Book of Bargains" by Vincent O'Sullivan is a compelling collection of short horror stories that delve into the theme of making deals with the devil, both literally and metaphorically. As a prominent literary figure and a friend of Oscar Wilde, O'Sullivan's work captures the essence of human desire and the often perilous choices we face. Each story serves as a haunting reminder of the moral comple...

Coffee Break Collection 029 - Dogs is a delightful anthology featuring a curated selection of stories and poems, all centered around our beloved canine companions. With each piece lasting fifteen minutes or less, this collection is perfect for those short moments of respite, whether during a commute or a coffee break. The enduring themes of loyalty, companionship, and the joy that dogs bring to ou...

"Whole Family: A Novel by Twelve Authors" presents a unique narrative experience, crafted in twelve chapters by different authors, exploring how an engagement or marriage impacts an entire family. This early collaborative effort, akin to a precursor of NaNoWriMo, reveals the sometimes contentious relationships among its authors, mirroring the complexities and dysfunctions found within families. Th...

Andrew Murray's "The Deeper Christian Life" invites listeners to reflect on the profound question of whether their faith is evident enough to stand trial. Addressing the insecurities that often accompany a shallow relationship with God, Murray offers guidance on deepening one's spiritual connection, which fosters confidence and joy in the gospel. The themes of forgiveness and grace resonate powerf...

"Art in Australia No 1 1916" marks a pivotal moment in the Australian art scene as it chronicles the launch of the country's first art magazine by Sydney Ure Smith, Bertram Stevens, and Charles Lloyd Jones. This inaugural issue features biographical sketches of contemporary artists, including renowned figures like Arthur Streeton and Norman Lindsay, alongside illustrations of their works. The maga...

"Different Girls" by Elizabeth Jordan Richard le Gallienne is a compelling collection of short stories featuring girls from Harper's Magazine published between 1895 and 1906. These narratives present girls who defy the stereotypes of their time, portraying them as authentic individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. They are not waiting to be rescued or defined by others; instead, they...

"Abraham Lincoln: A Commemoration 15 April 2015" is a poignant collection marking the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s assassination. It features Walt Whitman’s deeply moving poems, written in the wake of Lincoln’s death, alongside prose pieces reflecting on the profound grief felt by a nation. The anthology also includes three revered eulogies, a narrative from a doctor who attended Linco...

Coffee Break Collection 035 - Birds brings together a delightful array of stories and poems centered around our feathered friends, showcasing themes of bird watching, training, and the wonders of migratory patterns. With contributions from various readers, this collection offers short pieces perfect for brief moments of reflection during your day, whether on a commute or during a coffee break. The...

"Coffee Break Collection 009 - Autumn" is the ninth installment in our delightful series featuring public domain works that are perfect for brief listening sessions. Each story ranges from 3 to 15 minutes, making it an ideal companion for work breaks, commutes, or workouts. This collection captures the essence of autumn, a season often associated with reflection and change, inviting listeners to p...

"Arthurian Miscellany" is a captivating collection that delves into the legendary tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, weaving together themes of pagan wizardry, chivalry, and romance. These timeless stories not only explore the heroic exploits and moral dilemmas faced by Arthur and his companions but also reflect the enduring allure of the quest for the Holy Grail. The rich ta...

"On the Various Forces of Nature" by Michael Faraday presents a captivating exploration of the fundamental forces that govern our universe, aimed at young minds eager to understand the world around them. Through a series of engaging lectures, Faraday introduces essential concepts such as gravity, heat, and the molecular forces that bind matter together, all while emphasizing the interplay between...

Coffee Break Collection 017 - Health and Fitness brings together a curated selection of public domain works that explore the evolving perspectives on health and fitness, all in bite-sized pieces perfect for your daily routine. With topics ranging from judo and walking to insights on nutrition and child education, this collection reflects how our understanding of physical activity and wellness has...

"Camp-Fire Girls In The Allegheny Mountains or A Christmas Success Against Odds" by Stella M. Francis is a delightful addition to the Camp Fire Girls series, a collection of fiction novels created for children between 1912 and the 1930s. This story encapsulates the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the importance of community, highlighting themes that resonate with young audiences today. The na...

"Bambi: A Life in the Woods" by Felix Salten explores the coming-of-age journey of a young deer as he navigates the harsh realities of life and death in the forest. This poignant tale captures the struggles and triumphs of growing up, making it a timeless reflection on the challenges of maturity. The themes of survival, loss, and the beauty of nature resonate deeply, reminding listeners of the del...

"Dictionary of English Synonymes Vol 01" by Richard Soule serves as a practical guide to enhance the richness and variety of English phraseology. This comprehensive resource offers a treasure trove of synonymous expressions, allowing readers to refine their language skills and improve their writing. Its emphasis on aptness and diversity in language remains relevant today, as effective communicatio...

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, "Devil's Disciple" by George Bernard Shaw follows Richard Dudgeon, a man who embraces his identity as the devil's disciple in defiance of his mother and the rigid morality of his community. As the British Army threatens the town, Richard, along with minister Anthony Anderson and his wife Judith, confronts a crisis that challenges their preconcei...

"Coffee Break Collection 009 - Autumn" is the ninth installment in our delightful series featuring public domain works that are perfect for brief listening sessions. Each story ranges from 3 to 15 minutes, making it an ideal companion for work breaks, commutes, or workouts. This collection captures the essence of autumn, a season often associated with reflection and change, inviting listeners to p...

The "1903 Collection" offers a captivating glimpse into the literary landscape of the early 20th century, featuring a diverse array of short stories, poetry, and non-fiction articles that reflect the thoughts and sentiments of the time. This anthology allows listeners to immerse themselves in the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped society over a century ago. The themes explored in thes...

"Different Girls" by Elizabeth Jordan Richard le Gallienne is a compelling collection of short stories featuring girls from Harper's Magazine published between 1895 and 1906. These narratives present girls who defy the stereotypes of their time, portraying them as authentic individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. They are not waiting to be rescued or defined by others; instead, they...

"Coffee Break Collection 003 - Nature" is a delightful anthology featuring short readings that explore the wonders of the natural world through both fiction and non-fiction. Each piece, lasting between three and fifteen minutes, invites listeners to pause and appreciate the beauty of botany, geology, biology, and astronomy, covering everything from flowers to frogs. This collection serves as a per...

"Curious Republic of Gondour and Other Whimsical Sketches" showcases Mark Twain's imaginative storytelling through a collection of his fanciful and eccentric works. These stories range from insightful political commentary to reflections on humanity's desire for remembrance, all wrapped in a whimsical narrative style. Twain's ability to convey profound truths through humor and absurdity makes this...

"Christmas Miscellany 2021" is a delightful collection that encompasses seven chapters centered around the theme of Christmas, drawn from various books. The anthology also includes a heartfelt section featuring twelve verses about the holiday, along with four cherished Christmas carols by Christina Rossetti. This compilation captures the spirit of the season, offering reflections and melodies that...