Narrated Archives

In this episode of Narrated Archives we step into the brief, blazing life of Stephen Crane, author of The Red Badge of Courage.  In the four stories presented, Stephen Crane captures the intersection of quiet human longing and the harsh often indifferent realities of society.  “An Eloquence of Grief” - written around 1896, captures a routine New York City police court. “The Auction” - a public auc...

In this episode are 2 stories froma collection all written by H. D Umbstaetter, entitled “The Red Hot Dollar and Other Stories from The Black Cat”.   Also included is the Introduction to the collection written by Jack London  “One Chance in a Million” tells of an entrepreneur so secretive that he   almost loses his live “In Hell’s Cañon” a prospector is determined to locate a "lost lead"...

This week we’re listening to a sample from Harris Newmark’s memoir, “Sixty Years in Southern California". We’ll be listening to the first 2 chapters in which Newmark recounts his upbringing and how he ended up traveling to California from Prussia covering the years 1834-1853 Send us Fan Mail Narrated Archives Bonus Episodes are now free.  Support the show Thanks for listening!  Rate & Rev...

In this episode we’re meeting the 19th century humorist, journalist and author known for his witty satirical columns and depictions of western life. Mush and Melody has Mr. Nye attempting to provide a grand solution for a non-problem, providing that if you squint hard enough anything can turn into a crisis.  ‘Flying Machines’ showcases a range of aerial contraptions that hover somewhere between ‘m...

In this episode we’re sampling Kate Chopin. ‘The Kiss’ is a short story about a calculating young woman managing a love triangle and  highlights themes of irony, pragmatism over romantic love, and the manipulation of social roles.  Kate Chopin’s ‘A Pair of Silk Stockings’ explores the conflict between a woman's duty to family and her personal desires for independence and self-identity, common...

This episode holds 3 essays and musings of Sir Richard Steele. These writings hail from as far back as we’ve ventured so far.   Sir Richard Steele born in Ireland in 1672, was an essayist, dramatist, and politician. Steele's work focused on reforming manners and morals with wit, mixing social observation with political commentary, and establishing a successful formula for mass-market journali...

On this episode of Narrated Archives is the story, The Scarlet Woman, by Louis Bromfield, which was published in McClure's magazine in January of 1927 and was awarded one of the prizes for best stories for October 1926 to September 27 by the O. Henry Memorial Prize Committee. The Scarlet Woman centers on Vergie Winters, a simple milliner in a conventional American town, who falls in love with...

In the depths of winter Narrated Archives is taking a trip to warmer climates with Robert Louis Stevenson.  We're heading to the South Seas with a selection from “In the South Seas”.  The narrative describes arriving at the Marquesas, the stunning beauty of the islands and the excitement of encountering their inhabitants, which includes both initial trepidation and eventual camaraderie with t...

This week, as we are smack dab in the throes of winter, Narrated Archives is leaning into the season with a selection from Henry David Thoreau, Winter Animals from Walden or Life in the Woods.   Send us Fan Mail Narrated Archives Bonus Episodes are now free.  Support the show Thanks for listening!  Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast provider. SUBSCRIBE for at le...

In this episode I’ve pulled a few stories and poems from an anthology called Prairie Gold, an anthology of Iowan authors and artists. Created during the social upheaval of World War I, the collection emphasizes cooperation and humanitarian ideals through pieces that showcase Iowa's landscapes, people, and culture. The book uses local legends and natural imagery to evoke pride and unity, offer...

"The Enchanted Bluff" by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Willa Cather, a bittersweet story about a group of Nebraska boys on the cusp of adulthood, whose friendship and grand adventure plans are contrasted with the reality of their adult lives. The story reflects on dreams, the passage of time, and the lingering magic of youthful ambition.  Do their dreams and ambitions come true? Send us...

This week we bring in the New Year with two optimistic New Year’s stories.  Cressy's New Year's Rent by Albert Lee revolves around a kind-hearted newspaper reporter who helps a poor tenant named Cressy on New Year’s Eve.  The story that reflects the author’s interest in human affairs and social themes. Uncle Richard’s New Year’s Dinner by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a celebrated Canadian autho...

This episode includes a few stories from “Short Stories From Life" a collection of short stories of under 1,500 words were compiled from “Life” magazine’s Shortest Story Contest published in 1916. The contest received over 30,000 entries from all around the world from which 81 of the best stories were published in a collection.  Arletta by Margaret Ade The Cat Came Back by Virginia West Hope...

This episode of  Narrated Archives takes us back to the late 19th century and quiet yet complex world of Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman with a little Christmas story called "Young Lucretia".  It’s a seemingly simple tale about a very young girl and her exploration of duty, the weight of family expectations, and the struggle for personal autonomy.  Send us Fan Mail Narrated Archives Bonus E...

In this episode "The Verdict" by Edith Wharton is a short story first published in 1908.  The narrative centers around an artist who abandons his painting career at the height of his success. The story is told from the perspective of Mr. Rickham, an acquaintance of Gisburn, who becomes intrigued by the reasons behind Gisburn's sudden withdrawal from the art world. It is considered a...

This week we have 2 stories from H.G. Wells that tell allegorical tales that do not (slight spoiler) with unhappy or ambiguous endings. What relevant lessons can we glean from them for today's world? The Pearl of Love – The story is a parable exploring themes of love, obsession, grief, and art. A Moonlight Fable – (also known as " The Beautiful Suit ") first published in Collier&apo...

In Episode 7 we dig into the vast library of the public domain to bring you stories and today a little poetry of a bygone era with the concise, biting humor or Dorothy Parker. Men I'm Not Married To - a collection which includes a poem and then prose in a series of witty, satirical sketches describing the various foibles of the men she never married. These character portraits showcase Parker&...

Edna Ferber's 1913 short story "The Girl Who Went Right" follows a new salesgirl named Ray Willets, who navigates the challenges of selling high-end lingerie at a ritzy department store. In a world of wealth she can't relate to, Ray uses her intelligence and adaptability to succeed by learning the psychology of her customers. Strong independent female protagonist who succeeds i...

Narrated Archives samples the vast quantity of short stories by the prolific author O. Henry. Many of his stories explore themes of coincidence, fate, sacrifice, and the ironies of everyday life. His trademark "twist ending" became so renowned that it is sometimes referred to as an "O. Henry ending".  After Twenty Years - set in New York City with an ironic ending.  By Courier...

In this episode we've found some humor from Down Under with Banjo Paterson, and Austrailian author know for writing the ballades "The Man from Snowy River" and "Waltzing Matilda". The Cat – a contrast of the cat's public image of domestic comfort with its true, instinct-driven nature and independent spirit. The Amateur Gardener – a humorous and practical essay offerin...

In this episode we have 3 lighthearted stories that after listening to, you might be surprised to know are from 2 suffragettes.  Our first 2 stories are from Zona Gale, a fellow Wisconsinite.  The third is by Nina Evan Allendar, a political cartoonist for the suffragette movement.  Friendship Village - town modernization The Walk – 3 young girls attempting to be older than they are Women and Barga...

It’s October - time for something spooky.  In this episode we share 3 stories from HP Lovecraft known for his distinct mythology and philosophical brand of horror.  The Terrible Old Man - Takes place in Lovecraft's fictional New England town of Kingsport with 3 would-be robbers and a very old man.  The Book - an ancient forbidden book acquired by the narrator from a peculiar bookseller.   Wha...

In this first episode we are introduced to Russian author Alexander Kuprin with a short story written as letter to a lover.  The letter, written from the female perspective,  is a melancholic story about regret, loss, and the bittersweet pain of fading memories, using the imagery of a desolate autumn garden with bright asters and dahlias to mirror the speaker's internal feelings. She compares...

This is an introduction to, Narrated Archives,  the podcast that uncovers forgotten stories from the dusty records of time with your host and narrator Sally Barron. Send us Fan Mail Narrated Archives Bonus Episodes are now free.  Support the show Thanks for listening!  Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast provider. SUBSCRIBE for at least 2 Bonus Episodes each mont...