Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep
Sharon Handy 400 episodes Nov 9, 2026
Boring Books for Bedtime is a weekly, ad-free, AI-free sleep podcast that calmly reads boring material like Aristotle, Thoreau, and old catalogs to help listeners fall asleep. It aims to silence brain chatter by providing a perfect balance of vaguely interesting but not too engaging content. The podcast is hosted by Sharon Handy and is designed for those who struggle with sleeplessness.
Episodes
The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 6
Let's sail the seas of sleep with more from this varied history of the oceans. This time, 18th century explorations of the Pacific, Arctic exploration going back to the 1500s, the ill-fated journey and many searches for Franklin's expedition on the Erebus and Terror, and the nautical history of the Resolute Desk, which has weathered some choppy seas indeed. And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. Help us
Ten Acres Enough, by Edmund Morris, Part 6
Let's sow a crop of sleep with more from this marvelous guide to running away to the country and remaking one's life on a farm. This time, canning makes tomatoes popular, railroads and science revolutionize agriculture, and our author extols the practical value of beautiful songbirds to the farmer. Facts! And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: ht
The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination, by L.W. de Laurence, Part 1
Let's celebrate the spooky season (and our 8th anniversary!) and see what the cards say about sleep as we work our way through the symbolism of the Tarot. This time, the greater arcana, the many paths of the hermit, and a bit of sniping at other authors. But first, we divine our way through the veil of a most inscrutable preface. Mystifying indeed! And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. Help us stay ad-f
The Practice and Science of Drawing, by Harold Speed, Part 2
Let's sketch our way to sleep with more from this guide to drawing and painting. This time, more on the science side, including vision, the intrinsic link between touch and sight, why kids draw the way they draw, and the important of art education for everyone. Concur! And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod
The Complete Herbal and English Physician Enlarged, by Nicholas Culpeper, Part 2
Let's relax with more from this rather questionable 17th century guide to medicinal plants. This time, herbs to rid yourself of fleas, cure gout, eliminate the French pox, and treat pretty much every ailment you can think of through the power of the purgative. Do not recommend! VERY BIG NOTE: As always with these old "medicinal" works, do not follow or rely on anything you hear in this podcast. Ma
Etiquette, by Emily Post, Part 9
Let's sit up straight and get sleepy with more from this essential guide to respectful, refined living. This time, treating servants humanely, announcing names, and hosting all manner of tea parties, including what can and can't be served before tipping into reception territory. The line between fun and formal is ever so fine! And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-
Woodworking for Beginners, by Charles G. Wheeler, Part 4
Let's saw some sleepy wood with more from this guide to getting crafty. This time, we finish fitting out our workshop with custom benches, cabinets and helpful devices, store our tools neatly, and eschew the useless dazzle of fancy toolchests. Efficiency, and the amateur's pocketbook, demand simplicity. Lee Rosevere, composer of much of the background music on this podcast, has gifted us with a ne
Old Country Inns of England, by Henry Maskell and Edward Gregory, Part 3
Let's relax to the story of sleeping places with more from this charming history of the country inn. This time, churches as a place to rest and drink heartily, the romance of the great coaching inns, ale's healthful benefits, and unseemly behavior for a boozy barbershop. Cheers! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: htt
Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to Antiquities, by Gaston Maspero, Part 8
Let's journey across the sands of sleep with more from this guide to the wonders of ancient Egypt. This time, a look at the processes of painting and sculpture, how artists practiced, stylistic conventions, and curiously modular sculptures. Also, a little sculpture we call the Sphinx! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffe
Studying Art Abroad and How to Do It Cheaply, by Abigail May Alcott Niereker, Part 3 (CONCLUSION)
Let's conclude our relaxing read from this wonderful guide to traveling and studying art in England, France, and Italy. This time, the best places for cheap clothes and paints in Paris, Rome for the art student, and the perils of cigarette smoke to good study. Also, a surprise advertisement for a book I think you'll recognize, so that's fun. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patr
The Republic of Plato with Introduction and Analysis, by Benjamin Jowett (Part 4)
Let's conclude this month's wander on the Wayback Machine with more from this introduction and analysis to one of the greats of classical Greek literature. This time, what makes a good ruler, swapping social classes, thoughts on art and health, and the connection between body and mind. And that's just halfway through Book Four! Phew. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: htt
The Travels of Marco Polo, Part 3
Let's continue our relaxing travels in The Wayback Machine and head back to the 1200s with more from Marco Polo and his epic journey through Asia to the court of the khans. This time, poisonous winds, treacherous plateau deserts, a false paradise, and the floating column of Samarkand. All totally true! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbooks
Principles of Geology, by Sir Charles Lyell, Part 4
Let's continue our relaxing month in The Wayback Machine with one of the waybackiest of sciences, geology! This time, the commitment to data in the early 1800s, the perils of fitting new evidence to old stories, and the importance of point of view in observational limitations. Facts, indeed, Sir Charles. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringboo
The Woman and the Car, by Dorothy Levitt, Part 3
Let's continue our month in The Wayback Machine with a road trip, as we learn more from this 1909 guide to driving. This time, the fine art of tipping, the superiority of small cars, celebrated women drivers, and an extensive section of alphabetical abbreviations on licenses. A very long and relaxing list indeed, hurrah! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.pa
The Hive and the Honey-Bee, by Rev. L.L. Langstroth, Part 4
Let's kick off a new theme month I'm calling The Wayback Machine, in which we relax with works that have slipped out of rotation for a few years. First, it's back to the beehive, with the rearing of queens, the mathematical superiority of the hexagon, and how the weirdness of royal jelly…proves religion? Way to combine your interests, Reverend. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! P
Robert's Rules of Order, by Major Henry M. Robert, Part 2
Let's relax and sleep with one of the most spectacularly dull books ever written on the art of running meetings. This time, amendments, appeals, laying things on the table, and forming committees. It's like a tone poem of boring bureaucracy. Perfection! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/
Life on a Medieval Barony, by William Stearns Davis, Part 2
Let's ride the sands of time to sleep as we learn more about manor life in the year 1300. This time, the construction of St. Aliquis, its "modernized" defensive fortifications, and how status is measured by who gets two armrests and The Good Bed. Same as it ever was, really. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https:/
The ABC of Relativity, by Bertrand Russell, Part 5
Let's journey to sleep with science as we learn more about Einstein's radical new theory of relativity, why geometry is physics when it comes to space-time, and how light spectrums reveal directions of travel. Is it difficult to understand? Eh, it's all relative. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeac
Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, Part 4
Let's celebrate the sparkliest time of the year with more from this detailed guide to fireworks. This time, rules about their manufacture, the lackadaisical habits and accidents that led to those rules, good factory design, and why mixing potash and sulfur is…not a good idea. Boom! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee:
The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 4
Let's conclude our month of travels with more from this helpful yet somewhat snarky guide to riding that newfangled device, the steam train. This time, advice for the journey itself, including how to read a book, have a chat, fall asleep, rush the snack bar, and avoid losing your head out the window. All aboard for sleep! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.pat
Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 5
Let's continue our pleasant plod to sleep with more from Mr. Stevenson and Modestine as they make their way through the mountains of France. This time, quite a lot of philosophizing about the lasting nature of belief, getting along, sleeping outdoors, and the poetry of stars. The donkey says nothing. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspo
Faery Lands of the South Seas, by James Hall and Charles Nordhoff, Part 5
Let's continue our sail to sleep through a month of travel readings with more from this wonderful wander through the South Seas. This time, another interesting fellow passenger, notes on linguistics, a scary reef crossing, and…the island version of a kegger? Cheers! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buym
Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 4
Let's continue our sojourn to sleep through a month of travel readings with more from Charles Dickens and his tour through Italy. This time, we conclude our visit to Genoa, have a strange experience with puppets, an even stranger visit to Marseilles, and consider that things are often more beautiful seen from a distance. Truth indeed. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: ht
Sailing Alone Around the World, by Captain Joshua Slocum, Part 4
Let's sail to sleep with the first read of our new theme month, Travels! This time, we return to an epic journey around the world in a handmade boat, and wrestle with Cape Horn, seasickness, and williwaws. Also, the benefits of carpet tacks and the kindness of strangers. Useful! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: htt
1897 Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog - Sewing Machines
Let's celebrate our 400th (!!!) episode with more from one of your sleepiest favorites from 1897. This time, thanks to a Patreon poll, we're shopping for that most useful of newfangled devices, the sewing machine. Singer has nothing on Sears, according to Sears, especially with a three percent discount for cash. It's a bargain of boredom! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon
Ecclesiastical History of England, by the Venerable Bede, Part 3
Let's relax in the wayback machine with more from the religious history of England. This time, Saint Bede recalls Saxon double-dealings, divine healings, the Pelagian heresy, and the somewhat cowardly companions of Saint Augustine, who get politely yelled at by the pope. Miraculous! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee:
The Story of a Boulder, by Archibald Geikie, Part 2
Let's take a relaxing trip back to Scotland and explore geology through the details of a single boulder. This time, glacial effects, the cyclical nature of formations, life in the past, and ideas about how an ocean boulder ended up in a river valley. So much lovely speculative imagery to delight your dreams! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/borin
Symmes' Theory of Concentric Spheres, Showing That the Earth Is Hollow, Part 5 (Conclusion)
Let's relax with the conclusion of this most remarkable book of geological theory. This time, a plea to scientific advancement and nation-building in the form of an expedition to the Earth's interior, an outline of the voyage, and a glowing portrait of Captain Symmes and his genius. Well, at least he tried, I guess? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.c
Farm Engines and How to Run Them, by James H. Stephenson, Part 8
Let's finish our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with more from this surprisingly relaxing guide to running powered farm machinery. This time, starting a gas engine, how to hook up a newfangled gadget called a battery, and the many parts of your threshing machine. To the fields! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee
A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 10
Let's continue our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with more from this quickstep march through the history of our world. This time, the revolutionary teachings of Jesus, the rise of the Christian church, barbarian hordes, and the final fall of the Roman Empire, all in less than hour. Short indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbooks
The Book of Household Management, by Isabella Beeton, Part 12 - Fish Recipes
Let's continue our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with this most favored work of all things home and comfort. This time, recipes for fish, along with interludes about the life and habits of particular species, and a poem about hermit crabs, because of course there is. Anchovy and carp and cod, oh my! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringb
Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921, by C.K. Howard-Bury, Part 6
Let's kick off a theme month I'm calling "Long-time Favorites" with more from this journey to map the world's highest peak. This time, we experience more flowers and fields, the start of monsoon season, and some very leaky tents as we search for our next base camp. Onward and upward! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee
The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Part 5
Let's relax and sleep with more from this classic of economic theory. This time, the wages of labor, the backroom collaboration of owners to undercut those wages, and the importance of paying more than subsistence for national success. Wait, what? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMs
Cottages; or, Hints on Economical Building, by Brunner & Gerhard (Conclusion)
Let's relax and sleep as we conclude this guide to cozy home building. This time, water and sewer piping, the need for ventilation, why fireplaces are lovely but kind of useless, and the best design for your cesspool. The charming life indeed. Patreon supporters, look for your full book recording of "Cottages" coming very shortly! Because some nights, you just need a good, long bit of boredom.
The Story of Ancient Irish Civilization, by P.W. Joyce, Part 2
Let's honor a certain March holiday with more from this history of Ireland. This time, the magical powers of druids, the rise of Christianity, and a tiny island's giant reputation for scholarly excellence. Also, the fairy realm! History truly contains multitudes. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeac
The North Pole, Its Discovery in 1909, by Robert Peary, Part 4
Let's drift away to better sleep with more from this epic journey to the northernmost point of the planet. This time, some local traditions, admiration for dogs, being the taxi of the north, dodging icebergs, and not changing your clothes for weeks. Adventure indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buy
Cassell's Book of Birds, Part 6 - Parrots Continued
Let's soar to sleep on the wings of birds as we learn more about the feathered family of parrots. This time, descriptions of magnificent macaws in all the shades of the rainbow, as well as their charming cousins, the parakeets. Dreamy indeed. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW R
Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 6
Let's wander the forests of relaxation with more from this ode to the natural beauties of western America. This time, we learn more of the forests of Yosemite, from silver firs to ancient cedars, and Muir has a rather melancholy visit with an aged Ralph Waldo Emerson. Carpe diem while you can, friends. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-
The Voyage of the Bounty to the South Sea, by Lt. William Bligh, Part 3
Let's sail to sleep with more from this voyage of HMS Bounty, which continues to be somewhat less exciting than promised. This time, we plant trees in Van Diemen's Land, see some rocks, and find out that jellyfish were called blubbers, which is adorable. Then Otaheite/Tahiti ahoy, at long last! What could go wrong? Help us stay ad-free and 100%
On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection, by Charles Darwin, Part 7
Let's relax with more from this foundational classic, just in time for Darwin Day. This time, how one species begets more and more variety over thousands of generations, the role of extinction, and why "the tree of life" is a lovely symbol indeed. It's science! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bor
The Ten Books on Architecture, by Vitruvius, Part 2
Let's relax into a more orderly world with this classic of urban planning. This time, the best designs for structural walls, balancing the bodily elements, and placing temples. Also, we name the winds and create a compass to align our streets for greatest health. Governance caring about the health of the people? Dreamy indeed! Help us stay ad-free
The South American Tour, by Annie S. Peck, Part 2
Let's continue along this relaxing, and much delayed, voyage to Central and South America. This time, we arrive in Panama and are treated to an extremely detailed description of that brand-new marvel of engineering, the Panama Canal, just before it opened to the world. Lakes and locks and dams, oh my! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-suppor
All About Dogs, by Charles Henry Lane, Part 2
Tonight, let's snuggle up with man's best friend as we learn more about breeds of dogs. This time, more dogs used in the sporting life, including pointers, setters, and bloodhounds. Also, a rather long bit about otters from a circa-1600 book that our author found interesting, and why not. Follow your bliss, friends. Help us stay ad-free and 100% list
Hoyle's Games Modernized, by Hoyle, Hoffmann and Bergholt, Part 1
Let's deal ourselves some sleep with this classic instruction manual for all the games you have and haven't heard of. Tonight, the intricacies of All-Fours, Baccarat, and something called Bezique, which is so laughably complicated that I almost want to try it. Score! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/b
Ten Acres Enough, by Edmund Morris, Part 5
Let's kick off a year of better sleep with more from this fan favorite. This time, we raise some of nature's best composters, pigs, and decide raising poultry is maybe something we do not want to do for…reasons. Also, an educated girl who can take care of herself is the best kind of girl. Sound advice from the 1860s! Help us stay ad-free and 100% liste
Winter Impressions from John Muir and Henry David Thoreau
Let's sink into seasonal slumber with two essays by famed American naturalists. In the first, John Muir takes us to Tahoe in the winter, where he delights in its glacial-born beauties and his friend skis poorly. In the second, Thoreau regales us with tales of mischievous visitors to his cabin in Walden. Delightful! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-
The 1942 Sears Roebuck and Co. Christmas Book, Part 2
Let's shop for sleep with more selections from this Christmas gift catalog from the years of World War II. This time, pretty yet practical cards, tree decorations and miraculous electric lights that stay lit, luggage, toys, ties, and the gift of every girl's dreams . . . a robe! May this help you have the happiest of holidays, dear listeners. Help us stay
Wintering in the Riviera, by William J. Miller, Part 1
Let's set sail for warm winter nights with a new (well, "new") travel book. In this first reading, thoughts on speaking the language, the best travel guides, the importance of strong luggage and a corkscrew, and how overpacking and Italian water are best avoided. Bon voyage! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supporters will be
An Account of Egypt, by Herodotus, Part 3
Let's return to the sands of sleep with this absolutely, totally true, not at all exaggerated account of Egypt. This time, a ramble connecting Greek gods to Egypt, a fabled labyrinth and lake all lost to time, and the tale of twelve kings accidentally undone by a hat. How could you doubt it? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supp
Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir, Part 4
Let's fall asleep to more about the masters of relaxation, cats. This time, the unfairly maligned black, the beautiful blue, black-and-white versus white-and-black, the treasured Siamese, and the mystery of tailless cats. Also, an admonition to read cat show rules and a rumination on surrounding yourself with beauty. Good advice! Help us stay ad-free and 100%
Life on a Medieval Barony, by William Stearns Davis, Part 1
Let's sink into slumber with this dreamy description of life in medieval France circa 1220. This time, the background of the barony in question and the somewhat circuitous route of acquisition by its ruling family. Spoiler alert, not wandering off for years on a crusade seems to help with the whole "keeping your property" thing. Help us stay ad-free and 100% lis
Farm Engines and How To Run Them, by James H. Stephenson, Part 7
Let's relax to yet more information about steam engines, their types, and how their valves work, followed immediately by a glowing description of the newfangled gasoline engine that makes all the previous hours of steam engine learning a bit . . . pointless? Well, it helped us sleep, I guess. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.p
Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 4
Let's return to the mountains of France with this wonderful author and his rather opinionated companion. This time, we ponder the phenomenon of waking in the deep dark of night, the pleasure of sleeping outdoors, the prettiness of a barmaid who doesn't give our author the time of day, and the perils of religious fervor. Variety indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100%
The Compleat Angler, by Isaak Walton, Part 1
Let's cast our lines into the river of relaxation with this classic about the art of fishing. This time, we begin with a conversation between a hunter, a falconer, and an angler about the relative superiority of their professions. But first, an overwrought patron dedication and lengthy, self-deprecating epistle to the reader, in perfect 17th century style. Deliciously d
1921 Sears Roebuck and Co. Modern Homes Catalog (Part 2)
Let's celebrate our seventh anniversary with more from this catalog of lovely, affordable homes, a dream indeed, and all certified by a team of women as perfect in every detail. But first, some very thorough assurances that these plans are entirely satisfactory or your money back. Guaranteed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon
Etiquette, by Emily Post, Part 8 - Servants
Let's relax with more from this classic of classy behavior, and learn about the roles of servants in a good household. What they do, what they wear, and how to pronounce val-et, which your reader corrects upon reading this. Whoops! Also, once again, we learn that treating workers with respect is the highest mark of class. Facts. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supp
Where the Forest Murmurs, by Fiona Macleod, Part 2
Let's return to relaxation with two more essays about nature from this lovely work. This time, the magical peace of still waters framed by the changing leaves of autumn, and the almost universal reverence for the Pleiades, quiet heralds of November. Enjoy! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: http
The Evolution of Modern Orchestration, by Louis A. Coerne, Part 1
Let's sleep to sonorous notes about the history of the modern orchestra. This time, we work our way forward from antiquity, ponder the parallel musical tracks of church and village, and name a lot of instruments that most today have never heard of, like the crwth. Yes, that's a real thing. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bori
The Problems of Philosophy, by Bertrand Russell, Part 4
Let's relax with a listener request for more from the marvelous mind of Bertrand Russell. This time, thoughts about the nature of thought, induction versus deduction, and whether we can know anything. Spoiler alert, yes. But also, no. That's philosophy for you. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: htt
Over Fen and Wold, by John James Hissey, Part 1
Let's relax with a lovely listener recommendation that takes us, and our authors, on a tour of little-regarded Lincolnshire. This time, the lure of new places, the charm of old maps, the evolution of place names, and confirmation that wishing to escape urban "uglification" to calm, green country is nothing new at all. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: htt
On Molecular and Microscopic Science, by Mary Somerville, Part 3
Let's sleep scientifically this week, with more from a woman of such deep and broad accomplishment that the word "scientist" had to be coined to describe her. This time, colors, molecular heat conduction, what constitutes smells, and why gold is really blue. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://ww
The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 5
Let's sail the seas of sleep with more from this volume about the history of our oceans. This time, the Age of Exploration south and north, the mythical Isles of the Blessed, Magellan's remarkable voyage, and how America really got its name. Hint, it was easy to pronounce. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffe
The Ethics of Aristotle, Part 3
Let's philosophize our way to sleep with more from this 2,300-year-old work on the art of being. This time, what is happiness? How is it related to good character and, more importantly, acting in a good way? Can a person who does bad be happy, even beyond the grave? You know, simple stuff like that. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bori
The History of Bread, by John Ashton, Part 6 - Conclusion
Let relaxation rise with this conclusion to one of our most (understandably) popular books. This time in we learn of gingerbread, penny loaf scrambles, riots, and bread-related superstitions like sin-eating and . . . floating corpse compasses? Oh, delicious bread, is there anything you can't do? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All paid supporters in August will be enter
Old Country Inns of England, by Maskell and Gregory, Part 2
Let's relax with more about the evolution of that useful place to sleep, the inn. This time, we travel from pilgrimage hostels to lodging for wool guilds and secret meeting places for the first trade unions. Also, some history behind many common inn names. Inn-teresting indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! All paid supporters in the month of August will be entered into
The Book of the Hamburgs, by L. Frank Baum, Part 1
Let's roost into relaxation with this rather charming guide to the Hamburg chicken from an author better known for wizards and wicked witches. This time, speculations on the origins of the Hamburg breed and characteristics of the beautiful Black Hamburg. So fancy! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! All paid supporters in the month of August will be entered into a giveaway for
The Story of a Boulder, by Archibald Geikie, Part 1
Let's chip away at sleeplessness with some 19th century naturalist writing, more specifically the "gleanings from the notebook of a field geologist." This time, we spot an odd boulder in a Scottish ravine, trace its origins back to the Ice Age, and ponder the monumental workings of glaciers. Perfection. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbo
The North Pole - Its Discovery in 1909, by Robert Peary (Part 3)
Let's conclude our month of relaxing travels to sleep with a journey to the farthest reaches of the Arctic and the search for the North Pole. This time, we meet the region's people, learn about various home constructions, and appreciate the grandeur of a land of seasonal extremes. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: h
Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 3
Let's continue our month of relaxing travels to sleep as we return to 19th century Italy with Charles Dickens and wind through the maze-like, mysterious, miasmatic, marvelous streets of Genoa. You can practically smell the place, which…was probably better avoided. Yikes. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod B
Faery Lands of the South Seas, by James Hall and Charles Nordhoff, Part 4
Let's continue our month of relaxing travels to sleep with further tales of adventure from the South Seas. This time, we head to the atoll of Ahu Ahu, learn about gossiping ghosts, and drink rather a lot of rum punch. As one occasionally does. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW
The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 3
Let's kick off a month of relaxing travels to sleep with more from this handy guide to riding a train. This time, how to purchase your ticket, class differences, the best place to sit, and why rudely stolen seats are never worth the embarrassment of a kerfuffle. Facts! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.b
Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, Part 3
Let's launch ourselves to sleep with more from this rather detailed look at fireworks. This time, we complete our historical retrospective of firework displays in Europe through the early 1900s, marvel at the fiery spectacles held at the Crystal Palace, and pity a guy that gets stuck on a wire. Whoops! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://ww
Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 10 (Conclusion)
Let's journey through the stars to sleep with our final reading from this marvelous book. This time, binary star systems, how to measure the vastness of our universe, and a quick summary of key astronomical facts, including the reminder that the parsec is a distance, not a unit of time. Take note, fans of a certain film. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener suppo
Bicycling for Ladies, by Maria E. Ward, Part 4
Let's pedal a path to sleep with more advice about the newfangled sport of bicycling. This time, the difference between racing and touring postures, getting the most from your fulcrums, and how to mount your bike without falling over, which seems helpful to know whether you're a lady or not. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patre
The Book of Household Management, by Mrs. Isabella Beeton, Part 11 - Fish
Let's relax and sleep to more advice from the redoubtable Mrs. B. This time, fish soup recipes, followed by a surprisingly detailed discourse on the natural history of fishes, their use as food, and general advice for preparing them. Also, a bit of poetry about oysters, because of course there is. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patre
A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 9
Let's continue our relaxing journey through history with the twin empires of Rome and China, social structures in ancient Rome, and the evolution of religions in the wake of conquest. Wells weaves a wonderful tale for your tired mind. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.co
All About Dogs, by Charles Henry Lane, Part 1
Let's sleepily celebrate one of mankind's closest companions with this charming guide for "doggy people." In this first reading, dog care basics, a detailed look at some hounds, and how chasing beagles keeps cricketers in shape in the off-season. Helpful! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee:
Symmes' Theory of Concentric Spheres, Showing That the Earth is Hollow, Part 4
Let's theorize our way to sleep with more about a hollow Earth that contains unseen multitudes. This time, the mystery of whales migrating under Greenland, groaning lakes, and rebuttals to five arguments against the theory, including the opinion that not being hollow is an ungodly waste of space. Science! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.p
William Shakespeare, by Victor Hugo, Part 1
This week, while your reader checks off a long-held Life List item at the Globe, let's relax as one literary genius waxes rather lyrical about another, as well as the nature of artistic genius itself. "We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep," says the Bard. We quite agree. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Pat
Mexican Archaeology, by Thomas A. Joyce, Part 1
Let's voyage to sleep with this history of the peoples of Mexico, travel with migrating tribes, consider the ways geography groups languages, and ponder some origin stories of the Aztecs. Also, your reader probably mispronounces everything, so apologies in advance. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a
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