Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

1Vicar of Wakefield

By Oliver Goldsmith

Published in 1766, 'The Vicar of Wakefield' was Oliver Goldsmith's only novel. It was thought to have been sold to the publisher for £60 on Oliver Goldsmith's behalf by Dr Johnson to enable Goldsmith to pay off outstanding rent and to release himself from his landlady's arrest.<br /><br /> It is the story of the family of Dr Primrose, a benevolent vicar, and follows them through their fall from fortune and their ultimate rise again. The story provides insight into family life and circumstances in the mid 18th century and the plot has many aspects of a pantomime like quality: Impersonation, deception, an aristocratic villain and the abduction of a beautiful heroine.<br /><br /> Goldsmith himself dissipated his savings on gambling whilst a student at Trinity College Dublin and subsequently travelled in Europe sustaining himself by playing the flute and disputing doctrinal matters in monasteries and universities. Later he worked as an apothecary's assistant, a doctor and a school usher (experiences shared in this story by Dr Primrose's son).<br /> (Summary by Martin Clifton)

Beau Nash (1674–1762), born Richard Nash, was a celebrated dandy and leader of fashion in 18th-century Britain. He is best remembered as the Master of Ceremonies at the spa town of Bath. (Wikipedia)<br><br> This, the best of Goldsmith's Biographies, was published the year after Nash's death. It was at once popular, and went through two editions in the same year in which it was published. To the second edition (it never reached a third), Goldsmith made many important additions. Yet strange to say none of these have been attended to by the editors of his Works. The text of this reprint is that of the second edition, compared with the first. The text of previous editions has been that of a mutilated first impression. (Peter Cunningham, Editor)

3Vicar of Wakefield (version 2)

By Oliver Goldsmith

First published in 1766, the loveable and innocent Dr Primrose and his family have given pleasure to all that have read it. The story opens with the vicar losing his fortune and moving to another parish. What follows is a tale of love, deceit, betrayal, humour and a hidden hero…..It was one of Charles Dickens' favourite books and a source of inspiration to him. No further recommendation is needed. Enjoy. (Summary by Tadhg)

4She Stoops to Conquer

By Oliver Goldsmith

In <i>She Stoops to Conquer, or The Mistakes of a Night</i>, a young lady pretends to be a servant in order to win the notice of a young man who is painfully shy around women of his own class. Hilarious misadventures and mayhem ensue before matters are neatly wrapped up at the end. This play, one of the great English comedies, was first performed in 1773 and continues to be very popular with audiences today. (Summary by LA Walden)<br /><br /><strong>Cast:</strong><br />Mr. Hardcastle - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3912">Bob Neufeld</a><br>Sir Charles Marlow - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br>Young Marlow - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7848">bala</a><br>Hastings - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4535">Brett W. Downey</a><br>Tony Lumpkin - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>Mrs. Hardcastle - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br>Miss Hardcastle -<a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Miss Neville - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7315">Charlotte Duckett</a><br>First Fellow and First Servant - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8108">Drakaunus</a><br>Second Fellow, Second Servant, and Jeremy - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7608">rookieblue</a><br>Third Fellow, Third Servant, and Roger - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8067">Joseph Abell</a><br>Fourth Fellow and Diggory - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Landlord and Mr. Woodward - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8208">zaanta</a><br>Maid - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a><br>Servant - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Stage directions - <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1066">Laurie Anne Walden</a><br /><br />Audio edited by Laurie Anne Walden

By the playwright of the more popular She Stoops to Conquer, The Good-Natured Man is the comedic story of misguided philanthropy, mistaken identity, and secret romance. Will Honeywell, The Good-Natured Man, see through the lies and trickery surrounding his generosity? Will Leontine and Olivia's true relationship be found out? And just what is that Lofty guy up to...? (Summary by Amanda Friday) <br><br><strong>Cast:</strong><br> Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8581">Katy Fossil</a><br>Sir William Honeywood: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>Jarvis: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br>Mr. Honeywood: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8396">Gloriousjob</a><br>Butler, Bailiff: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8169">tovarisch</a><br>Croaker: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7848">bala</a><br>Mrs. Croaker: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7026">Michele Eaton</a><br>Miss Richland: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7315">Charlotte Duckett</a><br>Leontine: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8459">sdaeley17</a><br>Olivia: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a><br>Garnet: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6548">Kristen Gjerløw</a><br>French Servant, Follower, Postboy: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7170">alanmapstone</a><br>Lofty: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/26">Denny Sayers</a><br>Servant: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8435">Richard Friday</a><br>Landlady: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br> <br/> Editor: ToddHW

Alexander Roth is a jazz fiddle player who can't quite seem to catch a break after losing his job and having his best girl Sue leave him to pursue her dream of becoming a famous actress in Hollywood. After failing to find any work in New York City, he decides to sell everything he's got and head out on the road to California in pursuit of Sue. Hundreds of miles later, Roth finds himself penniless and hungry on the side of the road, trying to thumb a ride in desperation. He thinks all his problems are solved when a generous and boisterous bookie named Haskell stops to pick him up and take him all the way to L.A., even buying him a steak dinner along the way. Little does Alexander Roth know that this is the beginning of the worst trouble he's ever stumbled into. This forgotten classic of noir fiction would go on to be adapted by the author himself into the celebrated poverty row film noir of the same name in 1945. - Summary by Ben Tucker