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"This touching short novel tells the story of Mary Earl, a woman who has to fend for herself in London at the end of the 19th century. She becomes a writer. But she cannot write whatever she wants. There is a format in which her novels should be written- a format she does not like or understand. To make matters worse, she falls in love with a married man. This novel is considered one of the best, and most touching, new woman novels, as it highlights many of the difficulties a single woman faced at the end of the 19th century. The writing is vivid. You can just sit back and let it get into your heart." - Summary by Stav Nisser

2British Sea Birds

By Charles Dixon

Charles Dixon describes briefly each of the British sea-going birds, their appearance, habits and distribution, in an easy to understand manner, generally separated into their family groups. - Summary by clarinetcarrot

Many novels, most notably Hannah Webster's The Coquette, focused on how terrible it is for a woman to flirt before her marriage. "I did not speak 20 sentences before sir Robert proposed to me", explained Lady Bidulph while teaching her daughter how to court properly in "Memoirs of Miss Sidney Bidulph". A coquette must be a fool, wicked, and immoral. But Peggy is none of these. She sees things as they are, sometimes too much for her own good, and flirts with men she finds interesting. She decides to tell about them, from her point of view. The feelings, the reasons they did not keep in touch, and her "notions" about them. This is her way to examine late Victorian society including the lives of other oppressed minorities. This novel is considered semi autobiographical. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

“The Story of a Modern Woman” (1894) is a work of feminist social realism. In its time it was one of the most famous and influential novels to grow out of and shape the “New Woman” movement of the 1890s. It won such attention for its author that Ella Hepworth Dixon was given the nickname “The New Woman.” The story of the novel’s protagonist, Mary Erle, loosely follows the outline of Dixon’s own situation. As the well-educated daughter of a public intellectual, she enters the world of professional writing after his death, partly trading on his name. Victorian society had been distinctly patriarchal, and women were expected to find their places under the protection of men, traditionally defining themselves as wives and mothers. However, by the 1890s, an alarming “surplus” of unmarried women in Britain meant that many had statistically little chance of becoming anyone’s wife or mother, and must create for themselves other paths to meaningful existence. This new reality demanded a more complex understanding of life, with storylines more nuanced than the old “find-a-husband” fiction of earlier decades. “The Story of a Modern Woman” was published first in serial form, then released in the UK and the USA in two editions with some differences in the selection and arrangement of material. This LibriVox recording is based on the American edition. - Summary by Bruce Pirie

The second of The Hardy Boys' series, The House on the Cliff involves Frank and Joe, along with their father, the famous detective, in the investigation of a supposed haunted house along with run-ins with smugglers, kidnapping, danger, and a mysterious character. A prime example of the Stratemeyer Syndicate's style, early Hardy Boy books influenced many other YA adventure series including Nancy Drew. <br><br> Published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1927. Written by Leslie McFarland using the pseudonym, Franklin W. Dixon, for the Stratemeyer Syndicate. (Summary by James R. Hedrick)

6Tower Treasure

By Franklin W. Dixon

A dying criminal confesses that his loot had been secreted in an old tower. It remains for the Hardy Boys to make an astonishing discovery that will clear up the mystery. (Adapted from an old advertisement) <br><br> "The Tower Treasure" is the first volume in the original Hardy Boys Mystery Stories.

When teenage detectives Frank and Joe Hardy resolve to discover the secret of a seemingly haunted house atop a cliff, they find quite a bit more than they bargained for! In this second adventure of the series, the Hardy Boys and their friends rescue a mystery man from the ocean, discover what it is that haunts the house, and become far more helpful in their father's latest case than they ever hoped! - Summary by redrun <b>Cast List:</b> Frank Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16758">Ben Tucker</a> Joe Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12948">MajorToast</a> Jerry Gilroy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4570">Bill Mosley</a> Chet Morton: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16368">Mozartjr</a> Chet Morton (Chapter 11): <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9835">Elijah Fisher</a> Biff Hooper: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18280">Christian Wordell</a> Mrs. Mabel Kane: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18293">Norah Nelson</a> Mr. Bill Kane: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10253">Donald Gilmore</a> Mr. “Jones”, the stranger: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a> Detective Fenton Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8011">Greg Giordano</a> Mrs. Laura Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17402">Emily Grace</a> Callie Shaw: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13661">Lynette Caulkins</a> Iola Morton: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17559">The Countess</a> Perry “Slim" Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13257">Elsie Selwyn</a> Mr. Sam Bates, a truck driver: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18169">Taylen Grush</a> Phil Cohen: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18387">Voicegadget</a> Tony Prito: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17402">Emily Grace</a> Klein: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2156">Roger Melin</a> Redhead: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18287">Eric David Harrington</a> Woman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17546">Victoria Alice Bell</a> Chief Collig: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a> Detective Oscar Smuff: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18287">Eric David Harrington</a> Snackley: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a> Hesitant Smuggler: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a> Malloy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18277">K. James</a> Nervous Smuggler: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9835">Elijah Fisher</a> Selfish Smuggler: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a> Officer Darst: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13278">KevinS</a> State Trooper: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2156">Roger Melin</a> Federal Officer: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a> Captain Li Chang: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12948">MajorToast</a> Narration: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17752">redrun</a>

The Secret of the Old Mill is the third volume of the original The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories. This book was written for the Stratemeyer Syndicate by Leslie McFarlane under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon in 1927. <br><br> After becoming victims of a counterfeiting ring, the boys become suspicious of the activities surrounding a previously disused mill on a deserted road by the river. When they give a boat ride to a stranger with a somewhat suspect story, and the stranger steals the boat and tries to make his way up the same river, they become more interested in the matter and set about to discover what secrets might be hidden at the old mill. Using their inherited sleuthing skills, Frank and Joe succeed in solving the case and bring the perpetrators to justice with the assistance of their famous detective father, the state police, and the Secret Service. <br><br> There are plenty of interesting characters to meet along the way along with the usual youthful hijinks. (Summary by James R. Hedrick)

A dying criminal confesses that his loot had been secreted in an old tower. It remains for the Hardy Boys to make an astonishing discovery that will clear up the mystery. (Adapted from an old advertisement) "The Tower Treasure" is the first volume in the original Hardy Boys Mystery Stories.

The house had been vacant and was supposed to be haunted. Mr. Hardy started to investigate - and disappeared! (From an old ad)<br><br> This the second book in the original "Hardy Boys" mystery series.

11House on the Cliff (Version 3)

By Franklin W. Dixon

In this early Hardy Boys book (the second to be published), the boys journey to a haunted house where a murder took place, and upon entering, hear a spine tingling shriek. At first they tuck their tails and go back outside, but then being the adventurous sleuths they are, they go back into the house to investigate. Why does everyone believe the house is haunted, and where did the scream come from? - Summary by Harley James

Frank and Joe solve the case of a counterfeiting ring, after Mrs. Hardy took some from a stranger. A tale full of thrills! This is third book in the "Hardy Boys" series. (Adapted from old ad by Maria Therese)

13Tower Treasure (Version 3 - Dramatic Reading)

By Franklin W. Dixon

When the wealthy Applegate family have their valuables stolen, the Hardy boys are drawn into the case to save their friend's livelihood and his family reputation!<br> In this first adventure of the series, brothers Frank and Joe search for a missing car, a mysterious driver, and a hidden treasure! But do they have the necessary powers of observation and deduction to solve the case and prove Mr. Robinson's innocence - especially when the competition is their famous detective father? (Summary by redrun)<br><br> <b>Cast List</b><br> Joe Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12948">MajorToast</a><br> Frank Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16758">Ben Tucker</a><br> Chet Morton: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11395">Rich Brown</a><br> Farmer 1: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17863">Helen Cole</a><br> Farmer Lem Billers: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a><br> Farmer 2: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11331">Scotty Smith</a><br> Farmer 3: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a><br> Callie Shaw: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13661">Lynette Caulkins</a><br> Mr. Ike Harrity: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12980">Wayne Cooke</a><br> Chief Collig: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a><br> Detective Oscar Smuff: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18287">Eric David Harrington</a><br> Mr. Henry J. Brown: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11331">Scotty Smith</a><br> Chauffeur: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18387">Voicegadget</a><br> Constable Con Riley: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4570">Bill Mosley</a><br> Detective Fenton Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8011">Greg Giordano</a><br> Perry "Slim" Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13257">Elsie Selwyn</a><br> Tony Prito: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17402">Emily Grace</a><br> Allen "Biff" Hooper: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18280">Christian Wordell</a><br> Phil Cohen: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18387">Voicegadget</a><br> Jerry Gilroy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4570">Bill Mosley</a><br> Mr. Hurd Applegate: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br> Mr. Henry Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4570">Bill Mosley</a><br> Mrs. Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18398">magpie42</a><br> Tessie Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16142">Christina Fu</a><br> Paula Robinson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17863">Helen Cole</a><br> Manufacturing Manager: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18387">Voicegadget</a><br> Mr. Kauffman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4570">Bill Mosley</a><br> Mr. Harold Morley: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a><br> Mr. Rocco: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12980">Wayne Cooke</a><br> Mrs. Hardy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17402">Emily Grace</a><br> Ms. Adelia Applegate: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18398">magpie42</a><br> Iola Morton: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17559">The Countess</a><br> Narrator: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17752">redrun</a><br>

14Tower Treasure (Version 2)

By Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy boys were sons of a celebrated American dectective and from their father learned the particulars of a number of unusual crimes. They were fired with zeal to bring the criminals to justice, and during their hours from school, and during their vacation days, they followed up clues they unearthed themselves — aiding their parent very materilly. Stories which are absorbing in the extreme. <br><br> A dying criminal confessed that his loot had been secreted "in the tower." Both towers of the mansion were searched, but in vain. It remained for the Hardy boys to make an astonishing discovery that cleared up the mystery. - Summary by From the book jacket

15Secret of the Old Mill (Version 3 Dramatic Reading)

By Franklin W. Dixon

Teenage sleuths Frank and Joe Hardy have begun to make a name for themselves in their home city of Bayport, but their mother would very much like them to stay out of the detective business! In this third book of the series, the Hardy boys investigate a sudden wave of counterfeit cash and clever cons, their chums get up to some petty pranks, and the boys make a new friend from out of town. But what is the matter with their new friend, and why is he living out at the Old Mill? - Summary by redrun <b>Cast List:</b> Frank Hardy: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/16758'>Ben Tucker</a> Joe Hardy: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/18782'>Priamedes</a> Stranger: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/9698'>Doug Fajardo</a> Mr. Moss: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/770'>Justin S Barrett</a> Cashier: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/17863'>Helen Cole</a> Detective Fenton Hardy: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/8011'>Greg Giordano</a> Chet Morton: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/19253'>Shelly Weingart</a> Phil Cohen: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/19186'>DullBoi</a> Allen “Biff” Hooper: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/9698'>Doug Fajardo</a> Tony Prito: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/19030'>LuMiness</a> Jerry Gilroy: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/13140'>Jenn Broda</a> Callie Shaw: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/13661'>Lynette Caulkins</a> Mrs. Laura Hardy: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/17402'>Emily Grace</a> Mr. MacBane: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/16205'>James R. Hedrick</a> Carl Stummer: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/16205'>James R. Hedrick</a> Uncle Dock: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/8425'>Larry Wilson</a> Kurt: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/6754'>ToddHW</a> Lester: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/9835'>Elijah Fisher</a> Markel: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/19048'>iamshawn</a> Paul Blum: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/770'>Justin S Barrett</a> Constable Con Riley: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/13257'>Elsie Selwyn</a> Chief Collig: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/16205'>James R. Hedrick</a> Conductor: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/18543'>Agnes Robert Behr</a> Detective Oscar Smuff: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/9698'>Doug Fajardo</a> Cat: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/14499'>mleigh</a> State Trooper: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/9698'>Doug Fajardo</a> Secret Service Agent: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/19186'>DullBoi</a> Narration: <a href='https://librivox.org/reader/17752'>redrun</a>

16Westward Hoboes: Ups and Downs of Frontier Motoring

By Winifred Hawkridge Dixon

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. Dixon drove cross-country with two photographers on a great journey of discovery from Boston to the west coast and back. Rather than a dry travelog, her sense of fun and adventure are obvious in every page. - Summary by LynneT

Frank and Joe Hardy, sons of a famous detective, get on the track of a dangerous gang of car thieves when their school friend and his father are accused of a car theft. Exciting adventures and a clever trap laid by the boys lead them to the stronghold of the thieves. Further thrilling adventures await them as they fearlessly unravel this baffling mystery. - Summary from the book jacket

The Hardy boys were sons of a celebrated American detective and from their father learned the particulars of a number of unusual crimes. They were fired with zeal to bring the criminals to justice, and during their hours from school, and during their vacation days, they followed up clues they unearthed themselves — aiding their parent very materially. Stories which are absorbing in the extreme. <br><br> The rescue of an old man from a wrecked cottage and an exciting journey to a Montana gold mine, lead Frank and Joe Hardy, sons of a famous detective, into thrilling adventures with a gang of dangerous outlaws. The outwitting of Black Pepper's gang needs all their skill and nerve when they are trapped and caught in their quest for the Hidden Gold. - Summary from the book jacket

The Hardy boys were sons of a celebrated American dectective and from their father learned the particulars of a number of unusual crimes. They were fired with zeal to bring the criminals to justice, and during their hours from school, and during their vacation days, they followed up clues they unearthed themselves — aiding their parent very materially. Stories which are absorbing in the extreme. <br><br> Chet and Biff, two of the Hardy Boys' chums, are missing. It turns out that they have been kidnapped after being mistaken for Frank and Joe. The remaining group of school chums set to work to discover their whereabouts; the brothers finally finding them on an abandoned island mainly inhabited by black snakes. One adventure after another beset our intrepid pair as they work at rescuing their friends from a members of a gang. - Summary from the book jacket

20Tower Treasure (version 5)

By Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy boys begin their first case as sons of a famous detectives tracking down a jewel thief. - Summary by ClueChaser

Ted Scott is a young man who seems born to be an aviator. He comes from an humble background, fostered by an elderly couple who know little about flying and who are fearful for their boy. Ted Scott overcomes any obstacle in his way, learns to fly, and gains fame for his skillful aerial stunts. His next goal is to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and be the first to fly non-stop from New York to Paris. (Summary by KevinS)

22Hardy Boys: The Shore Road Mystery (version 2)

By Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys track down a ring of car thieves - summary by Anthony St. Pierre

The Hardy boys were sons of a celebrated American detective and from their father learned the particulars of a number of unusual crimes. They were fired with zeal to bring the criminals to justice, and during their hours from school, and during their vacation days, they followed up clues they unearthed themselves — aiding their parent very materially. Stories which are absorbing in the extreme. - Summary from the book jacket This is number seven of the "Original Ten" Hardy Boys books which have been regarded by some as the best of the series and the publisher, the Stratemeyer Syndicate. In this exciting installment, after rescuing a woman from drowning the boys find themselves helping their father in the hunt for her missing brother. Along with their chums, they encounter a number of colorful characters as well as natural impediments in their quest. - Summary by James R. Hedrick

The Hardy boys were sons of a celebrated American detective and from their father learned the particulars of a number of unusual crimes. They were fired with zeal to bring the criminals to justice, and during their hours from school, and during their vacation days, they followed up clues they unearthed themselves — aiding their parent very materially. Stories which are absorbing in the extreme. - Summary from the book jacket This is number eight of the "Original Ten" Hardy Boys books which have been regarded by some as the best of the series and the publisher, the Stratemeyer Syndicate. In this exciting installment, the boys and their chums encounter a trespasser and his henchmen on an island owned by a local antique dealer whose car they helped recover in <i>The Shore Road Mystery.</i> Again, they are able to assist the man in the search for a missing stamp collection. - Summary by James R. Hedrick