If you’re a history buff looking to expand your knowledge and immerse yourself in different time periods, Audible has got you covered. With an extensive collection of best-selling historical audiobooks, you’re sure to find a title that piques your interest. From the evolution of our species in Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari to a comprehensive take on the history of the world in A History of the World by Andrew Marr, Audible’s collection has something for everyone. The award-winning titles on offer are a testament to their quality and accuracy, so you can trust that your journey through time will be an informative and enjoyable one. Let these audiobooks transport you to another era and expand your knowledge of our collective human history.
The Great Anglo-Boer War
The Great Boer War (1899-1902), also known as the Great Anglo-Boer War, represented a unique and captivating conflict. It pitted the resilient Boer pioneers, determined to secure their nation’s independence, against the mighty British Empire at the height of its power and self-assuredness. This war unfolded in the desolate South African veldt, where it gave rise to extraordinary acts of heroism, astonishing blunders, and moments of both humor and tragedy.
Byron Farwell’s account delves into the war’s origins, the gradual buildup of British efforts to subdue the Afrikaners, the infighting among British commanders, a series of intense battles frequently resulting in Boer victories over the more numerous British forces, political developments in London and Pretoria, the sieges of Ladysmith, Mafeking, and Kimberley, the establishment of concentration camps for Boer families, and the grueling guerrilla warfare during the war’s final years when the Boer armies were ultimately defeated.
This audiobook serves as an authoritative historical record of this gripping conflict, narrated by a skilled storyteller and historian. Byron Farwell’s own experiences as an officer in World War II and the Korean War lend depth to his narrative. He was recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1964 and authored “Queen Victoria’s Little Wars.”
Dirty Linen
Martin Doyle, the Books Editor of The Irish Times, presents a deeply personal and poignant account of the Troubles. He explores this tumultuous period through the lens of a single rural parish, which he calls home. This area resides within both the Linen Triangle, the heart of Northern Ireland’s linen industry, and the Murder Triangle, where the Glenanne gang, involving security forces and loyalist paramilitaries, operated. Doyle courageously unveils the shroud of silence that has concealed the horrors of the past, shedding light on the devastating impact of the conflict – with over 20 violent deaths in a small area – and the enduring trauma it has left in its wake. He vividly captures the atmosphere of the times, from cautious high streets to constant threats and fear.
Doyle also shares the stories of neighbors and classmates who lost loved ones in the Troubles, survivors scarred by bomb attacks, and victims of sectarianism from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. He combines his local insights with a literary sensibility, illustrating how the local linen industry symbolizes both communal divisions and the unity that transcended sectarian lines.
For those questioning the need to revisit old wounds, the answer lies in the fact that some wounds have never truly healed. It is through sharing our stories that we can construct a foundation of shared experience from which positive change can grow.
Lawrence of Arabia
In 1909, Thomas Edward Lawrence first set foot on the scorching sands of Arabia. By 1918, there was a £20,000 bounty on his head. His legendary journey began as an archaeologist, liaison officer, and map officer, leading him to fight alongside guerrilla forces during the Arab Revolt. He endured a grueling 300-mile trek through sweltering heat to capture Aqaba and played a vital role in peace conferences shaping the Middle East’s future. Lawrence devoted his life to this land and its people, finding a sense of belonging in Arabia after an alienated childhood. As he gained notoriety and the respect of his Arab comrades, Turkish adversaries targeted his capture.
Thomas Edward Lawrence’s extraordinary life story has long fascinated, but Ranulph Fiennes, an extraordinary biographer himself, offers a unique perspective. Having led Arab troops in a later Arabian conflict, Fiennes gained personal insight into the lands and people Lawrence cherished. His extensive access to records and in-depth understanding of the exploration mindset deliver a comprehensive account of this enigmatic adventurer who mesmerized the world in “Lawrence of Arabia.”
The Night Stalker
Twenty-five years after Richard Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles, his name still evokes fear, torture, and sadistic murder. Philip Carlo’s US bestseller, “The Night Stalker,” based on meticulous research and extensive interviews with Ramirez, unveils a more chilling portrait of the killer and his heinous crimes than anyone could have imagined.
Ramirez’s journey from witnessing his cousin commit murder at age 11 to receiving 19 death sentences and even gaining the affection of a juror who fell in love with him is a bizarre and gripping descent into the depths of human evil. Astonishingly, after the initial publication of “The Night Stalker,” thousands of women worldwide contacted Carlo, seeking to connect with the killer. Carlo interviewed them, and this compelling new edition shares their disturbing stories and the dark desires that drew them to a brutal murderer.
Additionally, the book includes an exclusive death-row interview with Ramirez, in which he shares his thoughts on the ‘Ramirez Groupies’ and what he believes they truly seek.
Philip Carlo, the author of the international bestseller “The Ice Man,” as well as “The Night Stalker,” “Gaspipe,” and “The Killer Within,” lived in New York until his passing in November 2010.
The History of Ancient Egypt
The grandeur of Ancient Egyptian civilization is awe-inspiring. It endured for 3,000 years, longer than any other civilization in history. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, once the world’s tallest building, held that title until well into the 19th century and remains the sole surviving Ancient Wonder. Remarkably, it was the most technologically advanced among ancient civilizations, with renowned physicians.
Yet, even with hieroglyphs deciphered, and its treasures like scarabs, mummies, obelisks, and sphinxes admired, Egyptian civilization remains enigmatic and exceptional. This chronological overview encompasses the entire history of Egypt’s three great Kingdoms: the Old Kingdom, marked by pyramid construction and the establishment of a unified nation under pharaohs; the Middle Kingdom, during which Egypt strove to regain its prominence; and the New Kingdom, when famous figures like Hatshepsut, Tutankhamen, Ramses the Great, Cleopatra, and others emerged. Professor Brier’s 48 lectures bring this ancient world to life with vivid anecdotes and human insights.
As Professor Brier emphasizes, “The fun of history is in the details.” Knowing that Ramses the Great battled arthritis in his later years makes us empathize with the prolific monarch who fathered over 100 children. Understanding the hardships of miners sent to the Sinai mountains’ turquoise mines in scorching summers connects us to our long-gone counterparts.
Explore History with Award-Winning Audiobooks
With such a vast array of engaging and educational audiobooks on hand, there’s no better time to gain an understanding of our past. Whether you’ve always had a strong interest in history or are only now discovering it, Audible’s expansive library is the perfect place to start your journey through time. So why not let these award-winning titles enrich your knowledge and bring the past to life? Don’t hesitate—dive in right away and explore what it means to be human. It’s sure to be a captivating and memorable experience that you won’t soon forget!