Classic Poetry

The Iliad - attributed to Homer - is the most famous ancient Greek epic poem. It recounts the struggle between King Agamemnon and the hero Achilles during the final months of the Trojan War, with frequent detours into earlier legends and myths. In its portrayal of battle scenes and the constant interventions of the gods, The Iliad explores themes of wrath, glory, and fate, and has provided the subject matter for many later Greek, Roman, and Renaissance writings.

Award-winning narrator and internationally acclaimed writer/comedienne Alison Larkin brings depth and wit to this rich, hugely entertaining audio production of Jane Austen's last two great novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The novels are followed by The History of England, a short satirical piece in which the teenage Austen writes about the kings and queens of England with less respect (and more wit) than any British newspaper, and Poems, a selection of lesser known, mostly comic verses that Austen wrote to entertain family and friends.

Warrior-prince Rama is about to be crowned Young King, when he hears the devastating news that his father, king of Ayodhya, has been tricked into banishing him to the forest. His devoted wife, Sita, insists on accompanying him in exile, but the evil 10-headed Lord Ravana has fallen deeply in love with the beautiful princess and steals her away. Aided by Hanuman, mighty captain of the monkeys, Rama sets out across the world to find her and destroy Ravana in a deadly battle.

Una tarde de otoño cualquiera el poeta se funde completamente con el medio natural y escucha la conversación de dos hojas secas cualesquiera que se encuentran al borde del camino en la que una le cuenta a la otra como ha llegado hasta allí arrastrada por el torbellino de aire, mientras que la otra ha llegado a lomos de las aguas del río y sólo un último vendaval ha sido capaz de levantarla y de traerla donde se encuentra.

Experience one of Poe’s classics with crisp, clear audio. Orange Island Book Shop is proud to present Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tales like you’ve never heard them before.

"Tamerlane" is a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe when he was only 17 years old. Based on a fictionalized account of the 14th century conqueror known as Tamerlane, it was first published in the 1827 collection Tamerlane and Other Poems. The choice of an eastern figure by a western writer was unusual for that era. In the poem, the protagonist sacrifices his love for a young woman in order to pursue a life of conquest, but on his deathbed he regrets the decision.

『雨ニモマケズ』　宮澤 賢治（みやざわ けんじ、岩手県生まれ、1896年 - 1933年）。童話作家、詩人。『雨ニモマケズ』は宮澤賢治没後に発見された手帳にメモ書きされていた遺作であり、賢治の代表的な詩と位置づけされている。

A classic poem from acclaimed author Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Grief sometimes comes at Christmas. We may believe there is no hope for happiness again on the day of Christmas bells and gifts, but in the midst of this grief there is the birth of hope. When something is lost - something new may be found. Not easy, but universally true.

Two women. Two stories. Two Wishes. Two outcomes. Life journeys often begin at the Wishing Bridge. A classic poem by a classic author. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Helen Keller is known for being without sight and without hearing. Yet this endearing poem by this wonderful woman gives no hint as to her disabilities. Perhaps she saw more than those gifted with sight - heard more than those with the most acute hearing. A poem that is as much history and creative expression - as much patriotic as religious. The listener is left to define the meaning of the old stone wall.

Poe: The Delirious Eye is a spoken-word album inspired by the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. Mesmerizing soundscapes accompany the poetic dialog throughout the 13 tracks. A rich mix of swirling melodies, electronic embellishments, and dreamy sequences encompass avant-garde, experimental, and instrumental radiance. These storytelling poetics should be fascinating for anyone interested in verses set to music. The spoken-word delivery by Louis Biggie is pensive and exquisitely emotive, encompassing enraptured, brooding, and cinematic tones that rise to apogees of aural delight.

This quintessentially English poem is in the form of a father’s advice to his son on transitioning into manhood. Phillip J. Mather’s masterful delivery poignantly captures Kipling’s inspirational and timeless philosophy.

This World War I poem by Henry Newbolt exhorts the British people to face the onset of war with the belief that God will defend their efforts in a righteous cause, exhorting the nation to “Pray that God defend the Right”. The Vigil was published in 1914, in “Poems of the Great War”, the net profits of which were donated to the Prince of Wales’ Fund.

The "Songs of Innocence" were published in 1789 and republished in 1794 together with the "Songs of Experience". They represent Blake's two perspectives on the world, that of the child (innocence) and that of the adult (experience). Blake's poetical works were largely neglected in their own time but are today considered some of the most brilliant of English verse. The "songs" are presented here together with "Auguries of Innocence".

Friedrich Schiller beschreibt in seinem Gedicht die Natur und die Vorkommnisse auf einem Spaziergang am Sonntag.

Sir Yroncladde fought many brave knights. When he saw a new battle raging, he wanted to get into the fight. He faced warriors the likes of which he had never seen. Sir Yroncladde returned from the fray unwilling to face the "grid iron" again.

"Home Burial" is a poem about a man and woman whose baby has died. It tells of the burial, how the parents react to this death, and particularly their lack of communication.

In "Wake up England", published in 1914 at the start of the Great War, Poet Laureate Robert Bridges urges the British citizenry to support the war by appealing to their sense of patriotism and duty, mindful that God is on their side.

Wer Lyrik mag und das gerne in Verbindung mit Musik, dem sei das Duo "Lyrik & Laute" empfohlen. Seit gut 10 Jahren bringt das Duo Lyrik mit musikalischer Begleitung zu Gehör. Christine Kahlau, gebürtige Prenzlauerbergerin, schreibt seit über 30 Jahren Gedichte. Fast ebenso lange bringt sie diese in Kombination mit Live Musik auf Lesungen unter die Leute.

Juanita di Perli was a young woman when she decided to live the rest of her life on a table-top. She called it God's will, but for the order of nuns that sprang up around her, Juanita's devotion was a curse. For decades they did the bidding of the holy grouch, and the entire island of San Juan el Pirata sighed with relief when she died. Twenty years later, the islanders fight for Juanita's canonization - not because they liked her, but because a local saint would be a tourist boon. The only thing keeping the island poor is the Archduke, who refuses to ask Rome to consider Juanita for sainthood.