PODCAST · fiction
The Charles Reade Library
by Charles Reade
Welcome, Reader. Here you shall find no abridgement, no timid excerpt, no mutilated chapter smoothed for idle ears. Here the tale stands whole. The Charles Reade Library restores to the living voice the full vigour of those romances in which wrong is confronted, justice pursued, and the human heart tried as by fire. Prisons shall clang, cloisters shall echo, hearth-fires shall glow, and the oppressed shall speak. For what is a novel, if not a protest against falsehood, a plea for mercy, a trumpet against cruelty? And what is reading, if not the communion of earnest minds across the gulf of years? Come then. Sit close. The page is opened. The truth, though resisted, shall be heard.
Episodes
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 82
In which tender affections intertwine with hope and despair, as Margaret entrusts faithful Luke with a letter to a distant lover whose fate is uncertain upon a great river, while in another quarter, a friar undertakes a perilous mission to reclaim a strayed nun from sin and restore her to grace....
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 81
In which Catherine contrives a scheme to set two idle men up in business in Rotterdam, chiefly to keep near little Gerard, while Luke Peterson kindly crafts a cart to carry Kate and the child, enduring taunts with steadfast devotion. Amid these domestic efforts, Margaret, wearied by Luke’s...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 80
In which Brother Clement and Brother Jerome, bearers of diverse gifts in oratory and piety, travel down the Rhine to England, their sermons awakening the townsfolk with varying tones of reproach and tenderness, particularly as Clement boldly confronts the vice of drunkenness with vivid eloquence....
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 79
In which tender grief over the loss of a beloved patriarch unveils the delicate interweaving of duty, affection, and the burdens of solitude among the surviving souls. Meanwhile, gentle courtship struggles against suspicion and pride in a quiet household touched by absence and the yearning for...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 78
In which a grievous falsehood weaves its dark and unbounded consequences, entangling those who spun it in remorse and suspicion, whilst a steadfast woman confronts the suffering wrought upon her family with poignant fortitude. Amidst whispers of lost hope and spectral visions, the fading light of...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 77
In which Mistress Catherine hastens to Rotterdam upon grave news, employs her steadfast wisdom to nurse ailing little Gerard, and navigates the delicate tensions of maternal care and local gossip with resolute compassion. The episode also reveals the murky whispers surrounding Gerard’s strange...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 76
In which the devoted Margaret tends to her household and the infant Gerard with steadfast care amid financial strain and quiet hopes, while grappling with the silence that shrouds her absent husband's fate; a kindly neighbour’s aid and an unexpected visitor bring a glimmer of news that stirs both...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 75
In which Brother Clement encounters a deeply penitent princess whose contrition and resolve provoke his gentle counsel towards humility, charity, and pious matrimony, leading to a tender and spiritually charged parting that blends earthly remorse with heavenly hope. Thereafter, Clement devotes...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 74
In which the pious friar Clement undertakes a reflective journey marked less by peril than by moments of spiritual growth, charity, and unexpected encounters—with a scholarly Englishman and the pioneering printers Sweynheim and Pannartz among them—revealing the quietly transformative power of…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 73
In which the lively and resolute Catherine asserts her influence in Margaret’s household, driving away unwelcome soldiers and tending lovingly to the infant Gerard, while a tender domestic peace settles amidst the quiet stirrings of maternity. The narrative gently contrasts the humble joys of…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 72
In which Clement, a young Dominican fraught with worldly sensibilities yet zealous for his order, undergoes severe trials of faith and fortitude, including confronting the harsh realities of public execution and doctrinal disputes with a learned heretic. His spirited debates and reluctant…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 71
In which the great Philip, Duke of Burgundy, succumbs to a grievous illness amidst curious and misguided medical endeavours, while the world remains largely indifferent to his passing. Meanwhile, in a modest tailor’s house at Rotterdam, a far more significant birth quietly unfolds, destined to...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 70
In which an assassin’s unexpected salvation leads him to a humble but honest life, while a repentant princess, chastened by a stern confessor, undertakes a severe penance to atone for her sins. Meanwhile, a young man once burdened with despair finds solace and purpose within the convent’s walls,...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 69
In which a grievously ill stranger, rescued from the river by an unlikely saviour, finds refuge and penance within the peaceful cloisters of a convent, where his soul is gently tended by a compassionate priest. Meanwhile, those left behind, consumed by wrath and despair, set dark plots in motion…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 68
In which the fierce and tender trials of womanhood are delicately traced through Margaret Brandt’s ordeal, as she faces the pangs of childbirth alone amidst foreboding presences, sustained by the resolute care of Catherine and her own steadfast spirit. And in the twilight hush of sorrow and joy...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 67
In which a young man, weighed down by despair and desperate to end his burdened existence, confronts an assassin with a strange beseeching plea upon the riverbank under cover of night. Their ensuing encounter, marked by hesitation and an unexpected turn, unfolds with poignant intensity beside the...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 66
In which the sombre and anxious vigil of Pietro Vanucci and Andrea for their friend Gerard is pierced by a cryptic note that hints at dark despair and possible self-destruction, prompting a desperate search along the moonlit banks of the Tiber. The murmurs of suspicion and futile pursuit among...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 65
In which a storm drives Gerard into a lowly inn of Rome, where he overhears a sordid negotiation between a pardoner and a furtive man arranging the pre-sale of a sin’s absolution, revealing a catalogue of crimes with assigned prices most unsettling to a moral ear. The scene stirs a bitter...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 64
In which a lady of rank, consumed by jealousy and wounded pride, engages the services of a deadly bravo to avenge her honour upon a treacherous youth whose visage belies his character. The scene unfolds with a tense exchange where the interplay of passion, power, and impending vengeance reveals…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 63
In which the narrative unfolds the tragic decline of a once-virtuous young man, whose overwhelming grief drives him into a life of debauchery and reckless dissipation amidst the libertines of Rome. Amidst the gaiety and jests of a peculiar company, a singular and radiant companion appears, while...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 62
In which a grievous illness casts a young man's spirit into profound sleep, watched over by devoted hands and solemn prayers, until he awakens to a shattering loss that rends his heart. Torn between despair and bitter rage, he seeks refuge from pain in dark resolution, casting aside former...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 61
In which the ambitious artist Gerard endeavours to capture the Roman beauty of Princess Claelia, only to be ensnared in a tangled web of passion, jealousy, and peril, as the advent of the printing press threatens his craft and the princess's capricious affections strike like thunderbolts....
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 60
In which Gerard explores the venerable city of Rome under the guidance of Fra Colonna, witnessing curious ceremonies and the quaint blend of ancient customs and modern devotions that animate its streets and churches during Holy Week. The episode further unfolds in the intimate familiarity of the...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 59
In which the industrious Gerard finds himself warmly embraced by the cultured circles of Rome, copying rare manuscripts for high dignitaries and reaping the rewards of his labours, while his friendships and steadfast heart remain anchored to distant Margaret. Meanwhile, the lively Fra Colonna, a...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 58
In which Gerard and Teresa persist in seeking employment for the young writer amid the bustling streets and varied characters of Rome, navigating social obstacles and cautious patrons with patient determination. Meanwhile, a quaint yet spirited dwarf departs from home to the Duke's court, where…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 57
In which two friends, united by the bond of art and friendship, navigate the challenges of selling their work in Rome, revealing the complexities of patronage and the veiled commerce behind artistic success. The gentle interplay of gratitude, ambition, and affection is marked by a charming…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 56
In which Gerard struggles to find work as a caligraph in Rome, encountering suspicion and rivalry, but finds solace and unexpected kinship in the company of Pietro, a proud but starving painter. Their shared artistic passions lead to a tender moment of understanding and encouragement, amid the...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 55
In which a frail vessel struggles bravely against a merciless sea, revealing the varied tempers and prayers of its doomed passengers as they confront death with a mixture of terror, faith, and stoic resignation. Amidst the storm’s dreadful embrace, a young man’s courage kindles hope and humanity,...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 54
In which Margaret, recovering and tenderly cared for by Catherine’s family, entrusts them with a precious letter from Gerard recounting his arduous journey through various European lands and the peculiar customs of their people. Amid heartfelt reflections and gentle domestic scenes, the household...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 53 Part 3
In which our narrator recounts his travels through richly described German cities, the curious customs and crafts he encounters, and the warmth and camaraderie of the people amidst their many peculiarities. The narrative darkens as he is ensnared in a perilous situation at a windmill, where he...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 53 Part 2
In which we accompany a crafty vagabond and his less cunning companion as they traverse towns and encounter the motley array of beggars, rogues, and pilgrims that populate the highways of medieval Europe, their trials shaded with grim humour and harsh realities. Their odyssey reveals a world…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 53 Part 1
In which the somewhat reluctant Margaret Brandt confronts her old acquaintances with a letter from Gerard, recounting his recent trials and the peculiar companionship of a crafty beggar who becomes her unlikely master and guide. The narrative uncovers a vivid tableau of hardship, deception, and...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 52
In which the lady, having resolved to obey her absent lover's strict command, offers to read his letter aloud to his estranged family despite her bitter feelings towards them, thereby stirring a complex mix of hope and mistrust among the household. The family, with pride and misgivings in equal...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 51
In which Margaret finds a true friend and receives grievous news concerning Gerard, while the complex tensions among old acquaintances and family members reveal themselves in a web of bitterness and reconciliation. Denys endeavours with good humour and persistence to mediate these strained...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 50
In which the industrious Margaret Brandt, faced with her father’s debilitating stroke and the loss of his medical practice, assumes the mantle of healer and struggles against legal censure and social scorn to provide for her household. Amidst hardship and malice, she brings solace to the sick…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 49
In which Margaret Brandt, burdened by a secret that threatens her honour and peace, wrestles with the harsh judgments of her neighbours and the solitude of her concealed condition, seeking solace and courage in her aged father's understanding. As she resolves to flee her familiar haunts for…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 48
In which a mother and daughter share anxious counsel over the uncertain fate of a young woman, contemplating the frailty of youthful resolve and the somber temptations posed by a canal’s dark embrace. Their discourse, coloured by wistful memories and maternal fears, touches upon the bonds of love...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 47
In which Denys confides to Catherine and her mother the sorrowful tale of Gerard's absence and their search for the missing Margaret, who fled Sevenbergen under a shadow of misunderstanding and coldness. Amidst gentle rebukes and playful banter, the characters reveal the tender struggles of love...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 46
In which Catherine wrestles with doubts and family tensions as she learns of Margaret Brandt’s unexpected rescue of her son Gerard, compelling her to seek the truth with a mix of suspicion and hope; and Denys of Burgundy, a steadfast comrade, arrives to share harrowing tales of their perilous...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 45
In which a domestic gathering is sharply disrupted by a mother's vehement reproach upon reading a letter, as she unleashes a torrent of bitter accusations and maternal grief against her sons. The scene is marked by her fierce indignation and sorrowful resolve, driving Cornelis and Sybrandt into...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 44
In which a young gentlewoman, overcome by frailty of body and spirit, is tenderly attended to by compassionate women whose words reveal tensions and past misunderstandings intertwined with family and honour. There is a gentle unfolding of maternal affection, mingled with whispered suspicions and...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 43
In which Margaret Brandt, troubled and reclusive, withdraws from familiar company and daylight, causing concern among her neighbours and friends, while an unexpected letter from Gerard brings poignant emotion and revelations to his family at the hosier’s house. The tender reading of his farewell…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 42
In which the gravity of a siege unfolds with vivid detail, illustrating the strife and artifice of medieval warfare as a determined force besieges a fortified town amidst the clangour of engines and the flight of arrows. Denys, caught in the turmoil, navigates loyalty and injury, finding…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 41
In which Denys, burdened with grief and resentment, finds himself isolated and brooding at an inn while a sharp-witted landlady plots a clandestine kindness that transcends harsh circumstance. Their uneasy alliance leads to a shadowy deed carried out under cover of night, stirring whispers of the...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 40
In which the enduring warmth of human nature is illuminated through the tender bond between two Margarets, and a letter destined for Italy sparks a clever scheme among jealous brothers and a scheming burgomaster. Meanwhile, the hardy figure of Hans Memling plays a pivotal role as mischief,...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 39
In which the quiet burgh of Sevenbergen is stirred by the consequences of Gerard's banishment, stirring passions and anxieties among the townsfolk and his family, while tender attentions ease the suffering of Margaret during her illness. Meanwhile, Martin boldly seeks royal intervention at the...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 38
In which two steadfast comrades journey through a harsh winter landscape, their bond and mutual devotion illuminated by moments of heartfelt frankness and tender gifts. Yet fate’s stern hand intervenes with cruel abruptness, leaving one bereft and alone amidst the cold desolation, a poignant…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 37 Part 2
In which the fortunes of a spirited young woman shift abruptly as she navigates harsh judgments and unexpected alliances, while two travellers encounter the peculiar customs and characters of a town beset by wolves and social curiosities. Amidst lively barroom encounters and thoughtful…
more -
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 37 Part 1
In which the dramatis personae find themselves entangled in accusations of sorcery and the rigours of local justice, revealing a world of suspicion, small-town strife, and the occasional kindness of unexpected allies. Meanwhile, the fortunes of friendship and love are tested amidst the trials of...
-
The Cloister and the Hearth Chapter 36
In which a young woman’s perilous position as a witness against a band of thieves is debated by the stern yet occasionally softened officers of the law, and a kindly, witty parish priest recounts quaint tales of human nature, ecclesiastical dues, and noble eccentricities, all while life’s shadowy...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome, Reader. Here you shall find no abridgement, no timid excerpt, no mutilated chapter smoothed for idle ears. Here the tale stands whole. The Charles Reade Library restores to the living voice the full vigour of those romances in which wrong is confronted, justice pursued, and the human heart tried as by fire. Prisons shall clang, cloisters shall echo, hearth-fires shall glow, and the oppressed shall speak. For what is a novel, if not a protest against falsehood, a plea for mercy, a trumpet against cruelty? And what is reading, if not the communion of earnest minds across the gulf of years?
Come then. Sit close. The page is opened. The truth, though resisted, shall be heard.
HOSTED BY
Charles Reade
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Charles Reade Library have?
The Charles Reade Library currently has 216 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Charles Reade Library about?
Welcome, Reader. Here you shall find no abridgement, no timid excerpt, no mutilated chapter smoothed for idle ears. Here the tale stands whole. The Charles Reade Library restores to the living voice the full vigour of those romances in which wrong is confronted, justice pursued, and the human heart...
How often does The Charles Reade Library release new episodes?
The Charles Reade Library publishes regularly with 216 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Charles Reade Library?
You can listen to The Charles Reade Library on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Charles Reade Library?
The Charles Reade Library is created and hosted by Charles Reade.
URL copied to clipboard!