
audiobook
Transcriber’s Note:
A lively guide to the personalities that have shaped romance, fiction, and drama, this volume surveys more than a hundred well‑known and obscure figures from classic literature. Each entry offers a concise portrait—historical context, key traits, and the role the character plays within their story—allowing listeners to see how archetypes evolve across time and genre. The author weaves cross‑references that reveal surprising connections, inviting a deeper appreciation of recurring motifs without demanding prior scholarly knowledge.
While the original printed edition promised illustrations, the audio adaptation focuses on vivid verbal descriptions that bring the imagined scenes to life. Listeners will hear the elegance of a tragic heroine, the wit of a comic fool, and the moral complexity of a conflicted hero, all presented in a clear, conversational tone. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who loves literature and wants to explore the rich tapestry of its most memorable characters.
Full title
Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction, and the Drama, Vol. 2 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook
Language
en
Duration
~22 hours (1279K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by KD Weeks, Juliet Sutherland and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2019-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1810–1897
Best known for the endlessly browseable Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, this Victorian writer turned curiosity and scholarship into books that helped ordinary readers make sense of language, history, and everyday mysteries. His work mixed reference, storytelling, and explanation in a way that still feels inviting today.
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